The shaft is made from FiberComp material that absorbs vibration. It takes a lot of chopping before any hand pain sets in. The Fiskars X7 chopping axe is the second smallest option in the X-Series range. At 14” in length, it’s made for camping, carpentry, meat processing, and small jobs around the house. The Hults Bruk company is one with a long-standing history of producing the world’s best axes. This Swedish company has been operating since 1697 and it’s still making top-notch tools to this day. As for the “Almike”, it’s one of several hatchets offered by Hults Bruk. Fiskars recent estimate says 63% of all US citizens own at least one product made from them. The company still manufacturesscissors and other tools today. As for their axes and mauls? Well, let’s talk about that… So how well does the Fiskars X7 hatchet do all these things and how well does its bit hold an edge? To answer that question we need to look at the head and see what we’re working with.

The Fiskars chopping axe or “universal” axe is a general use axe capable of chopping, limbing, felling, and small to medium splitting. It comes sharpened with a flat 30° grind and a stout wedge pattern head. The wedge shape is great for both busting chips when chopping and popping the grain apart when splitting. Hatchets and one-handed axes also pose a danger to your off-hand if used incorrectly. Don’t hold the wood you are swinging at.

The X7 is loaded with features that set it apart from the competition. Let’s look at the parts of this axe and what we like about them. Protective sheath

As the smallest Fiskars splitting axe, it’s just shy of 17.5” long with roughly a 2lb flared splitting head. This axe can flex between one-handed use for kindling and two-handed use splitting larger logs. It can go up to about 8″ wide logs. The hook at the bottom is smaller than the other models so you can hold that in a half-hand manner and get a little more clearance. But the hollow end of the handle can dig into your palm and isn’t super comfortable for extended use this way. In this Fiskars X-Series Axes Comparison Guide, we explain what each different model is designed for and what it is best used for. You will learn the difference between a hatchet and a camping axe as well as come out knowing which axe you need. Fiskars X-Series Axes Comparison

Fiskars In The Field

Gransfors Bruk is a Swedish known for their superior tools. They hand-forge splitting axes, hatchets, adze, froes, broad axes, and more. Their tools are what many people consider the best in the world, especially their axes. Of course, with such a fine hatchet comes a hefty price. The unique blade geometry will cut deep into green or dry wood before splitting clean through with one swing and uses the extra weight to gain momentum. The sturdy shaft and 3D grip help you get a really good handhold, and the balance is machine perfect. Then again, a wooden handle won’t withstand a fire either. Anyway, if you’re interested in seeing how well the handle holds up to a campfire, let me know in the comment section below. Versatility It’s 17.5” (ish) in length and can be used one or two-handed. The larger head is uniquely longer and thinner than all the other Fiskars axes, making it well suited for the wilderness and bushcraft. It’s a very versatile chopper.

UPDATE 5-9-2014: Since resetting the edge, my X7 hatchet has held up much better. I can chop extensively--even into hard wood--without significant damage to the metal/edge; however, there is still a minor proneness to edge rolling that requires resharpening more often than it should. Regardless, it appears that only the first 3/16" of the metal head was inexcusably soft--still a major issue, since consumers should not have to grind away almost a quarter inch of metal to yield a usable hatchet. While the splitting axes could be used to chop in a pinch, they won’t be able to cut very deep into the side of a log/tree because of the head shape. I decided to do a test for the sake of this review. The test was to run the axe over and see if I could break the handle. Accidentally running over your hatchet isn’t too far-fetched. It’s bound to happen to someone. The FiberComp handle is strong and lightweight despite being completely hollow. Some people might worry about being too heavy-handed with a handle like this but let me tell you, it is stronger than steel and as good if not better than any wooden handled ax I own. The length is perfect to get rapid swings without much wind-up. The lip at the base of the handle really helps to keep a good grip on the hatchet enabling you to feel more comfortable when hard at work. There is also a lanyard loop for extra safety. Size and Weight The actual X10 doesn’t seem to be sold in North America, just the Gerber branded Freescape 17.5. These axes are identical ( again Gerber is owned by Fiskars).Fiskars has been making tools since 1649 and has built a solid reputation for long-lasting products. Finland’s oldest private company forges its tools locally under strict quality guidelines. We write about the Fiskars corporation here. The tough 14-inch nylon handle is long enough to get leverage and act as a pry bar If you take on a piece of wood that is a little too big or has twisted grain. It won’t be damaged.

My guess is that you’re in a similar situation. In this case, the Fiskars X7 works exceedingly well for the price. Sure, you might spend more time getting it razor-sharp but all around, it’s not a bad little hatchet. DurabilityThe two types of Fiskars axe types are chopping and splitting, and they look almost identical – but they are different. As for Prandi and Husqvarna, the quality is similar but this hatchet costs nearly twice as much. It’s a great value for the money but maybe not as much as Prandi or Husqvarna.