Since 2011 I have wanted to test and see what the Fiskars X15 Chopping Axe was all about. I was hoping that it was just a bigger brother to the X7 that performs better than it does. I usually use the X7 when I’m splitting bigger bits of wood into smaller bits to be used for kindling. The X7 does a really good job of this but sometimes the wood that I’m processing is pretty hard and too thick for the X7 axe head. When you’re trying to process bigger bits of wood into smaller bits for kindling, if the wood is wider than the axe head it can make it tough to get through. So I thought that the X15 with the longer cutting edge and greater wedge shape would make my life easier. The wait was totally worth it, because it certainly didn’t disappoint me at all. It’s a really great camping axe because it’s great quality, easy to sharpen and highly visible.
I’ll start with the sheath
Just like it is standard on all of the X series axes, the X15 comes with a hard plastic sheath. You can hardly call it a sheath really. It’s more of a container. Look, I’m biased because I find the sheath ugly. Although it may not be the most attractive thing, it is very durable and functional.
The axe head
The axe head is made from a drop forged medium carbon steel. The steel even has a non-stick coating that prevents the head from getting stuck in whatever you may be chopping. You can try to get what type of steel is used, but it is a trade secret, so it is closed lips from them because this is one of the best selling axes available.
How strong is the handle?
Fiskars did a great job creating a handle that is not only comfortable but break resistant. The redesigned handle on the X series looks great and feels great for being a composite handled axe. There are even cases where it feels just as comfortable as a wood handle.
You have to watch the below youtube clip of a Fiskars axe getting run over
The most common issue that I have found with the fiberglass and metal handles are the vibrations that come with them when it is used for splitting or chopping. The best part about the X15 is that there isn’t any excess vibration that can be felt, and the handle remains to feel secure and comfortable.
The edge profile for the X15 is thicker and more triangular shaped profile, and the edge is thin, which allows for a deep penetration and excellent wood shaping performances.
The X15 is a bit shorter than the other types of axes that are on the market. The best part of having a longer handle is that you are able to deliver a pretty powerful swing. On the other hand, when you have a shorter axe, you can transport it easily among your camping gear and not look like a serial killer with their weapon.
Felling trees is one thing that the X15 does quite well. It has excellent weight distribution, a leap in blade geometry, and a razor sharp edge as well as design that is virtual unbreakable will allow the X15 to bring forth the best performance that I have ever seen. Not only that, but longer axes can make the smaller ones seem a bit out of the picture, but that isn’t the case when it comes to the X15. This shorter axe will allow an easier swing and while you can give a more powerful swing with a longer axe, the blade that is on the X15 is quite sharp and will go through the toughest logs that you can find in the woods.
Price
Considering the quality of the axe, the fact that it’s made in Finland by a first class axe manufacturer, the price is brilliant. It even comes with a lifetime warranty so it’s a risk free purchase. Check today’s price at Amazon, it might even be discounted if you’re lucky.
Pros:
- Perfectly balanced
- Blade stays sharper longer
- Non-stick coating that keeps your axe from sticking in things
- Lifetime warranty
- Made in Finland
- Great, reputable company
Cons:
- None that can be found
All in all, I truly believe that the X15 just may be the best value for axes on the market right now. It has unrivaled chopping and splitting abilities and it blows away the competition. An alternative which is made in the USA is the Estwing E45A Campers Axe.
