The Best Places to Buy Axes in the UK: A Complete Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Caring for Your Axe

Introduction: Why the Right Axe and the Right Store Matter

Buying an axe isn’t like grabbing a screwdriver — it’s a decision that affects safety, performance, and how enjoyable your chopping or woodworking will be. Whether you’re splitting seasoned logs for winter, felling a small tree in your garden, or trimming kindling for a campfire, the right axe makes the job easier and faster. In the UK there are high-street chains, specialist toolshops, and online marketplaces where you can find quality blades and handles. This guide walks you through the stores worth visiting, how to choose the proper type and size (in inches and pounds), and how to look after your axe so it lasts for years.

Types of Axes and What They’re Best For

Felling Axes

Felling axes are built for cutting across the grain to bring trees down. They usually have a long handle — about 28 to 36 inches — and a thin, sharp blade to slice through wood. If you’re clearing small trees or managing woodland, pick a felling axe with a head weight around 2 to 3 pounds for balance and control.

Splitting Axes and Mauls

Splitting axes and mauls are for splitting logs along the grain. They’re heavier, with broad wedges on the head to force wood apart. Expect handle lengths of 28 to 36 inches and head weights from 3 to 6 pounds. A splitting maul with a 6-pound head is a common choice for tackling large rounds without needing a hydraulic splitter.

Hatchets and Camping Axes

Hatchets are compact, typically 12 to 18 inches long, and weigh about 1 to 2 pounds. They’re perfect for kindling, light chopping, and packing in a backpack. If you camp or spend time outdoors, a 14-inch hatchet with a 1.5-pound head is a handy all-rounder.

Carpenter and Broad Axes

Carpenter’s axes and broad axes have specialized profiles for woodworking, hewing, and shaping timber. These often have shorter handles (18 to 26 inches) and heads designed for precise cutting. Woodworkers pick axes with blade widths measured in inches depending on the project.

Top UK Stores to Buy Axes

There’s no shortage of places to buy axes in the UK. Some stores focus on broad availability and value, while others specialise in premium hand-forged tools. Below are reputable options to compare before you buy.

Screwfix

Screwfix is popular for tradespeople and DIYers. You’ll find a broad range of axes — from budget hatchets to heavier splitting axes and mauls. Screwfix stocks recognizable brands and often lists blade lengths and head weights in the product description, helping you match an axe to your task.

B&Q

B&Q is a go-to on the high street for garden and home tools. Their selection includes garden axes and hatchets geared toward homeowners, plus kit for small-scale woodwork. If you prefer seeing an axe in person before buying, B&Q’s many stores make it convenient to hold different handle lengths and get a feel for balance.

Wickes

Wickes carries garden and building supplies and stocks durable axes for property maintenance. Their range leans toward sturdy, everyday-use models. Wickes is a good middle ground — not specialist, but reliable for domestic chopping and garden clearance.

Toolstation

Toolstation is another trade-focused outlet with a strong online catalogue. They offer axes suited to building trades and landscaping, including tools with fiberglass or hickory handles. Prices are competitive and the descriptions usually include handle length in inches and head weights in pounds, which is handy when choosing a specific model.

Homebase

Homebase specialises in home and garden tools and often stocks hatchets and splitting axes for backyard use. Their range is practical for homeowners who need a safe, reliable axe for occasional tasks. Homebase also tends to stock accessories like sharpening files and sheaths.

Robert Dyas

Robert Dyas is a smaller chain that focuses on homewares and garden tools. They sometimes carry compact hatchets and garden axes ideal for pruning and light chopping. If you’re looking for an axe for small garden jobs, check Robert Dyas for simpler, affordable options.

Amazon UK

Amazon UK has a vast selection from both well-known and niche brands. You can find everything from handcrafted Scandinavian axes to economy models. Read reviews, check the measurements — length in inches and weight in pounds — and factor in seller reputation. If you like wide choice and customer feedback, Amazon is hard to beat.

Specialist Retailers and Makers

If you want a premium axe — a hand-forged blade or a traditional Scandinavian pattern — consider specialist retailers and makers. Shops that focus on axes often sell brands like Gränsfors Bruk, Hultafors, and Wetterlings. These axes are crafted for longevity and balance, and the retailer can advise on handle length, head weight, and use cases.

Comparing Price Ranges and Value

Axes vary widely in price depending on brand, materials, and craftsmanship. In the UK you’ll see cheap hatchets from around £15 and premium hand-forged axes that can cost over £200. Think in terms of value: a well-made axe can last a lifetime with care, so paying more upfront for a trusted brand often saves money later. Consider whether you want a modern fiberglass handle for durability or a traditional hickory handle that’s easier to repair.

How to Choose the Right Axe for You

Match the Job

First, ask what you’ll mainly use the axe for: felling, splitting, camp chores, or fine woodworking. A splitting maul isn’t ideal for felling, and a hatchet won’t split large logs. Match the tool to the task and you’ll work faster with less effort.

Check the Handle Length and Head Weight

Handle length affects leverage; a 36-inch splitting axe gives more power than a 28-inch version. Head weight also changes the feel: heavier heads (4 to 6 pounds) deliver more force but require more control. Try to balance reach and manageability — a 3-pound head with a 32-inch handle is a versatile middle ground.

Handle Material

Traditional hickory handles absorb shock and can be replaced if damaged, while fiberglass handles are low-maintenance and weather-resistant. Each has pros and cons: choose hickory for feel and tradition, or fiberglass for longevity in wet conditions.

Blade Shape and Steel

Look for axes with quality steel and a blade geometry suited to the task. Thin, sharp edges slice for felling and carving; thicker, wedge-shaped edges split. High-carbon steel takes a keen edge and is easier to sharpen, but it needs protection from rust.

Inspecting an Axe In-Store or Online

When viewing an axe in person, swing it gently to test balance, check the head-to-handle fit, and run your thumb along the back of the head to feel for sharpness and uniformity. Online, rely on detailed photos and clear specifications: handle length in inches, head weight in pounds, and raw material details. Trusted retailers will list these clearly.

Maintenance: Keep Your Axe Sharp and Safe

Sharpening

Regular sharpening keeps cutting efficient and safe. Smaller hatchets need a file or stone, while larger heads benefit from a coarse file to restore bevel, then a finer stone for a keen edge. Use a 20 to 30 degree bevel depending on the axe type, and always measure by eye or mark the bevel in inches when learning.

Handle Care

Hickory handles need occasional oiling with linseed oil to prevent drying and cracking. Fiberglass handles don’t need that, but check for cracks or looseness. Secure any loose head immediately — safety matters more than vanity.

Rust Prevention

Keep steel clean and lightly oiled if stored for months. A thin film of oil prevents rust and keeps the edge reliable. Store axes in a dry place; if you use it outdoors, a leather or canvas sheath protects the edge and prevents accidental cuts.

Safety Tips When Using an Axe

Axes are powerful tools and deserve respect. Always wear eye protection and sturdy boots, clear the swing zone of obstacles, and maintain a firm stance. Use gloves for grip and consider ear protection if you’re repeatedly swinging a heavy maul. If you’re new to axe use, practice with a small hatchet first and work up to larger tools.

Where to Find Expert Advice and How to Test an Axe

Specialist retailers often give demo sessions or advice on fitting and maintenance. If you can, visit a local store to feel the axe’s balance and handle length. Online forums and review sites also provide insight from real users — just filter out single-sentence reviews and focus on detailed experiences that mention head weight in pounds and handle length in inches.

Accessories Worth Considering

Don’t forget the extras: a quality sharpening file, a leather sheath to protect the blade, and a log-splitting stand for safer chopping. If you store your axe in an outdoor shed, consider a small dehumidifier or a moisture-resistant box to preserve the handle and steel.

Eco and Ethical Considerations

Many specialist makers use sustainably sourced wood for handles and traditional forging methods that support local craft. If sustainability matters to you, ask retailers about handle wood origin and whether the steel is responsibly produced. A well-made axe that lasts decades is a better environmental choice than repeatedly buying cheap replacements.

Final Buying Checklist

Before you click “buy” or take the axe to the till, run through a quick checklist: Does the axe match the job? Are the head weight and handle length suitable? Is the handle material one you can live with? Can you sharpen the blade easily, and does the seller provide clear specs in inches and pounds? If the answers line up, you’re ready to buy.

Conclusion

Choosing the right axe in the UK comes down to matching the tool to the task, understanding handle lengths and head weights in inches and pounds, and picking a reputable retailer. High-street names like Screwfix, B&Q, Wickes, Toolstation, Homebase, and Robert Dyas cover practical and affordable options, while Amazon and specialist makers provide wider ranges and premium handcrafted choices. Look after your axe, sharpen it regularly, and respect safety guidance — with the proper tool and care, you’ll be handling wood efficiently and confidently for years.