Bushcraft work is different from general camp chopping — it’s carving a tent stake, notching wood, batoning kindling, the kind of controlled, close-in work that rewards precision over raw power. At 24 inches with a 5-inch cutting edge, this axe is sized and balanced for exactly that kind of detail work, distinct from the general-purpose camping axe elsewhere in the collection.
Built for Precision, Not Just Power
The high-carbon steel blade is hardened to 58-60 HRC — hard enough to hold a fine edge through repeated detail cuts without rolling, which matters more here than on a heavy chopping axe, since bushcraft work is often about control rather than force. At 1.23 kg, it’s light enough to work with for extended periods without your arm tiring.
Ashwood and Brown Leather
The ashwood handle is shaped for a comfortable, secure grip during extended use, and its natural shock absorption matters when you’re making repeated small strikes rather than a handful of heavy swings. Wrapped in brown leather, the grip stays secure even as your hands sweat through a longer session of carving or notching.
What Bushcraft Work Actually Looks Like With This Axe
Splitting kindling, carving a stake, notching a support pole, clearing light brush along a trail — this is where the axe earns its keep. It’s not built to fell trees or split large rounds; for that kind of heavy work, a bigger axe with more head weight makes more sense. Within its own lane, this is the tool for the smaller, more frequent tasks that come up constantly around a bushcraft camp.
Handmade to Order
Every axe ships with a leather sheath and is made to order, typically 5-7 business days before it leaves the forge. Because each head is hand-forged, small variation in grain and hammer texture is normal. If you want something built more for general trail and camp use rather than detail bushcraft work, our Viking Camping Axe is the better fit — or see our full handmade viking axe collection to compare every style we forge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from HM Knives’ other camping axe? This one’s shaped and hardened for detail work — carving, notching, kindling prep — rather than general chopping. If you want a more general-purpose camp axe, our Viking Camping Axe is built for that instead.
Is it good for splitting firewood, or just detail carving? It’ll split kindling and smaller pieces without issue. For larger rounds or felling, a heavier axe is a better tool for the job.
Will the carbon steel blade rust? It can if left wet. Wipe it dry after use and keep a light coat of oil on it in storage — see our axe care guide for the full routine.
What’s included with the axe? The axe itself and a leather sheath.
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