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Gerber vs Fiskars Axe: Which is Better? 

Gerber vs Fiskars Axe

Gerber vs Fiskars Axe

Gerber and Fiskars are two of the most known axe brands. Both have been around for a long time and continue to innovate their designs to be modern, efficient, and ergonomic. Since both brands are so impressive, it begs the question: which is best?

Unfortunately, there is no way to determine which is best because they are virtually identical in every single way. Both axe brands use highly durable materials that absorb shock and prevent edge retention. They also come with lifetime warranties and various options to choose from, but they are also expensive. For this reason, the axes are basically identical.

When choosing between a Gerber or Fiskars, what matters most is the individual axe that you select since both brands offer professional features and durability. Just make sure that the axe you pick fits your needs and style best. If you want to find out more about these axe brands, read on. We also give you tips on how to select the best individual axe for your needs.

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Overview of the Gerber Axe:

Gerber has been a leading outdoor tool brand for decades. Founded in 1939, Gerber uses time tested techniques to design and engineer reliable and innovative axes and hatchets. Gerber creates all axes with problem-solving and life-saving designs that you can count on.

Materials

Gerber makes it a point to only used the most durable and reliable materials in their axes. The V-shaped heads are made with forged steel, allowing them to chop through wood durably and for a long time. Most handles are made with a composite material that is also long-lasting and resistant to breaking.

Gerber Power Splitting Axe

Shock Absorbency

The handles on the Gerber axe are made with a composite material that absorbs shock effectively. The material used is actually one of the best for shock absorbency, making it much easier to wield this axe for long periods of time.

Most of the axes also come with a rubber grip on the handle. Of course, you can look for an axe without a rubber grip, but many come with this feature. This allows you to hold the axe more comfortably, as well as absorbs shock.

Edge Retention

All Gerber axe blades are coated with a PTFE coating. This coating reduces friction between the head and the wood. As a result, it helps prevent the head from getting stuck within the woodblock. This means it requires less effort to bring the axe back towards your body.

Warranty

All Gerber products come with a lifetime warranty. This warranty is highly impressive and ensures you get the most money for your dollar. Most other axe brands do not offer a warranty of this caliber.

Variety of Options

Since Gerber has been around for decades, they have created a variety of axes and hatchets to choose from. Just about any axe you may need will be supplied by Gerber.

Price

Given the impressive features of Gerber axes, it is no shock that their products are more expensive than other axes. Although you will get your money worth for this product, it is still expensive, nonetheless.

Pros

  • Hardened forged steel head
  • Composite handles
  • Excellent shock absorbency
  • PTFE coating for edge retention
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Variety of axes
Cons
  • Expensive

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Overview of the Fiskars Axe

If you thought Gerber’s long history was impressive, then you will be blown away by Fiskars. Fiskars was established in 1649 and has grown into an international supplier for a variety of tools. They offer products for the home, garden, and outdoors, including axes. Because of its reputation, Fiskars only produces the most durable and high performing axes.

Materials

Fiskars uses highly durable, heavy-duty materials in all of their axes and products. Their axes feature steel, heat-treated V-shaped head that easily cuts through would. This material is very long-lasting, allowing you to use it for many years at a time.

The handles are also made from a composite material that absorbs shock, is comfortable, and lasts for many years. Many handles also come with a rubber grip that makes it easier to hold and wield the axe.

man using Fiskars 751110-1003 IsoCore Maul

Shock Absorbency

The Fiskars axe absorbs a lot of shock. They include an IsoCore Shock Control System that transfers two times less shock and vibration than wood handles. This makes these axes highly impressive for shock absorbency.

Edge Retention

The axe’s V-shaped head is coated so that it can easily slide out of the wood chunks. This feature makes it easier to use this axe for long periods of time.

Warranty

Fiskars comes with an impressive lifetime warranty. This means that the axe is covered for as long as you own it. Fiskars wants their products to be free of defects in material and workmanship for its entire lifespan, hence its warranty.

Variety of Options

Since Fiskars has been a leading manufacturer since the 1600s, it is no shock that there are a variety of options to choose from. You will certainly be able to find any cutting device you may need with Fiskars. From scissors to axes, Fiskars has you covered.

Price

Fiskars axes are more expensive than other brands as well. Their centuries-long reputation and durable materials make them suitable for higher prices. Those on a budget may find these axes out of their price range.

Pros

  • Hardened forged steel head
  • Composite handles
  • IsoCore shock absorbency technology
  • PTFE coating for edge retention
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Variety of axes
Cons
  • Expensive

Which One is Better?

If you look at these two axes, you will see that they are identical in nearly every way. For this reason, neither axe brand is better than the other. They both are highly competitive with professional features. You will be equally satisfied with either brand.

With that being said, you might like certain axes over another. Both brands offer a variety of axes to choose from. Select the axe based on your weight and strength. Also, select an axe based on the materials you intend to be chopping. If you consider those factors, you’re more likely to find an axe that you actually enjoy.

With that in mind, it is more important for you to find the individual axe you want, as opposed to the axe brand. Both brands will offer you great options to choose from.

axe splitting woods
Image Credit: Pickpik

Factors to Consider When Selecting an Axe

If the individual axe you select is more important than the brand itself, you need to know how to select the best axe for your need. Below are factors to consider when selecting an axe.

Durability

The last thing you want when you are chopping wood is for the axe to break or for the head to go flying off the handle. Not only is it inconvenient, but it is incredibly dangerous too. Make sure that the axe you select is durable and long-lasting. Both Gerber axes and Fiskars axes are incredibly durable.

Size and Weight

Axes come in many sizes. You can get long axes or short axes. The bigger the axe, the more it will weigh. Make sure the axe you choose is big enough to chop your intended wood but is light enough for you to manage. Try to find a happy medium. Both of these axe brands offer a variety of axe sizes for you to choose from.

Shock Absorbency

An issue that many people run into when chopping wood is fatigue. Shock and weight are the leading causes of user fatigue. Although you can’t do much about the weight other than look for lightweight models, you can minimize shock by looking for shock absorbency options.

As you review individual axes, only select those with some sort of shock absorbency technology and grip. This will allow you to use the axe for longer periods of time.

Grip

Related to shock absorbency is grip. The grip will allow you to hold onto the handle more comfortably and securely. Most grips are made with a texturized rubber. Look for models of this sort to maximize your comfortability.

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Quick Look: Our Top Choices

Rating Image Product Details
Our Favorite Gerber Axe
Winner
Gerber 36-inch Power Splitting Axe Gerber 36-inch Power Splitting Axe
  • Ultralong 36-inch handle delivers more impact
  • Long lasting and shock resisting
  • Chops deeper and more precisely
  • Our Favorite Fiskars Axe
    Second place
    Fiskars IsoCore Maul, 36-Inch Fiskars IsoCore Maul, 36-Inch
  • Safe and efficient
  • Inseparable riveted head
  • Comfortable
  • Our Favorite Gerber Axe: Gerber 36-inch Power Splitting Axe

    Gerber Power Splitting Axe

    The Gerber 36-inch Power Splitting Axe offers safe and powerful woodchopping abilities. It features a sharp V-shaped forge steelhead and a composite handle. Together, this makes the axe long-lasting and shock resisting. The end of the handle features a rubberized grip for additional comfort and control. Meanwhile, the ultralong 36-inch handle delivers more impact, which allows you to chop deeper and more precisely.

    Our Favorite Fiskars Axe: Fiskars IsoCore Maul, 36-Inch

    Fiskars 751110-1003 IsoCore Maul

    The Fiskars IsoCore Maul 36-inch axe is ideal for splitting wood or driving wedges and stakes. It includes an optimized V-shaped steel forged head and a handle with a patented isochore shock control system. These features ensure that it is long-lasting, durable, and vibration-reducing. The inseparable riveted head is even designed so that it cannot slide down or snap off. This makes the Fiskars Maul Axe safe, efficient, and comfortable.

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    Final Thoughts

    We wish we could give you a more precise answer to which is better: the Gerber axe or the Fiskars axe. Unfortunately, the best we can do is tell you that they are virtually the same. Regardless of which brand you pick, you will be getting a highly functional, safe, and efficient axe.

    If you have your heart set on either a Gerber or Fiskars, what matters most is the individual axe you select. Make sure the axe matches your needs and preferences. From there, you are going to be more than satisfied with either of these axe brands.

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