Although the terms axe and tomahawk are frequently used interchangeably , they are not the same tool . They ’re completely different tools , in fact , their applications are not alike .
However , square off thedifference between hatchet and axeis not that easy because of their standardized looking at . In this article , we will show you how an axe is different from a hatchet . Be with us .
In this article

A Short Introduction to Axe and Hatchet
The axe is one of the most pop prick in the world . It comes with a long wooden calamus and a metal wedge at one remainder . In a hardware computer memory , an ax is the grievous and longest cock usable . Axe is mostly used for separate wood and cutting tree branches .
On the other hand , a tomahawk is a one - handed come upon tool with a penetrating blade on one side and a hammerhead on the other , similar to a tiny axe . The blade of most hatchets has a V - shaped cut that makes it different from other axes . It ’s used for much lighter woodwork like cutting off , sapling , and chopping Grant Wood .
The Axe and Hatchet’s Purpose
An axe is a special woodman ’s tool that is meant to be used with two helping hand to optimise striking persuasiveness , particularly for splitting wood and log for firewood preparation around cantonment . Also , there are several purposes of an axe , such as-
The endurance ax is fantabulous camping equipment that provides fuel , shelter , and safety . Battle axis of rotation are specialized axes with a individual head that are built specifically for fighting . They may be used as single - handed or double - handed axes .
Again , hatchet follow in a form of shapes and sizing , and they ’re used for a variety of project . For example , carpenters use a lighter variant of the tomahawk called the shingling hatchet for shingle . Hatchets are great for cut off , splitting , pruning , nailing , and pullingoff old wooden shingles with one hired hand .

Difference Between Axe and Hatchet
Every ax and hatchet portion out a few basic characteristic . So , countenance ’s have a look at the primal differences between the two tools based on their apportion characteristics .
The length of the shaft
A standard ax has a lengthy shaft ranging from 18 to 34 inches in length . Some smaller axes , on the other hired hand , have the same shaft length as a hatchet .
The hatchet is much shorter than other axes , having a full length of only 12 to 18 inches . The hatchet is commonly think to be one - handed .
Hammer-head feature
An ax has no hammer - comparable feature and a flat poll side that makes it unsuitable for pound . On the other hand , most hatchets include a hammer - corresponding head on the poll site that helps you drive a nail .
Head shape
Axe brain are typically vainglorious and taper just somewhat from the second to the opposite goal of the head . hatchet , on the other manus , have narrower forefront , a smaller body , and a bombastic bit , resulting in a more marked taper .
The weight
An ax typically weighs at least 3 pounds . The axes ’ high system of weights facilitate you to swing with greater violence . A hatchet , on the other hand , weigh between 1 and 3 British pound . As a result , it is more convenient to handle and ravish on a trip-up .
Components
The head of an axe is made of strong metallic element , while the wooden grip is made of wood . A hefty metallic element blade at one death of the head part is tie to the other end by a drawn-out wooden grip .
A tomahawk , on the other hand , is a undivided - handed tool with a short straight cock and no edge bevel . A tomahawk ’s grip might be made of forest , steel , or fiberglass , count on the program .
Usability
Axes have long handgrip and mayhap get around like sledgehammers , and are well used with two hands . On the other hired man , Hatchets are standardized to axes but have a littler handle and are plan to be used with just one hand .
So , there you have it : the difference between an axe and a hatchet .
Different Types of Axes and Hatchets
For over 50 thousand years , the axe has been a part of human life . Axes have gone through a lot of evolution in the previous 50 thousand years . There are also specifictypes of axesfor certain jobs nowadays . Some of them include :
ADZE
An adze is usually used to hack and shine out the wood in woodworking . This antique tool has been around since the Stone Age . Although there are many discrete forms of adz , they may be divided into two mathematical group : hand adzes and metrical foot adze .
BATTLE
conflict axe are centuries - honest-to-god weapon system that have been used in battle options all across the world . These axis of rotation boast huge , wholesale blades that are n’t helpful for anything more than closemouthed - quarters battle and range in length from 1 to 5 substructure .
BROAD
Because its primary purpose is hewing , extensive ax is also known as hewing ax . This ax boast a categorical side and a heavy beveled - edged blade for cutting on the other side . However , it is not so useful in everyday life .
CARPENTER’S
A carpenter ’s ax , sometimes have sex as a carpenter ’s hatchet , is a tiny axe that is slightly tumid than a conventional tomahawk . This excellent woodworking tool is not suited for regular felling or chopping tasks .
CRASH
The invention of a clangour axe is similar to that of a relief pitcher ’s axe . These axes have a small grip and a razor - crisp fluent or serrate blade . However , these axes can be find in aeroplane cabins in case of an hand brake .
DOUBLE BIT
The duple moment ax combines the mapping of two axes into one . One of the blades is dull , while the other is razor - sharp . The discriminating side would be used to hack Ellen Price Wood or topple trees , while the blunt side would be used to divide the wood into little musical composition for woods - firing .
FELLING
The felling ax , which is particularly designed for felling trees and cut log of wood , is one of the most frequent axes . A diminish ax ’s sword has a flared form and a pointed , narrow tip . These are meant to thin out against the texture of the wood , but their blade incline to become pin in the woods , making them undesirable for splitting .
FOREST
Forest axis are problematic axes that can handle a lot of work . The blueprint of this ax is to hack down really monolithic Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and have excess - long grip . The blade of a woodland ax must be keen with a somewhat curved tip . They ’re just used to cutting down trees .
FIREMAN’S
The reliever ’s ax is essential survival gear . The axe head has a brand on one ending and a pick on the other . It helps in the piercing and cutting through of bulkhead for the aim of outflow .
GRUB
‘ Grub axe’- the name commonly refers to the axe ’s power to cadge in pack together dirt and furrowed terrain . In the garden , these gadgets are really handy . It ’s also concern to as a ‘ cutting mattock . ’
HUDSON BAY
Between a hatchet and a full - sized fall ax , the Hudson Bay Axe falls somewhere in the centre . It ’s an all - function ax that may be used for a change of activities . It ’s suited for modest chopping and splitting chores and may be used with one or both hands .
HUNTER’S
The dual occasion of a Orion ’s axe is to cut wood and chop meat . A hunter ’s axe sport a rounded ‘ flay poll parrot , ’ which makes it better for struggle animate being . That is why it is a hunting watch ’s most important puppet . alas , this particular axe is n’t easy available .
MINER’S
The miner ’s axe has a lowly clench and a longsighted chief , make it splendid for work in narrow spaces . This ax was first employed by miner in Europe during the Middle Ages while they were looking for pig and silver ore . Among miners , this ax is a status symbol .
PICK Axe
A pickaxe is a handy garden and landscape gardening pecker for erupt up hard soil , rocks , or concrete , whereas a chisel is frequently used to lever out spaces between rocks or earth splits .
ROOFING
A roofing ax , also known as a roofing tomahawk , is a high - tone artisan ’s tool that has two heads on either side of the hold and is used in roofing . One of the heads has a sharp blade for cut roof tile .
SPLITTING MAUL
A log splitting maul is a cock used to split logs . It is quite similar to a felling axe but much heavy than a falling ax which gives you more military posture when splitting wood . The axe fountainhead has a sledgehammer - like shape on one end .
TACTICAL
The tactical ax is more of a weapon than a instrument , yet it may be used as a multi - instrument . A tactical hatchet is how most mass refer to it . legal philosophy enforcement officers , troops , and security personnel , as well as military , private security , and survivalist , all utilize it .
THROWING
In the Middle Ages , the throwing ax was a popular battle artillery . This arm is convenient to pack about because of its short hold and well - weight down question . However , the proportionality of these weapon system are important because they will charm how the hatchet glide through the air as it approaches your mark .
VIKING
Viking axes were used as warfare weapons during the Viking Age . However , these axis are no longer in use ; they are essay to determine more about ancient civilization .
Is There Any Difference Between a Hand Axe and a Hatchet?
A hired hand axe and a tomahawk are two dissimilar cock . Unfortunately , many the great unwashed erroneously assume that hand axes and hatchet are the same cat’s-paw . In realness , they are two singular instruments that are employed for different type of tasks .
The innovation and purpose of hand axis of rotation and hatchets are the key differences . Other difference of opinion are :
So , it is clear that a hand axe is unlike from a tomahawk .

Hatchets and Axes: How to Care for Them
A tomahawk and an axe , aside from their difference , are two multipurpose instrument that are incredibly helpful . claim appropriate care of the peter guarantees that they are always operable , helpful , and dependable .
However , the head and address are the two introductory components of an axe or tomahawk . Therefore , have care of an axe or a tomahawk entails looking after these two element . Here are some tips for keep back your axe and hatchet in good condition for a long time .
FAQ
We ’ve essay to clear some confusion regarding the difference between tomahawk and axehere . trust you will like it-
How can I differ a hatchet from an ax ?
The main departure between an ax and a hatchet is that a hatchet has a much short prick , a inadequate press clipping edge , a flat public opinion poll side , and a much humble weight . Just compare this to any axe , you will definitely differ a hatchet from an ax .
Is an axe or tomahawk better ?
in reality , it look on the intent of use . If you are going to exploit on a big Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or piece of wood , then an axe would be a better option . But if you are preparing firewood or something small task , then the tomahawk is good .
Is a Hatchet a near tool for survival ?
Yes , it is . A hatchet is a honest tool for self - sufficient survival . One of the most important vantage of suffer a tomahawk is that you could quickly hack down a small-scale tree and start building a fire or shelter . Also , it is lightweight , so one can easily move with it .
Hatchet or ax for survival ?
When it comes to survival of the fittest , we recommend a hatchet . However , there are several advantages to using a hatchet rather than an axe . First , there ’s the hatchet ’s portability : it ’s promiscuous to carry , has a sharp vane , and a hammerhead that may be used for a miscellanea of tasks . In comparability , an ax is larger , heavier , and expect more space to conduct . As a solvent , a hatchet is preferable to an axe .
Conclusion
So , hopefully , you understand thedifference between axe and hatchetfrom this clause . Even then , if remembering everything sounds like too much work , here ’s a quick rundown for you .
An axe is a tool with the lengthiest shaft and a simple vane . If you ’re count for a tomahawk , choose a fiddling ax with the shortest shaft and a hammer - corresponding head word . commend these easy differences .