If you walk into a big name home improvement or tool store, you’ll probably find a range of cheap axes made from around the world. These axes don’t benefit the US economy and require more resources to arrive in local stores than US axes. We researched 47 axe companies and discovered there are several different axe companies that are making axes here in the United States, with many entirely made from US materials.
In this article, we will go over the 20 best axes companies that are making axes in the USA, including materials and assembly. Since there are so many axe companies producing US made axes, you can easily find a great company located near you to purchase from a local company. Many of these companies make their axes specifically when you order them, so their isn’t unnecessary production. This also means they are often only available on the company website.
The detailed list below is mainly companies who make 100% of the axes they sell. Some of the companies that make 100% US made axes also sell products from around the world. We also create a less detailed list of US axe companies from outside the US. Axes don’t require ongoing fuel or oil consumption, making them a sustainable option compared to tool such as a chain saw. Plus, chopping down a tree with an axe takes considerable more time and effort, limiting the amount of trees you’ll like cut down.
Don’t forget to also check out our posts on other outdoor products that are all made in the USA:
20 BEST AXES MADE IN THE USA
1. Council Tool
Council Tool sells a number of tools used to chop, split, carve, and fell wood out of a facility in North Carolina. They have a larger variety of axes compared to other companies who also make axes in the USA. In fact, they have about 30 products labeled as an axe and even more if you factor in hatchets, pickaroons, and hookaroons. Council Tool has ISO certification 9001, the most widely used quality management standard in the world. Their tools are available on several online and in store locations.
Production Location: North Carolina
Handle Material: Hickory, some fiberglass models
Weight: 1.25 lbs – 8 lbs
Length: 14 in – 36 in
Cost: $51.79 – $254.98
2. Brant & Cochran
Brant and Cochran sells about 6 different kinds of US made axes out of their shop in Maine. This includes a few custom options, including a custom hatchet. They use some of their very own designs in their handles and even offer a restoration service to bring new life to you old axe, so you don’t need to unnecessarily have a new one produced. Their website is also made to provide accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities.
Production Location: Maine
Handle Material: Hickory
Weight: 1.5 lbs – 2.5 lbs
Length: 16 in – 28 in
Cost: $169- $695
3. Snow and Nealley
Snow and Nealley doesn’t have an official website. This is because the company is owned by a member of an Amish community, where internet is not used. However, they have been producing high-quality axes out of materials entirely sourced in the United States since the mid 1800s. They have six different axe models that are still produced in Maine. If you’re interested in a Snow and Nealley axe, you purchase them through some online retailers, including one by the owners son called “The Working Axes“.
Production Location: Maine
Handle Material: Hickory
Weight: 1.25 lbs – 3.5 lbs
Length: 15 in – 30 in
Cost: $56.25 – $76.5
4. Hardcore Hammers
Hardcore Hammers supports the US economy and creates US jobs across the country with its axes. In fact, they source materials from 4 different US states including Wisconsin, Alabama, Arkansas, and Illinois, where they are also assembled. Several components of their axes are customizable, including the head finish, handle length, handle color, and for some axes, the head. Their axes are made with a high-level of craftsmanship and quality that many have found exceptional. They also sell a Purple Heart Homes Axe, which supports Purple Heart Homes, a charitable organization that works with Veterans and their housing needs.
Production Location: Wisconsin, Alabama, Arkansas, and Illinois
Handle Material: Hickory
Weight: 1.6 lbs – 4 lbs
Length: 14 in – 36 in
Cost: $149.99 – $249.99
5. Hoffman Blacksmithing
Hoffman Blacksmithing makes each of its axes by hand in Tennessee. They also make their axes using old tools, some of which are over 100 years old. Each axe is customizable in its handle length and style. Further upgrades are extra, but include a lanyard hole, bulb end, signed handle, stamped head, and leather strike guard. While their axes may seem expensive, they are built to last, unlike many products made today.
Production Location: Tennessee
Handle Material: Hickory
Weight: 1.25 lbs – 5 lbs
Length: 12 in – 32 in
Cost: $280 – $585
6. All American Axe Company
All American Axe Company also makes its axes from materials sourced in the United States. It starts its journey in a Texas steel mill and is then hand-forged in Colorado. The handles actually come from Hoffman Blacksmithing, so they are made in Tennessee as well. All American Axe Company may have a limited variety of axes, but don’t misjudge them. They are still able to run the largest blacksmithing school in the world. In addition, the wood used to make their axes follows 100% certified sustainable logging practices in professionally managed forests.
Production Location: Colorado
Handle Material: Hickory
Weight: 0.30 lbs – 3.2 lbs
Length: 15 in – 32 in
Cost: $355 – $495
7. wolf valley forge
Wolf Valley Forge makes 12 different kinds of axes out of their shop in Alabama. Their axes are made out of entirely USA sourced materials, including steel, wood, and leather. They support a fairly wide range of axes, especially for a small company. Since their axes are all hand made, it can take about 12 month to produce. With that said, since their axes are all made to order, they can customize certain options, such as the type of hickory used for the handle and sheath color.
Production Location: Alabama
Handle Material: Hickory (Natural, Chocolate Brown Chestnut)
Weight: 0.5 lbs – 2.5 lbs
Length: 11 in – 28 in
Cost: $170 – $480 + Shipping
8. Estwing
Estwing makes it’s axes in the USA as well. They make about 16 different axes out of there Illinois facility, the same area in which the company was founded over 100 years ago. There axes are made of American steel, and feature some version of a shock reduction grip. While their tools are not sold through their own website, you can find them them through other online and in store retailers. If you are looking for a less expensive, all steel axe, an Estwing may be what you are looking for.
Production Location: Illinois
Handle Material: Steel with leather or shock reduction grip
Weight: 1.38 lbs – 4 lbs
Length: 12 in – 26 in
Cost: $34.98 – $72.68
9. American Tomahawk
American Tomahawk has 3 different axe models that come in a total of about 14 different customizations. They are all made of entirely US sourced materials and craftsmanship our of their Tennessee shop. They are so confident their tools are but to last that they come with a lifetime guarantee. The handles are made from either nylon or hickory on a repurposed lathe that’s over 100 years old.
Production Location: Tennessee
Handle Material: Hickory or nylon
Weight: 1.25 lbs – 1.47 lbs
Length: 14.125 in – 17.75 in
Cost: $189 – $249 + Shipping
10. Vaughan
Vaughan sells about 12 axes and hatchets, of which 10 are made of materials sourced the United States and 2 are imported from India. Vaughn has been making tools, including axes in Illinois since the 1880’s. Their axes range in use from building, drywall, camping, and more. They too have a commitment to improving the accessibility to their site and tools through their conformance to ADA guidelines. Their tools have been noted to stand the test of time, often lasting many years. Some of their tools are slightly less expensive and more available through other retailers.
Production Location: Illinois
Handle Material: Hickory, Steel with slip-resistant grip
Weight: 0.5 lbs – 1.75 lbs
Length: 11 in – 17in
Cost: $15.74 – $46.20
11. Motor City Axe
Motor City Axe is located in the Motor City, more commonly known as Detroit, Michigan. They make their axes from US hickory and steel. Their axes come in a range of weights, lengths, and hand-painted handle color patterns.
Production Location: Michigan
Handle Material: Hickory
Weight: 1 lbs – 5 lbs
Length: 12 in – 36 in
Cost: $42 – $152
12. Warwood Tool
Warwood Tool makes just 3 axes, but they are all hand-forged in the United States. Their tools have been made the same way since 1854, out of their West Virginia shop. Their Pulaski Axe is made according to the Forest Service specification and was developed over 100 years ago by a U.S. Forest Service ranger and firefighter, while their Perfect Axe was nominated Best Overall Bushcraft Axe. Warwood tool is a ISO 9001:2015 certified company.
Production Location: West Virginia
Handle Material: Hickory, with options for safety grip
Weight: 2.25 lbs – 5.65 lbs
Length: 19 in – 36in
Cost: $75 – $179
13. Man Made Co
Man Made Co is located in Illinois and makes it’s axes entirely from materials sourced in the United States. They make about 22 axes and hatchets that range in performance from splitting and chopping to felling. They have a deep passion for what they do and took inspiration from their father.
Production Location: Illinois
Handle Material: Hickory
Weight: 1.5 lbs – 3.5 lbs
Length: 14 in – 36 in
Cost: $109.95 – $265
14. H & B Forge
H & B Forge is a family owned company in Ohio. They make their tools from US materials, which includes a variety of axes. Their axes are mostly on the lighter side, with many weighing about 1.5 pounds or less. Some of their axes are bearded, a style that dates back to the 6th century vikings. Today, it’s useful for shaving and planing wood.
Production Location: Ohio
Weight: 0.75 lbs – 1.75 lbs
Length: 15 in – 25.5 in
Cost: $90 – $280
15. AMPCO
AMPCO axes serve a different purpose than a traditional wooden axe. They are often made for firefighters and are therefore made of fiberglass, instead of wood. AMPCO sells just 2 axes, both made of fiberglass and with options for a 6 or 8 pound head. The difference between the 2 axes is one has a flat head, while the other has a pick head on the back. AMPCO has been making its axes in Texas using US materials for over 50 years.
Production Location: Texas
Handle Material: Fiberglass
Weight: 6 lbs – 8 lbs
Length: 29 in
Cost: Determined Upon Request
16. Leatherhead Tools
Leatherhead Tools also makes it’s tools for fire fighters and is mainly made of fiberglass. They also make a flat head and pick axe, both of which are available in various fiberglass colors, as well as traditional hickory. Like AMPCO’s axes, these 2 axes by Leatherhead Tools also come in a 6 or 8 pound version. Leatherhead Tools does have a third axe, which only comes in an 8 pound version and is used for forcible entry.
Production Location: Illinois
Handle Material: Fiberglass or Hickory
Weight: 6 lbs – 8 lbs
Length: in – 36 in
Cost: $1 – $
17. Cold Steel
Cold Steel makes a number of tools, including axes. However, not all of their products are made in the Unites States. Only a couple of their axes are made of materials sourced in the United States.
Production Location: Texas
Handle Material: Hickory
Weight: 1.25 lbs – 1.5 lbs
Length: 12 in – 27 in
Cost: $49.99 – $74.99
18. Outlier
Formerly DoubleStar, Outlier is based in Kentucky, where their tools are hand-made. Their tools and axes are each designed with a specific purpose in mind, so that you buy the right tool for the job. Their axes are mainly made entirely of steel, but they have a mahogany wood handle axe as well. They are only one of two companies on this list to use a wood other than hickory.
Production Location: Kentucky
Handle Material: Steel, Mahogany
Weight: 2.1 lbs – 2.5 lbs
Length: 13.12 in – 16.5 in
Cost: $319.00 – $449.99
19. Rill Simple Tools
Rill Simple Tools often uses recycled materials to make their tools and axes. They are located in Texas and make their tools by hand. Rill Simple Tools is the only other company on this list to use Mahogany for the axe handles.
Production Location: Texas
Handle Material: Mahogany, Hickory, Steel
Weight: 1.5 lbs – 2.6 lbs
Length: 15 in – 26 in
Cost: $75.00 – $250.00
20. K-axe
K-Axe makes its axes in the United States. While they only sell 2 axes, they are highly versatile and can be used for a number of purposes. They have been sold out of their axes for at least a couple of months, but you can contact them to be added to their waitlist.
Non-American Made Axe Companies
AFFILIATE STATEMENT
Some of the links above contain products with affiliate sales. This means we may get a small commission for the sale of any products when using the links in this article. We were not paid or endorsed by any of these companies. This commission goes a long way to support our blog, including all of the research and outreach required to create and maintain this post.
