OK Looking for a camp axe. I know it is a big subject but still would like to hear the pros and coms of what is available.

Well, I have a Hults Bruk Gran. 20" inch handle, head weighs 2.2 lbs., total weight a little over 3 lbs. Sharp enough to shave with when I bought it, works pretty darn good. I paid $94 for it.

I bought Gransfor Bruk Wildlife Hatchets for each of my sons when they were around 12 years old. As heirloom tools that will get passed on to future generations they were the perfect gifts. As a tools to carry into the wilderness they were a bit underwhelming for anything other thay processing small amounts of wood.

For myself, I carry the Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe. It is light enough that I have no reservations adding it to my pack even when tripping solo and will carry everything. It is heavy enough that it performs as needed for any task I'd desire.

Price is obviously a barrier when purchasing this brand. I purchased my own Gransfors Bruk tools, plus an additional Wildlife Hatchet as a gift for the Scout Troop leader when my oldest made Eagle Scout, at Midwest Mountaineering. All purchased when a 20% off one item coupon was available.

I am certain I won't be the only Gransfors Bruk fan to weigh in. Good Luck

OCDave: "I am certain I won't be the only Gransfors Bruk fan to weigh in..."

For sure. GB Wildlife Hatchet fan here.

There’s always a bunch of debate when the topic of brining an axe comes up. I do like to bring one most trips. Like OCDave, during paddle season I bring my Gransfor Bruks Small Forest axe, and in winter my GF Scandinavian Forest axe which is a little bigger. They are really excellent axes; durable, razor sharp, and relatively light weight compare to some. My Small Forest axe weighs about what my old hardware store hatchet weighs. They are expensive, but a great spend if you want to spend a lot of time in the woods. Other brands that I’d consider if I didn’t want to spend as much would be Fiskars or Husquavarna. I think something in that 18-20 inch range is great for BWCA.

I use a Fiskar's, small handle hatchet as a splitting wedge and baton method to split the wood. I don't trust my skills to be out in the wilderness swinging a sharp blade that could make my already short legs shorter. I'd rather be swinging a forearm sized log to do that job. I'm also appreciative of the price, size, and weight factor. Along with the Irwin saw, and a Mora knife for the smaller batoning, I'm good for all my firewood needs.

Gransfors Bruks small forest axe user here.

Small enough to use one handed, large enough to use two handed. I'm a guy that likes versatility and it's perfect for my use. I'm not felling trees or doing intricate work. Just splitting some wood small enough to shove under the fire grate.

As you alluded, it's a hot topic. In truth, if you're an accident prone person or if you're not proficient, it might not be the safest. I'm sure we all know a story of an axe injury...

I use a small hatchet, folding saw, and a small plastic wedge for firewood processing. Hatchet is lighter and easier to pack than most small axes.
Learn to use safely. Don't hold the piece you are trying split with your hand. Rather use a small stick to keep upright. Remove hatchet and insert wedge. Tap the wedge in to split the piece.

I will just say that while I sometimes use one, it is somewhat rare that I bring an axe on a trip.

My opinions:
Budget--Fiskars (I haven't used one but many like it for its price) or Estwing
High-quality--Granfors Bruk (I prefer Wildlife, but many like Small Forest Axe)

Gransfors Bruks Wildlife user ... definitely a superior grade hatchet. Worth the money.

Another vote for the small forest axe. Mine rides in the cinch straps of my CCS Pioneer pack. I think the longer handle makes it safer than a hatchet, as the business end is further from my body. Always think about where the head will go if it bounces off or goes through more easily than you planned. I also use it to baton with a small log as a hammer, much more efficient than a knife for me.

Gransfors Small Forest Axe, here. I also bring leather gloves to protect from a glancing blow and baton with it for most splitting work.

Any hatchet work is exponentially safer when done from a kneeling position.

Has anyone had any experience with Council Tool axes?