Spending time outdoors will teach you several life-changing lessons, with the main one being how crucial it is to stay ready. Even so, campers and outdoor explorers often carry multiple tools that sometimes fail to help. It is why a multi tool survival axe is a must-have for surviving the unknown.
A multi tool can perform a wide variety of functions and can be helpful when fishing, hunting, starting a fire, and even building shelters.
Keep reading if you are unsure about why you would need a multi-tool axe and what to look for in one to keep you outdoor-ready. We’ll also include some options to let you choose the best survival multi-tool axe for your needs.
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Best Overall Survival Axe Multi Tool
Zombinator® Survival Hatchet - Multi Tool Axe By Frog & Co By Frog & Co.
Features: Sheath: The strong and durable nylon sheath protects the blade as its stored. Paratinder Cord: Inside the cord, you'll find flammable paratinder to start fires. Full Tang Hatchet Blade: Chop through pretty much anything (including zombies) with
A Quick Look at the Best Survival Axe Multi Tools
- Survival Frog – “Best Overall Survival Axe Multi-Tool”
The Zombinator Survival Hatchet is made of 420 stainless steel and is perfect for slicing, chopping, and cutting things, starting a fire, pounding nails, pulling nails out, twisting wires, whistle alarms, and cutting seat belts for safety and self-defense. - Gerber Gear – “Best Tomahawk Survival Axe Multi-Tool”
This is a zero-maintenance, lightweight, and compact tomahawk multi-tool axe whose best features include a versatile, high-quality sloping stainless steel axe head, pry bar, and hammer, including a sturdy sheath. The handle has composite scales for improved grip. - RoverTac – “Most Reviewed Survival Axe Multi-Tool”
This is the most reviewed survival axe multi-tool for all the right reasons. It has an overall 4.6-star rating from 8,518 global ratings, with three in every four raters giving it a 5-star rating. - Rose Kuli – “Most Versatile Compact Survival Axe Multi-Tool”
This little compact gadget features eighteen various tools, including an axe, knife, screwdriver, wire cutter, hammer, nail file, wrench, blade, and bottle opener for different outdoor tasks, including cutting, prying, and twisting. This makes it ideal for fishing, hunting, and preparing camping gear and accessories. - Sheffield – “Best Compact Survival Axe Multi-Tool”
Gone are the days when you would need to carry a separate bag for various heavy tools. The Sheffield compact multi-tool saves you space, energy, and time, thanks to its sleek and compact design that fits in the nylon sheath for added portability and convenience. - Rose Kuli – “Best Value Survival Axe Multi-Tool”
With affordability in mind, you can use it to cut and chop trees, twigs, and food, hunt, start a fire, build shelters, hammer, and even screw. - Giriaitus – “Best Multi Tool Survival Axe for Camping”
This multi-tool axe is a 16-in-1 gadget with all the necessary tools for camping. It is made with a rust-proof high-grade stainless stool and has a solid nylon bag for safe and convenient storage and portability, letting you put it in your backpack, side pocket, or other camping gear. - Off Grid Tools – “Best Multi Tool Survival Axe for Truckers”
This multi-tool axe includes a quality curved axe, hammer, pry bar, hook, lever, spanner, and a tire chain hook that helps every trucker to pound, hack, pry, or pull. Its lightweight fiberglass handle also has a shock-absorbing grip for extra leverage and comfort. - Off Grid Tools – “Best Multi Tool Axe with Changeable Saw Blade”
It features the inner changeable 6-inch bi-metal saw blade, which folds out of its handle, letting you lock it into place, sawing through anything you would like. This is a life-saver as it offers the convenience of reaching for sharper and stronger saw blades for efficient sawing. - RoverTac – “Best Survival Hatchet Tool with a Firestarter”
This tiny but mighty gadget has a potent Firestarter that lets you start a fire wherever you may be. Its firestarter got you covered whether you want to light up a bonfire for warmth, light, and security or prepare a meal.
What to Look for in a Multi-Tool Survival Axe
Before buying a multi-tool axe, it is best to know all the vital factors to look for that match your needs. We have researched and compiled these aspects to help you make the best decision. Keep reading to find out what to look for in a multi-tool survival axe:
Durability
Multi-tool survival axe handles come in four varied materials; wood, fiberglass, full tang, and polymer. Fiberglass handles are strong but lightweight, which most prefer. The handles hardly break and require very little maintenance since they require no oiling.
Wooden handles, on the other hand, are more popular since they have better flexion and shock-absorbing abilities. Their tough and rugged nature also makes them last longer. However, we advise that you keep them well-oiled to maintain them and help them last longer since the oil prevents the drying of the wood. Also, oiling lowers the chance of the wood splitting in your hand during use.
Another popular material used in making multi-tool axes is the full tang. Here, the manufacturers use metal or alloy to make both the handle and the axe head, making these tools heavier than most other materials.
Lastly, multi-tool survival axe handles made of polymer are as lightweight as those made of fiberglass. However, they have very poor shock absorption and durability levels, making them the least preferred material for multi-tool survival axes.
The axe head should also be of high quality for optimal use. Pick one that is of high-quality material like stainless steel for lasting sharpness and compactness which will help to prolong its value and usefulness.
The Intended Use
The blade and head of most survival axes are curved. Still, there are some whose heads are flatter. We recommend getting the latter if you are looking for a multi-tool survival axe for cutting through wood since the flatness allows the whole blade to cut through the wood in one strike. Doing the same with a curved axe head will have you spending more time and energy on the same task. It is why you need to consider the purpose or intended use beforehand.
In addition, we recommend getting a multi-tool axe with a long handle (above 15 inches) for chopping wood and splitting logs since it offers more leverage and convenience, making the task easier. A long-handled multi-tool axe lets you swing its head faster, improving power and impact. Yet, if you need your multi-tool survival axe for simple tasks like carving and fishing, go for ones with shorter handles below 14 inches so that it’s easier to carry.
Versatility/Features
A multi-tool survival axe should be versatile. Are you looking for a hunting tool? Or do you need something for cutting wood? Knowing your needs will help you consider factors like handle material, handle length and grip, the size and weight of the axe head, and the design of the axe blade.
For instance, it would be ideal for an outdoor explorer looking for a multi-tool survival axe for splitting wood and fishing to get one made of fiberglass. That’s because these axes are stronger, lighter, and more efficient than, say, wooden ones. However, you may need one with a shorter handle for portability and convenience during camping and other outdoor activities.
On the other hand, someone looking for one with more grip for use in wet weather conditions may pick a textured polymer handle over a wooden one. A wooden multi-tool axe could slip easily from your hands and cause accidents or damage. Luckily, modern multi-tool axe manufacturers make them with textured handles for better grip, hence more safety and convenience.
Value
The most valuable multi-tool survival axes are made of durable materials like fiberglass. It is lighter yet sturdier than those made of polymer. Wood is also a viable option but not as potent as fiberglass.
We recommend going for fiberglass multi-tool axes if you value lightness, shock absorption levels, and handle sturdiness. However, if you are looking for something heavier, go for full tang and wooden handles.
Preparedness is key to not just surviving but thriving in adverse conditions. The multi-tool survival axe embodies this principle by offering a compact solution for a range of tasks, from chopping wood for fire to self-defense. In a world where over 1,000 natural disasters occur annually, having a multi-functional tool could significantly impact your ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
– Eddie Penney Emergency Prep Expert
Polymer is a viable option for outdoor lovers that value the handle grip as they are textured. Their durability, however, is lower than the rest, making them the least ideal for multi-tool survival axes.
Also, it is vital to consider if the manufacturers offer a warranty for the multi-tool survival axe you are looking to buy. This will buffer you from probable losses in cases where the multi-tool axe is broken within the warranty period.
Weight
Note that the thicker the axe, the weightier and more powerful the axe head will be during chopping since it has more inertia and leverage. We recommend getting a multi-tool survival axe with a thick axe head for cutting and chopping wood and for similar camping activities. On the other hand, it is best to go for a thinner axe for carving, hunting, or other intricate works.
Size
The size of a multi-tool axe is a vital factor when deciding which one to get. You need to pick one that is easy enough to carry around and use. For instance, the best survival multi-tool axe for a backpacker is lightweight and compact enough to fit in their backpack, belt pouch, or pocket. Carrying a heavy and bulky one could be a greater inconvenience.
Still, some need long and bulky axes for their varied uses. In such cases, compromising the intended use for portability could result in subpar usability, which defeats the purpose of a multi-tool survival axe.
What Can you Use a Multi-Tool Survival Axe For?
As the name suggests, a multi-tool survival axe has varied uses. Here are its typical uses:
Building Shelters
A multi-tool survival axe is essential for building shelters outdoors. It is typical for unpredictable environmental factors like wind, rain, and even sandstorms to destroy existing shelters. These may require you to have tools to help you either improve the affected parts of the shelter or build new ones altogether.
The best survival multi-tool axe has features to help erect structures to use as shelters during camping. These can also trim out unwanted parts of the branches or other materials used in shelters for optimal functionality in the unknown.
Hunting and Fishing
Part of survival tactics outdoors is knowing how to find food in these circumstances. A survival hatchet tool is ideal for hunting, gathering, and fishing. Solid, lightweight, and sharp multi-tool axes are best for hunting and fishing, helping you find food in the unknown.
We recommend finding a product where the axe head is made of stainless steel to prevent them from rusting, prolonging their usefulness. Besides, a multi-tool survival axe with a long, compact, and lightweight handle is easier to swing and aim. This makes it perfect for hunting and fishing while camping or exploring the outdoors.
Chopping Firewood
Firewood is a necessity in the outdoors since they have various primary uses. These include setting up shelters, making a bonfire, making a bed, and cooking. The best survival multi-tool axe is compact, lightweight, and sharp enough to cut through the wood in a single strike. It is also textured to provide a grip that prevents it from slipping off the hand during chopping.
Starting a Fire
If you have ever gone camping, you know how valuable a fire is. A fire serves multiple purposes, like preparing food, providing warmth, security, lighting, and a landmark for identification. However, starting a fire outdoors is more difficult compared to doing the same at home. Some multi-tools feature flints that can help to get a fire started anywhere.
Opening Bottles
Count on your multi-tool axe to help you open bottles outdoors. You can use the best survival multi-tool axe to open soda cans, water bottles, and other tightly-sealed bottles when you do not have a typical bottle opener.
Sawing and Cutting
Surviving in the outdoors will require you to make cuts here and there. This could mean cutting a rope, cutting up food, or twigs and branches for a fire. A multi-tool survival axe is strong, sharp, and lightweight to cut through things easily. Some also feature a saw for wood..
Hammering and Screwing
Hammering and screwing form a huge part of construction while camping. Often, campers would be set for a trip but struggle setting up shelters due to a lack of ideal tools for hammering or cutting and screwing. The best survival multi-tool axe is made of high-quality materials like first-grade stainless steel. This ensures its compactness for hammering without the worry of breakage.
The best multi-tool axe is also chisel-shaped at the bottom to help you screw nails when setting up shelters or structures. It is also compact to let you do all the twisting to tightly secure your screws.
Our List of the Best Survival Axe Multi Tools
Now that you know the features to look for in a multi-tool survival axe and its uses, here are the 10 best survival multi-tool axes on our list, including why we recommend them:
Survival Frog “Best Overall Survival Axe Multi Tool”
The Zombinator Survival Hatchet is a multi-tool axe by Frog & Co that outperforms its competitors. Made with 420 stainless steel, weighing only 1.7 lbs, and having four fitting hex sockets, this cool-looking multi-tool axe is a must-have when camping or off-grid. This tiny but mighty tool has ten different features and delivers over ten important functions.
It features a strong and sturdy nylon sheath to protect its blade during storage, promoting its usefulness and longevity. Use the flammable flint inside the cord to start a fire. This can help you set up a bonfire for warmth or to prepare meals.
Other cool features include a sharp, powerful, and lightweight full-tang hatchet blade to slice through anything. You could also use it as a hammer for pounding nails, pulling nails out, and acting as a pry bar. The demolition grip teeth hold tight bolts, whereas the wire twist and nail puller remove wires and nails easily. It also comes with several emergency features like a seatbelt cutter and a 120-decibel whistle to signal rescuers when in danger or during an alarm.
Gerber Gear “Best Tomahawk Survival Axe Multi-Tool”
The Gerber-Gear 30-000715N Downrange Tactical Tomahawk is a tactical tomahawk that features a sloping axe head, pry bar, and hammer, including a sturdy sheath. It has a desert tan G-10 handle and a 420 HC steel body, with the handle having composite scales for improved grip.
This is the best tomahawk survival axe multi-tool for various reasons. First, its MOLLE-compatible sheath protects the axe blade during idle time. Besides, it readily attaches to your backpack, typical webbing, or body armor, offering portability and convenience. It weighs only 36oz and measures 19.27 inches, making it an instant favorite for tradesmen and hunters for its compact features.
This multi-tool survival axe offers a lifetime warranty. It also requires minimal maintenance for its blade since it is made of quality stainless steel. Look no further if you have been searching for a tomahawk survival tool axe that ranks highly for durability, versatility, sturdiness, and weight.
RoverTac “Most Reviewed Survival Axe Multi-Tool”
The RoverTac multi-tool hatchet camping tool stands as the most reviewed survival axe multi-tool. It has an overall 4.6-star rating from 8,518 global ratings, with 3 in every 4 raters giving it a 5-star rating. Here is why every camper needs this as a survival hatchet tool.
The RoverTac is a compact toolkit with fourteen varied tools, including a knife blade, hammer, pliers, axe, bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver, fish descaler, assorted hex wrenches, file, and saw. All these have a safety lock for storage to preserve their quality, resulting in improved durability and usefulness.
Furthermore, it features quality stainless steel with its axe-head strong enough for cutting, prying, twisting screws, and sawing wood among other outdoor tasks. Its full stainless steel has durable black oxidation on the head and special red color oxidation on the handle to stop rusting, promoting durability and value.
Another reason why this multi-tool survival axe is every camper’s dream is its portability. It has an upgraded sturdy sheath that fully covers the axe blade and keeps it intact to guarantee safety, lightweight carrying (0.93 pounds), and convenience during use.
The company also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee since they do not want to fumble with your safety and its functionality outdoors. With that said, they offer a lifetime warranty against defects in their material and workmanship. Also, you are free to return it for any reason that compromises its functionality and purpose.
Its only downside is that it can be a bit pricy. However, once you start using it you’ll see why it was worth every cent.
Rose Kuli “Most Versatile Compact Survival Axe Multi Tool”
The Rose Kuli Multi-tool is an 18-in-1 survival compact hatchet that offers more than just survival use. It is made from 2CR13 stainless steel with durable black oxidation covering to promote its rust resistance in all weather. This makes it a reliable outdoor tool even in a wet climate.
One thing that the Rose Kuli Multi-tool is known for is its versatility. This little compact gadget features eighteen different tools, including an axe, knife, screwdriver, wire cutter, hammer, nail file, wrenches, blade, and bottle opener. It performs a variety of outdoor tasks, including cutting, prying, twisting, hunting, and preparing camping gear and accessories. In addition, it is a valuable survival gear and car accessory for breaking the car window glass in an emergency or cutting the seat belt when you need to escape your vehicle.
Another cool feature of the Rose Kuli Multi-tool is that this survival hatchet tool comes in an easy-to-carry solid nylon pouch for improved portability and convenience. It also features an additional tiny nylon pouch to secure the blade, avoiding accidental injury. Its compact design saves space, making it an all-in-one tool for camping or general outdoor living as it is easy to package, store, transport, and use.
The only downsides to this multi-tool axe are that it is too small for more complicated jobs and that the blade may need frequent sharpening. However, at its price point, you are getting more than its worth. Look at it as a budget-friendly necessity during camping.
Sheffield “Best Compact Survival Axe Multi Tool”
The Sheffield 12301 is a stainless steel multi-tool survival axe that features twelve different tools in one tiny gadget, making it the best compact survival axe multi-tool. These tools include a 2-inch axe head, a quarter-inch slotted screwdriver, a spike hammer, a fish scaler, a hex key wrench, a Phillips screwdriver, a drop-point blade, a bottle opener, a hook remover, a wood saw, a ruler, and an additional belt pouch. With all these tools and varied functionality, you have your vital camping tool at the ready.
Gone are the days when you would need to carry a separate bag for various heavy tools. Sheffield compact multi-tool saves you space, energy, and time, thanks to its sleek and compact design that fits in the nylon sheath for added portability and convenience.
In addition, the ergonomic polished wooden handle gives its sleek design and makes it easy to carry and use. Its dual-sided axe head lets use the hatchet side for cutting and chopping, and the hammer side for driving nails.
The only downside to this multi-tool survival axe is that it is a bit small for more heavy-duty tasks. Still, this is a viable budget-friendly option that will be a life saver outdoors.
Rose Kuli “Best Value Survival Axe Multi Tool”
The Rose Kuli Camping Gear Multi-tool is a comprehensive multi-tool survival axe ideal for gifting to those that love exploring the outdoors. It is a compact gadget with 18-in-one tools, including a hammer, hatchet, wire cutter, 2-model pliers and screwdriver, fish descaler, mini knife, plier handle, bottle opener, file, spring, and assorted hex wrench. All these come in a compact safety lock for improved portability and convenience.
This is by far the most affordable too for the value it provides. Coming in at under $20, this tool allows you to cut and chop trees, twigs, and food, hunt, start a fire, build shelters, hammer, and even screw.
Its manufacturers use high-grade stainless steel that offers rust resistance for versatility and prolonged use. Its handle is wooden and ergonomic for easy handling and use. You can count on it both during sunny or rainy weather.
Besides it being lightweight (388 grams), this multi-tool axe comes in a compact nylon sheath for portability and ease of carriage. Rose Kuli also offers a lifetime satisfaction guarantee, making it a worthy purchase.
Giriaitus “Best Multi Tool Survival Axe for Camping”
The Giriaitus multi-tool is the best multi-tool survival axe for camping for various reasons. First, it is a 16-in-1 multi-tool featuring an axe, hammer, knife, pipe grip pliers, nail claw, wire cutter, needle-nose pliers, file, Phillips screwdrivers, flathead screwdriver, serrated knife, bottle opener, saw, flint fire starter, and a whistle.
Despite it being tiny and lightweight, this survival hatchet tool is made with high-grade stainless steel making it rust and weather resistant. The solid nylon bag offers safe and convenient storage and portability during camping. You can put it in your backpack, side pocket, or other camping gear.
Off Grid Tools “Best Multi Tool Survival Axe for Truckers”
As the name suggests, the off-grid tools pro trucker’s friend has all the valuable features that make it the best multi-tool survival axe for truckers. It has a durable design with a heat-treated carbon steel blade for extreme stability and durability during tough tasks. The high-grade stainless-steel axe head is rust-resistant and has a matte finish to preserve its quality and promote its usability.
This multi-tool axe includes everything a trucker might need on the road including a quality curved axe, hammer, pry bar, spanner, hook, lever, and tire chain hook. Its lightweight fiberglass handle also has a shock-absorbing grip for extra leverage and comfort when working, making every task enjoyable and easy.
Furthermore, this survivalist tool weighs only 2.2 pounds and measures 19.5 by 5.5 by 2 inches. We love its functionality, versatility, high quality, and innovativeness. Its yellow handle makes it conspicuous for easy spotting.
Off Grid Tools “Best Multi Tool Axe with Changeable Saw Blade”
The Off Grid Tools Survival Axe is a black, all-steel gadget for multipurpose outdoor living. It weighs 1.7 pounds and measures 11.5 by 5.5 by 1.25 inches, making it a lightweight and compact survival hatchet tool. Trust it to do all the work while also fitting neatly in a tiny bag or glove box afterward.
It has thirty-one features, including a changeable saw, hatchet blade, steel glass breaker, hammer head and claw, and a seat belt cutter. These keep you ready for any situation, including clearing debris, chopping, pounding, preparation of tents, mending deer stands, and much more.
The all-steel design features a full tang and axe head with an ultra-strong and lightweight glass-filled nylon handle, a durable hatchet blade that can be resharpened, and a compact hammer head and claw.
Our favorite feature is the replaceable saw blade. It features the inner changeable 6-inch bi-metal saw blade which folds out of its handle, letting you lock it into place when you need a sturdy saw.
The Off Grid Tools store prides itself on high-quality products, including this multi-tool survival axe. They guarantee high quality, versatility, functionality, and innovativeness. You can count on it when going to hike, hunt, fish, camp, or are on your random explorations.
Its only downside from verified purchases is that it is not ideal for heavy work and the accompanying sheath does not include a belt hoop. Some reviews also state that the blade is a bit too blunt. Still, you can fix this by sharpening it to perfection.
RoverTac “Best Survival Hatchet Tool with a Firestarter”
The RoverTac Camping multi-tool survival axe is an underrated gadget for exploration lovers. It is a 14-in-1 multi-tool that includes a hammer, knife, whistle, fire starter, bottle opener, screwdriver, wrench, saw, axe, and sheath. These are perfect for hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, or general exploration.
In addition, it features solid stainless steel plus a durable black oxide coating for rust resistance, hence improving usability and value. Its handle is ergonomic for improved handling and usage. Besides, its axe blade is extremely sharp for efficient cutting. It’s bright red high-visibility oxide coating adds to its cool design and ease of identification.
Our favorite feature that makes it the best survival multi-tool axe is that it includes a fire starter. Every explorer knows how precious fire can be, especially in wet camping zones. This tiny but mighty gadget has a potent Firestarter that lets you start a fire anywhere. Its firestarter has got you covered whether you want to light up a bonfire for warmth, light, and security, or prepare a meal.
Also, this is the ideal tool for those explorers that love an extended handle. It is 8.86 inches long yet lightweight with adequate room for holding, swinging, and striking. It provides enough room for chopping, cutting, hammering, hunting, and more. Once you’re finished with this survival hatchet tool, slide it into the compact axe blade sheath for easy storage and access. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
In conclusion, there are many different types of survival multi tool axes with various pros and cons – here are all the axes mentioned in our list, sorted by price:
