It’s time I did a proper Fiskars X27 review since it is legitimately one of the top 3 most powerful and durable splitting axes available today.
Simply put, the X27 has brought a disruptive technology to the ancient craft of
The X27 boasts a formidable 36” composite handle combined with a well-designed splitting head. What you get is an extremely efficient and powerful splitting
I’ve used mine for 4 years and overall I’m very impressed.
The most compelling argument for this
Overall Rating: 4/5
Pros:
- Class-leading splitting power/performance
- Solid grip and good ergonomics
- Outstanding Value: works better than axes 2-3X the price
- Very strong handle- almost unbreakable.
- Great for tall people
- Excellent shock-absorbing handle
- Full Lifetime Warranty
Cons:
- Not exactly a “looker”/not an heirloom piece
- Maybe too heavy/large for some but light compared to similar sized traditional axes.
- The back of the
axe cannot be used as a hammer/sledge - Ax-head metal could be harder
Check the X27’s current pricing (on Amazon)
Fiskars X27 Specs
- Total weight: 6.28 lbs
- Hardened Forged Steel Blade: 4lbs
- Non-Stick coated blade
- 36” Fibrecomp handle: Extremely strong and shock absorbent
- Perma-head: over-molded head integrated into the handle
- Lanyard hole
- Blade cover: with handle and hi-vis clip lock
- Non-slip grip
- Made in Finland
Traditionalists Don’t like the Fiskars X27
In fact, traditional
I expect that this review of the Fiskars X27 will draw some ire from some folks in this camp.
Traditionalists could rightly argue that the X27 just isn’t heirloom material.
To be brutally honest, if you are thinking of handing your
The Fiskars Brand: A Brief History
Fiskars is the oldest privately owned business in Finland(360 years old). The name “Fiskars” comes from the ancient locality where Fiskars’ first blast furnace was built back in 1649.

Fiskars’ most iconic product is their classic orange scissors that seem to last forever.
As a brand, Fiskars is especially well known for high quality cutting implements(like these scissors I reviewed last year.)
It may surprise you to know that Fiskars also owns other notable brands like Gerber, Royal Doulton and Royal Albert.
While Fiskars has maintained a solid pedigree of quality over the years, they have been outsourcing more and more lately.
This has led to some regrettable quality compromises most notably: Gerber knives.
Many knife aficionados have been lamenting lately of Gerber’s drop in quality after Fiskars acquired them and outsourced a lot of the product line.
Thankfully, Fiskars axes are still being forged and assembled in Finland.
Fiskars X27 Review
Axe Head

The X27’s ax head weighs 4lbs. Combined with the handle, this means you will be swinging 6.3lbs.
That’s puts this splitting axe squarely in the full size category. The aggressive wedge profile with the weight combines very effectively to reduce even the most stubborn rounds into usable firewood.
A low-friction coating on the blade helps reduce binding and pinching, but that coating will wear off after a decent amount of use.
The steel is OK but certainly not as hard as its main premium competitor namely the Swedish Gransfors Bruks Large spitting axe. This is not a huge problem if you regularly maintain the blade.
I recommend spending a few extra bucks for Fiskars pull-through sharpener which is specifically designed for all of its X series line of axes. I just run it through the sharpener few times
The most innovative part of the
That said, it is possible to break it if you decide to use the back of the axe as a sledge. It is not designed to handle this.
Handle

This is the obvious secret of the X27’s might. The lightness of the
It’s simple physics really. A longer handle allows you to accelerate your swing much quicker and deliver much higher velocity and inertia at impact.
The x27 has the same unfair advantage that light aluminum bats have over traditional wooden bats. They can develop more speed and therefore heavier hits.
Cover

Leather covers look nice but they tend to lock moisture in which encourages premature rust. That’s not an issue with this half-cover that comes with this axe. You can put the X27 away wet and it will dry out quickly.
While it’s true that the black plastic cover isn’t all that impressive, it incorporates a robust carry handle which is great for hanging the
Unfortunately, being black, the cover could easily be lost on the forest floor. Thank goodness for the hi-vis orange locking tab or I would have lost mine long ago.
I was, at first, skeptical about whether the cover would last, but after several years it has proven surprisingly tough and functional. I now have three Fiskars axes with similar covers and none of them have failed so far.
Performance

I’m not going to tell you that this axe is a one-hit-wonder that splits everything on the first whack…no axe is that good. However, you’d be surprised how good it makes you look in front of your friends.
Yes, I do occasionally have to mutter threats to knarly hardwood rounds that need 4 or 5 wacks from the X27.
Those are rarer occasions now, and I inevitably finish off stubborn rounds with a triumphant, “I told you that you’d would lose!”
Generally speaking, this
Some caution in wielding this beast is advised. It is large and a swing and miss with this bad boy could “major damage you.”
I found myself, at first, somewhat shy to swing “full-bore” with it because of the sheer inertia I was developing. I just wasn’t used to the energy it was delivering.
So, don’t be overzealous. Take some time to dial in your aim and ease into giving the X27 full power.
You’ll see what I mean if you decide to get one.
How Durable is the Fiskars X27?
I only have one concern regarding this axes durability. I feel the blade could have been made with a harder steel.
Blade metallurgy is a
You will need to maintain the edge on the X27 more than premium high-carbon steel axes, it’s not a huge deal.
I’ve found that the X27 is decently rust resistant which is a nice characteristic for work in the woods.
I see two main reasons why this axe will last a long time:
Firstly, after using this
Secondly, the unique way that the head is perma-molded to the shaft makes it virtually impossible for the head to loosen or separate from the handle over time.
Wooden handles have a tendency to expand and contract with changes in moisture and temperature which tends to loosen axe heads over time. This will never be a problem with the X27.
Overstriking

If you’ve never used old tires to hold your rounds in place while splitting wood, it will change your life! It makes me at least 30% more efficient in processing firewood using the X27.
The only drawback to using this technique(or the bungee cord technique) is that the already-split pieces can obstruct your next strike.
The neck of the
I’m ashamed to admit that I have over-
Still, I have not had a single issue. The composite handle and molded permahead are ridiculously strong.
I have heard of a small number of folks cracking the
Ergonomics & Handling
As I mentioned earlier, this is probably the longest
The X27’s hi-vis orange textured grip gives a confident purchase all the way down to the knob preventing accidental slippage.
Shock absorption is excellent. The composite handle shields
The X27 is a heavier
After a few lessons last fall, my wife(135lbs) was able to split softwood with it quite well. I think she might have struggled if she was splitting maple though. Time and practice will tell.
I could see this
If that’s a concern consider the smaller 28″ X25
Conclusion
Fiskars has created one of the most powerful splitting axes out there right now. It has certainly attained benchmark status in the industry.
The only reason I gave this
I don’t use the word “game changer” lightly, but that word does fit the Fiskars X27. It is legitimately a leap forward in terms of firewood splitting implements.
While there is nothing especially revolutionary about axe head itself, the light and unbreakable composite handle enables it to do what other splitting axes struggle to do.
That extra light and long shaft
I think the most compelling thing about this
The X27 will outlast them and outperform them for around $70. I think that’s amazing value!
Check
Yes, traditional axes are more beautiful, but they’re no more durable or effective than the X27.
Poor old Paul Bunyan, today if he saw you swinging this bad-boy he’d run home to his mommy blubbering something about not feeling like a real man.
Fiskars X27 FAQs
What’s the difference between the Fiskars X27 and the black Fiskars Super Splitting Axe?

Nothing..except the orange, slightly rubberized handle on the X27. It’s purely cosmetic. The all-black Super Splitting 36″
The only advantage to the X27 is the hi-vis orange which might make it easier to find if you misplace it in the woods…plus it looks nicer.
How do I sharpen the X27?

Fiskars offers a handy pull-through sharpener that works for all their axes. It’s fairly cheap. A few swipes each time you use it keeps your
You can price check the sharpener here(on Amazon)
Best Alternative to Fiskars X27?

The Fiskars 8lb splitting maul overcomes my main complaint with the X27 -it can’t be used for hammering or as a
Price Check the Fiskars 8lb maul on Amazon

The Gransfors Bruks 31″ Splitting maul with the collar guard is a great choice for a traditional
Price Check the Gransfors Bruks on Amazon
If you found this Fiskars X27 review helpful, consider subscribing or browsing around to discover more super durable product reviews and tips here on wellrigged.com.