Estwing Fireside Friend
For anyone who loves campfires (which includes pretty much everyone, right?), they’re gonna need some type of firewood splitting tool to achieve the perfect campfire. Well, we won’t go so far as to call the Fireside Friend “perfect,” but we will say this camp axe/splitting maul/mini-sledge is pretty darn close.
And get this; although you could consider it a multi-tool (the flat side works great as a shop hammer), the fact is this thing splits logs with the best of ‘em. Estwing’s marketing claims the 14 inch all-steel handle is designed to create maximum splitting leverage, and according to our reviewers, this seems to be an accurate statement.
Weighing in at a comfortable 4 pounds, one of the standout qualities of this fire tool is its ease of handling for a wide range of people. Longer and heavier splitting mauls can be intimidating and unwieldy. True to its name, this blue UV-coated axe is highly approachable for all sorts of users, especially compared to an 8 lb. maul.
A large, hefty tool like this Fireside Friend makes for an impressive gift, and one that tends to flatter. Given its convenient size and excellent utility factor, this tool is a great choice for any hunter, camper, or outdoors enthusiast on your list. They’ll be set for life in the splitting axe department.