Off-Grid & Self-Sufficient Living
Two tools get used constantly in a long outage or on a homestead: something to split firewood and something for small repairs. The Fiskars X27, Bob Vila's best overall axe and Popular Mechanics' best value, has a 36-inch handle and a wedge-shaped head that splits big rounds with fewer swings. Use it on a chopping block with your feet apart, and wear eye protection and sturdy boots. For everyday fixes, the Leatherman Skeletool CX, Wirecutter's multi-tool pick, carries the essential tools, including a one-hand blade, without much weight. Keep the axe sharp and dry, sheathed when not in use, and put a drop of oil on the multi-tool's pivots once in a while so they keep moving freely.
Why it's hereBob Vila's best overall axe and Popular Mechanics' best value; splits big rounds with less effort.
Recommended by Bob Vila; Popular MechanicsAmazon and Home Depot pages block automated checks; linked a retailer page that loads
| Rank | Product & source | Key note | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Top Pick | Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe (36 in)Recommended by Bob Vila; Popular Mechanics | Bob Vila's best overall axe and Popular Mechanics' best value; splits big rounds with less effort. | ~$69.99Price checked Oct 20, 2026at gertens.com View product | |
| Runner-up | Leatherman Skeletool CXRecommended by Wirecutter (NYT) | Wirecutter's multi-tool pick: the essential tools, one-hand blade, light to carry. | ~$99.95Price checked Oct 20, 2026at leatherman.com View product | |
