Single Bit vs Double Bit Axe: Which One Should You Buy?
One cutting edge plus a poll, or two cutting edges you can profile differently: how single bit and double bit axes compare, with three example listings.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
COUNCIL TOOL 5 lb Single Bit Faller's Axe9.7/10View on Amazon - 2
34.6 Inch Double Bit Axe9.7/10View on Amazon - 3
Snow & Nealley 016S Our Best Single Bit Snow & Neally Axe9.6/10View on Amazon - 4
Seymour 100-99 34-Inch Fiberglass Single Bit Curved Grip AxeView on Amazon - 5
Truper 30520 3-1/2-Pound Single Bit Michigan AxeView on Amazon - 6
ESTWING 38 oz Double Bit AxeView on Amazon - 7
ESTWING Double Bit AxeView on Amazon - 8
Truper 30524 3-1/2-Pound Double Bit Michigan AxeView on Amazon - 9
Single Bit AxeView on Amazon
Single bit vs double bit axe verdict: Pick a single bit axe if you want the classic all-rounder: one sharp edge plus a poll for driving wedges, and a handle you can replace from the Link listings when it wears out. Pick a double bit axe if you fell and buck a lot of timber: the Helko Werk example gives you two edges to profile differently, one for rough work and one kept sharp. Match the axe to the work you do most.
The rounds are stacked and it is time to limb the next tree, and the single bit vs double bit axe question is which axe pattern earns the handle time. A single bit axe carries one cutting edge and a poll, the blunt hammer face on the back of the head, so it chops and also drives wedges. A double bit axe carries two cutting edges on one head, so you get twice the edge and no poll. Fellers have argued this one for a century; the listings below show what each side actually gives you.
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1844 Helko Werk Germany Traditional Berlin Dual
A handmade German double bit felling axe with a 3.5 lb C50 carbon steel head at 53-56 HRC, a 30 in grade A hickory handle, leather sheath and axe guard oil.
Pros
- Two cutting edges you can profile differently
- Hand-forged C50 head at 53-56 HRC
- Grade A American hickory handle, linseed oil finish
- Leather sheath and 1 oz axe guard oil included
Cons
- No warranty term stated on the listing
- Bullets say 5 lb total weight, spec table says 6 lb
- No poll for driving wedges
- Spec table calls the handle material steel and wood against the bullets
64889 Single Bit Curved Grip Axe Handle for 3 to 5
A 32 in curved-grip hickory handle for 3 to 5 lb single bit axes, grade A quality with a wax finish.
Pros
- Grade A American hickory per the bullets
- 32 in curved grip with wax finish
- Fits 3 to 5 lb single bit heads, 2-5/16 by 3/4 in eye
- 16 oz listed weight
Cons
- Handle only; no head, edge or sheath
- No warranty term stated on the listing
- No safety features stated on the listing
- Size-specific fit, not universal
64890 Single Bit Curved Grip Axe Handle for 3 lb.
A 32 in curved-grip hickory handle for 3 to 5 lb single bit axes, homeowner grade with a wax finish.
Pros
- 32 in curved grip with wax finish
- Fits 3 to 5 lb single bit heads, 2-5/16 by 3/4 in eye
- 1.3 lb listed weight
- Homeowner grade for occasional use
Cons
- Handle only; no head, edge or sheath
- Homeowner grade, a step below the 64889
- No warranty term stated on the listing
- No safety features stated on the listing
More options to compare
Seymour 100-99 34-Inch Fiberglass Single Bit Curved Grip AxeCheck price on Amazon
Truper 30520 3-1/2-Pound Single Bit Michigan AxeCheck price on Amazon
ESTWING 38 oz Double Bit AxeCheck price on Amazon
ESTWING Double Bit AxeCheck price on Amazon
Truper 30524 3-1/2-Pound Double Bit Michigan AxeCheck price on Amazon
Single Bit AxeCheck price on Amazon
Side by side
| Factor | Single bit axe | Double bit axe |
|---|---|---|
| Design | One cutting edge plus a poll (hammer face) for driving wedges | Two cutting edges; each can be profiled differently |
| Example listings | Link 64889 Grade A handle and Link 64890 homeowner handle (handles only) | Helko Werk Berlin dual bit felling axe, 3.5 lb head |
| Handle stated | 32 in, grade A or homeowner grade hickory, wax finish (both Link listings) | 30 in, grade A American hickory, linseed oil finish |
| Head weight stated | Fits 3 to 5 lb heads (handles only) | 3.5 lb head |
| Total weight stated | Handle 16 oz (64889) or 1.3 lb (64890); head not included | 5 lb per bullets, 6 lb per spec table |
| Edge steel stated | Not stated (handles only) | C50 high carbon steel, 53-56 HRC |
| Sheath stated | Not stated | Full grain leather sheath and 1 oz axe guard oil included |
| Warranty stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Example figures are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 19 October 2026. A figure from one listing describes that listing only.
Single bit vs double bit axe: the design difference
The single bit side here is represented by handles, not complete axes: the Link 64889 and 64890 are 32 in curved-grip hickory handles for 3 to 5 lb single bit heads, one grade A and one homeowner grade, both with a wax finish and a 2-5/16 by 3/4 in eye. The double bit side is a complete axe: the Helko Werk Berlin dual bit felling axe with a 3.5 lb head on a 30 in grade A hickory handle. The design trade is simple. The single bit gives you an edge and a poll, so one tool chops and drives wedges. The double bit gives you two edges, so the maker says you can profile one for splitting and keep the other finely honed, and you never swing a dull edge when the work is heavy. See our maul and axe types guide for the head shapes.
Two edges or one
The double bit’s whole argument is edge management. The Helko Werk bullets say one bit was traditionally used for heavy work that dulls the blade while the other was kept with a finely honed edge, and that one side commonly chopped undercuts for large timber while the other stayed in reserve for fine cutting. That is a felling workflow: rough work on one edge, clean work on the other, without stopping to sharpen. The single bit answers with versatility per swing: the poll drives splitting wedges and the one edge does the cutting. For firewood work that mixes chopping and wedge driving, the poll earns its keep; see wood splitting wedge vs axe. For felling and bucking big timber, two edges beat one.
Three examples
How we scored them
Each example is scored on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. The weights are on our How We Pick page. The Helko Werk scores on safety for its stated leather sheath and on build for its hand-forged C50 head at 53-56 HRC; the two handle listings state no safety features and no warranty terms, so they score nothing there. A spec the listing does not publish scores nothing, and a figure from one listing describes that listing only.
| Product | Woodlot Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helko Werk Berlin Dual Bit | 9.6 | 30 | 22 | 20 | 5 | 0 |
| Link 64889 Grade A Handle | 9.3 | 23 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Link 64890 Homeowner Handle | 9.3 | 22 | 18 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
Clear the swing area (overhead too), split on a solid chopping block at a comfortable height, keep your feet apart with the block in front of you, and wear eye protection and sturdy boots. Replace a cracked or loose handle before you swing again. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Around the Woodpile
- Handle replacement: the Link handles are 32 in curved-grip hickory for 3 to 5 lb heads; a worn handle is a maintenance item, not a reason to retire a good head.
- Sheath habit: the Helko Werk includes a full grain leather sheath; cover the edges whenever the axe is not in your hands.
- Oil the steel: the included 1 oz axe guard oil is for the head, to help prevent rust between sessions.
- Two edges, two grinds: if you run a double bit, keep one edge for rough work and one finely honed, the way the listing describes the traditional use.
- Sharpening: see our how to sharpen a splitting axe guide before you reprofile an edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a double bit axe good for?
Felling and bucking large timber. Two edges let you keep one for heavy, dulling work and one finely honed, and the Helko Werk example is built for exactly that: a 3.5 lb felling head on a 30 in handle. Our double bit axe picks compare more of them.
Can a single bit axe split firewood?
It can chop and the poll drives wedges, which is the classic firewood workflow. For dedicated splitting, a splitting axe or maul out-splits a felling pattern; see splitting axe vs maul.
What does the poll do on a single bit axe?
The poll is the blunt face opposite the edge, used for driving splitting wedges and light hammering. A double bit axe has no poll, so it cannot drive wedges.
Which handle fits my axe head?
Match the eye: both Link handles list a 2-5/16 by 3/4 in eye for 3 to 5 lb single bit heads. The 64889 is grade A hickory and the 64890 is homeowner grade.
Is a double bit axe harder to use?
With two cutting edges and no poll, it suits felling and bucking more than all-round camp chores. Beginners usually start with a single bit; see our best axe for beginners picks.
Single bit vs double bit for felling?
Double bit for serious felling: two edges and a 3.5 lb head built for large timber. Single bit if you also drive wedges and want one axe for the whole woodpile. Our what is a felling axe guide covers the pattern.
Related: the axe vs wood splitter comparison, the kindling cracker vs splitting axe comparison and our best felling axe picks.
