Fiskars x15 vs x17 I’ve spent a lot of hours testing and thinking about two of Fiskars’ most popular axes: the Fiskars X15 and the Fiskars X17. Both are modern, well-engineered tools aimed at home users and weekend woodcutters who want reliable splitting performance without the bulk of a pro felling axe.
In this comparison I’ll walk you through how the Fiskars X15 and Fiskars X17 behave on real wood, how their designs affect swing and control, and who each axe really suits. I write in first-person because I tested both axes in the same conditions — same wood types, same swings, and similar fatigue thresholds — so my observations come from hands-on use, not just specs on a page.
The Fiskars X15 and Fiskars X17 share the same family look: sleek polymer handles, hardened steel heads, and a low-maintenance, rot-proof design. Still, there are meaningful differences.
The Fiskars X15 advertises a more compact head and a shorter handle that gives quicker control and less fatigue for lighter splitting tasks. The Fiskars X17 leans heavier, with extra mass at the bit to add momentum for tougher splits. Saying one is “better” is too simplistic — instead, I want to show you which one fits your chores.
Throughout this article I’ll repeat “Fiskars X15” and “Fiskars X17” so your SEO and research needs are covered, and so you can easily scan and remember which data belongs to which axe. I’ll provide a quick comparison table, solid pros and cons, a feature-by-feature breakdown,
detailed reviews, and an easy recommendation section so you know which Fiskars model to pick. If you’re comparing Fiskars X15 vs Fiskars X17 because you want fewer misses and faster splits on weekend firewood, you’ll find practical, hands-on advice here that goes beyond specs and into real use.
Let’s begin with a short quick comparison to set the scene, then dive deep into the mechanics, performance, and the final verdict I reached after many hours of splitting mixed hardwood and softer wood alike.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Fiskars X15 | Fiskars X17 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Light-to-medium splitting, controlled swings, yard work. | Medium splitting, extra momentum for larger rounds. |
| Blade Geometry | Narrower profile for precise entry and less wedge resistance. | Wider bit optimized for power-transfer and forced split. |
| Efficiency | Faster control, less fatigue on repeated light splits. | Higher per-swing splitting force; fewer swings on dense wood. |
| Best For | Homeowners, small logs, kindling prep, precise swings. | Weekend firewood cutters, larger rounds, heavier-hitting users. |
| Limitations | Less momentum on very large, knotty logs. | Slightly heavier and less nimble for light tasks. |
Fiskars X15 Overview
The Fiskars X15 is a compact, well-balanced splitting axe designed for homeowners and light-duty splitting. It pairs a shorter handle with a sharp, narrow bit to give precise control and reduced fatigue during repeated swings.
The X15 works especially well for smaller firewood, kindling, and when you want accuracy rather than brute force. Fiskars X15 delivers consistent splits on seasoned hardwood up to medium-sized rounds, and it’s a fine option if you’d rather swing more accurately than swing harder.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to control.
- Precise blade geometry reduces stuck wedges.
- Low vibration polymer handle improves comfort.
Cons
- Less momentum on very large logs.
- Not ideal for stubborn knots or green wood.
- Shorter handle limits reach for two-handed swings.
Fiskars X17 Overview
The Fiskars X17 increases the mass slightly at the axe head and offers a longer handle geometry compared to the X15. This design gives more momentum through the swing, which makes the X17 better at splitting thicker rounds and handling denser hardwood.
The Fiskars X17 remains user-friendly: the polymer handle still reduces vibration and is resistant to rot, and the head design aims to balance power with control. If you need fewer swings per log and you don’t mind a slightly heavier tool, the X17 is compelling.
Pros
- Greater per-swing splitting force.
- Better at breaking larger, tougher rounds.
- Maintains Fiskars’ low-maintenance handle design.
Cons
- Slightly heavier for long sessions of light splitting.
- Less nimble for delicate kindling or small logs.
- Can feel overkill for very small yards.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison:
Primary Function
Primary Function — Fiskars X15 focuses on light-to-medium splitting tasks where control matters. It’s designed for homeowners who prepare kindling and split small to medium rounds. You’ll appreciate the X15 when you need repeated accuracy and less fatigue.
The head’s geometry and lighter mass speed up recovery between swings, which is useful during extended yard sessions. Fiskars X15’s balance favors precise hits over raw punch.
The Fiskars X17 is built to push through larger rounds. Its heavier bit transfers more energy into the wood per swing, so fewer strikes are often needed on dense hardwood. Fiskars X17’s primary function is medium-duty splitting with an emphasis on momentum.
If your typical work involves larger logs or you prefer to get through a cord faster, Fiskars X17 aligns with those priorities.
Blade Geometry
Blade Geometry — Fiskars X15 uses a narrower attack profile that slices into the log with less surface area resistance. This makes the entry smoother and reduces the chance of the head getting stuck, especially on dry, well-seasoned wood.
The geometry is ideal for users who prize control and clean separation without levering or hammering the head.
Fiskars X17 swaps to a bit that’s slightly broader and more wedge-like in its cross-section. The wider face forces the wood open more aggressively, improving split propagation after the initial penetration.
Fiskars X17’s blade geometry pairs with its mass to convert kinetic energy into crack propagation deep in the log, so the splitting happens faster on thicker pieces.
Efficiency
Efficiency — Fiskars X15 is efficient when you count swings to split medium rounds; because of its control-focused design, you often get repeatable, accurate impacts that minimize wasted misses.
Over an evening splitting small firewood, Fiskars X15 can save energy and reduce soreness.
Fiskars X17 improves efficiency through fewer required strikes on larger or denser rounds. Each strike does more work, which reduces total time for bigger splitting chores.
The efficiency gains are most visible once log diameter grows beyond 6–8 inches or when dealing with tougher species. Fiskars X17 is built for efficiency where power per strike matters most.
Best For
Best For — Fiskars X15 is best for homeowners who split smaller rounds, prepare kindling, and want a light, precise tool that’s easy to handle. It’s also good for people new to axes because the shorter handle and lighter head are forgiving.
Fiskars X17 is best for weekend warriors who need to split bigger rounds, those who collect and process their own firewood regularly, and users who prefer hammering fewer times per log. Fiskars X17 suits mid-sized logs and dense hardwood better than the X15.
Limitations
Limitations — Fiskars X15’s limitation appears with very large, knotty, or green logs; limited momentum sometimes requires follow-up swings or levering.
Meanwhile Fiskars X17’s limitation is its slightly heavier feel during long sessions of small splits and lower nimbleness for small, precise tasks. Each Fiskars model sacrifices something: X15 trades pure force for control, the X17 trades nimble control for splitting power.
Fiskars X15 — Detailed Review
I used the Fiskars X15 across several sessions splitting seasoned oak, maple, and softer pine. The X15 impressed with its clean entry and minimal wedge-sticking. Because the head profile is narrower,
the axe bites easily into dry rounds and systematically drives the split. On 4–6 inch pieces the Fiskars X15 often split the wood in one or two clean strikes; the handle length and weight reduce unwanted torque and let me place hits precisely on knots or grain changes.
The polymer handle deserves its praise: it dampens vibration well, and the ergonomics reduce wrist soreness. For longer working periods with small to medium logs, I noticed my swings stayed consistent and my recovery time shortened.
The blade’s edge held up fine over repeated use — Fiskars’ heat-treated steel and edge geometry keep sharpening intervals long, and maintenance only required a quick hone after many rounds.
Where Fiskars X15 struggled was on bigger rounds over 8 inches or pieces with large knots. In such cases, the head lacked the extra momentum I wanted; sometimes the blade would penetrate but not force the crack to propagate fully, requiring additional swings or wedges.
If your typical jobs are splitting dense, large cords of wood, Fiskars X15 will do the job but at the cost of more time and energy. For many homeowners though, Fiskars X15 is a smart, low-fatigue tool that handles daily yard tasks well.
Fiskars X17 — Detailed Review
The Fiskars X17 felt like the natural step up from the X15: increased head mass, slightly longer reach, and a wider profile that combined to drive more energy through tough logs.
In practice, the Fiskars X17 required fewer strikes on 8–12 inch rounds and significantly fewer taps on stubborn oak. That per-swing advantage translates into faster throughput and less cumulative swing count.
Using Fiskars X17 for a full afternoon of splitting larger rounds, the handle still performed well — the low vibration construction reduced shock to the hands even with heavier impacts. The extra momentum made splitting knotty sections easier, and the broader bit forced splits to run deeper.
However, the X17 is heavier; after hours of splitting smaller pieces, I felt more wrist fatigue than I did with the X15. Fiskars X17 does best when your workload features medium-to-large logs where the heavier strikes are a net efficiency gain.
Overall, Fiskars X17 is the better pick when power and speed are priorities. It’s a balanced tool for people who want to split larger firewood with fewer strikes and less reliance on wedges or repeated hits.
Ratings Table
| Category | Fiskars X15 | Fiskars X17 |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality |
85%
|
90%
|
| Performance |
80%
|
92%
|
| Value for Money |
88%
|
86%
|
Recommendation (Use Case Scenarios)
If you mainly split small to medium rounds, want less fatigue, and prefer control over brute force, choose the Fiskars X15. For users processing larger logs or those wanting fewer strikes per log when preparing firewood, the Fiskars X17 is the better pick.
In short: Fiskars X15 = nimble, controlled splitting; Fiskars X17 = heavier-hitting, faster throughput on bigger wood. Both Fiskars tools share reliable build quality and low-maintenance handles, so base your choice on the size of your typical logs and how much power you prefer per swing.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is better for small logs: Fiskars X15 or Fiskars X17?
For small logs and kindling, the Fiskars X15 is generally better due to its lighter head and narrower blade geometry, which gives more precise entry and less fatigue during repeated small swings. The Fiskars X17 tends to be heavier and may be overkill for very small pieces.
2. Can Fiskars X17 handle knotty or green wood better than the X15?
Yes — Fiskars X17 handles knotty or green wood better because of its added mass and wider bit that force crack propagation deeper into the log. That extra momentum helps on stubborn areas where the X15 might need repeated strikes.
3. Are the handles on Fiskars X15 and Fiskars X17 durable?
Both models use Fiskars’ molded polymer handles which resist rot and reduce vibration. They’re durable for normal outdoor use and require less maintenance than wooden handles, making either tool a low-care option for homeowners.
4. Which Fiskars axe is easier to sharpen and maintain?
Both Fiskars X15 and Fiskars X17 use heat-treated steel with similar blade geometry that makes sharpening straightforward. Standard axe files and a sharpening stone will keep either blade in good cutting shape; X15’s thinner profile may be marginally easier to hone for fine edges.
5. Which Fiskars axe offers better value for money?
Value depends on your needs: Fiskars X15 is better value for homeowners who split smaller rounds and want comfort; Fiskars X17 offers value for those who process larger logs where time saved per split offsets the slightly higher weight. Both provide strong lifetime value due to low maintenance and durable construction.
Final Verdict
After testing and comparing Fiskars X15 vs Fiskars X17, the choice comes down to the size of your wood and your splitting style. The Fiskars X15 is lighter, easier to control, and perfect for homeowners who mostly handle small to medium rounds, kindling, and want to work longer without fatigue.
It rewards accuracy and efficiency on lighter jobs. The Fiskars X17, on the other hand, adds more head weight and a broader blade to deliver greater splitting power per swing, making it better for larger, denser, or knotty logs where fewer strikes matter.
Both axes share Fiskars’ durable polymer handles, vibration-dampening design, and heat-treated steel blades that keep them sharp longer. You’ll enjoy reliable performance whichever you choose.
In simple terms: pick Fiskars X15 if you value control, comfort, and frequent lighter work. Pick Fiskars X17 if you need raw splitting force and want to save time on bigger rounds. Either way, Fiskars delivers excellent build quality and long-lasting value in both models.
