What axe/hachet would you say is the best compromise between weight/size and felling and splitting?
Depending on what size you are felling, maybe a 19" Wetterlings would be about right. If I knew I was going to be felling a lot of trees, a 26" would probably be better. Talking packable axes here.
Fiskars has a full size head, 3/4 length packable axe that can split, chop, and "do almost everything", VERY light. i spotted one for $20. hard to beat that. i think they typically list for $40 or so.
it will certainly outchop any knife/khukri i own, but doesn't have as fine an edge, so you'd want a knife for other chores.
Bladite
I've always avoided the Gerber/Fiskars wonder mystery steel. For $20 though hard to go wrong.
What axe/hachet would you say is the best compromise between weight/size and felling and splitting?
I grew up in a logging community in Oregon so there is no doubt in my mind that the size of wood to be cut will determine the tool to use. With that I try not to bite off more than I can chew. If I am not procuring wood to use in my stove at home I tend to pick on the little guys in the woods. I have to be pretty specific to what trees I attack to keep my hunting camps warm and manageable. If the wood is much bigger than a beer can in circumference I like to let them be. That being said, in my neck of the woods there is an abundance supply of the little guys beckoning to keep me busy.