A hatchet and an axe are both used for chopping wood, but they have a number of differences. Generally speaking, a hatchet is a single-bladed cutting tool that is approximately 14" long, usually weighs less than two pounds, and has a small handle similar to a hammer. It is often used for light chopping tasks around the garden. Axe, on the other hand, consists of a sharp metal blade with an elongated handle and can be used for splitting wood into smaller sections or for removing tree bark.