I've used Gransfors, Wetterling and Snow and Nealy and have settled on a Council Hudson Bay Pattern for most kindling, small tree cutting and splitting chores as a general purpose axe. They make several different length handles for it as well.
http://counciltool.com/axes-hatchets-mauls-wedges/They are tough (not quite as hard as the Swedish steel) they have a better cross section in the cheek area for splitting dry and tougher wood where as the Gransfors are thinner and more for green wood. The Council costs less and still has good quality steel that holds a good edge and USA made. HArd to beat.
