1084 or similar steel hatchet or hand ax?

S

Sid Post

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Oct 14, 1998
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I am looking for a quality hatchet or hand axe. I was looking at Hardened Hammers but, the overall profile seems a bit off to me. I want something with a hardened poll/butt and profile for light chopping, limbing, and similar work and occasional use to drive a stake or set a nail.

I have a GRÄNSFORS OUTDOOR AXE which I find to be a bit light to be effective on my farm for general utility. I have some low-carbon axes which I find a bit soft. I could probably swing them full force on an anvil and not chip them. :oops: I want something relatively hard from 1084 or a similar alloy steel.

The Knives of Alaska Hunter's Hatchet looks nice but, it is simply too small and light to be viable. However, it encourages me to look at unusual options to find something appropriate. Perhaps something from 2Hawks or H&B Forge? Or someone on this site that forges axes?

I'm initially thinking of something with a ~16" haft and a head weight of 1.25~1.50lbs (my 800g German hatchet has a good weight, just wish it wasn't so soft).

TIA,
Sid
 
Sid Post said:
I am looking for a quality hatchet or hand axe. I was looking at Hardened Hammers but, the overall profile seems a bit off to me. I want something with a hardened poll/butt and profile for light chopping, limbing, and similar work and occasional use to drive a stake or set a nail.

I have a GRÄNSFORS OUTDOOR AXE which I find to be a bit light to be effective on my farm for general utility. I have some low-carbon axes which I find a bit soft. I could probably swing them full force on an anvil and not chip them. :oops: I want something relatively hard from 1084 or a similar alloy steel.

The Knives of Alaska Hunter's Hatchet looks nice but, it is simply too small and light to be viable. However, it encourages me to look at unusual options to find something appropriate. Perhaps something from 2Hawks or H&B Forge? Or someone on this site that forges axes?

I'm initially thinking of something with a ~16" haft and a head weight of 1.25~1.50lbs (my 800g German hatchet has a good weight, just wish it wasn't so soft).

TIA,
Sid
Click to expand...
You won't do it but if it was me I would get on the bay and find a True Temper Tomahawk or Tommy axe head and hang it on a rigging axe handle.
 
Sid Post said:
I am looking for a quality hatchet or hand axe. I was looking at Hardened Hammers but, the overall profile seems a bit off to me. I want something with a hardened poll/butt and profile for light chopping, limbing, and similar work and occasional use to drive a stake or set a nail.

I have a GRÄNSFORS OUTDOOR AXE which I find to be a bit light to be effective on my farm for general utility. I have some low-carbon axes which I find a bit soft. I could probably swing them full force on an anvil and not chip them. :oops: I want something relatively hard from 1084 or a similar alloy steel.

The Knives of Alaska Hunter's Hatchet looks nice but, it is simply too small and light to be viable. However, it encourages me to look at unusual options to find something appropriate. Perhaps something from 2Hawks or H&B Forge? Or someone on this site that forges axes?

I'm initially thinking of something with a ~16" haft and a head weight of 1.25~1.50lbs (my 800g German hatchet has a good weight, just wish it wasn't so soft).

TIA,
Sid
Click to expand...
Maybe a claw hatchet (like the one shown below)?
s-l1600.jpg
 
I am wondering about the Mueller 1.3lb head "Classic Hatchet". I would appreciate any comments about using one of these.

Regarding the classic hatchet with the 'nail notch', I haven't ever used one like that which was very good at basic woodworking tasks like you would have at a campsite.
 
You’re describing the Flying Fox hatchet, except for the steel. A FF is 1060. Might be “too soft” for you, but I’ve heard great luck.
 
Vaughan & Bushnell half hatchet.
$20, Made in the USA, and a great well treated 1080 steel.
They come dull like one would expect, so it's a perfect time to put a little radius to the straight edged bit.
 
I'm a fan of 2Hawks tools. His heat treatment for 6150 is quite good, you won't likely find them too soft. I like the Warbeast, but it's a bit light for your specifications.
 
Sid Post said:
I am wondering about the Mueller 1.3lb head "Classic Hatchet". I would appreciate any comments about using one of these.

Regarding the classic hatchet with the 'nail notch', I haven't ever used one like that which was very good at basic woodworking tasks like you would have at a campsite.
Click to expand...
The Classic Line is their highest quality line, but the Strikingplate is not hardened.
 
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