8" Fiskars - usable? any good?

[pinetree]

For some reason I am drawn to the 8" Fiskars hatchet. Are they worth a darn? Do they really chop?

 

[Hammer27]

I'm interested too...Don't have one but I see myself smashing my knuckles on whatever I'm chopping though

 

[shecky]

I didn't know Fiskars made a 8" hatchet. I'll bet it's darn cute, like other similarly sized hatchets, and like the others, not nearly as useful as a larger hatchet/axe.

 

[G. Scott H.]

I didn't know Fiskars made a 8" hatchet.

http://www.fiskars.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10101&categoryId=10277&productId=10534

They specifically ask that you not call it "cute", by the way.

 

[raindog101]

Well, it is cute. I might get it for my daughter one day, but I can't see myself using it.

 

[Ravaillac]

In my "quest" for a very light axe, I've always been curious about those,

but honestly I don't think it's good idea: handle length is generally why axes have an edge over large knives of weight, and having your hand so close to the chopping area seems awkward if not dangerous.

 

[kidwholaughs]

gerber makes something similar but crappier version of that hachet. I guess it really depends on what you are going to do with it. I think it will be good for someone who doesn't want to carry something heavy and still do some light- medium work.

 

[bob bowie]

On some of the hunting boards, folks are using them in a meat cleaver role, for quartering game.

 

[kidwholaughs]

On some of the hunting boards, folks are using them in a meat cleaver role, for quartering game.

That will do. If you can redo the edge on it. I think it will be the best money you have every spent. I do believe you can do more with it if you had that hatchet and a pocket knife. Than some 13 inche bowie

 

[G. Scott H.]

gerber makes something similar but crappier version of that hachet.

I've wondered about that myself. This is basically the Fiskars version of the Gerber Back Paxe (or vice versa). I've heard that the Fiskars versions are made in Finland, but I don't know about the Gerbers. I'm wondering if Fiskars isn't having the Gerber axes made in Asia somewhere. Anyone know by any chance?

 

[kidwholaughs]

I've wondered about that myself. This is basically the Fiskars version of the Gerber Back Paxe (or vice versa). I've heard that the Fiskars versions are made in Finland, but I don't know about the Gerbers. I'm wondering if Fiskars isn't having the Gerber axes made in Asia somewhere. Anyone know by any chance?

I have seen them with CHINA on them. Some people swear by Gerber's older models. But none the less, Finland does make a better hatchet.

BTW Pinetree. Cliff Stamp did a review on the 14" Fiskars Hachet. There are some good info that are worthy of checkig out.

http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/fiskars_hatchet.html

 

[G. Scott H.]

I have seen them with CHINA on them.

I was afraid that might be the case. I think I'll stick with the Fiskars made versions. Thanks for the link, too.

 

[BRASMAN]

My Gerber says "Fiskars and Finland" on it and no china but it is a longer handled version.

 

[Shotgun]

The gator axes are made in asia so I've heard. The kind with the textured grip and knife/saw in the handle. I have a 14" Gerber that says Finland.

 

[G. Scott H.]

If it's just the Gator version, that's cool. They seem a little gimmicky to me anyway. I'd rather carry a seperate knife (my BRKT Mini Northstar for example) than have that one in the handle. THanks for the info.:thumbup:

 

[kidwholaughs]

In the recent years, Gerber has down some outsourcing overseas. Their older stuff was really good. But more recently, their products' quality has taken a nose dive.

 

[Raymond Richard]

Since I have been messing around with the smaller axes I have found that a 9" handle is where I would draw the line between tool and something just cute. I've been working on another ax with a 8" handle. It just doesn't feel right for a tool.

 

[messer454]

Both my 8" and my 14" Gerbers say made in Finland the china thing disappoints me.

 

[Shotgun]

In the recent years, Gerber has down some outsourcing overseas. Their older stuff was really good. But more recently, their products' quality has taken a nose dive.

This might be true I bought mine a couple years ago. Can't see it happening though unless the Fiskars are being outsourced too. Seems like they're made side by side just using different handles.

 

[Fonly]

I have a little guy like this that is made from gerber, the pack axe. Nice little tool, sharp as the devil, nice axe.

As for the price and you want a compact axe, give it a shot, you wont regret it.