8" Fiskars - usable? any good?

The short handled Fiskars axe was used a bit by the ultra light people but even they came to the conclusion that if one needs an axe the longer handle is worth the small weight penalty.

TLM
 
That Fiskars is the same as the old Gerber "Back Paxe". I have one (the Gerber) and while it is useful the handle is too short, especially with the way it flares out near the lanyard hole. However recently i picked up two fiskars garden hatchets. The Fiskar head dimensions are exactly the same as the Backpaxe and the Fiskar handle is 14 inches long (including head). That extra length adds almost no weight but adds up to about a 10,000 percent improvement in comfort and usefulness. I would highly recommend the Fiskars garden hatchet. The garden hatchet goes in my backpack, my old Backpaxe now resides in my tool box.
 
The Fiskars Handy 500 (or the 8" hatchet you are talking about) is quite an useful tool for the money. It is of high quality and even after several years of using one and seeing other people using them, I haven't seen any failures on them. Even though compact, I still prefer the Handy 600 (the next-larger version) over the 500. The increase in handle length makes it almost ideal to backpacking trips and camp chores. I also like the thicker bit, it splits wood better than a slim bit, I think. The Handy-series of hatchets with the orange handles are made in Finland, and the Gerber models are later on modified versions of the same hatchet for the export market. I can't say where they are made, though. I guess Asia. Get a Handy hatchet, and you get great value for your money.

An interesting point is, if you happen to visit finland or see finnish hikers and backpackers, you are most likely to see some Fiskars hatchet with them. They are incredibly popular, and so many Finns can't be wrong :D. In answer to your question - The 8" (Handy 500) is usable, but the Handy 600 is way better.
 
h3n4 said:
An interesting point is, if you happen to visit finland or see finnish hikers and backpackers, you are most likely to see some Fiskars hatchet with them. They are incredibly popular, and so many Finns can't be wrong :D. In answer to your question - The 8" (Handy 500) is usable, but the Handy 600 is way better.
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I agree with all those Finns!:D I just got a 600, and it's phenomenal. I've only had the chance to test it on a couple small live branches and a piece of lumber so far, but it chops well and is quite easy to control. I especially like the little flair at the end of the handle. It really makes for a secure grip. Well done, Finns!:thumbup:
 
How long is the handle on the Handy 600? What is the difference in the heads?
Thanks
 
I believe the heads are the same, but the 600 has a 14" handle (14" is the total length, the grippable part is 12").
 
The head on the Gerber Backpaxe is exactly the same size and dimensions as the Fiskars Garden hatchet. The Gerber locks perfectly into the Fiskars molded plastic sheath.
 
Guys,

A note about these hatchet. Please be care not to hit any metal or rocks with the edge. The edge is very thin. It crumbles like paper when you hit a nail. It's a pain to grind out.
 
i have a old gerber made in finland i like it a lot . no you wont be chopping down any oaks or splitin any rails but if you keep it sharp (mine will shave) its very handy to have around a 15" bowie makes a poor hammer but my little gerber works well in that role.it has proven to be durable too
 
i keep the small geber in my hunting back, good for field work with game and chopping a small tree down or such
 
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.
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are them axes in the photo made from a Fiskars axe with the handle removed?:eek:
 
So it seems the consensus is (mostly) to not go shorter than 14" on a hatchet?
Anyone know what Daniel Boone's hatchet was like dimensionally?
I know TV ain't reality, but fess parker carried a hatchet in the small of the back, tucked in his belt...
The handle looked quite short...
Seems like for 'fightin' that 8-9 inches might be OK in a hatchet...

This should start a good conversation...

OK, let me have it...
 
I think Gerbers are just re-branded Fiskars. I have a friend who bought the 8 inch handled Gerber and it's head is just like my Fiskars garden hatchet. of course I may be wrong, I have not handled a Gerber or a Fiskars marked china. so I guess my mileage varies?
 
pinetree said:
For some reason I am drawn to the 8" Fiskars hatchet. Are they worth a darn? Do they really chop?
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I own a one. No better tool to hurt your fingers. Brittle edge. Low chopping power. I don't think it deserves a longer review.

dantzk.
 
dantzk8 said:
I own a one. No better tool to hurt your fingers. Brittle edge. Low chopping power. I don't think it deserves a longer review.

dantzk.
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If you've got a brittle edge on a Fiskars hatchet, you need to either resharpen the edge or contact warranty services. They're not supposed to be brittle at all.

I like the Handy 600 much better than the 500. The latter is just too damn small to chop down trees with (and sometimes I have to do that). I wouldn't buy the 500. It's too small.
 
I think it would be good if you have a full sized axe around anyways, or wood happens to be already split (like in some hostels, campgrounds). I tend to choke up for making kindling and such anyways.
 
I have both the gerber packaxe version and the actual fiskars 14".The gerber is indeed good at food prep.The quality seems the same on both and they both say Finland/fiskars(whatever thats worth) on them.I got the gerber some four years ago at EMS and the fiskars at Sears(under $30 each). Both are wicked sharp.The 14" is way better at camp duty though.Neither really functions as an axe.Just too short.
 
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