Anyone know anything about this double bit hatchet?

J

Jaundice

Joined
Jun 4, 2006
Messages
51
I've been looking on eBay for a marble's double bit hunter's axe (hatchet). I've seen some around, and it's my understanding that they're now made in China.

While looking, I've come across what appears to be a knockoff of the design, but in "440 stainless steel". Check it out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=300129995309&rd=1&rd=1

It's probably made in the same factory as the real marbles, just on the "night shift". Anyways, does anyone know anything about these hatchets? Is the steel hardened correctly (at all)? Are they more than just a toy?

I figured that 440A steel, the worst case, is probably a good steel for an axe head. It will take an edge, but is ductile enough not to break or shatter.

Thanks,

-John
 
440 is probably 440A
Wouldn't use any common stainless for an axe.
Stainless are pretty different from carbon steel, so I'm not sure your "night shift" idea is that probable.
Unknown maker and low price (not necessarly but probably) means poor craftmanship and quality control.

I think the "stainless steel" part alone would deter me from buying that. The rest doesn't make it look better.
 
Ravaillac;

Oh yes, I agree completely. When I spoke of the "night shift", I didn't mean to imply that this is the same/similar quality of the original. It is common that far eastern contract manufacturers will produce "knock-offs" or overruns of the product they were originally contracted to produce. That's why you can get "real" Nike or Adidas shoes for $5 in Malaysia or Korea. Often the quality is poor, though the exterior looks good.

However, sometimes there isn't much difference in quality, especially in the case of shoes or shirts, since the product is essentially the same, though the brand owner is cut out of the deal.

Interesting your thoughts on 440a. I'm a novice when it comes to steel. I actually would have thought the opposite. What are your particular objections to stainless steel on an axe-head?

Thanks,

-John
 
Stainless steels are generally a lot more brittle than carbon steels.
440A would probably better than 440C for an axe since toughness is more important than "edge holding" in that application, but would probably pretty poor compared to common carbon steels.

Anyway, stainless axes are pretty rare, and see very little if any professional use.
Most cutting tools exposed to high stress shocks (axes, machetes, large knives) are carbon steel, forged when possible.
 
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