Axe/Hatchet size

[Stormstaff]

I currently have a 26" Estwing Camp Axe. Is this a good size? Too big?

 

[RescueRiley]

it's big to cart around, for me how does it feel to you?? if it's heavy enough to be left at camp than that's where it'll be when you need it... I usually take a 14 in the warmer months and a larger in the colder months when I know I'll need to do alot of chopping...Past few times I've managed to do all my chopping with a large knife...

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Depends on what you're going to do.
Small ones are best if you want to carry them.
Larger ones are nice if you want to use them.

 

[BarberFobic1992]

i have a gransfors small forest axe, and for me it is the perfect size. about 19'' overall.

 

[texastonydobbs]

Knives of Alaska(KOA) makes an excellent hatchet,I fondled one but was short $10 bucks to buy.....comes with a well made leather sheath.....

 

[siguy]

i agree that it depends alot of what you are looking to do with it.

i have a 14" fiskars that chops great and i carried it around for an hour in my cargo pocket with no real problems.

to upgrade in size and chopping power, i have a 19" wetterlings that pokes out of a pack a little bit, but it really packs a punch and it isn't too heavy if you are looking to chop alot.

i imagine if you really need alot of chopping power, and don't mind the weight, that you could carry your axe around. i would leave it at camp (or just use it around the house) personally.

 

[grateful_fred]

i have a gransfors small forest axe, and for me it is the perfect size. about 19'' overall.

I second that!!
The thing keeps and edge and is very usefull. It is carryable.

 

[Stormstaff]

Thanks for the responses. The axe is still new so maybe I'll just take it back and go from there.

Thanks to all for the responses!!

 

[tholiver]

"AZ of Bushcraft (A for Axe)"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFpZJ2ICR5M

This video says Fingertip to elbow length is ideal for "bush" use.

 

[tabeeb762]

i have a gransfors small forest axe, and for me it is the perfect size. about 19'' overall.

I have the Wetterlings equivalent and I agree

 

[jca21]

i have a gransfors small forest axe as well and find it a nice useable size while packing around.

 

[attej]

"AZ of Bushcraft (A for Axe)"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFpZJ2ICR5M

This video says Fingertip to elbow length is ideal for "bush" use.

Here's my Wetterlings axe...

(it's the "Small Hunting axe", I think)

I've liked it so far, so I have to agree with the AZ -video. This, and a 4" puukko or mora, and Im all set

 

[mariobab]

Mine next to Trailhawk,it is small,but it serves me fine.

 

[junoir]

I have the k.o.a. hatchet, it chops as well as my battle mistress.

 

[Stormstaff]

Well, I took the unused camp ax back and picked up a Fiskars 14" hatchet instead.

 

[BlackDiamond]

I like the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet.

Where could I look for one ?

 

[tholiver]

I like the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet.

Where could I look for one ?

Ebay or Lee Valley etc etc.

 

[SouthernCross]

For where I go and what I do, a GB mini works for me


Kind regards
Mick

 

[sketchbag]

Mark down another vote for the 19" (GB in my case).

I find that with knives, the middle range (7") is too small for chopping too big for fine tasks, but thats not the case with this axe/hatchet. It's big enough to swing with both hands, its light enough to use with one, well balanced for choking up using for fine tasks and small enough to fit in the pack.

I'm super pleased with my GB small forest axe

 

[benchmadebob]

i like large knives/ small machetes more for one there generaly lighter and there more uses for them and my 12 inch ontario machete bites deeper than an axe and ways a lot less.