Axes from knife makers?

C

counsel-of-record

Joined
Jan 10, 2001
Messages
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I am in the market for an axe or tomahawk for backpacking. Something not too heavy. I have noticed that Bussee, Greco, and a few others are making a small hatchet out of their 1/4 inch steels. I wonder if anyone has any opinions on these smaller sized tools? Am I better off with a regular hatchet or axe?
Thanks for any help.
Bill
 
About the lightest you will find is the little one from Gerber. But if you want to spend more money, the Busse would be nice.
 
I have the little backpack axe from Gerber and I think it is pretty good. It is light enough that you would actually take it with you. Also the handle is hollow, yet strong. I'm trying to figure out how to get some goodies up there, then get them out.
 
Something to think about - the commercial knife manufacturers are not axe/tomahawk specialists. Making a good axe that works is very different from making a good knife that works. I used to be a custom knifemaker but became a tomahawk specialist "by default" about 10 years ago when I didn't have time to do both.
Steel alloys, edge grinds, and ergonomics (e.g., balance) are very different between "chopping knives" and axes/hawks. The major knife manufacturers have a lot of experience in one area but it does not necessarily translate unless you have spent a lot of time on the engineering of dedicated chopping tools (though a properly designed razor sharp hawk also works for skinning, butchering, fleshing hides, and shaving).
Don't know what the weight of the Gerber is, but my backpacker's and trapper's Woodsman model is one pound, including handle, and has a good hammer poll for tent stakes, trap pegs, and marrow bones.
TWO HAWKS
http://www.2hawks.net
 
I bought the Greco and it only weighs 12 ounces and is 8 1/4" inches long. It's solid full tanf construction of 1/4" inch A2 powder coated steel with micarta slabs. The handy little dude comes with a top notch high quality heavy duty black leather sheath. The balance is outstanding for such a petite peice. For my purposes of wanting and needing a hatchet, without wanting to actually CARRY a hatchet, it's perfect.
 
Two Hawks :

Making a good axe that works is very different from making a good knife that works.
Click to expand...

Steel alloys, edge grinds, and ergonomics (e.g., balance) are very different between "chopping knives" and axes/hawks.
Click to expand...

I would agree with the above very strongly. However there is a big distinction between an axe and a hatchet, which is being discussed here. The impact energies of axes are easily 25+ times that of a hatchet. 'Hawks, because they have to be able to be thrown (more than once), are also in another durability class above hatchets.

The major knife manufacturers have a lot of experience in one area but it does not necessarily translate unless you have spent a lot of time on the engineering of dedicated chopping tools
Click to expand...

Specific to Busse Combat (I have no experience with Greco, either the man or his blades), and Jerry Busse in particular, this is a topic which has commanded his attention for a significant amount of time. While I have *not* used the Busse Combat hatchet :

http://www.bussecombat.com/images/hatchet2.jpg

Based on the pictures I have seen of it, and my impression of Busse's dedication to functionality, I would bet that it is a very solid performer for its weight class 14 oz.

For example comparing it to the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet I would expect the Busse Combat one to in general cut better (note the head design for a high grip) and hold an edge longer, and as well be more durable edge wise (steel and geometry issues). The Wildlife Hatchet should outchop it, however I don't think it would be a blow out because its greater mass (40% heavier) would be counteracted by the thinner bit on the Busse Combat Hatchet. The biggest difference would be in regards to splitting and chopping in soft woods where the heavy cheeks of the Wildlife Hatchet would prevent excessive binding. The Wildlife Hatchet also has a wider poll so it would be better at pounding stakes and such (the extra weight also coming into play here).

If someone has used the Busse Combat hatchet and the above is really off from how it actually performs I would be interested to hear about it.

-Cliff
 
I have one of the baby Gerber camp axes. It does a nice job for what it is. It does take a keen, sharp edge but it does take damage under hard use. The steel seems to be on the softer, middle ground for this kind of thing.

I like the tool and it wasn't particularly expensive but I don't carry it in the field. I find a larger knife overall better for the weight/energy/usefullness.

My Gerber axe is relegated to my rabbit paw lopper. Unlucky rabbit, but those paws just fly :eek: - no fingers lost yet. When I have a whole pile of rabbits from a night's cull, paws come off first with my pyjama skinning system (so long as they are head shot).

Little belt axes with a small blade or multi tool make very nice piggy back partners for those jobs about the farm.

Forest axes and bigger are a whole new ball game and righty earn their place in anyones armoury.
 
Don't forget guys. Bobby Brabton is a custom knife maker, and HE makes the Tomahawks for ATC. I can tell you, they are great hawks to own!!!;) ;) :D :D
 
Please allow me to throw in my small bit of knowledge. I've tried the small axe by Greco and a few others. What I found was that they did a fair job but not so good that a "Brute" by Camillus couldn't surpast them and also offer other uses. A tool will often have to pull extra duties to make it worthwhile to carry.
 
FYI, since hawk/axe Q&A shows up regularly in several different forums, I set up a poll asking the question, "Should a separate general forum be set up for tomahawks & camp axes?" Please express your opinion here. TIA.
 
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