Axes & Hatchets

S

Sid Post

Joined
Oct 14, 1998
Messages
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I am looking at axes and hatchets and would like to add some good ones to my daily rotation. I would like to stay under the Gransfor Bruk price point and want better quality than I can get at the 'big box' stores.

A few brands I see online are Hultafor, Helko, Council Tool and, Snow & Nealley. Reading old reviews indicates most of these brands have sold out and went to a cheaper mass market model.

What do the RKI's around here recommend for good quality WORKING axes and hatchets? What about wedges and mauls (where do I get the good ones)?

TIA,
Sid

p.s. I am looking for a small backpack axe, a midsize camp axe and, a big felling axe with wedges.
 
Wetterlings would be my suggestion for what you're talking about quality/price wise.
 
EricV said:
Wetterlings would be my suggestion for what you're talking about quality/price wise.
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Wetterlings look nice but, they are all over $100USD ($100~$200). Helko look similar for ~$70 give or take $10 or $20. Are Wetterlings that much better?

Thanks!
Sid
 
No idea I've never handled a Helko. Husqvarna sells rebranded Wetterlings for about $80 (small forest axe equivalent). Wetterlings are a known example, with a large reputation for quality, Snow and Nealley and Council both would be in a similar bracket. I like the factory hafts on Wetterlings more personally, but I only keep an old rehafted collins around these days. There is actually an axe and tool forum here you may want to check out.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/768-Axe-Tomahawk-amp-Hatchet-Forum
 
Sid Post said:
Wetterlings look nice but, they are all over $100USD ($100~$200). Helko look similar for ~$70 give or take $10 or $20. Are Wetterlings that much better?

Thanks!
Sid
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Wetterlings shop around you can one under $100
 
I would recommend checking the secondary market for vintage made in the USA hatchets. Great deals can be occasionally be found at flea markets, thrift shops, garage sales, and antique shops.
 
Husqvarna and Fiskars are both good quality working axes in your price range new. I prefer to buy vintage, Kelly Tru-Temper and Plumb are common, Woodings Verona Tool Co is another good one. Check out the axe/hatchet forum on here too.

I've got a near perfect condition Kelly Tru-Temper 3 pound Jersey pattern head that I really want to haft soon. Also, picking the right shape head for the wood commonly in your area is important.


-X
 
fishiker said:
I would recommend checking the secondary market for vintage made in the USA hatchets. Great deals can be occasionally be found at flea markets, thrift shops, garage sales, and antique shops.
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Absolutely true.

I've rehung a couple of hatchets and axes lately, and if I may say so myself, they're gorgeous and perform at the top of the charts. I picked up the heads for just a few bucks apiece, picked out my handle at Househandle.com for about $12, and spent a few hours on the workbench.

It's really a great feeling to handle a quality axe or hatchet you've refinished yourself, and that old American steel performs pretty darned well. I'll post a pick of my latest in just a bit.
 
My latest:
4303379c90c656dd58257f0fd1c3f27e.jpg
 
If you enjoy the labor, the secondary market can't be beat. If you don't enjoy the labor and make a decent wage, the hours you put in will make it more expensive than the Wetterlings. Personally, I'm a terrible handyman, so I would recommend Husqvarna or, if you want less expensive, the much maligned Fiskars X series actually performs very well, they just look junky and don't have the same feel as a nicer, wood handled axe.
 
Antique stores are a good place to look for quality axes and lower prices. Yard sales are also good. You can find some real deals in them.
 
Yes to yard sales, but you need to know what you're looking at. Just about everyone has an axe that lies around un-used for years. So, the first yard sale, it gets included with the other stuff for sale. Plumb and Collins are fairly common brands that you see.
 
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