Best Axe/Hatchet

J85909266

J85909266

Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
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I'm looking for a really nice axe/hatchet for back yard chopping and splitting. I'm thinking medium to smallish, at somewhere around 15 to 20 inches. I want it to be versatile, and of the best quality possible. Production or mid-tech, not really looking for a custom. I want the best combination of toughness and edge retention. I also don't want to worry about the head ever coming off the handle. Natural or synthetic handles are fine. This is to be a tool, and I'm not interested in weapony looking tomahawks with spikes and stuff like that.

What are the brands I should be looking at? I have a couple of Fiskars, and they have blown me away by how well they work, but I know there has to be some better stuff out there at a higher price range.

Thanks.
 
I think what your Looking for you already have In the Fiskar's ! There about the only Company that make's a Hatchet with the Composite molded Handle around the Hachet like that, Otherwise get you an Estwing Hatchet It aint never gonna come apart, Bark River make's a Nice Hatchet also http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Glen-Eagle-Ax , Or you can get something like this http://www.osograndeknives.com/TOPs/tops_-_fax-01_f_a_x__fast_axe.htm I know you said no Tactical type's but I think this one can serve you well,
 
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Snake Dr. said:
I think what your Looking for you already have In the Fiskar's ! There about the only Company that make's a Hatchet with the Composite molded Handle around the Hachet like that, Otherwise get you an Estwing Hatchet It aint never gonna come apart, Bark River make's a Nice Hatchet also http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Glen-Eagle-Ax , Or you can get something like this http://www.osograndeknives.com/TOPs/tops_-_fax-01_f_a_x__fast_axe.htm I know you said no Tactical type's but I think this one can serve you well,
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So it is pretty much a guarantee that any traditional style, like a Bruk, for instance, is going to come apart someday?

How is the balance on a full tang axe? Do they chop as well as an axe with a bit on a shaft? I'm willing to make compromises for chopping efficiency and good edge retention. I don't mind if an axe looks tactical, so long as it works well and doesn't have any spikes on it.

The Vector stuff looks awesome.

I'm asking because the steel seems a bit soft on the Fiskars.
 
It really is hard to beat value you get in a Fiskars axe. Great tools for the money. Also check out Wetterlings and Snow & Nealley. Good stuff.
 
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How about a HI khukuri? Specifically one of the chiruwa Ang Kholas in the 15" to 18" range. They are full on chopping machines that are durable, have great edge retention and no head separation issues (unless you're talking about zombies :D ). For actual backyard chores (chopping, splitting, limbing, etc.) I much prefer a good khuk over a hatchet.
 
I get far more versatility out of my kukri's than my hatchets. My M-43 chops better than any axe I've seen of the same size.

All of you hatchets and hawks which take a handle can on day come apart or break a handle. You just replace the handle not really a big deal.

Wetterlings is nearly equal in quality to Gransfors Bruks. The Bruks come fully sharpened with the fine details taken care of.

Estwing axes and hatchets are a fantastic value giving boo coo years of service and have a nice thin edge.

Fiskars are light and sharp. Durable and inexpensive. It is a good idea to convex the edge immediately for otherwise some folks experience chipping of the edge. Nothing serious but it can be avoided.

Snow & Nealy makes a very good axe as well. My favorite is the Hudson Bay axe which is right in your size range.
 
Excellent recommendations everyone. I concour with what has been said here. It's hard to single out a BEST ax/hatchet because there are so many great ones.
 
J85909266 said:
So it is pretty much a guarantee that any traditional style, like a Bruk, for instance, is going to come apart someday?
.
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Yes , you are right (someday) . Gransfors come with 20 or 25 years guarante . (not 100% sure right now ).

Jozsef
 
I have wood-handled axes and hatchets from the 70s and earlier that haven't come apart. With good maintenance they will stay together for a very long time.

If you can afford it and have not previously tried a Gransfors, it's worth getting one. The Small Forest or Scandinavian Forest (Hudson Bay size) would be good choices.

DancesWithKnives
 
Yea Gransfors is amazing. They'll replace your axe with a new one if you mess it up under normal use. The fit is great, if after a while you get a little wiggle soaking the head in boiled linseed oil will swell it and get it tight again. Its also the only axe I ever received that was sharp enough to shave outta the box
 
DWK2 said:
I have wood-handled axes and hatchets from the 70s and earlier that haven't come apart. With good maintenance they will stay together for a very long time.

If you can afford it and have not previously tried a Gransfors, it's worth getting one. The Small Forest or Scandinavian Forest (Hudson Bay size) would be good choices.

DancesWithKnives
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I'd sure like to get me one "One Of These Day's" ! It's just when he said he never wanted to Worry about the Head coming off that I suggested the other one's Cuz I know they aint ever gonna come apart, And with a Steel Axe Head & Wood Handle there Is a chance It could come off, I'm with you and Dusty One all the way on this one The Scandinavian Forest Axe, I also want to try out the OxHead Axe from Ben's BackWood's and you can get them for 40.00 Shipped, But you gotta get your own Handle, Them Oxhead's are suppose to be a Real Nice Axe, But heck you can look at the Work on refurbishing Old Time Axe Head's In the Topic that Teague started and looking at his Work, And Today's Bad Economy you can make some Nice Axe's & Hatchet's from Yard Sale Find's like Old Plumb's I think there hard to beat,
 
Snake Dr. said:
I'd sure like to get me one "One Of These Day's" ! It's just when he said he never wanted to Worry about the Head coming off that I suggested the other one's Cuz I know they aint ever gonna come apart, And with a Steel Axe Head & Wood Handle there Is a chance It could come off, I'm with you and Dusty One all the way on this one The Scandinavian Forest Axe, I also want to try out the OxHead Axe from Ben's BackWood's and you can get them for 40.00 Shipped, But you gotta get your own Handle, Them Oxhead's are suppose to be a Real Nice Axe, But heck you can look at the Work on refurbishing Old Time Axe Head's In the Topic that Teague started and looking at his Work, And Today's Bad Economy you can make some Nice Axe's & Hatchet's from Yard Sale Find's like Old Plumb's I think there hard to beat,
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Those Oxheads do look nice for the price. And I agree you can fine some good ones at yard sales and thrift shops. Rebuilt a few last year and am real happy with them....
 
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