Best handle length

[The Old Dog]

I just picked up a Collins 1 3/4 lb hatchet with a 16" handle. I think it should have a longer handle for that much weight. I do a lot of coyote hunting and although I have other hatchets, I would like a longer haft and carry it on my pack instead of in my belt. Please feel free to advise me. I do have a GB small forest axe, but I prefer to make my own. Thanks, Dog

 

[rockman0]

I put my 1 3/4# head on a 19" handle. It's long enough to use both hands or one hand.

 

[Square_peg]

House axe weight. 19" would suit it.

 

[catspa]

You hunt coyotes with a hatchet? That impresses me, and I’m not easily impressed.

Parker

 

[garry3]

16" - 18" is my sweet spot for general use hatchets. Really depends on how and what's it used for though. I like a longer haft much better if it's used two handed, I would go as long as I could that still fit in a pack.

It's worth experimenting with though, I have a vintage hatchet that someone put on a 22" haft. I thought the first thing I would do with it is re-haft. Turns out it is just the perfect thing for chopping up the limbs that fall in the yard after a windstorm. I can stand up right with the limbs in one hand the hatchet in the other and chop them up across a stump into a more manageable size without bending over, it's perfect for that task.

 

[The Old Dog]

You hunt coyotes with a hatchet? That impresses me, and I’m not easily impressed.

Parker

Don't be impressed as after 15 years of coyote calling I have killed 0 coyotes with a hatchet. Dog

 

[The Old Dog]

I think I'll make it 22" and if it's too long, shorten it. Thanks, Dog

 

[F1fan]

IMO 22” for a 1.75lb is great imo.

 

[The Old Dog]

Ended up at 22.5". Used an old piece of hard maple that was in my Grandparents basement for a long long time (75 years or so). I hope it hold up. Dog