Best hatchet

flatgrinder

flatgrinder

Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
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Who makes the best hatchet in terms of ergonomics and performance -and if money didn't matter?

Thanks! :thumbup:
 
I used a small fiskars hatchet, the one that is the size of the Gerber Back pax and hated it. It's so small that it wears you out quick. But, I was able to try a Fiskars 14" hatchet. Nice tool. In fact the wife is getting me one for x-mas. The price range is from 19.99 to 26.99. It feels and carries the balance of a hawk and is easy to swing with even one hand.
 
The Scandinavian axes and hatchets (Swedish, etc.) are outstanding choppers, but they can be pretty expensive to my way of thinking. Our good old American company, Estwing, makes some that are very hard to beat in my opinion. They make a small hatchet, a big hatchet, and a light ax or camp ax. Get the models with blue nylon molded handles and one of those should last your lifetime. In my area the big home improvement/building supply stores like Lowes and Home Depot sell them along with a nice variety of excellent Estwing hammers, too. I really like Estwing tools! :thumbup:
 
Gransfors Bruks typically are named as the best, especially if price doesn't matter. If price is an issue, Wetterlings is a very close substitute at 1/4 the price.
 
Dr. Mudd said:
The Scandinavian axes and hatchets (Swedish, etc.) are outstanding choppers, but they can be pretty expensive to my way of thinking. Our good old American company, Estwing, makes some that are very hard to beat in my opinion. They make a small hatchet, a big hatchet, and a light ax or camp ax. Get the models with blue nylon molded handles and one of those should last your lifetime. In my area the big home improvement/building supply stores like Lowes and Home Depot sell them along with a nice variety of excellent Estwing hammers, too. I really like Estwing tools! :thumbup:
Click to expand...

+1 here, Eastwing makes good overall tools.
 
i have a gransfors bruks hunter axe, it is a great axe, have used it to skin and dress a fair amount of big game and it did well, holds a razor edge also.

alex
 
Look around flea market and garage sales and get yourself an old Kelly axe in good shape. They are American made and the best axe I ever used. I occasionally see them and they can be had for 10-15 dollars.

-Yooperman
 
I own several hatchets but dollar for dollar you would be hard pressed to find one better than the Fiskars. When I guided canoe trips with kids, I wouldn't trust them with my gransfors. I had no trouble handing off a cheapo fiskars though. The edge isn't as keen as the GB but it cuts like crazy and is fairly light. It is the number one in my book.

Kev
 
I have the 14" Fiskars and it's a dandy little axe, but I prefer my SA Wetterling 19" Hunter axe.
 
IMO,

- Gransfors Bruks, best axes.
- Wetterlings, good performance but lesser overall quality an less quality control (heads off center) than GB.
- Fiskars, their really good, very light, real beaters.
- Vaughan Sportsman’s axe, really great pocket axe.

You can't really go wrong with any of them, just choose the one you like the most.
 
Like others have said, the GB's first and then the Wetterlings, if wood is your preference and money is no object. Fiskars if you like synthetic. I've got a Fiskars (after having previously disliked hatchets and distrusting synthetic handles) and now it's one of my favorite camp tools. Perfect little chopper!

P8030041.jpg
 
I love my Wetterlings and will look to them for any future hatchet and axe purchases.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
i have a granfors and bruks wildlife hatchet.... this thing is awesome....:thumbup: great user... plenty comfortable for long term use...
 
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