Buck Comprade Hatchet

If you don't understand why running an axe at thin angles is of advantage then it sounds like you need to give it a go before claiming that it's at all disadvantageous. Thinner edge geometry increases cutting effectiveness by orders of magnitude, so improved edge stability for supporting low angles, attained through higher hardness without significant sacrifices in toughness, leads to an overall performance jump. Hence 5160 being an excellent choice over 1060 or 1045 if run appropriately hard.
 
Edge angle and cheek geometry aren't the same thing, though. You can have a very thin edge that still has a sizable degree of splitting capability. And a lot of considerations like splitting ability are going to be greatly variable depending on the intended context of use for the particular axe. If you must split with a thin-bitted axe, use the twist-splitting method.
 
Eh...I'll get into these details later as I'm spending most of my day today on the road. But for now I'll just say that you're correct to a certain extent but that a pretty thick geometry can be made that still permits a low edge angle because the rest of the head sits in the umbra of that angle.
 
Just got back from the Oregon Knife Collector show, but did not see a Buck Comprade but had a good time. Met two members on Blade Forums, nice to put a face to a name. Picked up a Lahdensuo 1952 Helsinki Olympic Commemorative puukko, unfortunately not with a sheath, and sold enough knives to pay for the trip, so a win win for me. See we are up to three pages now, sorry I opened this can of worms. John
PS Lots of axes at the show. One young man came by with a 6 pound fireman's head (True Temper) and a handle. Next day he came by and he had mounted the head to the handle, but would take a strong man to wield it.
 
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This shows what a very low 10° per side edge would still be able to produce if it was done as a linear wedge shape. You can is how thick the overall geometry still is, and that's barring any offset flare in the bit/eye transition as is common.

You can see here on my favorite splitting maul that the cheeks are just shy of 9° per side and it's nice and chunky.

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Meanwhile the edge, which is thicker than I use on axes, and even a little thicker than I usually run this maul, is a little under 19° per side.

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I typically do about 12-15° per side, and you could make an axe with cheeks much thinner than that that would still split like a boss.
 
I like the compadre 'axe'/hatchet. I have the micarta and black powder coat version. Its a good little companion to a knife and seems like it would do well for small game processing(joint and limb separation and breaking). I have yet to use it to that purpose but I do look forward to it. It is no competition chopper but it swings comfortably and is slightly head heavy. Limbs up to 3 in. diameter are no issue. At least on mine the fit/finish and ergo's are fantastic! Comfortable to hold choked up for feather sticks or on the back end for chopping. Finish has held up great and edge retention has been promising. 5160 is one of my favorite steels and is serviceable, tough, and 'longer' lasting in the field. The sheath is well stitched and thick leather that fits the hatchet really well.

As to philosophy of use? Carry what ever the heck you want. I'm typically a big knife/little knife kind of guy. But this is a fun and different kind of carry. This design essentially extends a 3.5-4 in. blade outward from your hand and gives you the ability to effectively chop something you wouldn't be able to tackle with your belt knife.

I put a little sling on mine and carry it under my arm. I paid around 90 and it was worth it to me. Hope this helps in your decision on buying or not buying. Have a good day!
 
JoeCitizen said:
I like the compadre 'axe'/hatchet. I have the micarta and black powder coat version. Its a good little companion to a knife and seems like it would do well for small game processing(joint and limb separation and breaking). I have yet to use it to that purpose but I do look forward to it. It is no competition chopper but it swings comfortably and is slightly head heavy. Limbs up to 3 in. diameter are no issue. At least on mine the fit/finish and ergo's are fantastic! Comfortable to hold choked up for feather sticks or on the back end for chopping. Finish has held up great and edge retention has been promising. 5160 is one of my favorite steels and is serviceable, tough, and 'longer' lasting in the field. The sheath is well stitched and thick leather that fits the hatchet really well.

As to philosophy of use? Carry what ever the heck you want. I'm typically a big knife/little knife kind of guy. But this is a fun and different kind of carry. This design essentially extends a 3.5-4 in. blade outward from your hand and gives you the ability to effectively chop something you wouldn't be able to tackle with your belt knife.

I put a little sling on mine and carry it under my arm. I paid around 90 and it was worth it to me. Hope this helps in your decision on buying or not buying. Have a good day!
Click to expand...

can you speak to what kind grind is on the bevels? hollow or flat?
 
disduster said:
can you speak to what kind grind is on the bevels? hollow or flat?
Click to expand...

Hmm not having it in hand at the moment, I want to say flat. Then it has your typical factory edge of like 20-22 degrees. Plenty sharp. It really is a finely constructed, slick little package.
 
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