camping hatchet

coloradowildman · Apr 18, 2011

I have an old antique Estwing hatchet along with a Husqvarna Hatchet but my favorite hatchet is now a Fiskars X7, which is their new model line. Outchops my Husky, only costs $24 from Ace Hardware and has a lifetime warranty. The new rubberized handle is also very comfortable.

walkbyfaith777 · Apr 22, 2011

This is a great axe for camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting, etc. About 12" long and 12 oz without the sheath. It is small but chops really well. It is very sharp and holds an edge well, too.

cyc79 · Apr 22, 2011

walkbyfaith777, that's one hatchet I've never seen before but I like it. Could you tell me a bit about it?
Sorry, not meaning to hijack your thread, deltawhisky.

bearhunter · Apr 22, 2011

cccpull said:
Why? Is it the short handle?

I have a Fiskars X7 and it's a good camp hatchet. Isn't the Gerber made by Fiskars?

i just think that the handle is too short to be of much use around camp. it was given to me as a gift from a friend years ago. i carried it camping and backpacking several times, played with it and was disappointed. so i just stopped using it. it now hangs in the shed gathering dust. one would be much better off with a good knife than the pack axe, IMO...

walkbyfaith777 · Apr 24, 2011

cyc79 said:
walkbyfaith777, that's one hatchet I've never seen before but I like it. Could you tell me a bit about it?
Sorry, not meaning to hijack your thread, deltawhisky.

Thanks for asking. This belt/bag axe is 4140 steel with a hickory handle. It has a 2" cutting edge. If you would like more information, feel free to check out our website or PM me. Thanks again.

coloradowildman · Apr 24, 2011

jw2n said:
The problem with the pack axe in my experience has been that a small error in your swing results in smashing your fingers. QUOTE]

I can attest to this as well. I had the Wetterlings "Belt Axe" which is essentially a 10" handled Wildlife Hatchet and several times smashed my fingers because of the short handle. The normal length hatchets can do close work just as well as the shorter versions by choking up on the handle some while also offering better chopping power and keeping fingers clear of hitting nthem against wood when splitting ala Ray Mear's style.

Operator1975 · Apr 24, 2011

I am of the thought that I would rather have the bigger piece, and deal with the carrying and weight issues. I would rather have something in the 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 with a 28 inch handle or so. This gives you some more possible uses than something in the 1 lb, 1 1/2 with a 14 to 20 inch handle. The overall weight differences and size to me is not enough to worry about. And if possible I would even have something bigger along for the ride.

mollyhatchet · Apr 24, 2011

We also use a 28" handle, but a Hudson Bay. Like the longer handle, but next time we'll go with a 24". Just picked up a GB mini, could not turn one down for under $50 plus shipping, on sale, but a mistake on their price. Have not tried the mini yet.