Custom hatchets--the last challenge???

N

northern

Joined
May 2, 2010
Messages
154
Given where I live and how I live a hatchet is never far from sight and any time I am in the bush all year around I carry one. I have always wanted a custom.we all have custom knives, maybe firesteels, maybe sheaths and the list goes on but you very rarely see custom hatchets up for grabs anywhere. If you do they are often too pricey and pretty for my tastes. I am not one to start these kinds of challenges I was more curious about whether others feel the same way abut this.
Does anyone have a true custom hatchet they use? Any makers tried their hand at them? Anyone else wish theygot some more press? Haha
If this could turn into a way of pressuring people into a makers chAllenge I would be the first guy up trying to buy up the results. That's for sure haha.
 
No, I honestly only see custom tomahawks, but I would love some custom hatchets for sure. Yes....I can see a challenge on the horizon. I would be interested to see what some of the makers on the forum come up with.
 
I have a Lee Reeves double bit I got 5 years ago. I don't use it at home much but I use it backpacking all the time

reevesy.jpg



My comment on your thread is that while Lee Reeves makes a great hatchet that is well worth the money, the main problem I have with custom hatchets made by others is the edge.

For a lot of custom makers the edge on a hatchet is an afterthought. Steep, like a V Grind knife.

Really the Gransfors Bruks hatchets as far as quality are near equal to the Reeves and the GB's have an edge that is about 90% better than most of the customs.
 
In the middle here is a not used but single bit Reeves( on the left is a Marbles #5 and on the Right a GB Wildlife)

reeves6.jpg
 
JK! That's just the kind of thing I'm talking about. Love it

Nwa and lee reeves are great makers. Amazing designs and drool worthy. Especially those double bits. I just cant justify those prices right now sadly.
 
To me the stock removal hatchets are inferior to the wood handled ones because they have to be so much heavier to achieve the same chopping power.
 
northern said:
I just cant justify those prices right now sadly.
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The Reeves are way more expensive than when I first got mine. Of course I got my GB Wildlife for like $52 and they are around $100 now??

I think the prices of knives and all edged stuff is way out of line now.
 
hollowdweller said:
To me the stock removal hatchets are inferior to the wood handled ones because they have to be so much heavier to achieve the same chopping power.
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"Nail on the head" right there my friend. :thumbup:


Real ax heads and hatchets start as forged pieces.


The best bang for the buck I've seen are modded production axes/hatchets.




Big Mike
 
hollowdweller said:
To me the stock removal hatchets are inferior to the wood handled ones because they have to be so much heavier to achieve the same chopping power.
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This one weighs in at 22.4 ounces. Because it is a one piece hatchet, I can baton through larger rounds which makes it extra useful to me because it's not just a chopper. I love wood handled hatchets, but wouldn't dream of abusing them like that. :eek:

Jeff
 
Gransfors Bruks of Sweden is the closest to custom. All hand forged and processed by one Smith like the days of yesteryear. I love them so much I own 5 of their various models:D. Prices vary from the small Kubben hand hatchet at $108 to $248 for the full size Double bit felling axe. They offer numerous custom relic and specialty axes that get up to and over $1,000. You'll never buy a sharper axe, even sharper than 99% of knives on the market.
 
GB makes a fine product, and thats for sure. That it comes sharper than 99% of the knives on the market might be a stretch. :p

I own both GB and Wetterlings axes, and for the money, the Wetterlings seems the better value. They are just as sharp, and work just as well.
 
northern said:
Anyone have experience with tracker forges stuff? Axes and hatchets look geat
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I have his hatchet and nessmuk, and love them both. Great balance and execution.

JFYI -- The hatchet is sized like an old Marbles pocket safety axe. I can both carve and field dress with it.
 
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