Fiddleback Hatchet!!

[Fiddleback]

So this year I got a lot of requests for folks wanting to use the old Bushcraft Hatchet (which was very cleaverish) as a cleaver. It wasn't a good design for a cleaver because it didn't have enough clearance for the hand in the kitchen. So I re designed that old knife into two new models. You've already seen the Cleaver and today I finished the first Hatchet! Now I never did have a use in my mind for these small fixed blade hatchets. That was until a couple years ago when someone gave me one and I used it to process a couple of deer. It worked so well I had to sit back and re-think my stance. What I used it for was to remove the front legs once I'd skinned it, and also the head. I held the leg and used the back of the hatchet to break the bone, then in one motion spun the hatchet and cut off the leg at the break. You can picture the head removal without a description. I was impressed. Turned out I didn't like the person that gave me the one I used, so I made a Fiddleback Hatchet.

The Fiddleback Hatchet is 10.5" OAL with a 5" handle and a 3.5" edge. The tang is tapered of course. This one has Ironwood scales with black micarta liners and Dayglo-Orange-Dayglo g10 racing stripes. For mine I used two front pins and a Trinity along the proximal end of the scales. I love it and hope to post some testing pics this weekend. Stay tuned!

 

[jmgruber]

Andy, stop it. This looks fantastic! I really appreciate you as a craftsman not just sitting on your success. It’s fantastic that you are continually innovating. Thank you!

 

[emoney2277]

This looks cool Andy! Just out of curiosity, if you wanted to make a traditional hatchet or axe, what challenges would you face given your experiences making fixed blade knives? Would it be something you could easily transition into or would it be like learning a whole new trade? Given your talent I’ve often wondered why you don’t venture out into other forms of black smithing or knife making (ie traditional slip joints or folders).

 

[Fiddleback]

This looks cool Andy! Just out of curiosity, if you wanted to make a traditional hatchet or axe, what challenges would you face given your experiences making fixed blade knives? Would it be something you could easily transition into or would it be like learning a whole new trade? Given your talent I’ve often wondered why you don’t venture out into other forms of black smithing or knife making (ie traditional slip joints or folders).

I mean a lot of my metalworking experience would apply, but the forging and punching and drifting would be new skills. I also wouldn't have the equipment I need. I would definitely be a newphite compared to Liam Hoffman. He really has this down.

 

[notajerryskid]

 

[PolRoger]

What is the spine thickness for your hatchet? ~ 3/16”-1/4”??

 

[Fiddleback]

What is the spine thickness for your hatchet? ~ 3/16”-1/4”??

5/32" thick.