Fiskars 14" Hatchet

I find this real strange. I have had one now for about 2 years and have abused the hell out of it. I do mean ' abused ' as well as I have subjected it to stuff which it was not designed to take. When I recieved a batch of super hard gnarly Maple the only way to split it with what I had was to use a hammer and smash my Fiskars through !!! The area that I struck with the hammer deformed slightly but then again so did the hammer !!! I have often smashed the handle itself with my big Maple batton to knock it through tough stuff and yet again there has been no damage what so ever !!!!
I can only think that there must have been a defect in yours, I wish you all could see the abuse I have given mine !!!!!:eek:
 
I have the same model---it has performed to my standards, and has taken an excellent edge after some sharpening and loving attention.

That being said, I recently purchased a Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet and the Gerber/Fiskars model is currently on the sideline---what a wonderful new tool.

Testing before use out of necessity...a good idea, always. :thumbup:
 
Fonly said:
I can garuentee there are more people with fiskars in their trucks and in the shed then any wetterlings and GB
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I'm one of them. I actually just went out and got my splitting axe out of the truck box to take a photo. However, I can tell you that the 14" hatchet did not have the large "Fiskars - Finland" logo in the plastic...the splitting axe, purchased several years ago, does (as pictured). Someone had mentioned this earlier in the thread.
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Just a quick recap, since some of this info seems to have been overlooked in my more lengthy posts:
-Sears refunded my purchase, which resolved the issue before I needed to contact Fiskars directly regarding warranty.
-Obviously this particular piece was not up to the standards that Fiskars is known for (ie: it was a "lemon").
 
And you bought it at sears. Hmm, that means its the real deal. My 14in has the Fiskars Finland tag on it, yours did not. Have you considered emailing Fiskars to discuss the issue, bring it to their attention. I would love to know what their reply was.
 
I have the shorter handles one and it has been well worth what I paid for it. It has held up really well.
 
Rask, I bet Sears just tossed it in the trash and it's in their dumpster out back. GO GET IT, mail it to Fiskers so they can figure out what happened in the handle material mix.

Maybe this is why a lot of guys are getting into 'Hawks, so they can easily replace the handles afield when they break. I think Magnussen is a big 'Hawk fan over on the Hawks & Axes Forum here.

Rask, I have a 14" Fiskers, and the same spiltting ax pictured. Where can I get that kydex cover for mine!! PM me
 
I need a hatchet for chopping logs against the grain. I have only one working hand and arm, and I cannot handle a big axe well, so I use hatchets. About a year ago I got a 14 to 15" hatchet with a wood handle (I think craftsman) and the head snapped completely off right below the head at about the 40th wack (I now refer to that as my Lizzy Borden axe). I know because I like to count how many chops it takes to cut through logs. Then I bought a Cobalt with an "American hickory" handle, and it's lasted a about a year now but a few days ago I noticed some pretty bad splits opening along the grain of the handle, and I'm no Hulk. I'm 170 lbs, out of shape and severely handicapped, so why do these hatches break so easy? I was just looking for a fiskars, which I almost bought a year ago at Sears, but opted for the cobalt, but I could not find one locally now, so I was going to order one on the internet, but after seeing this review I think I'll get another wood one and reinforce it with steel bars and straps before I start to use it. It'll give it that cool medieval look. :-)
A hollow plastic handle??? WTF!!!
If I could buy it locally it may be worth the risk, coz I could take it back easily, but mailing things back is a big hassle, so with this new information, it definitely is not worth the risk to order one.
 
Tomaf said:
I need a hatchet for chopping logs against the grain. I have only one working hand and arm, and I cannot handle a big axe well, so I use hatchets. About a year ago I got a 14 to 15" hatchet with a wood handle (I think craftsman) and the head snapped completely off right below the head at about the 40th wack (I now refer to that as my Lizzy Borden axe). I know because I like to count how many chops it takes to cut through logs. Then I bought a Cobalt with an "American hickory" handle, and it's lasted a about a year now but a few days ago I noticed some pretty bad splits opening along the grain of the handle, and I'm no Hulk. I'm 170 lbs, out of shape and severely handicapped, so why do these hatches break so easy? I was just looking for a fiskars, which I almost bought a year ago at Sears, but opted for the cobalt, but I could not find one locally now, so I was going to order one on the internet, but after seeing this review I think I'll get another wood one and reinforce it with steel bars and straps before I start to use it. It'll give it that cool medieval look. :-)
A hollow plastic handle??? WTF!!!
If I could buy it locally it may be worth the risk, coz I could take it back easily, but mailing things back is a big hassle, so with this new information, it definitely is not worth the risk to order one.
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Two things, how is the grain oriented in the wood handles that you bought? Hickory handles shouldn't break so easily. Second, this guy had a defect. I've bought and used the fiskars hatchets and have never had a problem nor a concern about them. If I were to buy an inexpensive hatchet I would opt for the fiskars. If you're really concerned, buy an Estwing.
 
Tomaf said:
I need a hatchet for chopping logs against the grain. I have only one working hand and arm, and I cannot handle a big axe well, so I use hatchets. About a year ago I got a 14 to 15" hatchet with a wood handle (I think craftsman) and the head snapped completely off right below the head at about the 40th wack (I now refer to that as my Lizzy Borden axe). I know because I like to count how many chops it takes to cut through logs. Then I bought a Cobalt with an "American hickory" handle, and it's lasted a about a year now but a few days ago I noticed some pretty bad splits opening along the grain of the handle, and I'm no Hulk. I'm 170 lbs, out of shape and severely handicapped, so why do these hatches break so easy? I was just looking for a fiskars, which I almost bought a year ago at Sears, but opted for the cobalt, but I could not find one locally now, so I was going to order one on the internet, but after seeing this review I think I'll get another wood one and reinforce it with steel bars and straps before I start to use it. It'll give it that cool medieval look. :-)
A hollow plastic handle??? WTF!!!
If I could buy it locally it may be worth the risk, coz I could take it back easily, but mailing things back is a big hassle, so with this new information, it definitely is not worth the risk to order one.
Click to expand...

I've been using one of the fiskars hatchets for a long time and it hasn't given be any problems. I haven't babied it either. The one in the review was probably a lemon. One of the best features of this hatchet for me is the light weight ( I backpack a lot and a few oz. makes quite a difference)

I agree getting it locally is the better choice, incase you ever did have an issue. I got mine a lowes.

cheers,
mike
 
I have two little X7's that are as cute as a bugs ear, and light as a feather. I treat them roughly because I got them on sale at Ukrainian Tire for very little dough, and also before that Gerber buy out were the prices jumped. They get razor sharp and I have had zero issues with them. If anything, that lifetime warranty likely makes me less careful with them.
 
My question is very general in nature - not simply applicable to this thread only.

Lots of folks globally read this forum. Lots of these folks only read the thread titles. Title readers only see "thumbs down - review - Fiskars 14" Hatchet.

Reviews: Discussion is ongoing, things are explained and layers and layers of understanding unfold for everyone. There is valuable learning going on in reviews. Sincere thanks to those who post them.

In reviews, thumbs down: If, after considerable positive input and OP reflection on personal experience being exceptional (ie: it was a "lemon"), is there any thought given to editing the thread title ... say, not to be 'thumbs down' ... if, indeed, this can be done - to just let all the posts speak for themselves when one disappointed but that's not been the overall or final experience.

I am just curious. I appreciate BF for what it is - absolutely great, unconditional.

FIRST, I respect the courage it takes to post a review, positive or negative. KUDOS to the OP.

Susan
 
Had one as well, ended up looking same as OP's. They might not all be like that, but I'd rather not have that possibility when it's a tool my life depends on. Got myself a G&B instead, and no issues yet.
 
For the sake of future buyers' safety and to aid Fiskars in improving their products--if only out of the goodness of your own heart--send it to Fiskars if you still can. You are likely to earn some gratitude there. If I were the head of QC in Finland, I would regret missing the opportunity to see this specimen.

I think we all agree this should not have happened. Even if OP had struck dirt or gravel on a single blow, it should not have damaged the blade quite so much. Having said that, my Gerber Back Paxe, a Fiskars hatchet, has a quite brittle edge like many older Gerber blades. I keep it smooth after every use but it does nick up pretty badly. I do trust the handle, though.

Definitely a lemon. Like with cars or computers, the OP is not the first to condemn the whole product line based on his single experience. I love my Chevy. Wife loves her Ford. (And we both like each other's vehicles.) Tons of people will tell you why their one Ford or Chevy put them off that brand for the rest of their car-owning lives. Oh, well.

Zieg
 
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