Fiskars hatchets are crap

Even for their hatchets, the blade profile is more designed for splitting than general chopping.
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At least here the hatchets exist in two variants, splitting and GP, one mostly really wants the GP one.

I own about 4 and have never had a problem but have heard that some do, scouts seem to have a way of breaking them, my daughter tells me that it happens as follows: hit it into a pine stump, get it stuck and then kick the handle sideways trying to release it, apparently that usually works (breaking the handle).

Mine have always been very sharp but then again there might be some differences.

TLM
 
My Fiskars hatchet is great. Had it for 2 years now, without problem.
Best $9 I ever spent.
That's right. $9 CDN ( special at Canadian Tire Canada).
Got a good hatchet (not the best, but good) for a steal of a deal.
Can't beat that.
 
I love those little axes, had mine for several years and only use it when camping, but chopped a bunch of wood with it over the years.
 
TLM said:
my daughter tells me that it happens as follows: hit it into a pine stump, get it stuck and then kick the handle sideways trying to release it, apparently that usually works (breaking the handle).
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:eek::eek::eek:

Stones do a number of the edges. Sometimes it just can't be helped. Especially when using it during camping, you don't always have a nice wooden chopping block to work on. Having a beater axe to work on roots is the best. The fiskar is now my beater axe.
 
Bige610 said:
ive been through 2 in the last year and a half. Yesterday i was splitting seasoned oak and the handle shattered. i really need an axe and i am broke. what a great day.
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With the handle wrapping around the head, the general purpose (as mentioned above) Fiskars axes and hatchets are not really made for splitting. The exception being the Fiskars "Splitting Axe" which has more of a wedge shaped head to keep the wood away from the plastic handle. These hatchet and small axes are really more for chopping. Were you trying to split with a general purpose-type?
 
Bige610 said:
ive been through 2 in the last year and a half. Yesterday i was splitting seasoned oak and the handle shattered. i really need an axe and i am broke. what a great day.
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If you're gonna look into other brands, for a good value I suggest the Estwing hatchet. I have the one with leather handle and it's been really good. I convexed the edge and got it hair popping sharp. It doesn't stay as sharp as long as my GB Axe but it stays sharp long enough to consider it a performer. I got mine for like $30.00. It's a little heavier than most but the steel tang makes for a real durable hatchet. And the added weight does make for a good chopper IMHO.
 
sorry i dont have any pictures. i was so pissed i tossed it in the garbage. i suppose i could send it in but then i would just be disappointed when it failed again. I was trying to hack my way throw a pretty thick log of seasoned oak and i guess it just couldnt handle it and it shattered right at the top were it wraps around the head of the axe. I might get and estwing or i might just save up and get a gb or snow and nealley.
 
Given the volume of axes and hatchets which Fiskars produce, the majority of which may be used by folks with little or no knowledge of how to get the best performance out of their gear, the failure rate seems extremely low.

My observation regarding 'little or no knowledge' is a general term, which I do not apply to the poster here.
 
shangchi108 said:
Has anyone ever broke an Estwing hatchet or axe?
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One of my Scouts chopped into the end of a piece of cordwood with a Estwing axe and gave it a little twist to help free the excessively narrow blade. (He was all of 90 lbs..) The excessively soft blade bent. They replaced it. Two years later, another little kid got the same results as I watched (Workin' on his Totin'Chip.) We just pitched it. Not impressive.

The Plumb "Super Scout" axe from 1964 just goes choppin' on, decade after decade.

Then there is the circa 1934-1948 Bridgeport hand axe that does the same. Awful heavy however.

Estwing makes nice hammers. :thumbup:
 
Oh for Pete's sake, and your own, buy a Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe.

When you regain consciousness from the sticker shock, you will thank Bladeforums for suggesting this.
 
Erasmus said:
Oh for Pete's sake, and your own, buy a Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe.

When you regain consciousness from the sticker shock, you will thank Bladeforums for suggesting this.
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. . . as long as you don't want an axe optimized for splitting hardwood. Cutter? Super. Splitter? Very average. Which is why they sell an excellent splitting axe.
 
Thomas Linton said:
. . . as long as you don't want an axe optimized for splitting hardwood. Cutter? Super. Splitter? Very average. Which is why they sell an excellent splitting axe.
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Brian Andrews has made that same point quite emphatically to me several times. :D And I'm in agreement. The S&N that I got from him, modified, has been the most functional axe I've ever used/owned. Not that my Fiskars hasn't been a useful camp tool as long as I've had it, it's been great. I just can acknowledge that certain tools will outperform it (just not for $20).
 
i will have to get a s&n. My two fiskars were both purchased together so they might have been a bad batch. i think i will dig it out of the trash and see if i can get it replaced and just use it for camping and get a real axe for everyday use.
 
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