Good Steel, Felling type head, but hatchet sized... what's out there?

E

engle's-wilder

Joined
Nov 18, 2010
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Hey all,

I've been doing some research on axes lately (changing things up from the knives). I am becoming increasingly aware of the usefulness of a good hatchet. However, I do not know which hatchet would make a good solo survival tool. I am looking at a price no further upwards than about $50. I love the felling axe type heads (especially hudson-bay style), but I can't find the right "hatchet" I'm looking for. All I really need for it to be is a good steel (I can regrind it myself), and if the handles are generally poor but the head is fine... rehanging a new one is no problem either. I just would like to know what's out there with good steel that will last (a.k.a.: not China crap)! :barf:

thanks! :D
 
to clarify, I'd prefer a finished product with minimal work... but if a head is good steel and cheap, but needs all the other work (rehanging, grinding, linseed, and whatever else) I'll take the work over price anyday! I just want a good steel, and I can't ever find it being broadcasted anywhere...

thanks
 
You're going to be somewhat limited by that price range as quality axes are getting scarce and demanding quite a premium. I believe GBs and Wetterlings have just short of doubled in cost in the past 5 years (though that's mostly due to the huge devaluation of the American dollar in the world market)

Anyways, in your price range, there's the 13" Husqvarna hatchet which runs around $40+shipping and the 15" Snow and Nealley young camper's axe for about $50+shipping. Any cheaper than those and it's going to be hit-and-miss as far as quality goes...
 
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Go used. Check that auction site and search Norlund. You may have to do some work but you will have a quality hatchet when your finished.
 
All good recomendations but I think if it were me I'd go with Husqvarna. Aren't they made by Wetterlings who is owned by GB?
 
No, they were made (and maybe some are still made) by Hultafors Bruks, but not all. Some have been impressed by them, some disappointed.

It seems if you want consistancy in a traditional style axe, you need to go to Gransfors Bruks, Wetterlings, and Council Tool was recently talking about an improved line of "bushcraft" style axes with higher head hardness, more attention to the hafting process and hang of the head, and actually come sharp from the factory. It will, of course come at a higher price.

I think for a read to go out of the box (with maybe minor head work), the price range of a Wetterlings is what you're going to be looking at.
 
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