Good value priced small camping axe

S

Sid Post

Joined
Oct 14, 1998
Messages
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I'm looking for a good small camping axe that isn't too expensive that is reasonable quality and useful.

Features I'm looking for:
  • Price under $100 preferably closer to $50
  • Cuts wood (no spliting mauls ;))
  • Small and light enough to carry on a belt for long hikes in rough country

I tried a Gerber/Fiskars axe which is good quality but, it is more of a splitting wedge then an axe. I have used a larger Wetterling axe which cuts very well but, it is too large and heavy. I have used many cheap imported hatchets and found the quality to be unacceptable because the heads were too light and the steel was low quality.

I have heard of a Marbles belt axe which seems to be a good options. Wetterling also makes some smaller axes but, they are not available locally so, I would need to buy one sight unseen. Gransfor Bruks are certainly highly regarded but, availability is a problem and they are too expensive. Home Depot and similar places have Vaugh and Estwing products but, they all seem to be pretty "clubby" and a poor choice for general utility around a campsite.

Where should I be looking for a small axe? What specific brands and models should I consider purchasing?

TIA,
Sid
 
Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is of outstanding quality.It's hammer forged in Sweeden,but is closer to a 100 bucks than 50.
 
I found GB wildlife in E^bay store in England shipped to Us for $75, he does durtch auctions and usually list like 5 at a time, give or take. may have to check now and then to find if he is out for a spell, bet he has been selling a lot for a good deal. Pat
 
It's nice seeing that Maine still has some good wilderness toolmakers left (Snow and Nealley)! I only live about an hour drive from their headquarters in Brewer of all things. Checking out their dealer listings there's also a store right down the street from me (the outskirts of Bar Harbor) that apparently stocks them. I had no idea! :D
 
I'd look for reviews before buying a Marbles. I've heard/read that the heads are not attached to the hafts well and the Chinese steel is pretty soft (around R52). The Wetterlings would be a safer bet in the moderate price range.

DancesWithKnives
 
FortyTwoBlades, I'm in Lamoine so I guess we're neighbors. Maine Military Supply up in Brewer carries some Snow and Neally products but I'm not sure if you can order them from their website. Either way it's a cool store and a fun website www.mainemilitary.com
 
Get Brian's upgraded model---the bragging rights with your buddies will alone be worth more than the cost (not to mention that it will work great)!:D

DancesWithKnives
 
I think Brian has posted a pretty detailed description of what he does to modify the axes. If you have the do-it-yourself spirit, I expect that you could follow his description. You'd probably want some stones or abrasive paper to do the polishing after you finish with the file.

DancesWithKnives
 
With a good hand file you can get a very smooth surface if you keep the file clean. I have polished a 90 degree angle on bar stock that would cut your finger. :eek: No wire edge either ... ;)
 
Council Tool is another option, or Fort Turner Tomahawks. I have a poled hawk from Fort Turner that is my camp axe.
 
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