Hatchet abuser newbie

M

Mora2013

Joined
Dec 1, 2013
Messages
311
Well, I haven't been overnight camping for a long time and I went for the first time in almost 20 years.

Bought myself a fiskars x7 hatchet as I thought it'd be useful. Of course, I know nothing about using a hatchet or axe. So of course, I had with myself a 20oz ball peen hammer with me on this trip, and it seemed like the most efficient way of splitting wood was to use the hatchet as a splitting wedge using my hammer as the baton.

You guys are probably cringing. Yeah, I did that for 4 days.

The hatchet survived with a number edge chips, some filing and a coarse stone took the chips out. Otherwise, it's in fine shape and worked very well as a splitting wedge. Hammer is in fine shape too. Seems like my Mora robust took some chips and edge rolls on this trip too as a general purpose camp tool.

Nevertheless, I just wanted to introduce myself to the axe forum, and to learn more about this new cutting tool. Of course, I'm finding out that hammering a hatchet as a splitting wedge isn't the best for its longevity.
 
If you want to use the hatchet as a splitting wedge make yourself a wooden mallet or use a firewood round to drive it through. Been there done that; my daughter took me out camping a few years ago and all she had on board was a cheapie (and very dull) hatchet. Although when you consider the extra weight of having carried a hammer along you could have substituted for a boys-type axe instead.
 
A hatchet and a hammer make a very efficient splitting pair at the cost of damaging the hatchet. But it might be worth it. I suggest using a cheap Chinese import wood handled hatchet. They'll last a few years of camping and you won't feel bad about tossing it once it's ruined. An Estwing rock hammer pairs up well. Being narrower than the hatchet it can follow it through the wood. You can easily split large wood with this pair.
 
If planning on using it as a struck tool, while it's certainly heavier you might consider the Estwing Fireside Friend. The lack of an eye means you won't run so great a risk of mangling it.
 
OP....

I am no newbie to hatchets and axes, and I will admit I have done the same thing. The wood block (or I have been known to just use a stick) is a good suggestion.

I have had bad luck with those fiskars hatchets, though. I have one at work (wood fired pizza and smoker), and the plastic that goes around the head is idiotic. Makes it very tough to split something large with, or be used as a wedge. Not trying to give you a hard time, but you might be more effective with a "normal" hatchet. I can split relatively large stuff with just a hatchet and have only needed "asisstance" with twisted or knotty wood like apple.

The boys axe suggestion is also a good option, though if I go camping, I bring the full size. Better to have and not need, than need and not have...
 
I don't think anyone is gonna cringe about you hammering on a fiskars hatchet, just remember not to do it to a vintage hatchet head or any other real hatchet 😉
You will probably break that fiskars hatchet, but that's OK because they're garbage anyways.
 
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