Hatchet Design discussion

[daizee]

Hatchet was the big single winner in the poll, though we didn't break that down between tomahawk, traditional hatchet, shepherd's axe(!) etc.
There's been lots of discussion about an 'ideal' single-bit design for some prioritized tasks. Let's get the conversation rolling on hatchets.

What are your hatchet priorities? Here are some options, please add to them as necessary:

1. splitting kindling
2. splitting large logs (with wedges)
3. carving
4. pounding
5. chopping
6. throwing :O

Personally, I badly want a good, light bearded hatchet. It could be wedge-eye or slip-fit.
I also want a shepherd's axe.

Discuss! Drawings and examples encouraged!

 

[Derzelas]

If I would design a hatchet will be something like this:

- slip fit for easy replacement in the woods if necessary
- at least 4" cutting blade
- the cutting edge is not parallel with the handle for easiness when using it for detailing tasks / slashing
- heel of the bit has that form for 2 reasons: avoiding stupid accidents and a sheath is easier to do for it
- the curve on the beard is for letting the fingers to be somewhat behind the blade for detailing tasks
- it's more of a chopping / kindling oriented hatchet
- minimal poll, tapered, to be used for pounding but also skinning (rounded edges in this case)

PS This is a hybrid hatchet - hawk - shepherd's axe. I can see it on a 22" to 48" handle, with a bit weight around 1-1 1/2 lbs

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

My personal favorite to date is my Rinaldi "Milano" pattern, which I also made a 24" handle for. It's a traditional Italian woodworker's design that does a good job splitting, chopping, planing, and making precise cuts. There's enough poll for moderate pounding and a slip fit eye for quick handle changes. I'd probably build something off of its general styling.

 

[daizee]

I like that design quite a bit, Derzelas. And would probably like it with both a hawk and hatchet eye.

My personal favorite to date is my Rinaldi "Milano" pattern, which I also made a 24" handle for. It's a traditional Italian woodworker's design that does a good job splitting, chopping, planing, and making precise cuts. There's enough poll for moderate pounding and a slip fit eye for quick handle changes. I'd probably build something off of its general styling.

I like that except I'd cut out the under-half of the bit side to make it a little more beardy so you could choke up higher.

As posted in the other thread, here's my drawing in that category:
(Today I'd probably shorten both the beard and poll a bit.)

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The particularly neat thing about that pattern's beard is that it thickens just like the bit/eye transition so it spreads wood to protect the neck of the handle against pinches when splitting, which is an uncommon feature in general and particularly in woodworking hatchets. Makes it a much more versatile tool in my opinion, and if you need to choke up that much then the head is very well-suited to removing from the handle and palming it like a push-chisel. I find that generally I can just extend my index finger onto the beard and it has the same effect as choking up on a hatchet with more room behind the beard. :thumbup:

 

[Derzelas]

I like that design quite a bit, Derzelas. And would probably like it with both a hawk and hatchet eye.

Thank you Daizee. Yes, it can work on both setups.

 

[David Martin]

I could probably get along with the second hatchet drawing. With a short beard. DM

 

[daizee]

Wolf Creek had this one on their website several year ago, but I think it was a one-off. Loved it:

 

[daizee]

for reference, this is 1.25lb *including* the haft:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1483902-New-H-amp-B-Forge-Medium-Camp-Hawk

 

[Hacked]

So one of the reasons I picked hatchet is because I think the market is sorely lacking for hatchets. A poorly made 1.25lbs head glued to a fat, poorly shaped 14" handle with no swell has become the standard for a modern hatchet.

Personally I like finding old well made hatchet heads and pairing them up with what most would consider an inappropriately long handles for a light, fast, and sharp tool for around camp.

The Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe falls into this category, however I personally find it leaves some to be desired. I like the old Colonial American pattern that it uses, but I find the eye to large for the head and a nice high centerline with beveled edges would be a welcomed change. The smaller eye would make for a better splitter and better proportioned handle. I'd personally prefer a handle no shorter than 22" after the hang, and no longer than 25" on an axe this sized. The reason being it really does extend the use of the tool at the cost of having to strap the axe to the side of your pack vs stashing it away inside. The handle on the GB SFA is also far to thick up under the head and makes for a stiff handle with no give to soften the blows in use. I find the axes I've put together to be far more comfortable in use due to their length, thin handles, and in cases or splitting especially the high centerline. The flat cheeks with sharp edges on the top and bottom can be rather hard to retrieve from stringy hardwood when attempting to split. Beyond that I'm a firm believer that the high centerline is more efficient at pushing wood out of the cut.

So to recap, a 1.25-1.5 lbs head with a high centerline and rounded edges on the top and bottom of the cheeks and a shape similar to a Gransfors Bruk or Rockaway pattern. Paired with a nice slender handle that is 22-25" after the hang with a nice proper swell so that it flexes in use, and can be used with a relatively lose grip. Or else I'd just be happy to see someone offer something similar to what I've put together. I can't imagine I'd be the only person who would enjoy using such a tool.