Hatchet help

Joined
Jul 27, 2015
Messages
15
Everyone here did so well in helping me with my khukuri I find my self wanting some insight from you knowledgeable folks on a hatchet.

Primary purpose is splitting already split rounds or sub 10in rounds that are too large for the stove and for kindling. Knotty green wood will be in the mix in large quantities.

I know one tool for everything is a hard to do but it will also need to be able to fell 14in and smaller elm trees in an area where there is no room to swing 2 handed (yes a saw is much better for this).

This will also be a hammer and sometimes a wedge to use with a maul and on occasion clearing roots.

Fiskars hatchet i don't think can handle hammer/ wedge duties but don't know. Estwing 24 looks decent but never used all metal hatchet before so I'm worried about impact. Saw a Husqvarna hatchet that looked decent with wood. Store bought fiberglass/wood handled ones keep failing me in less than a winter.

Budget optimally around $30 US but $50ish is doable

Re-reading this, the primary purpose only slightly out weighs its felling duties. It's time splitting and chopping are near equal. As my granddaughter says I need something I can beat the hell out of because it will be well used and most definitely abused.

Any insight helps. Yes there are better tools for each individual job but I will need my hatchet to be able to achieve the above tasks. Thanks guys!
 
Sounds like you're in the market for a boys axe, sometimes called a 3/4 axe. They're about 2-1/4 pounds on a 26"-28" handle.

Another option would be a house axe, about 2 pounds on a 19" handle.

No axe should ever be used as a wedge unless you plan to destroy it quickly.
 
I would suggest a vintage Plumb or True Temper House axe in that situation. 18 inch handle with a boys axe head. If you don't want to look for vintage maybe one of the Fiskars will work. I think the Estwing models would be too small or too long in the situation you describe.
 
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