Hatchet Instead of Knife?

Thanks beezaur

I treat the handle by rubbing it down thouroughly with paper until its almost white. This depends on the wood or the place in the tree it came from, but if its Hickory then it should come up pretty bright.

I then take a pop bottle and cut out one side, fill it with Linseed oil and leave it soaking for about 2-5 days. While its in the pop bottle the shaft is pointing to 12 O'clock so just liberally daub it with oil and let it run back into the bottle. The handle on this one just ate up the oil. I must have put about 15 coats on it in 3 days with it being dry to the touch, i.e. not depositing any oil on the back of my finger when rubbed along the handle. The head was tight when I got it. In fact I havent had a loose one from Wetterlings, after the soaking I dont think it will ever get loose.

If you want to try it, you will need

1 X Bastard file
1 X Fine file (the Poll steel is a lot softer than the face)
#80 X 1
#100 X 2
#220 X 1
#400 X 2
#600 X 1
#800 X 1

#60 Wood paper (The varnish can be a real PITA to get off)
~#600 Wood paper

1L Linseed oil (None boiled type. This is slower to dry but goes on thicker)
1 pop bottle
Patience :)

This is the 4th Wetterlings I have done. I have a #13 (this one) #16 #26 (limbing axe) and a Carpenters axe, this was by far the most fun because you get good results quickly. The #26 Limbing axe took about 10 hours of hard work to finish.

As for using it as a small knife. I think its do-able but its a major compromise. It sure makes for a nice Hatchet though ;)
 
I agree with the Gransfors Bruks comment and on the price being high. On the other hand, a custom knife is often no more expensive than a Gransfors Bruks and if one already has the custom knife that fits one's needs, why not get a high quality hatchet-and an extremely versatile tool- as a companion piece rather than duplicate existing?? It's not uncommon in the Yukon/Alaska areas for first nations people to only pack a small hatchet which when choked up, skins out well. It's like anything else. Practice with something until it becomes an extension of yourself.The defense comment is accurate also. Overall usefulness for weight carried is increased by a combination of hatchet and multitool.
 
If I'm going to carry a single blade into a forest for a few nights stay, I prefer a good-sized fixed blade. Give me a standard Kabar and I'm happy.

A hatchet would be practical for a lot of the usus said fixed blade would be used for, I'm just more comfortable handling the knife and I feel its more versatile over all.

For all the chopping that is done, a hatchet is nice though.
 
tyrantblade1 said:
its called antler arts and they have very good pieces but...for usable
items on the western side of sisters on the north side The Mountain
Man store for us po' folk lol
tyrant
Click to expand...
tyrant,

love that store. My wife and I will go store to store in Sisters, she being as happy as a clam, but as soon as I head that way, she rolls her eyes and tries to divert us.

Used to live in Corvallis, now we head through that way about once a year.

--Carl
 
An axe (hatchet), a Scandinavian knife and a rifle (shotgun) - traditional Russian hunter's kit for Syberia (Sibiria, Sibirya etc)!
 
Consider the basic tomahawk. First off the handle comes in from the top so centrifigal force snugs the head onto the handle. These tend to be lighter than a comparable sized axe, yet chop very well. I have also used mine to shave down walking sticks. In that case much easier than using a knife at times. Another advantage is you can pop the handle out and use the hawk head like an Alaskan style Ulu for cutting and food chopping chores. You may need to work out a good all around edge angle for the most versatility.

A hawk strapped on the back or side of a small pack doesn't throw you off balance wise. With a good folder or smaller belt knife you have a very functional kit.

You can carry an extra handle without a lot of weight and let your imagination figure out other uses for the extra when not being used as a handle. The nice thing is that with the way the handle mounts to the hawk you could make another handle in an emergency, shaping it with the hawk head held in your hand. You don't need wedges to mount the handle. It may not be as good as a seasoned hickory handle, but it is better than nothing and certainly easier to do a rehandle than with an axe under the same conditions.

There's a reason mountain men carried tomahawks. They give a lot back in a pretty light package.
 
Iron Wof; I agree with you. My HB Forge hawk (a thrower), is a handy little tool for the trail. If my handle broke, I could if need be, using the head, cut and fit another one out of a branch in about 30 min. I cut the handle to 12", as it throws and packs easier. I love the primitive design, and it, along with my Shrade uncle henry old timer (an older US made one!), and I'm ready for the woods.
 
Can you guys give some specific recommendations for a tomahawk that would work for general utility use? I like the idea of being able to rehandle it more easily than a hatchet.

Scott
 
This is expensive but is 12" OAL about a pound and an awesome chopper and great slicer. One side is steeper and one very fine.

I think a 1 lb axe will outchop a 1 lb knife hands down.

nessmukians.jpg
 
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