Hatchet newbie

Getahl

Getahl

Joined
Dec 22, 2007
Messages
990
I'm sure this question has come up before, but I'm in the market for a camping/hiking hatchet, preferably around 15 inches or under. Does anyone have any recommendations on a "starter hatchet"? What's a good, sturdy production hatchet that will keep an edge for a decent amount of time? I appreciate any and all advice I can get on this subject as I am completely in the dark. I've read that Gerber and Fiskars are roughly equivalent. They any good?

Thank you in advance
 
Ahhh to be a hatchet newbie;)

You have several different options depending on how much you want to spend.

Google Wetterlings, Fiskars/Gerber, and Gransfors Bruks. Not all at the same time of course. ;)

The cheapest is Fiskars. Great hatchet for the money, and if you like the molded plastic look, it will be for you.

Wetterlings hand forges their hatchets, and axes. Their fit and finish is a little rough, but I own several, and they are true work horses.

Gransfors is top of the line (besides full custom made hatchets) and by far my favorite. True performers in every sence.

A Wetterlings is very similar to a Gransfors, and will work just as well with a little work. Edges some times need re-profiling, and I alway soak my handles in raw linseed oil.

Good luck. :)
 
Get an Estwing, preferably with the nearly indestructible blue nylon handle. It'll last for decades!
 
I am also a newbie to hatchets, and also have a naive questions:)

I have heard that Fiskars/Gerber hatchets are a bit too thick and therefore suitable mostly for splitting firewood. Is that true?

Firestone Belt Axe looks admirable. Is it worth the extra expence?

How good is Buck hatchet?

Can a tomahawk be used as a hatchet?
 
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