Hatchet Project

JK Knives

JK Knives

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Mar 6, 2001
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I came up with a preliminary drawing for a hatchet, The overall length is 10 1/2", the head is 4" from front to back, cutting edge is 3 1/2", and the handle is 5". Should it be 3/16" or 1/4" thick? I was thinking of offering it with two finishes, as forged, and cleaned up. What do you think, or what would you change? Cost would be around $140 with forged finish, and $150 cleaned up. The cost of buying the wider material really drives up the price.These would be totally ground, no water jet cutting. Who would buy one at those prices? I`m not looking for a commitment, but would it be worth it?

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1/4 in 5160 would be super tough, As forged would look awesome.

Looks good. If the grind was flat with a wicked convex, Id be in for sure!!

Id also want mine with thick scales that go almost all the way up to the "head".

Man thats cool. Price is good too IMO.

Keep it 1/4. That would allow for a thicker spine on the head for hammering tent stakes. For the pottential for hard use, it would be tougher too.
 
Man I would probably want micarta, but some of your great looking wood would really look good!!!
 
I would probably buy one. I think the quarter inch would be just the ticket depending on how much it drives the price. I like the design. The Micarta handles would be my choice as well.
 
I've never used a hatchet with so little thickness. How do they perform? Pros? Cons? Just curious.
 
I would definitely go for an as-forged model at that price.

Cool idea!

All the best,

- Mike
 
That would be a bid pricey for me.
Then again, I haven't yet become a big hatchet fan.
 
i think that they would be a good seller. definatly alot of work involved, so id say 140 is a great price. definatly go with 1/4, the extra weight will improve chopping. i also like the thought of the handles going up to the head, would make it much more versitile IMO.
 
I like it, nice lines, great profile. I'm in the same boat as PB Wilson in that I have never used a hatchet that thin before, but I'd be willing to give it a go! I too think 1/4" would be a good thickness, but I also think it has the potential to really drive up the price. At either 3/16" or 1/4" make sure it has a nice thin taper to the cutting edge. I have a few hand forged hatches, which I dearly love, but they have much too thick of a taper and are like a splitting wedge with a sharp edge (a bit exagerated, but you get my point). My personal test is just swing the hatchet at the cut top of a stump, if it bites in and sticks with minimal effort, it is a good taper in my opinion. I have two hatches that don't do this which means they require quite a bit more force to do the same job as say my GB hatchet which has a nice thin taper. Ramble Ramble Ramble....sorry...I see a good idea and get all excited. Excellent mock up John. :thumbup:
 
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