Hatchet Recommendation - sub $50 range

J

Jim85IROC

Joined
Mar 26, 2013
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hi all. Before we get to campfire season, I'd like to get a new hatchet. I have an old, inexpensive steel-handled hatchet with a rubber-ish grip. I don't recall the manufacturer. It seems to get the job done, but I'm interested in something a bit better that can hold a decent edge and not dull after every use.

My primary usage for it will be to chop kindling from split logs and scrap 2/4s. I'm thinking about something like the Husqvarna hatchet, Council Camp Axe or maybe the Fiskars X7. Anything else in the sub-$50 category that I should be considering?
 
You could look for a vintage piece to refurb as well if you want to go that route. The old Plumb Boy Scout and carpenter's hatchets are awesome, as are a number of other vintage brands (I have an old Merit, Worth, and Norlund that are also great).

But of the ones you've listed, I'd be looking at the Husky and the Council...Huskys seem to get good reviews, and my Councils (axes, not hatchets) have been great. I don't like the feel of synthetic handles, but lots of folks swear by the Fiskars once they've been sharpened once or twice to work through what may be a lightly softer outer edge on some.
 
I also think Vaughn hatchets, as well as the latest Craftsman hatchets, are U.S. made and are likely ones to look into as well.
 
I'll second the idea of buying an old one and refurbishing it. If you keep your eyes peeled and check ebay frequently there are some great deals to be had. I just got done with an old Hults Bruks 1.5lb axe head that I put on a 23" handle. With some patience in waiting for the right head to pop up on ebay and a few hours of work I now have an axe that is about the exact size I wanted for a bushcraft axe and chops just as well as a Gransfors for a total investment of about $40 including shipping costs. Plus the fact that I put some work into it makes me appreciate it more.
 
Jim85IROC said:
hi all. Before we get to campfire season, I'd like to get a new hatchet. I have an old, inexpensive steel-handled hatchet with a rubber-ish grip. I don't recall the manufacturer. It seems to get the job done, but I'm interested in something a bit better that can hold a decent edge and not dull after every use.

My primary usage for it will be to chop kindling from split logs and scrap 2/4s. I'm thinking about something like the Husqvarna hatchet, Council Camp Axe or maybe the Fiskars X7. Anything else in the sub-$50 category that I should be considering?
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I got the huqvarna carpenters axe. Good quality axe. I chose it over the husky hatchet due to the head shape of the carpenters better profile to chop. I wanted a good camp axe. And IMHO it's a better all around than the hatchet. Check out the husky carpenters axe.
 
I have sold a few Plumbs that just needed sharpened for less. And they are more than just a little better.
 
mhutch said:
All of their axes look pretty good to me. Never seen one in person but I can't think of any German-made tools or knives that aren't any good.
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The ones I have been around are for sure OK. They just have very flat cheeks. Seem to do alright with the heat treat.

That's what you get OK, with flat cheeks. Nothing bad really. They just leave me wanting for better.
 
garry3 said:
The ones I have been around are for sure OK. They just have very flat cheeks. Seem to do alright with the heat treat.

That's what you get OK, with flat cheeks. Nothing bad really. They just leave me wanting for better.
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It's just a different design than the American splitting profile. It will split kindling no problem, definitely not as good with heavier splitting. I'll bet that it's a great budget bushcraft tool. Also, I have always wanted one of the German-European style heads to play with. These also have the potential to be great carvers. I couldn't pass on it for $27 delivered. Good steel too. I actually bought it mostly for the head. If the handle is good that's great but I'm prepared if it isn't. I don't care about grain on this size as long as it is straight. I'll post my impressions.
 
jblyttle said:
It's just a different design than the American splitting profile. It will split kindling no problem, definitely not as good with heavier splitting. I'll bet that it's a great budget bushcraft tool. Also, I have always wanted one of the German-European style heads to play with. These also have the potential to be great carvers. I couldn't pass on it for $27 delivered. Good steel too. I actually bought it mostly for the head. If the handle is good that's great but I'm prepared if it isn't. I don't care about grain on this size as long as it is straight. I'll post my impressions.
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I have not used there hatchets. I have a 3lb Hunter that Harbor Freight used to sell, I think its around 28" haft. Not much not to like about it really. I have just become so accustomed to the vintage heads geometry.
It was a great buy new but I picked it up used just to satisfy my curiosity. It is pretty impressive really. They where dirt cheap I believe.

I will be surprised if your hatchets steel does not suit your needs.
I have been wondering about their splitting axes and hatchets also.
 
I agree with much of the advice above, you can find a really nice vintage axe head to refurbish with a a new hasp for less than $50, and sometimes you can even find one with a fully serviceable handle. Check at flea markets, the kind of antique "malls" and shops that have old tool, and of course, eBay.

I have the Husqvarna hand axe (I got a deal on it when I bought their large splitting axe at my local dealer), and while I'm sure it's fine and came with a "decent" edge, I find the hasp to be too heavy for my prefernce. I haven't had the time to give it much attention, but if I were to put it into service I would definitely go crazy on the hasp with my bench sander and some sheets of sand paper to thin it down pretty significantly. The my Gransfors Small Forest axe is definitely thinner, in the hasp and probably lighter too, even though the SFA has probably 4"-5" more hasp length. The good thing about the Husqvarna is the steel, but for the amount of work you'll need to put into the hasp (IMHO), you can get a vintage piece for about the same price or cheaper.

The Husqvarna multi purpose/Forrest axe (26" hasp I think), however, is nearly perfect right off the rack and possibly a better option for what your wanting, and can be had for about $65. Probably too big to wear on your belt for too long, but just fine in the back of a truck or on a pack. Just oil it up with some BLO and turps, and chop chop chop.
 
The Husqvarna hatchet has decent weight to the head and is a robust splitter, on material normally processed with a hatchet

The Stihl is another inexpensive option from a dealership that I have used and enjoy

I have no complaints about the x-7 other than being Leary of the handle in extreme cold, it does have a lifetime warranty
though


And as Tex said, the Husqvarna axe is a nice one for the price, and it is super light weight for the size.

I have fancier/more expensive axes and hatchets, but I don't know if they are significantly better real world performers than these less costly options. I use these tools casually for recreation, not as a day to day tool. So my needs/demands are not stringent. If you need to make a fire quickly, all of these will do the job, if you do yours.
 
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Is the new Husqvarna still a good hatchet? Most of the reviews I see seem to have a different style head than the new ones I see for sale.
 
I have a couple of husqvarna axes and there nice. Fit and finish are not the best but some sandpaper and some stone work will fix that. I sanded and oiled my handles. Then used my sharpening puck to clean up the grinding marks on the cutting edge. They look a lot nicer but are very useable as is.
 
I received the following email today-

Hello Justin,

Thank you for your recent order 17983, the German Standard European Hatchet. This is a blowout item, and you ordered the last one we had in inventory. This particular hatchet has a slight head misalignment. In truth, it is not enough to affect the performance in a hatchet this size, however I did want to mention it to you now in case that is something you are not willing to accept. This is the last European hatchet we have in stock, and we will not be carrying them again. If you wish to keep the order and have it sent, I will have one of our leather hatchet sheaths included on the item. These normally sell for $15.

Let me know if this is acceptable, and I can have the item shipped. If you prefer to cancel the order entirely, I can have that done as well.

Kindest Regards,
Spencer.
--
Spencer Holst
helko North America
9215 Santa Fe Springs Road
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Tel: (562) 946-6668 | Fax: (562) 946-4000
www.helkonorthamerica.com

I'm pleased with their attention and the result. Good signs and worth noting. Companies should be remembered and supported for things like this.
 
That's great. I'd take it and even if it's misaligned a little you can always re-hang it yourself. And then hey...free sheath!
 
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