Hatchet Recommendation - sub $50 range

SC T100 said:
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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Oh, I accepted that deal without consideration. Funny thing- I was about to post that hatchet in the thread, stopped myself, ordered it and then posted. Glad I did.
 
Jim85IROC said:
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.
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Yes. The heads are contracted out to a very old and famous maker Hults Bruk these days. You can see the family resemblance in this picture.

The Husqvarna hatchet has a head slightly to the heavier end of the hatchet spectrum, so be aware of that. It's not heavy, but it is a robust hatchet. And as Runner said, they are hit and miss maybe "B" level quality for fit and finish. Everything on my hatchet was really good except for a quickie sharpening job and a "B" to A grade handle, kind of a dice roll. But as far as I am concerned, and most folk seem to agree with this, you get a really decent hatchet for the bucks.





 
So this is what arrived.







World's best hatchet? No. Good steel and a great base? Heck yeah. $27 shipped. The upgrade which is more refined, better finish and includes the sheath is maybe $37 shipped. A great option for a quality hatchet I think. The one that arrived had a handle that will work but will be replaced, a good base head that will be sharpened and a nice sheath. Needs work but I'm tickled. On top of that great attention and customer service. Pay attention to Helko!

I am a guy that loves vintage things and would refurb his own, but it looking for a quality new item on a budget, Helko must be near the top of the list I think.
 
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Looks good JB.
I wonder if that is a sealer around the bottom of the eye or glue to help with the connection?

The grain is not all that bad, the haft might never break.
 
garry3 said:
Looks good JB.
I wonder if that is a sealer around the bottom of the eye or glue to help with the connection?

The grain is not all that bad, the haft might never break.
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It will break, but it might take 100 years :). Nice and straight with no runout. My double has lasted 30 years with the same "problem" of orientation!
 
It looks maybe like a bit of filler. It could be used as-is (needs a sharpening), and I'll play with it. But sooner or later I'm cutting that handle off and removing the paint. I can't stand looking at that much tilt. Luckily the wood is fat enough under the head that it can easily be reused for a 1.25lb head sometime.

This one I will try carving with, so a new handle will be carved that is thinner anyway. I'm trading some things with a friend next week and some of the items I will receive are some axe heads (one a mast axe) a folding handle draw knife and a froe.

All in all though, pretty happy with this purchase and the inclusion of the sheath for cheap money.
 
Hi

You might like the Sears Craftsman hatchet. It is manufactured by Vaughan, a US manufacturer in business since approx 1870's. Mine cost 10.95 and was on sale. Normal price was $19.95. Vaughan has manufactured some very good axes. The sale might still be on at Sears. Sears will also give you their replacement deal if the hatchet
should fail. I also own a 3.5 lb single bit vintage Vaughan felling axe. Penetration is unbelievable and it holds a razor sharp edge extremely well.

I really like my hatchet and re-hung the hatchet with a 18" handle from Bowman Handles. It holds a good edge.

Hope this helps.
 
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