Hatchet to complete the trio

[nmb]

I've been a lurker here, but I'm considering a purchase and wanted to ask for opinions. I like the idea of the "trio" of a folder, a fixed-blade and a chopper for outdoor use. I've got a Vic Farmer for the folder (okay, and a handful of others too) and a Mora #1 for the fixed blade and now I'm looking for a chopper. I've got plenty of axes, but none of them are very portable. The 24" 3/4 axe is as close as it gets (and it's my current favorite for splitting small logs for the wood stove) but it isn't the right choice for packing.

As you may guess by my folder and FB choices, I'm looking for something inexpensive, easy and efficient. That seems to rule out the large FBs like a BK7 or a khukri which would be at least $80. I've got a cheapo machete for brush clearing and I primarily want a chopper for firewood, shelter building, etc. so I think a machete is out. That leaves the hatchet, which seems like an efficient and purposeful choice.

What do people here like for an inexpensive, efficient camp hatchet? I've looked at the Fiskars and the Estwing, but it seems like there may be other options out there. (I've got a soft spot for Estwing since that was the hammer my Dad had, that I always wanted to use.)

Thanks for all the friendly advice you folks shell out here. This winter maybe I'll have time to try starting some flint and steel fires!

 

[goatariba]

well though everything else i use is custom, my woods hatchet is the much discussed "garden hatchet" by fiskars. got mine on sale for 10$ each, and in my opinion it's unstopable.... garden hatchet, vic farmer or buck 110 and any number of moras is a pretty unbeatable trio.
that being said, the fiskars has only one flaw, it can't be rehandled. if long weeks in the bush are on your radar then something in a wood handle may be better, but i'd stick with the fiskars. light, durable, sharp and cheap.
Russell

 

[Dannyboy Leather]

Post expired.

 

[PayetteRucker]

Saws are indeed a very inexpensive and handy tool. And I am a diehard fiskars fan, through and through. When it comes to rough use tools, Finnish metalsmiths have been doing it right for millennia. Norlund is popular. I have an HB Forge, they make a "camp hawk" or throwing belt axe, basically a cross between a belt axe and a tomahawk. Would make for a very nice light and relatively inexpensive carry hatchet. I have one of their tomahawks and love it. If you have the money Grunsfors Bruks makes probably the best in the world.

 

[veubent]

I think you know where i stand. You wont be disappointed.

And if you happen to find some money on the ground, theres always these.

Mike

 

[jca21]

a wetterlings would be my choice if i was in your boat. and hey i use a mora s1 more than any other blade. even though i got plenty of nice ones.

good luck on your search. i would suggest scoping out some garage/yard sales now that summers almost coming to an end. people will be having yard sales where you could probably snag a used hatchet and clean it up. it would be a nice project and most likely need only some sand paper, a file and some finish (for the handle).

 

[Normark]

Hey nbm

Well,, Although there are many different quality hatchets both wooden handle and as with the Fiskars hatchets, a Nylon handle..

However,, Personally I feel a Tomahawk in the woods is a much more practical tool.. The main consideration is Breakage..

If a hatchet handle breaks, it will be a considerable undertaking to get it running again...

With a Hawk,, it simply a matter of finding a suitable branch, then shaving the wood down until it fits through the head.. Something like this could take 15-20 minutes.. Carving a suitable handle for a hatchet would take much longer,, then there's the matter of locking it onto the head..

With the Hawk it's a matter of shaving the branch down to a taper....

For Practicality,, the Hawk IMHO is by far the best way to go...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST

 

[jca21]

Hey nbm

Well,, Although there are many different quality hatchets both wooden handle and as with the Fiskars hatchets, a Nylon handle..

However,, Personally I feel a Tomahawk in the woods is a much more practical tool.. The main consideration is Breakage..

If a hatchet handle breaks, it will be a considerable undertaking to get it running again...

With a Hawk,, it simply a matter of finding a suitable branch, then shaving the wood down until it fits through the head.. Something like this could take 15-20 minutes.. Carving a suitable handle for a hatchet would take much longer,, then there's the matter of locking it onto the head..

With the Hawk it's a matter of shaving the branch down to a taper....

For Practicality,, the Hawk IMHO is by far the best way to go...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST

this is a pretty good point.

 

[mcjhrobinson]

to add to normarks points the head can be removed and used as a stand alone tool....

im going through the same back and forth between a small axe/hatchet vs a hawk....i think the hawk might win. small hawk and a silky saw good stuff...

 

[fishiker]

a wetterlings would be my choice if i was in your boat. and hey i use a mora s1 more than any other blade. even though i got plenty of nice ones.

good luck on your search. i would suggest scoping out some garage/yard sales now that summers almost coming to an end. people will be having yard sales where you could probably snag a used hatchet and clean it up. it would be a nice project and most likely need only some sand paper, a file and some finish (for the handle).

+1 on the Wetterling and the idea of scoping out garage/yard sales.

 

[JK Knives]

+1 on the Wetterlings. Don`t forget about second hand shops, that`s where I found these. 36" handle Keen Kutter, Vaughn, and a Plumb Boy Scout. These were all resale shop finds, total for all three was $27

 

[nmb]

Thanks for the thoughts. I like the idea of a wooden-handled hatchet, but GB and Wetterlings are out of my (current) price range. I like the idea of finding one at a thrift store or garage sale. The environment is the American Midwest and possibly the western mountains.

I've definitely thought about a saw, but it seems like it would be useful as an adunct to a hatchet for bucking wood rather than a replacement for it. But, a very useful adjunct, particularly if ones fixed blade could serve for splitting wood. I split a little firewood with the Mora last winter and made a very nice crescent shape so maybe when my dream of a Breeden Pathfinder comes true, then the saw will make more sense.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

I get by fine with my Estwing hatchet.

 

[MrCoffee]

I get by fine with my Estwing hatchet.

+1 :thumbup:

Me too, thou recently I have been carrying my Ontario SPAX, mostly because it is handy. It isn't really a great design as far as hatchets go, but it works well for chopping/splitting tasks. Was designed to be a rescue tool.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

If price is an issue, it's tough to beat a Fiskars hatchet. The Wetterlings is a modest increase in price but a lot more functional (and attractive), however.

A hawk is a weapon first, and is only a wood tool when pressed. The face of the hawk is meant to sink deep (into flesh), so when it bites the wood it bites deep without splitting it. It means it will bind with each stroke and you'll lose a lot of efficiency yanking it out each time. It's also crap at splitting wood (as in along the grain) for kindling/firewood. The faces are usually less broad as well. Also, based on the handle shape and design, you'll be getting more stress on the thin hawk handle making it more likely to break than an equivalent hatchet/axe handle. I've never broken a handle on any hatchet, however, even in my most extreme chores.

 

[benchmadebob]

Hey nbm

Well,, Although there are many different quality hatchets both wooden handle and as with the Fiskars hatchets, a Nylon handle..

However,, Personally I feel a Tomahawk in the woods is a much more practical tool.. The main consideration is Breakage..

If a hatchet handle breaks, it will be a considerable undertaking to get it running again...

With a Hawk,, it simply a matter of finding a suitable branch, then shaving the wood down until it fits through the head.. Something like this could take 15-20 minutes.. Carving a suitable handle for a hatchet would take much longer,, then there's the matter of locking it onto the head..

With the Hawk it's a matter of shaving the branch down to a taper....

For Practicality,, the Hawk IMHO is by far the best way to go...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST

IMO it is not that dificult to make a axe hande in the bush a sak will do all the work.And the head can be use to rough it out . And keep in mind hawks though cool are not made for the woods they are made for killing. And hawk cant split worth a darn compared to an axe or hatchet.

 

[DennisStrickland]

since you are going to be outthere ,i would say work some overtime or sell a gun & get g.& b. mini hatchet.weighs about the same as a robust sheath knife .the all time lightest method for cutting wood is the Pocket Chainsaw Supreme Products sterling heights mi. 48311-0550 this is not to be confused with "commando saws" fits in a shoe polish can .

 

[valcas1]

+1 on the Wetterlings. I think it is very hard to beat for the money! 13" or the 15" great little hatchets. I know people like the fiskars but I just prefer a wood haft.

You are talking a difference of a $20 bill between the fiskars and a forged Wetterling.

Paul.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Well, considering your other choices seem to be the bottom of the price range, the closest thing in a hatchet will be a Fiskars.

For the low price end I really like the Estwing axes. For about 20 years, the Sportsman's hatchet was my chopper of choice. The nice thing about them is that they are made of a single piece of tool steel, and you pretty much don't have to worry about replacing the haft because it just won't break.

Another to look at are the Snow & Neally hatchets. They aren't expensive, and work very well.

 

[iBlade]

Hmm, you are on a low budget but one thing you might consider is a HI khukri, every couple of days, when stock is available ther is the Deal of the Day DOTD special, these are great deals and greay knifes that may need a little love, i.e rust removal or a crack in the wooden handle or missing a sheath and so on, they are great knives and heavily discountedn you just need to be fast to get one before they are gone, worthing checking out every morning , Reno time.