Hatchets are better than big fixed blades. Change my mind.

Hatchets are better than big fixed blades

  • True

    Votes: 34 60.7%

  • False

    Votes: 22 39.3%
  • Total voters
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Smaug

Smaug

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Jun 30, 2003
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I had a couple of (invasive) Buckthorn trees to cut down on my property this past Saturday. I thought: "Self, this is an excellent chance to put that Cold Steel SRK into service. It has a 6" blade and not too hard of a steel; should be a good chopper."

I cut down the trees with the reciprocating saw. I also had this nice little Fiskars multi-machete thing and my Fiskars hatchet:
IMG-4898.JPG

I thought the SRK would perform about like the hatchet; not even close. The hatchet was SO much better for anything chopping-related. For smaller stuff, I could just choke up on the (hollow) handle and the weight of the head did the work. For branches up to about 3/4" thick, I could often get through with one angled, one-handed swing. I used it to cut off the top of a tree of probably 4" diameter and it was better than a saw because as I got closer to the breaking point, I could hear it start to crack and get out of the way.

The multi-machete tool has a long serrated section on the back; that was useless here, but I guess it could be OK for typical machete-type stuff? (soft plants) The main feature is that the hooked inner section catches the branches while swinging. It was nice for cutting off all the little 1/4" and smaller branches along a longer branch, but not nearly as good as the hatchet for anything bigger.

The SRK was OK for cutting off those little 1/4" branches from the big ones, but that's about it. I used it about 5 minutes and put it away.

IMG-4897.JPG

I may get myself one small fixed blade knife for cleaning small game, but it'll have probably a 3-4" blade of good steel. Not for chopping.

For the life of me, I just can't see the point of a big fixed blade. Something like a bowie knife would be better at chopping, but probably not as good as a hatchet, so what's the point? The end of it would be dull from chopping. The inside of the edge would stay sharper, but that is of limited usefulness with the tip is dull.

What am I missing, guys & gals? What's the point of a big fixed blade?

I think my next purchase is going to be a high quality larger hatchet; not a full-on axe, but a hatchet that can reasonably be used either two- or one-handed.
 
Your fixed blade isn't big enough

In my experience a 5-6" blade will baton but won't chop well. Get up around 8"+ with a heavy profile and it'll start doing better.

I like a big fixed blade better than a small hatchet and an actual axe for getting through big stuff. YMMV.

Edit, for clarity - I like a big fixed blade better than a small hatchet. An actual axe is preferred for getting through big stuff.
 
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shinyedges said:
1311 ftw. Have you tried a proper chopper? I think you'll be amazed. That abomination of a "machete" and srk aren't choppers.
Click to expand...

What's a "proper chopper" to you?

Why would I be amazed?

Serious questions; I want to know, but BEFORE I spend a ton of money on the proper chopper. ;-)
 
İmo srk is not a big knife. Therefore, it is natural that it gives bad results. I'm not saying that an hatchet and a knife can compete in chopping, but the competition choppers might surprise you. I think the answer to the question is the size of the cutting edge. It is possible to make more accurate and safe hits with a larger cutting edge, and if it is large/big/heavy enough, it gives close results with a hatchet. It is much more comfortable to cut small and medium branches with one large knife. You can also use it for the rest of your work.Of course, in my opinion, each tool should be used for its specific purpose. So I would prefer to take both with me
 
Smaug said:
What's a "proper chopper" to you?

Why would I be amazed?

Serious questions; I want to know, but BEFORE I spend a ton of money on the proper chopper. ;-)
Click to expand...
I'm not home to take a picture but a search 1311 in the search bar here on the forum. It's an example of a proper chopper. There are lots of excellent choppers. Check out carothers choppers as well. They are amazing at brush clearing, and have more versatility than a hatchet. You wouldn't believe the logs you can split, a hatchet would struggle on.
 
Ah, OK.

To me, a large blade is 6". (as on the SRK) I guess it's because I usually carry a folder in the 3 to 3-1/4" blade size. (and/or a SAK in the 2-3" range)

What is a good value chopper? Chopper equivalent of the Morakniv?

Does it pay to buy better blade steel in a chopper? Seems like it would chip easily... Maybe something harder than the Sandvik 14c that Mora uses, but still very tough...
 
Smaug said:
Ah, OK.

To me, a large blade is 6". (as on the SRK) I guess it's because I usually carry a folder in the 3 to 3-1/4" blade size. (and/or a SAK in the 2-3" range)

What is a good value chopper? Chopper equivalent of the Morakniv?

Does it pay to buy better blade steel in a chopper? Seems like it would chip easily... Maybe something harder than the Sandvik 14c that Mora uses, but still very tough...
Click to expand...

Head over to BF supporting site, BYXCO, and grab a machete or two:


I'm partial to Imacasa and Ontario 18" models, but there's lots of good options for low cost, high value choppers. I like a hatchet for thicker hard woods, but a machete offers more reach and leverage for thinner, flexible materials. That said, some machetes like the Ontario are beefy enough to chew through thick branches. Lots of options to try for your specific needs.
 
They both get the job done. Age old argument done many times over. Question might be which one is more all around versatile while adequately getting the job done along with usefulness for other things.
For me, a chopper is 9-10” of good quality well heat treated steel with special attention paid to the comfort and safety of the handle. Those Carothers and Busse posted above are good ones and will definitely chop but are pretty pricey to very pricy on my scale. Doesn’t mean I don’t have one! Some folks defend hatchets and some choppers. Endless battle.
Beware of talking yourself into something else you don’t necessarily need. Personal experience talking there.
Possibly you could borrow one to try and compare it with your hatchet side by side on the same wood before heading down that slippery slope.
Just my thoughts
But whatever you do, do not put a lanyard with beads on it! 😇
 
I prefer clearing smaller branches with a leuku but a nice light hatchet does an excellent job with the right "wrist flick" action.

Also I think your SRK could have benefited from a bit of reprofiling, the factory age is thick.
 
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