Hatchula info needed

D

DL Robin

Joined
Dec 1, 2007
Messages
614
Hey guys I am considering a Fletcher Hatchula-standard size. I would welcome any comments/experience/reviews people may be willing to share.
Primary use of the tool would be as camp knife, butchering moose, bear, caribou, chopping/light brush clearing, fire prep-yes some batonning, and camp kitchen use.
I did have some specific questions:
1. What is typical wait time for a hatchula?
2. Given above prerequisites what edge would be best (I am thinking convex but open to suggestions)
3. Does the knife come w/ a sheath-if not what sheath configurations have you found best for carrying (leather, kydex, dangle, baldric)

***Lastly how does the O1 used in fletcher knives hold up to tough use as mentioned above. I have an O1 blade approx 4.5" length from another reputable maker and it has been great. My concern is its durability in a blade that will see some chopping and momentum behind its swings.
My bigger knives have been in 52100/SR 101 and 5160-held up great. I am not into destruction testing and never broken a blade.
I think that covers it
thanks
 
I'll give my opinion and hope a few more people chime in.

DL Robin said:
1. What is typical wait time for a hatchula?
2. Given above prerequisites what edge would be best (I am thinking convex but open to suggestions)
3. Does the knife come w/ a sheath-if not what sheath configurations have you found best for carrying (leather, kydex, dangle, baldric)

***Lastly how does the O1 used in fletcher knives hold up to tough use as mentioned above. I have an O1 blade approx 4.5" length from another reputable maker and it has been great. My concern is its durability in a blade that will see some chopping and momentum behind its swings.
My bigger knives have been in 52100/SR 101 and 5160-held up great. I am not into destruction testing and never broken a blade.
I think that covers it
thanks
Click to expand...

Answer 1: at this point, best guess is 8-12 months unless you snag one that pops up for grabs.
Answer 2: Fletcher Knives only come in one kind of edge grind, and that's a standard v-shaped edge bevel to about 20 degrees per side. Anything other than that would have to be a user-done mod or done by someone who does work like that on other people's knives.
Answer 3: A sheath does not currently come with the Hatchula. Heber Ellsworth is the sheathmaker I use for all of my stuff and he can make you whatever you want. Heber can be contacted at wildmanh@yahoo.com.

I do destruction test all of my blades and have tested between 1095, 5160, O-1, etc. Also tested between full and differential heat treats. O-1 in 3/16" thickness takes the shock and keeps it's edge just fine, even through batonning and hard use. Here are a couple threads, including video and pictures...

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...la-pics-and-review?highlight=hatchula+testing

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/771864-Doing-some-Hatchula-Testing-Today

That is just my opinion though. As the maker, I'm obviously going to be slightly bias.
 
I have had my hatchula for a few years now. Its the really the only knife I use now. My EDC is a swiss army. Ive used the hatchula too:
Field dress, skin and butcher pigs, deer, elk, half a beef.
Made a hunting weight bow out of elm
Started many fires
Chopped/batoned/split wood up to 5inches in diameter
Flip pancakes, burgers, backstraps
Break ice from a frozen waterfall
carve bowdrill firekits and deadfall traps

I work as a wilderness/primitive skills instructor. This knife sees a lot of use. The edge is fine, I keep a 30 degree bevel on it due to the heavy chopping.
Awhile back i sent in the knife to Dylan because the micarta had been cracked along the tang. This was after almost 2 years of heavy use. He didnt fix the knife, HE SENT ME A NEW ONE! Just plain awesome! O1 is my favorite steel, Dylan in my favorite knifesmith, the Hatchula is my favorite knife.
Ive settled on a sheath made by Sierra at Koyote Kustom, the Explorer model.
I simply love this knife.
 
cmurphy said:
I have had my hatchula for a few years now. Its the really the only knife I use now. My EDC is a swiss army. Ive used the hatchula too:
Field dress, skin and butcher pigs, deer, elk, half a beef.
Made a hunting weight bow out of elm
Started many fires
Chopped/batoned/split wood up to 5inches in diameter
Flip pancakes, burgers, backstraps
Break ice from a frozen waterfall
carve bowdrill firekits and deadfall traps

I work as a wilderness/primitive skills instructor. This knife sees a lot of use. The edge is fine, I keep a 30 degree bevel on it due to the heavy chopping.
Awhile back i sent in the knife to Dylan because the micarta had been cracked along the tang. This was after almost 2 years of heavy use. He didnt fix the knife, HE SENT ME A NEW ONE! Just plain awesome! O1 is my favorite steel, Dylan in my favorite knifesmith, the Hatchula is my favorite knife.
Ive settled on a sheath made by Sierra at Koyote Kustom, the Explorer model.
I simply love this knife.
Click to expand...

Outstanding review. Says it all
 
I appreciate that brother. Makes me very happy to have someone beat the absolute crap out of my knives and love the resluts. It lets me know I'm doing my part correctly.
 
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