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Help with hatchet choice

D

DocT

Joined
Mar 25, 2012
Messages
5,437
Hi folks.

I am wanting to know your advice on a LIGHT hatchet for hiking, camping, fieldcraft, etc. I have a Browning and a Bear Grylls Hatchet (very good so far), but Nessmuk carried a light double bit. I wonder if you have any recommendations of a modern hatchet that is light and will do the chores I need. (Like Nessmuk, I think a hatchet is better than a knife for batoning and chopping wood).

The hatchet must not be tacticool. It must be light, but capable.

Doc
 
I would recommend the medium camp axe from h&b forge. It is hand forged but may take 6 weeks for it to come.
 
I've heard good things about the Husqvarna hatchet, as well as the Condor Scout (1.75lb) and Camping (1.25lb) hatchets (Condor makes a double bit 1.75lb hatchet/axe on an 18-inch handle as well), but I haven't used either. I have a GB Small Forest Axe (1.75-2lb) that is probably a little too big for what you're wanting, but judging by its fantastic performance and quality so far, maybe the GB wildlife hatchet (1.25lb) would be a good choice as well. And in that same vein is the Wetterlings Wilderness (1.75lb) and Scout (1.5 lb) hatchets. The Husq and Condors are mid-priced, while the GB and Wetterlings are the higher end, without getting into custom stuff like Autines. Both BG and Wetterlings also make super-small hatchets as well.

My camp hatchets are all vintage (Merit and Genuine Plumb BSA), and they seem to be awesome. I know you said modern, but re-handling (if needed) a vintage hatchet is a cheap, very high quality option as well. If you get a good vintage make, the steel is just as good as anything being produced today.
 
DocT,
I am fond of my older Fiskars. I have not used the new one but they seem popular. Mine is light, holds a very good edge and is one piece bit to poll, so it can be used as a wedge or chisel- something I would not want to do with my nicer traditional hatchets- IF those uses appeal to you.

Bill
 
I've been looking for the same thing and found the Trapper Double Bit Hatchet in the 2Hawks line. I handled one in Tulsa last April, but bought one of his Competition Throwers, I will be picking one of the Double Bits come November.

http://www.2hawks.net/tomahawks/double-bit-trapper-hatchet/

The Marbles 700DB looks pretty good for the money, I might need one of these too. My understanding is the Marbles is made by Condor in El Salvador.
 
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lmalterna said:
DocT,
I am fond of my older Fiskars. I have not used the new one but they seem popular. Mine is light, holds a very good edge and is one piece bit to poll, so it can be used as a wedge or chisel- something I would not want to do with my nicer traditional hatchets- IF those uses appeal to you.

Bill
Click to expand...

I got this one for backpacking and I've had it for over ten years. When not being carried on the trail it sees regular use for yard work on my five acre forested lot. I too will use it a an extra large chisel in addition to limbing and chopping. I have absolutely no complaints about it.

 
If you haven't already, google 'old jimbo' he has a piece on small hatchets.
 
I think that you will be hugely surprised (and pleased) by how good the hi-tec little Fiskars X7 hatchet actually is. Wicked sharp, balanced, very effective sabre-grind blade, inexpensive, good steel, almost indestructible ... and with a speedy no-questions-asked warranty. Not as pretty as the classic wood-handled ones, however ...
 
My last hiking trip I brought my little Fiskars. It was up to the task of gathering and splitting kindling plus clearing obstructions around camp. I did cut a nail puller into it before the trip and I was glad to have that.

Fiskars%201.jpg


Total weight after cutting the nail puller and removing the rubber grip, 556g. If I was hiking in a larger group and could distribute the weight around I'd step up to a claw hatchet at about twice the weight. But for hiking solo I'll bring this and spend the weight savings on some other piece of gear.

Note: I wrapped the bit with a wet rag while I ground out the nail puller. You need to preserve the temper.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I am looking into them all.
Alocksly, my Browning is an older one and I think it was probably made by Fiskars as they look and feel the same. It has been pretty good. The Gerber Bear Grylls is pretty decent, actually, but it is very light and thin. So, I want something a bit better for all around.
 
I also saw the GB Mini at 11 oz. and the GB Wildlife at 16 oz. These look excellent for my needs but YIKES! the price!
 
Yep, they're pricey. But then again they are pretty near the top of the line in terms of new, quality axes. When I got my GB, it would shave hairs off the shelf, and I lightly stopped it for good measure. I then proceeded to test it on oak, and other woods, as well as using it for firewood prep on some princess tree wood, which was very hard and dry. When I got home I went to sharpen it and it didn't need a thing. They really are very high quality, but you do pay for it.
 
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DocT,
I have the GBA Scandinavian and love it. Had the Small Forest and loved it- covet getting a Wildlife. I use them but I remember their cost when I use them and try not to abuse them. If this is for your overseas venntures, I would hate to risk confiscation of my prized GBA.

Bill
 
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