Hunting Hatchet

Steven Kelly

Steven Kelly

Joined
Nov 18, 2007
Messages
277
This is a small hunting hatchet I forged from 5160. It has a differential heat treat with the cutting edge at a 55-57 rc and the hammer face in the high 40s.
The head is 9/32" wide and 4 3/4" long, with a 2 1/4" cutting face. The handle is 8" long, dyed tiger stripped curly maple.
The total weight is 8 ounces...

I wanted something small and light that could be carried easily in a pack. But, that has the capability to easily quarter an elk. I think this is it!!

This is my first hunting hatchet..
Let me know what you all think!!

Steve
 

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Steven, This little hatchet looks to be all business. Hope you get an elk pretty soon to give it a test!
 
I really like it Steve! :thumbup:

It'd be great if you took some pics while you build the next one, I'd really like to see that! I've forged some out, but never finished them out.
 
NickWheeler said:
I really like it Steve! :thumbup:

It'd be great if you took some pics while you build the next one, I'd really like to see that! I've forged some out, but never finished them out.
Click to expand...

Thanks Nick!!!
I may try and get some tutorial photos on the next one...

Steve
 
Steven Kelly said:
I have been going to make this one for about a year now... Since Elk season is over, I will probably end up selling this one and trying to make a couple more before next hunting season..
Click to expand...

Steven, Don't forget about road kill. Don't bury the hatchet yet! :D
 
sweet!
that head might look quite at home on a longer handle as well:thumbup:
 
Steve that is dam nice for the first one can't wait to see what you do for #2.
 
At 8 oz. this little gem is practical for the day hunter on foot to carry in his daypack. It does need a sheath though. I have the Gransfors Bruks mini-axe, which comes in at 12 oz. I believe. I haven't used it much, because it's a bit heavy and I don't usually quarter animals.

Given the height of my F150 tailgate and that I'm a step or 2 away from the nursing home, I can't hoist a 200 lb. whitetail into my truck bed by myself anymore. Luckily another hunter happened along at the critical moment this year, otherwise I would have cut the buck in 2 pieces (front and back)--a perfect job for your little axe.

A handsaw could also do the job at half the weight, but saws can't spit wood, drive tent stakes, skin/gut, or any number of additional camp chores. For a select group of skookum hunters/campers/survivalists, your axe could well become an esoteric, treasured piece of gear.

ken
 
Ken Williams said:
At 8 oz. this little gem is practical for the day hunter on foot to carry in his daypack. It does need a sheath though. I have the Gransfors Bruks mini-axe, which comes in at 12 oz. I believe. I haven't used it much, because it's a bit heavy and I don't usually quarter animals.

Given the height of my F150 tailgate and that I'm a step or 2 away from the nursing home, I can't hoist a 200 lb. whitetail into my truck bed by myself anymore. Luckily another hunter happened along at the critical moment this year, otherwise I would have cut the buck in 2 pieces (front and back)--a perfect job for your little axe.

A handsaw could also do the job at half the weight, but saws can't spit wood, drive tent stakes, skin/gut, or any number of additional camp chores. For a select group of skookum hunters/campers/survivalists, your axe could well become an esoteric, treasured piece of gear.

ken
Click to expand...

Ken,

That was pretty much my goal for this hatchet. Exactly those pesky little chores that a hunting knife really doesn't work well for. I actually built 1 hatchet before this one. It weighs in at a whopping 14 oz. and as you mentioned about your 12oz. ax, is way too heavy for convenient carry...
 
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