Recommendation? Husqvarna Camping axe?

S

Sid Post

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Oct 14, 1998
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Does anyone have personal experience with this little axe? I'm curious how it works out in real-world use. What is it most similar too? Is it similar to the Gränsfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet?

The only weight I have seen is 1.1lbs for the entire axe. Is this accurate? Also, why are these in such limited distribution?

TIA,
Sid

https://www.husqvarna.com/us/accessories/axes/camping-axe/596270801/

Compact 15” axe is ideal for outdoor life in forests and open land, suitable for most tasks like chopping wood for the campfire. The size is perfect for packing in your backpack. The axe can also be attached to your belt using the included leather edge cover. Made of hickory and hand-forged Swedish steel. The head is attached to the handle using both a wooden and a steel wedge to secure fastening.
 
Where can one find the Vaughan camp axe? Googled it previously with no success and I'm unwilling to spend its MSRP on shipping to order one direct. Also, I'm a bit cautious about it with no reviews about its actual geometry (i.e. normal hardware store poor geometry or, actually having a geometry that will work like a European axe or hatchet).

Yes, 1080 steel would be nice as would 5160 from Council Tool in their premium line. When we start talking about a $50~$100 axe or hatchet, Gransfors, Hults, etc. enter the picture. Maybe it's time to look at Hultafor again.
 
I have a 13" Husqvarna Wooden Hatchet. Amazon feedback ratings have 73% giving it 5 stars and 16% giving it 4 stars and that is based on 1,718 people rating it and it has earned the Amazon's Choice label. I only reference Amazon for their buyers feedback ratings which may be helpful to you in choosing. While I do not have many hours on mine in use I have been happy with it so far. It weighs in at 2.2 pounds and it did arrive sharp and ready to go to work.
 
Sid Post said:
Where can one find the Vaughan camp axe? Googled it previously with no success and I'm unwilling to spend its MSRP on shipping to order one direct. Also, I'm a bit cautious about it with no reviews about its actual geometry (i.e. normal hardware store poor geometry or, actually having a geometry that will work like a European axe or hatchet).

Yes, 1080 steel would be nice as would 5160 from Council Tool in their premium line. When we start talking about a $50~$100 axe or hatchet, Gransfors, Hults, etc. enter the picture. Maybe it's time to look at Hultafor again.
Click to expand...

If you live close to Sears store you can find 1-1/4lbs Craftsman Camp axe(same hatchet made by Vaughan)

There are few places that still have in stock VAUGHAN Supersportsman's Sub-Zero Axe, 1/2 lb Head with total weight close to Husqvarna hatchet from original post.
 
crbnSteeladdict said:
If you live close to Sears store you can find 1-1/4lbs Craftsman Camp axe(same hatchet made by Vaughan)

There are few places that still have in stock VAUGHAN Supersportsman's Sub-Zero Axe, 1/2 lb Head with total weight close to Husqvarna hatchet from original post.
Click to expand...

The Sears outlet near me doesn't have any. I tried to mail order them but, apparently with their many bankruptcies have lost the ability to stock that axe. :(

The one used one I found online was $50 delivered! :eek:

With Hults Bruk options being ~$89 delivered, or a Hultafor for ~$55, I can't see $50 in a Vaughan/Craftsman option though for $20 I'd be all over it! ;)
 
I have stumbled onto a "Genuine Norlund" Hudson Bay pattern for $60 that looks pretty clean. It remains to be seen if it is a Voyager or Tomahawk head. I'm not sure what a new handle would cost but, at $70~$75 it may be worth the effort to add some elbow grease to this piece of history.

Whether "Genuine Norlund" is an early model or the later one is still TBD.

Does this look like a good 'keeper'?

FdwsCUN.jpg

MwOtvlo.jpg
 
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Sid Post said:
Where can one find the Vaughan camp axe? Googled it previously with no success and I'm unwilling to spend its MSRP on shipping to order one direct. Also, I'm a bit cautious about it with no reviews about its actual geometry (i.e. normal hardware store poor geometry or, actually having a geometry that will work like a European axe or hatchet).

Yes, 1080 steel would be nice as would 5160 from Council Tool in their premium line. When we start talking about a $50~$100 axe or hatchet, Gransfors, Hults, etc. enter the picture. Maybe it's time to look at Hultafor again.
Click to expand...

I bought 3 of the Craftsman branded Vaughan's last year. Each has proved serviceable though none have yet seen heavy use because I have so many to choose from.

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...tchets-and-hawks.1506825/page-5#post-18403135
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/what-did-you-sharpen-today.1318350/page-18#post-18522625

Not sure if you can still find the Craftsman around with the stores closing up but it's worth a look at your local Sears if you still have one.
 
Square_peg said:
I bought 3 of the Craftsman branded Vaughan's last year. Each has proved serviceable though none have yet seen heavy use because I have so many to choose from.

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...tchets-and-hawks.1506825/page-5#post-18403135
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/what-did-you-sharpen-today.1318350/page-18#post-18522625

Not sure if you can still find the Craftsman around with the stores closing up but it's worth a look at your local Sears if you still have one.
Click to expand...

Square_peg,
It seems that Sears discontinued the Craftsman-48101-114-lb-Camp-Axe and replaced it with a synthetic handled model.
It is sad to see yet another nice USA made hatchet gone. It was an exceptional value. Some members like Ross did not like it, because they got a lemon, but I think it was a well made hatchet. I don't know if Vaughan will still make it with the Craftsman option now gone.

You may still be able to find the Vaughan equivalent online, it is called:
Vaughan 332-20 SC11/4 Scout Axe without Sheath, 1.25-Pound Head
or
Vaughan 332-24 SCS11/4 Scout Axe, 1.25-Pound Head. (The 332-24 is supposed to come with a sheath).

The Vaughan version's head is either painted blue or is completely black and will have Vaughan written either on the head or on the handle.

Make sure you don't buy a phony products, some unscrupulous sellers try to pass on a cheap Chinese hatchet as the real deal.

As for the Husquarna camping axe, while it resembles the old style Gränsfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet in shape, I doubt it would have the same finish as the GB. It is still a Swedish steel and manufacture, but I agree with Square_peg that a USA made Vaughan would likely be a better option for much less money. The Vaughan is heavier than the GB Wildlife, but also better suited for hardwoods like oak, hickory and maple. Just my $0.02.
 
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