Lightweight ("tactical"?) Hatchet?

pertinux

pertinux

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Feb 1, 2012
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My son is in the USMC, training through the winter. He just asked me if I had any leads on companies or products for a lightweight hatchet. I do not, but told him I'd ask "the knife guys." So, here I am. :)


He used the adjective "tactical" in his request, but I'm not sure what that means to him other than lightweight (vs. a dedicated, heavier camp tool, etc.).


Specifically, he said, "I'd use it to cut roots out of my foxhole. I'll have to carry it in my pack everywhere, so the lighter/shorter the better."

[He says a hatchet is more useful to him than a saw.]

While he will be of course attempting to survive throughout, it doesn't sound like he's asking for a "survival tool," heh.

Communication with him is sporadic, but if there's something else I should ask him when we can connect again, just let me know.

Thanks for any ideas!

~ P.
 
The VTAC lagana fits the bill, but there are smiths on here that may be able to do what he wants.
 
1 -Butchesforge sometimes makes it very easy Hawks. I have a few of his Hawks. My favorite - the rail road spike poll Hawk - the easiest, fastest. I did it for a shorter handle for easy transportation.
2- Shtorm Crow, - full tang tactical hawk.
 
I've used the CRKT line of "tactical" hawks for root clearing (in a trench/shellscrape, of all places!). Low cost, very lightweight, and goes through roots with little issue. The steel is a bit soft, so a sharpening stone being kept at a short distance isn't a bad idea depending on the roots encountered and if there are a lot of stones in the ground. I shortened mine and love it.

 
I'd really look at getting something with a hammer pommel than a spike. It usually adds to the utility of it, I've never had use of the spike and its something I had to always be mindful of not to hit myself in the eye. But I was never in the military, so there might be a difference.
Traditional pattern, 2hawks would be the way to go
Newer tactical look at winkler combat or camp, omnivore jackal. and RMJ loggerhead/shriek for some good ones. The latter two have a expedited process and a discount for active duty if I'm not mistaken.


I have a VTAC Lagana, you have to reprofile the edge on that bugger before it has any utility. That edge won't fail, but it also wont cut squat either. The handle is slicker than snot so you'd better ship him some ranger bands or bike innertube first.
 
It doesn't get much lighter and shorter then the RMJ Wren. I just received mine and LOVE it. If we needs a longer spike, I think the kestrel feather is a nice trade off.
 
I would go with a Storm Crow 15" Wrecker or a traditional style with a 12" and 18" handle- break down for packing and simple choice of handle length for chopping in a hole to something with more oomph.

I qualify that with the statement that I have never served in the capacity that he does but I have used axes and hatchets for years- including chopping roots in trenches and holes.

Bill
 
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