Looking for a hatchet.

C

Corporalknifekid

Joined
Dec 24, 2013
Messages
10
I am looking for a hatchet
I really don't have a hatchet in mind besides the Estwing hatchet. So what are some good hatchets/tomahawks in the $50-$100 price zone.
Please list any hatchets or tomahawks that you may like.
 
I've not seen much on it on the web and I'm not a very experienced axe/hatchet user, but I recently bought a Council Tools hatchet (hunter's axe, 125hu). It was under $30 shipped and sharpened for free by the vendor. It has a 1.25 lb and a 14" hickory handle. Made in the USA by a reputable company and works as well as I could hope (but like I said, I'm not particularly experienced).
I'm not sure about the rules regarding vendors, so if you want more info as far as that goes, pm me or check out the woodtrekker blog
 
An Estwing with the stacked leather handle is a classic. It will also probably last you forever. I've seen so many of these in workshops, woodsheds, and behind bench seats in old pickup trucks and the owners have used them for forty years or more. The only downside is if you want to take it backpacking it's a little on the heavy side as opposed to a wood or composite handle.

I guess the big question is what do you want to use it for? kindling? camping?......... zombies?


edit: Here's my personal kindling splitter, this one 'aint for sale anywhere, but it definitely cost me under $50.


 
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Alocksly said:
What's the one with green curved handle?
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It's a Mora and it reminds me of a mora knife, that is to say it looks cheap, sells cheap, and yet outperforms many more expensive options. I don't care for the shape of the handle but the mora is well suited for bush crafting and field dressing deer.
 
If it's new and Yuppie you want there are numerous sources that will be overjoyed to take your money. If you're patient and willing to attend flea markets and garage sales you can likely come up with previously-enjoyed top quality that agrees with you (since you'll actually be able to examine and hold it!) and then put the remainder of that $100 into buying a decent tent or sleeping bag.
Ya gotta remember hatchets are of limit use in the bush (compared to a buck saw or an axe) and more often than not wind up languishing in tool boxes, workshops and trunks of cars.
 
I confess I had no idea Mora made a hatchet. I've got several of their knives scattered throughout my shop, tackle box, etc.


edit: and after a quick browse of reviews I think I'll avoid the temptation to acquire one.
 
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Alocksly said:
I confess I had no idea Mora made a hatchet. I've got several of their knives scattered throughout my shop, tackle box, etc.


edit: and after a quick browse of reviews I think I'll avoid the temptation to acquire one.
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The Mora isn't the best choice for all around wood processing due to its head geometry. It's basically a 1/4" piece of flat steel with a curved bit that is a V grind starting back about a 1/2' and tapering to nothing. It does fine for some bush crafting tasks and is really well suited for processing large game animals. I have processed many deer over the years using one of my Mora knives and hatchet.

In your price range I would recommend the Fiskars, Wetterlings, or Husqvarna hatchets if you want to purchase something new. Your other option (and the way I would go) is to purchase some vintage American hatchet or head only and haft it yourself. The Norlunds are good but are getting really pricey. I personally like carpenter hatchets/rigger axes and many of these can be bought for a reasonable price. My favorites are the Plumbs with the full length octagonal hammer poll because I can easily clip a 1/2" off the poll to lighten the weight and improve balance for chopping.

Steve
 
go with an estwing. you can't miss. and like others have said, it will last forever. and you get find them anywhere.


a nice carpenters hatcher is light, but with a 18" handle you can do a lot of work and not get tired. this is by far my most useful tool when in the woods. i found the head on a road side sale for $10. its a true temper, and probably decades old, but it holds a great edge for a hatchet

 
mjderstine said:
go with an estwing. you can't miss. and like others have said, it will last forever. and you get find them anywhere.


a nice carpenters hatcher is light, but with a 18" handle you can do a lot of work and not get tired. this is by far my most useful tool when in the woods. i found the head on a road side sale for $10. its a true temper, and probably decades old, but it holds a great edge for a hatchet

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Those are great for running a trap line. I was always partial to the 28oz Vaughn.

In my experience the only thing Estwing does well is not break. They are just wrong in every other way.

I would go with a vintage cedar pattern plumb, if I could just own one.
 
Absolutely beautiful job on the edge.

Aside from my Fiskars, my preference is to find a junk store blade and then either make or buy a new handle. Originally done for budget reasons, but now because I know the steel is better and it's frankly a lot more fun.
 
garry3 said:
Those are great for running a trap line. I was always partial to the 28oz Vaughn.

In my experience the only thing Estwing does well is not break. They are just wrong in every other way.

I would go with a vintage cedar pattern plumb, if I could just own one.
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I got a chuckle out of this; I too am fond of Estwings on jobsites and as loaners for that very reason and would never consider treasuring their version of a hatchet or an axe.
 
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