Looking for a nice hatchet...

[Daniel Koster]

I am an Assistant Scoutmaster looking for a good hatchet to use for camping. I want one that I can use to help the boys learn good technique. However, I would like it to be good looking enough to "inspire" them and get them excited about using it. I don't mind laying down a few bills to get it either.

Which hatchet(s) will get "Oooos & aahhhs" from the boys, yet be functional enough to learn sharpening technique, etc.?

Thanks for the insight.

Dan

 

[DancesWithKnives]

I like the Gransfors Bruks best. www.gransfors.com . However, for younger users you might do just as well with the Estwing that has the stacked leather handle. It is probably $20 cheaper and the steel is softer so it might chip less on accidental rock strikes and be a bit easier to sharpen. The cool looking leather grip still inspires pride of ownership.

 

[Jimbo]

Despite the fact that hatchets were once a regular part of the gear for boy scouts - I still think they are pretty deadly tools. I've done a bit of work with kids too - and you'll be finding that now most have no experience with any edged tools.
I'd really reccomend a light axe - and to start a home made trainer axe which is a light head on a longer handle so that misses always hit the ground and not body parts. I'll be using a light head on a 36" handle. Failing this use a 24" light axe and have them start kneeling so that hits on body parts are impossible.
For starting kids out you need an axe that isn't so expensive that you'll get upset with "ground accidents" - because they will happen.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

I have spent some time with my nephew showing him basic wood working, and kids now, as Jimbo, noted are simply not using any kind of bladed tools in general and thus have a total lack of such skills and "common sense" about the tools. For felling, I would definately start them off with using a saw as part of the process, and for handling basic limbing and bucking. This makes the chopping much easier, which allows them to really go very light, and thus high on control. And also forces them to think step-by-step, instead of just walking away and starting to hack.

Regard to the edge, yes it will take a beating at first. But I think this is a good thing, as it will enforce the idea of proper swing technique, as long as you have them fix the edge which is just a necessary skill as being able to use the axe in the first place. You don't want to get them accepting of edge beatings, as then they won't place the necessary control on hit placement. The biggest thing is to get the force requirement down so they don't get frustrated. Around here we have a lot of clear pine which is great to learn on, as even with light chops you can get ~2" of penetration with a small hatchet.

In regards to hatchets vs light axe, I started on a small hatchet, so I am pretty biased towards that for the beginner, but I can definately see the advantage of getting the blade much further away from the user and of course keeping the head weight down. If you are going this way, the "Brush Axe" might be something to look at. It has no points, and is a good deal safer for the novice.

-Cliff

 

[numberthree]

I would recommend one of the gerber hatchets. They are built like tanks, are very effective choppers, and are lighter than most regular hatchets. Also, they're not so 'nice' as to cause you pain when a scout dings it off a rock. They look 'modern' so they will be appealing to the scouts as well....

 

[OwenM]

I recently got a GB Wildlife Hatchet, and it sooo far beyond comparison with the hatchets of my youth. I like the Estwing and the Gerber, too.
At the same time, I still remember a Boy Scout burying the heel of a hatchet in his shin during an axe safety orientation (was that part of Totin' Chip, I can't remember?), and have to agree that a light axe might be a better starting point, even though hatchets are alot of fun (and that's what I started out with, too).
Also agree that learning to maintain the tool should go hand in hand with learning to use it.

The GBs will get the oohs and aahs, and maybe that extra level of respect, since you can easily demonstrate how well they cut. Both of mine have come with outstanding edges, and the one that has seen some use has been easily maintained.