Nice axes are some of the Hudson Bay models with heads up to 3lbs and 28in handles, and for something lighter a 28in 2 1/4 lb single bit 'boy's ax' like my well used and liked Collins. It was about $15 a few years back but I've noticed that the newer models from most makers look like cavemen finished them. For a nice looking hatchet the Vaughn builder's hatchet can be had for often less than $30, and being a 28oz model with a longer handle it works better than the typical 1 1/4 lb hunter's hatchets. Hatchets that I've gotten some good abuse out of are some $6 Chinese models sold under the Cummins name, with ugly yellow and blue fiberglass handles and what seems to be a 1 3/4 lb or so head. I keep one in each car and use them for rough work around the house, like chopping root balls of larger plants out of rocky soil, chipping ice, etc. Sears carries some decent looking made in the US hatchets, I've seen some nice looking Plumb, Collins, and other axes in older hardware stores where it looks like inventory doesn't move as quick as at the larger chains.
I guess one is getting when they feel like they should have bought two of something as mundane as an ax, because 'they don't make'em like they use to' :^)
K, you talked me into it,I think I'll try one.
