Need a New Hatchet for the Woods

SpookyPistolero

SpookyPistolero

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
6,105
Howdy folks!

It's been a long time since I tried bringing a good chopper with me when camping/backpacking and I miss having one around. The main reason I ditched my old hatchets was weight and poor chopping/slicing ability. I just couldn't stomach hauling around the weight when the brand-x El-Cheapo could barely make it through a 5" downed branch. I once recieved a plastic handled variety and was hopeful that it would work and save me some weight, but it snapped in half on it's first use..

Anywho, I was shopping at Meijer yesterday and saw some Fiskar's hatchets in the gardening department. I've searched around here for a while but didn't find all that much on their axes. Does anyone own one? These are the 14" variety. I'm feeling burned on plastic for an axe/hatchet, but am willing to be convinced that I just got a junker.

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts and experiences with these, so someone can talk me into picking one up! How do they handle? How do you like the blade, how does it hold an edge? Was it worth the weight and cash?

(I was able to find the very helpful thread on these from Cliff Stamp who reviewed these on cutleryscience.com, but was also looking for some first-hand thoughts.)

-Spooky
 
Fiskars and gerber are both quality products, and will hold out on you, whatever you cut. However they have a pretty wide angled edge, not great slicers. If thats what you are after get a wetterlings, or a gransfors bruks for even beter edge angle, but a bit pricier.
Check out the axe and tomahawk forum for some more advice.

I might add a bit of elbow grease and an angle ginder will give you a much better profile on the cheapos, if you want a do it yourself project.
 
the gerber gator axes are on closeout and can be found for $12 - $15. they're made in finnland and flex rather than break. i just got the 12.5" wetterlings for $21.77 from bladematrix, i don't think you'll find a better deal on a hatchet.
 
A small ax will be a lot better than a hatchet, IMHO. For a few ounces more weight you get a lot more chopping efficiency. 3/4 Hudson's Bay is my pick.
 
Spooky, I don't know if you've looked in the Axe forum, but there's been lots of discussion about the Fiskars in there. I got a small GB for myself, but I've heard the Fiskars are good value.
 
I can only say good things about GB, served me well, never even sacred of it breaking, and hey even if it dose, just replace the handle
 
The Fiskars/Gerber is a good hatchet. They're really poplular where I live. I like that the handle is nearly indestructable.
 
Magnum22 said:
the gerber gator axes are on closeout and can be found for $12 - $15. they're made in finnland and flex rather than break. i just got the 12.5" wetterlings for $21.77 from bladematrix, i don't think you'll find a better deal on a hatchet.
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If im not mistaken the gator line are made in taiwan, but the back-pax, camp and sport are made in finnland like fiskars.
 
I know better than to come to places like this. I just ordered a new GB after reading a couple of threads here. I have big knives but go with the thinking of right tool for the job.
 
dialton said:
I know better than to come to places like this. I just ordered a new GB after reading a couple of threads here. I have big knives but go with the thinking of right tool for the job.
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GB's are great, they wont let ya' down :thumbup:
 
You know, I went out into the garage and looked at the axe (hatchet really) that I had most readily accessible. It had a whopping $5.95 price tag still on it. Pretty shabby piece of steel but not bad for hammering tent stakes. I finally broke down and bought a good one. I had read about Snow and Neally, Wetterlings, etc: for a long time. Just wanted to try out some of the good stuff. I don't mind paying for it if I get top quality craftsmanship for my top dollar. We shall see.

Not trying to hijack your thread my man. My point is that I too was curious and due to the reading here and in other forums, decided to take the plunge. I am going to try the GB
 
I like Wetterlings. This is is the smallest of the 3 I have.
Scott

elknessmuk.jpg
 
Magnum22 said:
the gerber gator axes are on closeout and can be found for $12 - $15. they're made in finnland and flex rather than break. i just got the 12.5" wetterlings for $21.77 from bladematrix, i don't think you'll find a better deal on a hatchet.
Click to expand...

GAH! Dont talk to me about the gerber hatchet. They suck at splitting logs, have no heft to them, and just basically suck (In my opinion, others love them).
 
Now everyone don't hate me for what I'm about to say.
Before I say it though, I want you to know that I own both a Wetterlings and a GB.
Well...here it goes....For an outdoor hatchet that will certainly meet dirt and possibly rocks, I would buy a Craftsman. If you destroy it they will replace it. Heck, if you want to grind it to try a different profile, just do it. If you screw up, take it back and try again. I use mine for when I know its going to be ugly and I wouldn't dare with my Wetterlings or GB. For I think $15, you get a ok hatchet that you can experiment with and if you really f##k it up, take it back.
I had mine for over 15 years and I took it back only because the handle got loose! No questions and even a courtesy exchange. They don't care why you bring it back, they wont even ask you! Just be sure where ever it said Craftsman, that its still readable or they wont. On my hatchet, it was stamped on the head.

Go ahead....let the slamming begin :-)
 
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