Newb question - just bought my first hatchet

stifa

stifa

Joined
Dec 31, 2010
Messages
186
Hi ,
I am a total newb in regards to axes and I literally don't know jack about them...
Just bought online my first hatchet - a Condor scout hatchet , and upon receiving it I noticed some imperfections in the wood where it joints to the head (see photo attached) . Condor says that the handle is Hickory , and while I like Hickory very much in BBQ , I don't know if it should look like this when it's in an axe .
My question is : considering light camping use , will this affect the durability of the hatchet ? Please consider it's my first , inexpensive hatchet .

Thanks !

IMG_3455_1_1.jpg
 
Hello Noob!

LOL - just kidding! All questions welcomed, and learning is a key here, feel free to ask any and all questions.

Your question, as to whether yours will hold up, I would say yes - you should be fine. The head of the haft through the eye will not always look perfect - but if done correctly will be ok. There is wood above the eye, which should help to hold the hatchet head in place. Thing about a handle like this, it will eventually, dependent on use, will need replaced, and thats ok. We have threads for that too!

Welcome to the party!

Mike
 
Yeah, looks nice and tight. Unless the head starts to move, have at it.
 
Operator1975 said:
Hello Noob!

LOL - just kidding! All questions welcomed, and learning is a key here, feel free to ask any and all questions.

Your question, as to whether yours will hold up, I would say yes - you should be fine. The head of the haft through the eye will not always look perfect - but if done correctly will be ok. There is wood above the eye, which should help to hold the hatchet head in place. Thing about a handle like this, it will eventually, dependent on use, will need replaced, and thats ok. We have threads for that too!

Welcome to the party!

Mike
Click to expand...

So amicable today!!! :p
 
Thank you all for your replies and warm welcome ! You saved me the headache of sending it back... I hope I'll have the chance to use the hatchet this coming weekend .
I'll be happy for some tips on using this kind of hatchet - I watched some Youtube vids but I'm afraid I don't have this skill level yet .
 
crafty said:
Some nice instruction from Ray Mears about small axes/hatchets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5W6r5U7yBE
Click to expand...

Like nearly all axe videos Ray is splitting some clear (knot-free) vertical grain wood that splits by itself at the mere sight of an axe. Sometimes when I'm splitting alder I just set the piece up on the block, show it an axe and say, "boo!" Then the piece falls in half all by itself.
grin.gif
 
stifa said:
Thank you all for your replies and warm welcome ! You saved me the headache of sending it back... I hope I'll have the chance to use the hatchet this coming weekend .
I'll be happy for some tips on using this kind of hatchet - I watched some Youtube vids but I'm afraid I don't have this skill level yet .
Click to expand...

The videos will help some. The biggest thing is to start slow and steady. A careful, thoughtful approach is a lot more important than powerful swings.
 
Power swings make you tired, being tired increases the chance of injury. Be careful and think about what you're doing in the woods. Ray's video does show some techniques on how to be safe, so you don't take off your knee caps. A sharp axe is a safe axe, it won't glace off the wood as easy.
 
Square_peg said:
Like nearly all axe videos Ray is splitting some clear (knot-free) vertical grain wood that splits by itself at the mere sight of an axe. Sometimes when I'm splitting alder I just set the piece up on the block, show it an axe and say, "boo!" Then the piece falls in half all by itself.
grin.gif
Click to expand...

Sure they do. But it's a good tip; start with the easy logs that are dry and knot-free :)
Also common sense but don't use your axe at night/in the dark.
 
Thanks everyone . I'm making a BBQ this coming weekend, I'll see what I'll manage to destroy with the hatchet :-)
 
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