Newbie Ax Questions

[singleshot03]

I tried google with no sucess so here are my questions:

1. What is the range of weight for hatchet heads?
2. At what length handle does a hatchet become an ax or is there some other criteria?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[Pondoro2310]

Just an idea here I have one hatchet with a 1.5 pound head (it is marked "1.5" anyway) and an ax with a 5 pound head (I weighed it when it had no handle). That ax now has a 36 inch handle of my choosing but shorter handles are available. I just measured three of my hatchet handles and they were 13", 14", 14".

There are axes called Scout axes and Cruisers but I am not sure what the lengths and weights might be.

 

[Pondoro2310]

This place sells handles as follows:
14, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30, 32, 36. Various names like Scout and House and Cruiser and "Boy's" axes.

https://www.househandle.com/products.html#single

 

[Square_peg]

It's subjective. I think of a hatchet as being not more than 2 lbs. and not longer than about 19". But a 1.5 pound head on a 21" handle would still be a hatchet to me.

 

[Techtim]

I personally would consider it a hatchet if it is usually meant to be used with one hand. Two hands = axe. But that's just me.

 

[300Six]

I have never given this much thought before but here's a suggestion: a chopper that is used with one hand defines a 'hatchet' whereas one that requires two-hands is an 'axe'.

 

[Techtim]

I have never given this much thought before but here's a suggestion: a chopper that is used with one hand defines a 'hatchet' whereas one that requires two-hands is an 'axe'.

I must have gotten you by seconds. Haha great minds think alike.

 

[singleshot03]

So the difference between hatchet and axe is more of a subjective decision versus an industry standard. Although people have a couple of guidelines: one hand versus two, 2 pound head weight...

Thank you. I am trying to collect different head weights and handle length of axes and hatchets.

Jim

 

[Bo T]

This subjective analysis also extends to the handle. Some like thicker handles, etc. I just bought a boys ax in disrepair and the first thing I noticed was the handle and head were thinner and lighter than my Collins boys ax although they are the same length.

 

[300Six]

This subjective analysis also extends to the handle. Some like thicker handles, etc. I just bought a boys ax in disrepair and the first thing I noticed was the handle and head were thinner and lighter than my Collins boys ax although they are the same length.

Newer handles (many of them) are thick to the extreme. Is this because of current liability issues or do current 'savvy' buyers (is there such a thing?) want as much extra wood as they can get.