Newbie Q.: Kukri, Machete, or Hatchet/Forest Axe?

[Shotgun]

I never quite understood the reasoning behind hatchets...anytime I want an axe I want an AXE. If weight is going to get trimmed anywhere it'll be in the head, not the handle--the concentration of mass at the end of a LEVER is where the axe gets its power from. You can keep equal chopping power for less weight by removing more steel and adding more wood. The increase in the length of the lever makes up for the decrease in head mass. This is also why I never quite was able to wrap my head around most production tomahawks...the head is light, so wouldn't you want a longer handle to compensate? I can understand the shorter length on a piece designed for modern combat, where ease of carry on a soldier's kit trumps that equation, but on utility hawks? Nope. I'll take a long handle please.

You're right that a long haft light weight hatchet/hawk is best if saving weight but I think you're missing the packability. Most people throw their choppers in a backpack so they have to fit which is why you see short hatchet hafts. In that circumstance, the hatchet really is the best answer because it gives you more weight up top. Think of how ineffective a 14" OAL machete would be.

To the OP, I just got back from camping this weekend and took a 14 inch tram machete with me to play with along with my standby, the CS trail hawk. I gotta say I found both useful and will probably take both camping here on out. As for backpacking, I still like the hawk because I find it more useful. The tram would definitely win the weight contest though so if it were a long hike I may opt for that one. Really though, all three would work in this area.

 

[Kommando Kodiak]

If weight was a huge concern and you could only take one, Definately a kukri! Ill link you up to some

http://www.ontario-knife-store.com/products/Ontario-Combat-Survival-Kukri-Machete.html (this place calls it a machete others ive seen dont)

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Kukri-Machete-Handle/dp/B000FJRR2K

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1XG0Y144ASRH5H3H54K3

http://budk.com/Brands/Cold Steel/Cold-Steel-SK5-Carbon-Gurkha-Kukri (shipping is 20 but its still cheaper than amazon and if youget a 10% discount its about 170)

 

[Will_Power]

If weight was a huge concern and you could only take one, Definately a kukri! Ill link you up to some

http://www.ontario-knife-store.com/products/Ontario-Combat-Survival-Kukri-Machete.html (this place calls it a machete others ive seen dont)

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Kukri-Machete-Handle/dp/B000FJRR2K

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1XG0Y144ASRH5H3H54K3

http://budk.com/Brands/Cold Steel/Cold-Steel-SK5-Carbon-Gurkha-Kukri (shipping is 20 but its still cheaper than amazon and if youget a 10% discount its about 170)

As I mentioned earlier in the thread, I ended up going in a completely different direction with a Silky folding saw. I've been very, very pleased with it so far.

If I do go the Kukri route one day, then the Ka-Bar kukri is probably what I'd go with.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

You're right that a long haft light weight hatchet/hawk is best if saving weight but I think you're missing the packability. Most people throw their choppers in a backpack so they have to fit which is why you see short hatchet hafts. In that circumstance, the hatchet really is the best answer because it gives you more weight up top. Think of how ineffective a 14" OAL machete would be.

See, I'd just put it in my pack head down and let the excess handle stick out the top.

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

If I'm packing it, it gets strapped to my pack or webgear. Don't want it inside where I can't reach it!

Ka-bar kuk is nice. Not really up to par with my favorite HI khuks, but it's a heck of a good buy for sure.