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Opinions on my choice of hatchet

D

DocT

Joined
Mar 25, 2012
Messages
5,437
Hi folks, I would like your opinion on my choice of a hatchet.

Problem: I need something to use against robbers armed with parangs. I live in a place where having a parang/machete will get you into trouble unless you are going to the woods. (We cannot have guns). We cannot have a hatchet that is purpose made for combat. It must be for camping or real wood chopping purpose built.
Also, rooms here are very small and tight. I tried large kukris and swinging one is a problem in close quarters.

Solution: I bought a Bear Grylls hatchet. It is small, I can choke up on it and use it like an ulu knife, or I can chop. I am thinking of defense. I can also use it for camp chores. It is purpose built for camping so it is not 'tactical' or a tomahawk. What do you all think of my choice?
 
DocT,
Much as agree with getting out....as a future expat to the Phils. I kind of understand your position. For in the home, I would look at something like a short handled pitchfork. For outdoors, a pair of Kali sticks and training either way. Any hatchet you have is better than nothing but having a hatchet in hand is no assurance of being able to protect yourself.

Do remember that people in the region have been forbidden from owning guns for a very long time in many cases and have learned to use farming tools for self defense.

I carry an ASP in Phils and LEO have never objected but that is no guarantee.

My wife does tease me with what I am going to do with an axe collection once we get over there!! :)

Bill
 
I'd get something a little longer than a Bear Grylls hatchet. Something with a 14"-16" handle ending in a large abrupt swell.
 
how about a baseball bat? I think it would be better for self defense unless the hatchet has a really long handle (then you have an axe)
 
"I never thought of carrying a venomous snake for self defense but I but that would be highly effective! I would run like hell "

Even being stuck at work that made me smile :) I can picture the look on a thiefs face when I tossed a pit viper in his chest. I do love snakes but my wife forbids me owning them for now.

I was referring to an ASP expandable baton ;) Not legal for carry in many places and considered a lethal weapon in many courtrooms. But compact, metal and VERY effective. Funny that in Phils, I have had Security/LEO check my person on entering buildings, tap the ASP and then wave me through.

Bill
 
snippy said:
I never thought of carrying a venomous snake for self defense but I bet that would be highly effective - I would run like hell!!!
Click to expand...

Well, I had a long laugh at that one because I actually knew a store owner in Alabama that let a rattlesnake loose in the store at night as a deterrent to burglars. I am still laughing at that post.
 
Bill, I see you understand the situation. I am in that part of the world. The problem is swinging room with those items. If you stab or poke with an ASP it may collapse on you. But out in public, that would be just the ticket (the crime rate here is very high and the LEO...might be...well you know...).
 
DocT,
Yes the ASP would be relegated to open areas/ streets. The advantage of a tool like the pitchfork(or a similar design tool) is that it is not swung but thrust. The momentum is straight from you to the target in a straight line, it does not require lateral space. It also creates separation greater than the opponents reach with a blade. When the dust settles, it is a garden tool.
In a hallway, you are defensive and the walls limit exposure to your flanks and limit swinging a weapon. Your aggressor is channeled and coming straight at you. This is not prac tac and I am not certified in proper self defense but you asked particularly about the use of a hatchet and I feel there are better options "if" they are available to you.

Where here in US, I only need buy time until LEO arrive. You are going to have a much longer wait. Knowing people you can trust for advice on local conditions will mean much more than my advice from afar. I do not know if you are living or visiting the area but do try to source locals you can trust to help you deteremine your greatest risk as well as your best local assets.
Luckily, through my wife, I have family in the Phils and have made some close friends. So I have the advantage of blending my life experience with the local conditions.

My best assets are not portraying myself as having anything of value and by being disarming with a smile and a nod, reserving that "you owe me money" look for those that do not return my gesture and continue to stare at me. Being married, bars and clubs do not interest me and much of the targeting revolves around places like that. If someone wants to snatch by beat up cell phone or the few dollars in my pocket, I will give it and leave the ASP and Emerson out of play.

Bill
 
That's my thought Imalterna. Find something that you could use like a spear. Can be thrust forward in tight spaces and swung when you're in an open area.
 
To harken back to the days when there were no firearms:

A shield (or "buckler") with a strong upper edge can block the downward stroke of a short sword. The edge driven under an attacker's chin is unpleasant for him. It does not have to look like a shield. I just has to work like one.

Add to that something you can use to thrust around or under the shield. The point is deadlier than the edge. A thrust to the thigh is discouraging. Something like a stout "French Chef's Knife" would do.

"So I grabbed the garbage can lid and my wife's kitchen knife, and held him off, officer."
 
as an option, -SPECIAL FORCES SHOVEL -http://www.coldsteel.com/Category/9_1/Specialty_Items.aspx - this sample heavy, I would recommend a lighter ...
 
you mention tight spaces and pitchfork, and all that comes to mind is a sai. if you can't have a parang or machete though, chances are sais are also a no-go. ice pick?
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions. Yes, I have given the idea of a pointed object some thought. The idea of a shield is a great idea! I need to give that some serious consideration.
 
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