Recommendations for a Hatchet

E

exodus88

Joined
Mar 7, 2012
Messages
2
Hi guys, I'm back again.
Just want to inquire about hatchets.
I'm actually purchasing my very first hatchet but I'm not too sure which ones would serve my purpose well.

I'm looking for something:
- Price of $25-$50 or less
- light weight (around 1.3lbs (0.6kg or less)
- full tang (if possible)
- survival based (Not tactical or anything like a spiked blade)
- Curved bearded blade if possible (But not a pointed tip like the M28)
- Preferably non-spiked tail (Or anything sharp-ish)
- Good grip (Or customisable with paracord)
- ergonomically good for chopping (if possible)
- Comes with sheath (for obvious reasons)
- Overall length of 13" or less
- No issues with getting soaked over a period of several hours
- Adequately rust resistant

Usage:
Mainly for wood processing, chopping up thigh-sized wood and as a all around multi purpose tool.
I live in a tropical climate and my tools are often soaked when in the jungles.
I'm also quite rough with my equipment therefore durability (such as a full tang) would

Suggestions:
So far, the best suggestion I've got is a Estwing Sportsman’s Axe E24A along with the quote "It will do anything you ask of it"

http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2010/12/estwing-sportsmans-axe-e24a-review.html



Any suggestions and advice regarding this petition would greatly be appreciated. And thank you in advance.
 
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I used my buddies Gerber this weekend and I was really impressed with the way this thing bit. I can't remember the model number but it was about 18" handle. The handle was hollow and that made me a little skeptical but it wasn't an issue. It is sharpened like a chopping axe and has flared cheeks to enable it to work like a spiltting axe. He told me it only cost like 35-40 buck so it might be worth looking into. I'm getting one FWIW.
 
Western Knives hunters hatchet, fits all your criteria except the curved beard.
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You may want to try some Gerber/Fiskars hatchet (Sport axe / X7)
They are probably a tad above your weight/price but they pretty durable and are tried and trusted.
 
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For thigh sized wood, I find little hatchets just don't have the power. I tried to use one of those Western Hunter's Hatchet on backpacking trips. On several occasions I tried to cut up a downed tree, about as thick as my thigh or so. I found that it took way too long just to get through it, just to have to do it again, and again.
Looking back, I wish I had just taken the Estwing E24A you mentioned on those trips, because that's what I eventually bought.

Then again, if you don't overswing, or try to put too much power into a wooden handled hatchet they work just fine. Lot's of cheap ones don't cut well, so we compensate with power. A small forest axe, boy's axe or a hudson bay axe are all sized just right for campers. Learning how NOT to overswing and using the axe within it's limitations is key to keeping it and yourself in one piece.
Keeping wax on a wooden handle will help keep it dry, or at least keep water from soaking in too much. Plus, IMO there's no reason to be hard on your tools, if you use your brain and less muscle. If you're in the military, sure you might be in a hurry. But, us campers have to be more patient and take care not to injure ourselves in remote locations. Learning how to do safer chopping is essential, get the most from an axe with less effort.
Watch Ray use the small axe in this video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5W6r5U7yBE

Money aside, sounds like you want this....Winkler Camp Axe.

wkcamp_bg.jpg
 
exodus88 said:
Suggestions:
So far, the best suggestion I've got is a Estwing Sportsman’s Axe E24A along with the quote "It will do anything you ask of it"

http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2010/12/estwing-sportsmans-axe-e24a-review.html
Click to expand...


I wouldn't put much faith in a review that states:
It will take weeks of continuous work to file down the convex of the edge.
Click to expand...

Anyone who could spend weeks re-profiling a hatchet doesn't know jack---- about axes or hatchets.

I agree with the above. It sounds like a Fiskars is right for you. Estwing's leather handles don't hold up to prolonged exposure to damp conditions.
 
May I suggest that you consider a vintage hatchet. A Plumb, Collins or Kelly will sever you well. In most cases they are 30 to 80 years old and have stood the test of time & use. They are plentiful on ebay, many in pristine condition. You'll be proud to own and use a vintage made in the USA hatchet.

Just an old farts thoughts, Tom
 
I thought about suggesting a classic hatchet, too. But in a jungle environment I figured the Fiskars handle might outlast a wooden handle and the Fiskars plastic sheath would certainly outlive a leather sheath. If you kept the leather sheath well oiled it might be OK but the OP specifically stated that he is "quite rough with my equipment". Not sure if the 'rough' included neglect.
 
chopping "thigh size" wood is asking a lot out of a hatchet. If that's going to be the norm I would go with a small axe unless it's greenwood that is really soft. But for hatchet suggestions I would throw out the Husqvarna hatchet. You get some nice swedish steel for $40.
 
If your not opposed to a wooden handle Bahco makes a nice 1lb hatchet. Its a beast at limbing and chopping small branches. I highly reccomend it.
 
The Fiskars hatchet would be a good choice, but so would the Estwing E24a. Either may take 20-30 minutes of sharpening. Both are good quality products.

Now the best hatchet I have ever used is the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife hatchet. But that is around double your budget.
 
Also, as many have already pointed chopping "thigh-sized" wood with a 600g/1.3lbs tool will take some time, whatever the tool considered.
 
Thanks so much guys for your feedbacks..

I did consider the Fiskars but the poly material will not stand up to my rough handling. (Could picture it accidentally melting beside the campfire)
I've decided to get a Estwing instead since I was informed that a few pieces are available at a hardware store. (Im from Malaysia btw)
Another reason why I would consider it over a Winkler would be the ergonomics of the design and handle. (Easier to handle with the design and a shock absorbing handle is a plus)
I did look into Western knives (and some other ones which look alike) but the size is too small for its purpose. Besides, I've got bad experiences with plastic handles.
I guess I will have to replace the handle with paracord or something if it falls apart.

Anyways, many thanks for all the suggestions. ^.^

P.S: Having live in tropical rainforest, everything is HUGE here and trees grow real fast and dry wood is hardly available so thats where you get the thigh-sized wood.

I found this vid very useful but I dont know how well the methods would fare with wet wood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDp2oPxNV6g
 
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