REVIEW- The new Fiskars X7 14" Hatchet

I have the x7 reviewed, read somewhere that the one listed on your link was this years updated model...not for sure firsthand though
 
I'm mostly concerned the steel is the same or better quality at least. I hears some of the older ones had sub par steel. Do you know if you can hammer with the poll/back on this axe? Thanks!
 
SkagSig40 said:
Is this the same hatchet sold at Wal-Mart. It does not say X7 but it is very close looking to the X7:
Click to expand...

The head is exactly the same other than the black paint job. The handle is insignificantly shorter and has molded in grooves (and logo) instead of the orange rubbery material on the X7. I don't know if this is intended as an addition or a replacement but I personally prefer the new one. Did not care for the rubbery grip at all.

The poll is the same as every other Fiskars axe. It will benefit from flattening and is fine for tent stakes and other camp hammering chores. It shouldn't be used to hammer nails or drive steel wedges though. It's also a bit on the stubby side.
 
Kiah said:
The head is exactly the same other than the black paint job. The handle is insignificantly shorter and has molded in grooves (and logo) instead of the orange rubbery material on the X7. I don't know if this is intended as an addition or a replacement but I personally prefer the new one. Did not care for the rubbery grip at all.

The poll is the same as every other Fiskars axe. It will benefit from flattening and is fine for tent stakes and other camp hammering chores. It shouldn't be used to hammer nails or drive steel wedges though. It's also a bit on the stubby side.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Will the poll deform if used as a normal hammer?
 
SkagSig40 said:
Thanks! Will the poll deform if used as a normal hammer?
Click to expand...

Couldn't tell you as I've never done it, just always been told it's a no-no so refrained. I'm not sure how close in price they are right off, but you might look at an Estwing Carpenter's Hatchet or Rigger's Axe over the Fiskars. They have hammers built right in.
 
Nails into wood would be the most demanding hammer task I would need it for. Nothing like hammering a steel wedge to split logs. Think the Fiskhars hatchet is up to hammering nails into wood?
 
Hey Kiah,

I may have missed it somewhere, but are you still making X7 sheaths?

Thanks for any news.
 
SkagSig40 said:
Nails into wood would be the most demanding hammer task I would need it for. Nothing like hammering a steel wedge to split logs. Think the Fiskhars hatchet is up to hammering nails into wood?
Click to expand...

I'd wager it'd work in a pinch, but someone with more knowledge on how they're hardened would have to say for sure. If it were gonna be a regular thing, I'd definitely go with something made for it though. Even if the steel is hardened correctly and the ridge is flattened out it'd make a terrible hammer simply because it's so narrow.

Boats said:
Hey Kiah,

I may have missed it somewhere, but are you still making X7 sheaths?

Thanks for any news.
Click to expand...

I'm swimming in SURVIVE stuff and not really taking set orders for anything else. I've got a list on X7 sheaths that I'm working through as I can. If you wanna shoot me an email I can add you to the list, but there's no set time frame I can give.
 
Does anyone know if this kind of chipping/bending is normal on a new x7? I split a few bundles of firewood I had purchased for camping. Should I replace, or can this be gotten out with a DC4 stone? Thanks!

ZBy1trl.jpg


HR4digL.jpg
 
The Heat treat at the edge may be ruined by overzealous machine sharpening. Once you get rid of this material, edge holding should be better. I say, clean up the edge and keep using it.
 
There have been many reports of soft steel at the edge of Fiskars axes and hatchets with harder steel lying just below that. Must be something about how they grind them. Just file the edge back and hone it sharp and you should be fine.
 
Was that edge damage experienced on the new models? I bought different sizes Fiskars years ago. I saw that kind of edge damage and decided to avoid Fiskars. Read some very favorable reviews of their splitting axe (X27 6.3 lb. 36 in. Super Splitting Axe). I bought one just a few weeks ago and have been quite pleased. Good edge performance. Good splitter. Hope they've fixed their HT for good.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top