Thin Hatchets/Camp Axes

[cm_bushman]

I notice Gransfors Bruks axes are pretty thin in the cheek, half as thin as most other cheap hatchets I see around. I know this must contribute quite a bit to it's light weight and high performance, so what are some other small axes (no longer than a 24" handle) with similar geometry for less money? Or the best hatchets/camp axes out there for the money in general?

 

[lmalterna]

As far as new and light bang for the buck under 24". Fiskars and Husqvarna are good. I would go vintage US made though, some have fairly thin profiles but it might take some looking. Alot of variation in profiles amongst the various makers. One thing you might consider is the older Plumb or True Temper carpenters hatchet. Remount them to the handle length you want. They have pretty flat profiles, great steel and are light. I have one of these now that I am reprofiling to suit a want.

If you can go 28" Council Tools Boys Axe is well regarded.

Bill

 

[cm_bushman]

I currently use a 28" double-bit for just about everything, and I would be fine with this size, but not much larger for camping.

I was looking at Council Hudson Bay and the Cold Steel Trail Boss on the lower end of the price range, and The Husqvarna Multi-Purpose axe as the more northerly option. My only real concern is lower-hardness steel in the Council and Cold Steel axes, do you think that this would lead to noticeable differences in the long term? I have seen multiple reviews showing that the initial chopping performance and fine carving abilities to all be comparable, (as well as some outperforming the GB offerings), but I simply worry about the steel choices in these brands.

 

[lmalterna]

As far as the steel being slightly softer, this would not deter me personally. The amount of chopping on a weekend camping trip should not lead to sharpening. I personally like sitting when I have time and sharpening, therapeutic I guess. If you were swinging all day having to sharpen axes would slow production- but for me I would have to stop for breaks anyway. Touching up an axe or chain is a chance to break.

A few degrees softer also means less risk of chipping which causes much bigger sharpening headaches.

All said within reason- soft as butter does not get it done either but I do not think that would be an issue with current Council tools.

Some of my current favorites are a 24" Straight handled Norlund camp axe, GB Scandinavian and Plumb Boys Axe on 26" handle. I like the singles for this for the added use of having a hammer- not that it is highly used but neither would a second bit...for me anyway.

Bill

 

[Square_peg]

As far as the steel being slightly softer, this would not deter me personally. The amount of chopping on a weekend camping trip should not lead to sharpening.

I feel the same way. If you were going to be out in the wilderness for months without access to sharpening tools then hardness becomes more important. I'd take a medium hard steel axe with a great handle over a perfectly hardened (high 50's RC) axe with a crappy handle any day.