I had been wanting to get one of these due to it's compact size. Well, I got one today. What I'm relating is only initial response to the hatchet. First thing you notice is the weight of this. It weighs 1.3 lbs and it's compactness lets you know you have it in hand. The next thing I checked out was the thickness and it is .260" all around. Steel is listed as 440A. The logos are small and nicely applied and I did not know it was made in China until I saw that on the head. I wouldn't have been surprised if it had been made in Tawain, but for China construction it is nicely done! Fit and finish get top marks, and those zytel handles, which I had planned to replace with micarta, will stay in place. With the textured finish of the zytel you could easily mistake it for G-10. I noticed the handle is sorta offset with the blade shaft more forward. I'm guessing this was done to give you more room on the handle and prevent you from hitting your knuckles on whatever you are chopping. Those handles with the finger grooves feel real comfprtable in my hand but only a little use will tell how they really do. Finally, the leather sheath is made from a heavy leather and is well done with two snaps at 90 degrees to securely hold the hatchet in place. the wide belt loops will keep the hatchet from sagging to one side or the other.
All in all, I'm really pleased with this purchase, especially when you consider the price I paid ($42.00), what I do with it I'm not quite sure as I no longer do any camping. For now it will be by my bed in case of late night or early morning guests!
All in all, I'm really pleased with this purchase, especially when you consider the price I paid ($42.00), what I do with it I'm not quite sure as I no longer do any camping. For now it will be by my bed in case of late night or early morning guests!