Vaughn SCS1-1/4 Camp Axe versus True Temper TOUGHSTRIKE 1.25 LB. AMERICAN HICKORY CAMP AXE

[Mucksiegooma]

I want to buy an inexpensive camp axe for occasional use in my yard. The Vaughn camp axe is supposed to be made in the USA, but I cannot find out any information on the True Temper camp axe. Which would be the better choice? Thank you in advance.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Both are US made and both are about $20, I'm a Vaughan fan but I'd say you probably can't go wrong with either.
Neither of the two will come sharp and will need filing, the Vaughan will just have printed markings, and the TT will have US and a 2 digit year forged into it.

The Vaughan usually comes with a cheap sheath made of a leatherette fiber material, in my experience they're not great but are pretty much free and will do the job.
Really it's up to you, do you want forged in markings and no sheath or printed markings that'll wear off and a free better than nothing sheath.

If you do want something that comes with much more of an edge from the factory you could get the council tools Dayton hatchet for $35. It'll be a little nicer but probably not functionally much better in the end.

 

[Sid Post]

~$35 buys you a lot more hatchet or axe. I've looked at both of what you listed in the stores and feel they are more akin to hammers than hatchets or axes. They are too thick in the "cheeks' to be practical in my "yard" as they knock limbs away instead of cutting them.

• Google: Muller Black Hatchet, Economy Line Rhineland Design
  • ~$25 plus shipping so competitive with Stihl
• Stubai and Ochsenkopf are also very good.
• The Stihl for $35MSRP is an Ochsenkopf Rheinland hatchet that was my first good hatchet impulse buy.

The German Rhineland head will cut much better with less effort and is great for general yard use. It is also easy to keep a really sharp edge for clean limbing cuts and will take a small limb off with minimal effort.