Very ligth weght hatchet

Out of all the hatchets I own, I would say this is by far the easiest one to pack. Not only is it very light, but its also very thing .25" (so strapping it to a pack goes unnoticed). Its made of shock resistant S7 steel as well so it can take any amount of abuse (this is the same steel jackhammer bis are made from).

13096883qh2.jpg
 
1 lb. and 12" is about as light as I have found useful. My current fav is a custom job (I didn't pay for the making. It was $1.00 at a house sale.) that is essentially a down-scaled Plumb "Voyageur." Bit me when I picked it up of the work bench in the garage, so I knew I should buy it.

Most hawks are good cutters and poor splitters due to the abrupt tansition between the blade and cheek. I got a "Ft. Meigs" from Ragnar that does not have THAT problem, but the handle is so darn skinny that it hurts unless I use a glove.
 
I got a "Ft. Meigs" from Ragnar that does not have THAT problem
Click to expand...

Is that mentioned on his site, could not find it?

Which other hawks are -like this- somewhat more than usual camping oriented, what would the weight of the head be?

TLM
 
The Meigs was part of a line of hawks that came in two versions - a steel better suited to chopping and a steel better suited for throwing. Unfortunately, Ragnar does not carry that line of hawks anymore. Every other hawk I have handled, when viewed from the top, is a cylinder with a blade sticking out of it. It is obvious why there is a problem splitting with such a tool vs. one that is basically an acute "V" -- perhaps concaved, when viewed from the top.
 
Hi TLM, Have you thought about the Himalayan Imports Khukri? The chiruwa AngKola in 15-18" is an outstanding chopper and camp knife, I wouldn't trade mine for any other tool, saw or hatchet.
 
Hi TLM, Have you thought about the Himalayan Imports Khukri?
Click to expand...

Quite a lot in fact, when I once asked what a good backpacking Kukri would be, I got the answer that 15" Sirupati would be a good try, beyond that I know very little about Kukris, except that a friend has some Nepali originals that I have handled but not really used.

It is obvious why there is a problem splitting with such a tool vs. one that is basically an acute "V" -- perhaps concaved, when viewed from the top.
Click to expand...

I quite understand, I do have the Roselli (pic on Ragnar's page too) that is very much optimized for splitting, up to the point of being somewhat useless for other work. I am looking more for a chopping tool that would be "adequate" splitter for light camping and backpacking. And as light weight as possible, I am ready to sacrifice some performance for weight, this time.

So what would be your suggestion from the hawks available now?

TLM
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top