Wetterlings 10" belt axe

[Todd A]

With the cooler temps moving in I decided to finaly replace my trusty Tru-Temper BSA camp axe. Last friday I ordered a 10" Wetterlings from Ben's Backwoods thumbup: ). It arrived today, so I took it out back for a real quick workout.

My first impressions.

Out of the box it came with a hair scraping edge. I'll touch that up tonight and I am certain I can easily get it hair popping. The snap on leather cover is very well done and seems tough enough to last a long time. The head/handle fit is nice and tight.

I first split some small chunks from my woodpile into kindling. The axe worked well enough. But here its small size and light weight does hurt, I wasn't about to try a full size log. I'll stick to my Collins for that. For an overnighter it will suit me just fine.

Now,this is my real reason for buying this axe...chopping. This little lightweight (1.25 lbs head) chops great. It bites deep into the wood and made quick work of several limbs I tried it out on. It should perform even better after I touch up the edge.

(sorry two pics came out kinda blurry)

Overall I am impressed on how well it handles. I think it will make a handy addition to my Fall/Winter kit.

And maybe ,just maybe it will carry over into my spring/summer kit. It weighs far less and takes up less space than my trusty True-Temper, but still gives great performance.

 

[Md 25v]

Great choice. I carry that hatchet when doing multi-day hikes in the winter. I usually carry a small machete or golok the rest of the year but in the winter hatchets rule. I have a G.B. and the Wetterlings and there was a bit of difference in the Fit/Finish but after the first few weeks of use they were pretty much the same. I love axes and hatchets and that little Wetterlings is like the E.D.C. of hatchets. The light weight makes it less likely that you'll leave it behind, yet it chops very well for it's size.

 

[mneedham]

Nice looking hatchet:thumbup:

 

[333rm]

What a great looking hatchet. I was thinking of getting a 14"-15", but after reading your write up, I might go ahead a move down a few inches.

 

[wildmike]

I have one of the old Norlund hand axes just a little over that size. Handy little things.

 

[DWK2]

I'm glad it works so well. With that head weight, I'm willing to carry the few extra ounces for the regular haft length. Just a matter of personal preference. I wouldn't mind having one of each just for fun!

DancesWithKnives

 

[ZombaiO]

Great review !
I have the larger Hunting axe - 19 ''.I've beaten the crap out of it and it's still as good as new.Wetterlings' are of top quality.

 

[Todd A]

I'm glad it works so well. With that head weight, I'm willing to carry the few extra ounces for the regular haft length.

Its not the extra ounces, it fits nicely in my current day bag.:thumbup:

Personally I like the 19" length for general use. I have a old Mann Tru-American in that length that sees alot of work around the house. But there is no way I'd lug that around on a dayhike.

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Can you take a photo in hand??

 

[Todd A]

Can you take a photo in hand??

No problem...

 

[DWK2]

I can understand why you might not want the handle sticking out the top of your pack. When I used to work in downtown Left Angeles, I would walk to the gym after work. One of my protective measures was a small baseball bat, the handle of which stuck up out of my daypack of gym gear. I occasionally got asked about it but I was always carrying a softball and glove (and I was manager of the company softball team).

The one time I had a dirtbag make a move in my direction, all I had to do was slap my hand onto that bat handle and he made a 90 degree change of course!

DancesWithKnives