What is a great value in a new purchase ax/hatchet

[Fish30114]

I've been looking to upgrade my cutting tools in general. I currently have a Estwing hatchet with the metal shaft/stacked leather handle. For an Ax, I'm really ill prepared, I just have a pretty crappy (IMO) home depot hickory shafted Ax.
So I'm looking for recommendations for a quality Hatchet and Ax, I don't mind paying for quality, but I'd like to keep it reasonable, if possible around 50-75 $ range for each. If that's simply not enough to get good quality stuff please tell me.
Thanks for any input and recommendations.

 

[Bo T]

A lot depends on what you are going to use it for. You might just need to clean up and modify the ax you have to end up meeting your needs.

 

[jeremy1517]

husquvarna axes

 

[pjwoolw]

Hard to beat a good Pulaski for utility use. Kinda tough to find a good quality product in that price range per unit. I would agree the Husquvarna would be a good choice. Can't remember who manufactures them off the top of my head.

 

[Fish30114]

OK well some more info, For the ax, I will just be doing splitting of some firewood and the occasional felling of a 12-15" tree, the hatchet will be used for general camping chores, a little splitting of wood for starting/making a fire, and driving in tent stakes etc. As I said I'm open on budget if I need to step up for quality. In the meantime I'll check out Husky's, I think they actually have them at Home Depot.

 

[stevewest]

Council Tools

 

[Georgecatl]

^^^^^ +1 on Council Tool :thumbup:

 

[Fish30114]

OK, I'll do a search for Council Tools.

Thanks

 

[Tsheltry]

For the price, I don't think council tool can be beat.

 

[Double Ott]

For the price, I don't think council tool can be beat.

OK, how about a +4 for Council Tool...:thumbup:

Tom

 

[Ulf Krogstad]

Helko's are $30 for standard hatchet or axe. Cold Steel's are also good. $30. Here's a link to the Helko hatchet.
http://www.helkonorthamerica.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=81&products_id=211

 

[Fish30114]

Ulf, thanks for that link, actually the Council tools that I could find didn't list a hatchet. I saw their Velvicut axes, which looked like a nice option.

 

[Alocksly]

Their "hunters axe" is essentially a hatchet. It's in amongst the dayton patterns. 14 in handle, 1.25# head.

 

[Double Ott]

Ulf, thanks for that link, actually the Council tools that I could find didn't list a hatchet. I saw their Velvicut axes, which looked like a nice option.

For a CT hatchet,you have to look at their Dayton pattern.

1.25# Hunter's Axe w/ 14" Handle

http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=125HU

Tom

 

[300Six]

Start poking around at garage sales and flea markets. It is routine for someone to post on here that they've scooped a collector prize of one sort or another for $5. The main thing is that it fits you and that it is not of inferior quality. Blade stamps are telling in this regard. Take your time; this particular implement can easily last you a lifetime. A brand new Yuppie version of something only signals to folks like me that you have too much money, and no patience.
You can get a practical history lesson and lots of use and joy from enthusiastically adopting a "golden oldie".

 

[Double Ott]

300 is right. Here's a $5 Kelly garage sale find...Restored.

Tom

 

[garry3]

I can't say that I agree. A no name vintage head can be just great. Awesome even.
What you want to look for is shape. It should have curves to the geometry of the head like a women's curves. Not flat with straight lines.
If it looks like quality it is. This method has yet to let me down.

What is its purpose? How are you planning to use it?

 

[Fish30114]

Double Ott, I appreciate your reply, I will try a little yard sale digging, just for education if nothing else.


Garry3, thanks for the reply--see below:

OK well some more info, For the ax, I will just be doing splitting of some firewood and the occasional felling of a 12-15" tree, the hatchet will be used for general camping chores, a little splitting of wood for starting/making a fire, and driving in tent stakes etc. As I said I'm open on budget if I need to step up for quality. In the meantime I'll check out Husky's, I think they actually have them at Home Depot.