Which Baryonyx Special Grade Estwing for BOB?

S

Stiletto Raggio

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Jan 29, 2000
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546
I've been looking around at all-purpose axe to include in my bug out bag. I am torn between the Rigger's Axe and the Carpenter's Hatchet. I have a 26" Camp Axe for my truck kit and I like it a lot, but I need something smaller and lighter. The Rigger's Axe looks a bit more useful, but it is also six inches longer and a pound heavier than the Hatchet. Of course, the increased weight and length will make it better for chopping, but not having used them personally, I don't know how big a trade-off it is.

Either way, I will probably be ordering the Special Grade from Baryonyx. A five dollar premium seems worthwhile to me to have someone take a look at it and tune up the edge.

Any thoughts on either which tool to go with or the Special Grade treatment in particular? If it makes a difference, the complimentary knives are a Camillus Becker Campanion and a Spyderco Manix. I also have a BK9 and a Blackbird SK-5 that I may or may not put in the BOB.
 
Depends on what you want to do with it. The Carpenter's Hatchet is almost small enough to fit in a cargo pocket and gives you a nice tiny chopping, carving, splitting, and hammering tool. The Rigger's Axe is my personal preferred tool and is about the size of a tomahawk, and would be a great choice for heavy urban use. Both are good for circumstances where you might experience impact with materials that could damage a regular axe. Another interesting option that I just picked up to add to the shop (though it's not up on it yet) are the Mini Xtreme Hatchets by Trailblazer of Canada. It's an odd beast--weighs only 13.6 ounces and is mostly made of polypropylene. The "tang" of the bit projects about 1/8" from the polymer poll on it and is intended specifically for batoning. The poly forms the wedge of the head and the main bit profile is nice and thin. It's definitely a specialty class of tool, but very good for when you need to keep the weight and size down to a minimum while still providing a good range of function.

product_image.scale.jpg
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
The "tang" of the bit projects about 1/8" from the polymer poll on it and is intended specifically for batoning. The poly forms the wedge of the head and the main bit profile is nice and thin.
product_image.scale.jpg
Click to expand...

Don't you think the poly will be toast in no time?
 
It actually seems very durable. It's been around for a while now and there don't seem to be many complaints with it that I've been about to find. Polypropylene self-lubricates under friction and wood isn't exactly sandpaper. It honestly seems plenty tough for the kind of work it's designed for. :)
 
The reason I am looking primarily at Estwings is a) cost and b) known durability. They are under $50 (including a quality leather sheath) and are readily available through multiple outlets, though I mentioned that my intent is to pick up one that has been worked over by Baryonyx. My roommate worked construction for a decade and considers them to be the gold standard for taking regular use and abuse. The basic design has been in production for a long time and it seems to be highly successful. If these is something else in this category I should take a look at, I am all ears.

The mini-axes like the one FortyTwoBlades posted or the Fiskars look like good choices for backpacking, but while weight is definitely a consideration, utility and durability are key. I have several quality hawks and large knives but I can't see doing serious demo work with them and a hammer head seems a lot more useful than a spike to me.

So am I missing another comparable/worthy option here?
 
Just a heads up. I just received my Carpenters hatchet (special grade) from Ben at Baryonyx Knives. He did a good job on convexing the edge. And as he stated above it is a smaa, light hatchet. This is the smaller Estwing E3-1H and not the larger E3-2H. This little axe will fit in the leg pocket of my trousers without any problem (once an edge mask is made).

Shipping from Ben was very quick, and he returns emails promptly.
 
Thanks for the kind words! Glad it made it to you safe and sound! :)
 
I didn't realize til now the carpenter's hatchet came in such a small version. Wildmike: do you think it has enough size to do some useful work?
 
not to be un american, but what about the fiskars hatchet? ive had mine for 5 years and it work a hell of alot better than any tomahawk. i own 3 hawks, 2 sogs, and 1 trail hawk... the trail hawk out of those 3 would be my shoice. but heavy work goes to my fiskars hatchet. 9 inch handle, heavy head, sharpens up super nice, and the edge stays on there pretty long...the poll side of the hatchet, is pretty deformed. ive used it to break rock, concrete, and bone. i have also pounded on a wedge with it, which is why it has deformed on the poll side. but its a super tough, weather proof,(it does rust)..and dont really have to worry bout breaking the handle. ive not broke it yet. and its hit alot of non wood material. Fiskars is a great tool....
 
I think you would be better with a boys axe somthing like this
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You can find boys axes on the bay for 20 bucks or so and they are light and will cut more then a small hatch
 
They won't pack in your cargo pocket though! :D I do love me some good vintage blades, however.
 
Blue Sky said:
I didn't realize til now the carpenter's hatchet came in such a small version. Wildmike: do you think it has enough size to do some useful work?
Click to expand...

Yes it will do serious work. When using small hatchets you just need to think through the work first. If you look on Google there is a blog post by oldjimbo.com under tiny hatchets that shows what kind of work can be done with even smaller axes, with some thought. With some light modifications this little axe (which is still bigger than my GB mini) could be nearly as good a combat tool as RMJ's Jenny Wren.

It's not the right medicine for building a log cabin, but splitting kindling, making fireboards, trap parts and sets, carving etc it is a great choice.

Estwing also makes the E3-2H which is a bit heavier and an inch longer.
 
Interesting estwing.
(At least I think it's an Estwing, he has another name but it might be a re brand.)
[youtube]zQj6z3oa4GQ[/youtube]
 
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