Which small axe or hawk should I get?

[mneedham]

My hawk collection is pretty lame, I have a couple that I bought from Atlanta Cutlery or Dixie Gun Works years ago. I carried these for a long time, I used the one for splitting wood, etc. I finally shifted over to the Junglee skinning axe because the blade wasn't as thick and I found it more versatile. I haven't owned enough to have a real opinion, but the hawk edges seem a little thick.. I also own a 14" Fiskars which I like, but I am thinking about something more traditional...While I am not quite in the market (too much stuff incoming!), I am thinking I would eventually like to get a better hawk or small axe. I saw these in a recent thread and started drooling:

http://members.tripod.com/ssidders/id76.htm

What do you guys like? Pics welcome!

 

[Dr. Mudd]

I've got a few Cold Steel tomahawks that have always done the job for me and didn't cost much.

 

[Tim the Slugman]

Cold Steel Trail Hawk!

 

[KiljoyKutlery]

SOG fusion...the one with the synthetic handle...it supprised me with its chopping ability...it WAY out chopped my CS trailhawk..so much that I gave my CS to a buddy for X-mas. I will say, it does look a bit Tacticool.

 

[Trent Rock]

Since this is a survivalist forum I recommend the Gerber hatchet with the SAW inside the handle :thumbup:...

I haven't tried using it as a throwing hatchet though
The plastic mounting system sorta concerns me

http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1420

If you don't want a saw in the handle there is one with a KNIFE
http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=9470

 

[jh205]

I just bought a small Wetterlings hatchet which is a really lovely bit of kit. Perfectly balanced and just really nice to use.

 

[mneedham]

Dr. Mudd/Tim the Slugman,

I've looked at the CSs a couple of times, do you find them to be practical as choppers?

Gunknifenut,

The SOG grabbed my eye when it came out, but it is a little more tactical than I am looking for. I want something a little more traditional, I think..

Trent,

Thank you. Didn't about the Gerber with the saw in the handle... Need to get one of those for my pack!

Jh205,

How do you carry the Wetterlings (Pack or belt)? How is the weight?

 

[pinetree]

I have a CS Trail Hawk and mod'ing it was a blast. It is a handy tool. Also watch EBAY, I picked up a neat Norlund camp hatchet for $15.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I'm in the same boat, mneedham, and don't know what to get. I've got the Fiskars hatchet but was thinking of getting a hawk to use for woods duty. I'm not sure if I'm correct in this, but it seems like no matter what, the hawk won't be as good a tool on wood as the hatchet, and might not be as versatile.

However, I'd still like to try one of those CS trail hawks to mod and dress up .:thumbup:

 

[mneedham]

Pinetree,

Thanks, I have been browsing e-bay a little....

Spooky,

I'm torn between trying another hawk or getting something along the lines of those Les Reeves...

 

[1Tracker]

A Fiskars hatchet is'nt a bad tool for the woods to start; and if you find yourself enjoying using it regularly, then I would spring the coin for a Wetterlings or Grans bruk Small Forest Ax (SFA) or hatchet because they are a step up in quality and a large step up in price over the Fiskars/rebranded Gerbers type. I have a 14" Fiskars and a Fiskars camp ax (I believe it's called) and think the steel is rather mild compared to the 2 brands I mentioned. I alos considered cutting down the ax handle and turning it into a mondo hatchet. Has anyone done this mod to a Fiskars ax? I would probably bring it down to 16-18" on the handle. Since it's hollow it should cut easily on a bandsaw. I'm hesitant to ruin a tool if this mod would turn un-functional on me so chime in.