Who carries a hatchet camping? What type?

TrailWolf

TrailWolf

Joined
Apr 13, 2009
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Hey all - well I've been going through all of my stuff rethinking it and seeing if I can switch anything up (also posted about butane lighters) and have come to my trusty Fiskars 14" hatchet.

Camping in the northeast, I've been a long time hatchet carrier and, though batoning with knives is fun, I get just as much a kick from using my hatchet and dont mind the extra weight :D

I've been pleased with my Fiskers - it has done almost all that I've asked of it - and for $25 it is great.

With that said, I've seen a lot of praise for the Wetterlings Wildlife Axe (14") which is about twice the price of the Fiskars and great looking to boot - anybody out there who can attest to the greatness of the Wetterlings? Worth the price of admission?

I've also come across the Snow and Nealley Kindling Axe (18") and their Young Camper’s Axe (15"), which seem to be in the same league and price as the wetterlings, but I havent found too much info on it.

I'm also familiar with the Gransfors Bruks axes and, though they appear to be of the highest quality, $100+ is just too rich for my blood when my Fiskers has always done the trick...

What do you guys carry?
 
I really like my Wetterling hunters axe. They really are just as nice as the GB axes in my opinion.
 
I just ordered a bruks small forest axe. Yeah it is expensive but it has a 20 year warrenty and I love the classic look of it. Looks like a great tool with a lot of character. Ive got by with crap hatchets but got it more for cool factor. Im really trying to lesson how much crap stuff i have and replace it with high end gear. Giving away the old to friends and family
 
I use a Fiskars also that I couldn't beat for the price.

I do want to try and convex it though to see how much difference I can see.
 
I have a 14in Fiskars, too, and it does the job okay. I think 14in is not long enough, though. I'd rather have an 18in.
I kind of like the Snow and Neally's I've seen, especially the modified versions seen here at Off the Map Outfitters:
http://www.offthemapoutfitters.com/category.sc?categoryId=3
I don't know if the modifications are worth the money or not, but it looks cool...
(I bought my JK Hiker from them, at a really fair price)
 
I own both the 26" Estwing, and 19" Wetterlings.
There is just no comparison between the two. The effortless chopping of the Wetterlings is just amazing. It is extremely light, and easy to pack. Also, at the campsite, it gives you the cool factor on top of its awesome performance. Now the Estwing is just a tough chunk of steel that forces its way through wood, doing a descent job in the process. Honestly, for the extra $20 or so, you're better off with the Wetterlings. $20 is nothing when it makes work easier, causing less fatigue due to its design, although 7" shorter.
 
Wetterlings rock. Great tools.

I have a Fiskars hatchet that also does the job. It's going to go live with Tony after this weekend.
 
I also take a Estwing Leather Sportsman's Axe. It was a gift from parents almost 20 years ago when I was as scout. This summer I was fortunate enough to have it with me at the Bark River Grind In and the crew worked their magic on it. It's sharper than I ever thought possible and looks amazing :) This will definitely be the only hatchet I ever need. It's held up to a lot.
 
I have the small Gerber-pretty much same as the fiskars. I lost the little knife that inserts in the handle (The knife was like a little steak knife anyway)
For light duty the small hatchet works fine.
 
I used a S&N Pen Bay kindling axe before switching to kukris. IMO, it's an excellent piece, but you do have to do some work to get a good edge on it.
 
TrailWolf said:
Hey all - well I've been going through all of my my trusty Fiskars 14" hatchet.
fun, I get just as much a kick from using my hatchet and dont mind the extra weight :D

I've been pleased with my Fiskers - it has done almost all that I've asked of it - and for $25 it is great.

With that said, I've seen a lot of praise for the Wetterlings Wildlife Axe (14")

I've also come across the Snow and Nealley Kindling Axe (18")
I'm also familiar with the Gransfors Bruks axes and, though they appear to be of the highest quality, $100+ is just too rich for my blood when my Fiskers has always done the trick...

What do you guys carry?
Click to expand...

i am with you , the fiskar's is a fine tool. no complaints. i did re-profile the edge .

Wetterlings is a nice little axe. i have never used one, only handle a half dozen in Tenn.

i use a small hatchet i tuned up per Old Jimb's recipe.

in heavy timber the axe tool is a must.
a hatchet usually will take care of me.
buzz
 
I love my wetterlings 13 in. camp axe...easy to sharpen and holds and edge well...tough as nails.....Like the RAT's you need to keep a layer of oil on it because it is hc....

pac-1.jpg
 
I've carried both wood handled and all metal craftsman hachets for years. Never a problem. I've also used and abused thier axes, walked in with shattered handles, bam, new axe. Got a fiberglass one I use now. I just picked up a condor double bit. Looks like a nice little peice, well see how she does.
 
Ugh I've spent a few hours now researching and have talked myself into needing the Wetterlings Large Hunting Axe and wanting the Gransfor Bruks Small Forest Axe - both 19" and weighing about the same - seems like the most useful size and can still be carried in my pack.

@ Thalestin - just curious where you ordered from? Thanks!
 
huh yeah I carry one but I have no idea what type. My grandma have me one when I was a kid & the handle has been replace like 5 times. but it works well so I've kept it.
 
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