who needs axes and hatchets?

A

allenC

Joined
Jun 18, 2000
Messages
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I'm not trying to start trouble, and if you like your ax or hatchet then that's alright with me but...
I have seen alot of campers packing an ax or hatchet and I often wonder why?
I think, unless you're cutting down large trees, a large fixed-blade knife (or machete) and a folding saw is really a better combo.
I also think you are more likely to injure yourself with the ax or hatchet.
What do you think?
 
Axes and hatchets are great for car camping or trips where you don't have to backpack very far. They do many things that a large bladed knife or folding saw will not:
-pound tent stakes
-split firewood
-hammer in stakes to tie stuff to
-break up hard ground
-pound on the shovel to dig
-help get the truck unstuck

They are much more useful in my opinion that a large knife, but their weight makes them a pain to carry for anything but short distances. This means that I find ways to do without if I am backpacking, but otherwise, they are a great convenience.
 
No real right answer - a lot of it is preference. Backpacking I like the knife and saw, in the airplane I prefer a hatchet. I think the weight makes it more efficient for cutting larger stuff.
 
CAman hit the tent stake right on the head, but I'd like to add that I have broke my folding saw more than once while my axe keeps on chopin.
 
If working from a static location or vehicle. An axe and good spade are well usefull. You would be real hacked off in no time using smaller tools if doing some serious work.
If travelling by foot any real distance with your home on your back your concern is weight. Every pound hurts.

Horses for courses. You are right though, that its not often that one needs to build a log cabin.

[This message has been edited by GREENJACKET (edited 06-28-2000).]
 
You may not need to build a log cabin, but splitting substantial firewood to get at the dry stuff after a week of rain is hard to do with a saw. A small, quality hatchet is worth carrying, in my erudite, expert, massively experienced, well thought out opinion
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You have all made some good points, and they can be handy, but I don't think I can
justify the extra weight or space.

For tent stakes I've always used a rock or large piece of wood (usually the ground is soft enough to push the stake with my foot).

I've been lucky that I have never had to split wood while camping (of course I've never camped during a week of rain, except FTXs in the Army and we did'nt use wood).

But keep the replies coming and tell us what ax or hatched you prefer.
What's the best handle material?
And has anyone of you ever been injured with an ax or hatchet while camping?
 
I've always used ash or hickory handles but the fiberglass ones are probably more durable. Never injured fortunately but mind basic safety - be sure the head is tight on the handle, that you have a secure grip, good stance so you aren't off-balance as you swing - and never swing towards a body part!
 
I've always used ash or hickory handles but the fiberglass ones are probably more durable. Never injured fortunately but mind basic safety - be sure the head is tight on the handle, that you have a secure grip, good stance so you aren't off-balance as you swing - and never swing towards a body part!
 
I have a W-2 forged belt hatchet that I've had for years and love it, I used it today in clearing some property, however, I never cut down any large trees, etc; with it...it would do the job but take a while!
I have taken it backpacking, but it is somewhat heavy. I acquired a custom machette about 6 months ago and it will really do lots of various cutting and do it well, so well in fact, that I rarely carry my 7" camp knife.
BTW, my belt hatchet was made by Donald Lange and has Desert Ironwood handles. It feels good in my hand and is balanced very good.
 
Sometimes when I'm out camping in the woods in winter I bring an axe, saw or both.There is only daylight for a short while.It's nice not to use most of it collecting firewood.Bigger tools do the job faster. I just have to have a warm and lasting fire on those cold stary nights.
Rest of the year I never use it. The bigger tools you have, the bigger trees you cut.
Why not keep a low profile, leaving few tracks, if any at all. Of course there are times I would like to have an axe out there.
Still,I might feel the same about milk shake from time to time.
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If you are moving your tent often, it is a great convenience to have a tool for planting and pulling tent stakes. If I am working from a car I usually bring a claw hammer. When packing light I bring a Swedish folding saw and use rocks to pound tent stakes. I bring a shovel before I bring a hatchet. The shovel is usually in the car to get it out of a ditch.
 
A compact, lightweight hatchet that folds up for easy carry is the very reason I manufacture the Uluchet. It's small enough to pack and big enough to do a great deal of work, the best of both worlds.

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P.J.
P.J. Turner Knife Mfg, Inc.
Uluchet, What's an Uluchet? Find out at...
eknife.net
 
Do you have milkshakes in Norway??
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Originally posted by Knut:
Sometimes when I'm out camping in the woods in winter I bring an axe, saw or both.There is only daylight for a short while.It's nice not to use most of it collecting firewood.Bigger tools do the job faster. I just have to have a warm and lasting fire on those cold stary nights.
Rest of the year I never use it. The bigger tools you have, the bigger trees you cut.
Why not keep a low profile, leaving few tracks, if any at all. Of course there are times I would like to have an axe out there.
Still,I might feel the same about milk shake from time to time.
smile.gif
Click to expand...



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Ron
 
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