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Posted: 12/7/2012 4:22:02 PM EDT
I'm looking for a small hatchet for game dressing, blind building and kindling making while camping. After SHTF it would probably do those same jobs but it would rate far more importance. So realistically it isn't absolutely necessary...more a want.

I'm looking at the Council Tool Hudson Bay axe (hatchet) http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=17HB18 and also the Wetterlings Wildlife Axe http://www.wetterlings.se/the/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54%3Awildlife-axes&catid=34&Itemid=57 and the Small Hunting Axe http://www.wetterlings.se/the/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74%3Asmall-hunting-axe&catid=35&Itemid=57

The Wetterlings are only about $15-20 more if you buy the optional sheath for the Council Tool axe, so price is pretty close.

What say ye?
Link Posted: 12/7/2012 4:50:15 PM EDT
[#1]
I have a Kershaw that is fantastic, razor sharp, comes with a holster for hip carry, cost around $20 on sale.  Wallyworld has it
Link Posted: 12/7/2012 5:39:20 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
I have a Kershaw that is fantastic, razor sharp, comes with a holster for hip carry, cost around $20 on sale.  Wallyworld has it


Thanks for the suggestion! That's not a bad piece for the money. I'm not sold on the solid handle. On one hand you can't break it. On the other hand...your hand is gonna know when you use it.

I also notice that the country of origin is "USA or Imported". So it seems they can't make up their mind or just don't know?

Konger
Link Posted: 12/7/2012 5:49:23 PM EDT
[#3]
Wally World also sells Fiskars (Finnish) hatchets with the hollow plastic handle for about $25.

Sears sells them too, and you can find them for less than $25 if you look around.   They are good hatchets, I don't know about "best", but they will get the job done.
Link Posted: 12/7/2012 5:54:21 PM EDT
[#4]
Estwing is fine
Link Posted: 12/7/2012 6:03:55 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Estwing is fine


This.  Get the Sportsmen's Axe


http://www.estwing.com/ao_leather_sportsmans_axe.php
Link Posted: 12/7/2012 7:08:03 PM EDT
[#6]
The Gransfors Bruks Hunters Axe is worth a look: http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/produkter/new_prod/p_jagarensyxa.html

Hunter's Axe
Specially made for hunter. The poll is forged thinner than normal and gently rounded and burnished to a Flay Poll to be used when skinning an animal. You pull the hide with one hand at the same time you hit with the Flay Poll of the axe between the hide and the flesh; and stroke by stroke the hide comes off. The axe is good for chopping, in wood as well as meat. The grip of the handle has circular grooves which gives a steady grip even if your hands are wet or sticky. This axe has received, as the first and only axe in Sweden, a design award from The Swedish Society of Crafts and Design.

The axe has a 3 1/4" face and a 19" hickory handle and the head weighs 1 1/2 lb.
It comes with a grain-leather sheath.


Link Posted: 12/7/2012 7:11:02 PM EDT
[#7]

You probably know this already, but when you are using a hatchet, you probably should really be using an axe.

An axe, controlled by two hands, is much more effective than a hatchet for most jobs except amputating digits or gashing shins and cutting femoral arteries...it's long handle makes it awkward for those tasks.

(Not saying that hatchets aren't useful. They do have their place.)
Link Posted: 12/7/2012 7:45:13 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:

You probably know this already, but when you are using a hatchet, you probably should really be using an axe chainsaw.

An axe chainsaw, controlled by two hands, is much more effective than a hatchet or axe for most jobs except amputating digits or gashing shins and cutting femoral arteries...it's long handle makes it awkward for those tasks.

(Not saying that axes and hatchets aren't useful. They do have their place.)


See what I did there?

You're probably right, but when I need to cut up cord wood or fell a tree, there's nothing like having 50cc of Stihl goodness on tap.

Seriously though, can I accomplish all the tasks I mentioned with an axe versus a hatchet. I played around with the medium length "wilderness" axes that most survivalists recommend, but the experience was disappointing. Too long of a handle to accomplish one handed tasks and too short to use standing up (increased risk). Maybe I'm not thinking this through correctly. Change my mind?

Konger

Link Posted: 12/7/2012 8:18:52 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Estwing is fine


This is what I came to post.
Link Posted: 12/8/2012 4:16:42 PM EDT
[#10]
I guess I need to play the lottery tonight. I was going through the GF's barn today and stumbled across an axe head exactly like this: http://www.counciltool.com/DisplayCategories.asp?pg=displaycategories&category=80

It looks old as hell, but otherwise in decent shape. Should I try to restore it and slap a new handle on it? Axe length or hatchet? It seems a little heavy for a hatchet. Anyone restore an old axe head? Recommendations or how to?

Thanks!

Konger
Link Posted: 12/9/2012 2:45:32 PM EDT
[#11]
I too am an Estwing fan. Love their hammers too!
Link Posted: 12/9/2012 6:53:36 PM EDT
[#12]
http://www.estwing.com/r_riggers_axe.php
Link Posted: 12/10/2012 5:52:49 PM EDT
[#13]
another Estwing vote

Unless you can get your hands on a Spetsnaz special....

Link Posted: 12/11/2012 5:18:41 AM EDT
[#14]
Vaughan makes a great hatchet perfect for light cutting.  It is small enough that I often take it backpacking.





http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=17471&title=Tree+Sounding%2FSportman%92s+Axe

 
Link Posted: 12/12/2012 5:25:12 AM EDT
[#15]
estwing e44a is a great product. The Fiskars/Gerber I really liked till I split a deers rib cage tore the blade up and took a long time to straighten it out
Link Posted: 12/12/2012 9:26:29 AM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
Wally World also sells Fiskars (Finnish) hatchets with the hollow plastic handle for about $25.

Sears sells them too, and you can find them for less than $25 if you look around.   They are good hatchets, I don't know about "best", but they will get the job done.


I have one of these I've used around the house for almost 10 years and it's held up well, holds an edge, sharpens easy, and it's not too heavy.

ETA:  Have you thought about one of those folding saws with interchangeable blades?  It seems they would accomplish everything you need, be lighter than a hatchet, take up less space and be safer.
Link Posted: 12/12/2012 11:45:11 AM EDT
[#17]
Have both a Fiskars/Gerber and an Eastwing.

The Fiskars is really a garden tool and is priced acordingly. Its fine for light stuff but use it rough or on something hard and its cheap blade wont hold up to the abuse.

Eastwings are true hard use tools, they also have a great rep for construction tools.

Look at the price, you truly do get what you pay for. Also look at the companies other products. Fiskars is known mostly for household tools like scissors, kitchen knives and garden tools, Eastwing is probaly most know for its line of hammers.
Link Posted: 12/12/2012 5:00:01 PM EDT
[#18]
Go for an Estwing AXE!  Skip that hatchet unless you plan on humping it in a pack.
26" campers axe gets my vote:


If I don't plan on processing a bunch wood or am hoofing any distance I will stick with my "CS bush-crafting hawk"
IMO it chops way better than any hatchet, is lighter and much more muliti functional.  It does lack in the splitting department but it will still split firewood.



Link Posted: 12/14/2012 4:47:12 AM EDT
[#19]
I like the Estwing. There are some small companies making some really good bushcraft tools that you can look into also.

However, statistically, a small bow saw is much more safe to use in the backcountry.. I frequently go on 10+ day trips, sometimes solo and will not carry an axe or hatchet.
Link Posted: 12/14/2012 5:19:19 AM EDT
[#20]
Estwing Camp axe or camp hatchet.

During the Sandy storm, I grabbed the camp hatchet from Wifey's car and limbed a large fallen branch...it was a snap.
Link Posted: 12/14/2012 6:00:55 AM EDT
[#21]
Quoted:
I like the Estwing. There are some small companies making some really good bushcraft tools that you can look into also.

However, statistically, a small bow saw is much more safe to use in the backcountry.. I frequently go on 10+ day trips, sometimes solo and will not carry an axe or hatchet.


I am inclined to agree that an ax or hatchet is less safe to use than a saw. It is usually heavier as well. Saws are much more energy efficient as well.

I feel much the same way about machetes.

I think a saw along with a knife that can be used to split wood as needed covers everything an ax or hatchet would do.
Link Posted: 12/18/2012 8:13:45 PM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
I guess I need to play the lottery tonight. I was going through the GF's barn today and stumbled across an axe head exactly like this: http://www.counciltool.com/DisplayCategories.asp?pg=displaycategories&category=80

It looks old as hell, but otherwise in decent shape. Should I try to restore it and slap a new handle on it? Axe length or hatchet? It seems a little heavy for a hatchet. Anyone restore an old axe head? Recommendations or how to?

Thanks!

Konger



post some pics- a lot of the older axes and hatchets were of exceptionally good quality.  What you have might be specialized for carpentry if it has a chisel edge.  It could be worth a lot of money too.  I once knew a guy who wanted a tomahawk and was too cheap to buy a repro so he made one out of an antique shingling or lathe hatchet... which was worth 2-3Xs what a new repro tomahawk was worth.
Link Posted: 12/18/2012 8:29:55 PM EDT
[#23]
Kukri can typically do all the things you want and more.
Link Posted: 12/18/2012 8:36:22 PM EDT
[#24]
Quoted:
The Gransfors Bruks Hunters Axe is worth a look: http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/produkter/new_prod/p_jagarensyxa.html

Hunter's Axe
Specially made for hunter. The poll is forged thinner than normal and gently rounded and burnished to a Flay Poll to be used when skinning an animal. You pull the hide with one hand at the same time you hit with the Flay Poll of the axe between the hide and the flesh; and stroke by stroke the hide comes off. The axe is good for chopping, in wood as well as meat. The grip of the handle has circular grooves which gives a steady grip even if your hands are wet or sticky. This axe has received, as the first and only axe in Sweden, a design award from The Swedish Society of Crafts and Design.

The axe has a 3 1/4" face and a 19" hickory handle and the head weighs 1 1/2 lb.
It comes with a grain-leather sheath.


http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/produkter/new_prod/bilder/jagarensyxa.jpg


Pricey, but you'll never buy another one.
Link Posted: 12/19/2012 4:31:11 AM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
I guess I need to play the lottery tonight. I was going through the GF's barn today and stumbled across an axe head exactly like this: http://www.counciltool.com/DisplayCategories.asp?pg=displaycategories&category=80

It looks old as hell, but otherwise in decent shape. Should I try to restore it and slap a new handle on it? Axe length or hatchet? It seems a little heavy for a hatchet. Anyone restore an old axe head? Recommendations or how to?

Thanks!

Konger




So what does that  axe head wt. With out the handle?

PITA45
Link Posted: 12/19/2012 5:35:25 AM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
I'm looking for a small hatchet for game dressing, blind building and kindling making while camping. After SHTF it would probably do those same jobs but it would rate far more importance. So realistically it isn't absolutely necessary...more a want.

I'm looking at the Council Tool Hudson Bay axe (hatchet) http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=17HB18 and also the Wetterlings Wildlife Axe http://www.wetterlings.se/the/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54%3Awildlife-axes&catid=34&Itemid=57 and the Small Hunting Axe http://www.wetterlings.se/the/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74%3Asmall-hunting-axe&catid=35&Itemid=57

The Wetterlings are only about $15-20 more if you buy the optional sheath for the Council Tool axe, so price is pretty close.

What say ye?


I have the Wetterlings "Wildlife Ax" and it's a very nice tool. Feels good in the hand, razor sharp and holds an edge.
Link Posted: 12/19/2012 5:43:33 AM EDT
[#27]


a lil different



http://gurkhaknife.com/





I got one, 25 years ago,, for $20 it has worked for many many things!



campfire wood prep!!! too!

Link Posted: 1/21/2013 10:30:55 AM EDT
[#28]
I have one of the Fiskars at my cabin for splitting kindling. It is an excellent little hatchet and lightweight.
Link Posted: 3/26/2013 7:34:00 AM EDT
[#29]
Quoted:
Wally World also sells Fiskars (Finnish) hatchets with the hollow plastic handle for about $25.

Sears sells them too, and you can find them for less than $25 if you look around.   They are good hatchets, I don't know about "best", but they will get the job done.


I just bought one of those at Tractor Supply on clearance for either $10 or $15.  I really like it.

Grove
Link Posted: 4/1/2013 2:36:38 PM EDT
[#30]
I think Stanley should make handles for hatchets... I have their 24oz framing hammer in Anti-vibe 51-748. That handle would be amazing on a hatchet ;)

Link Posted: 4/1/2013 2:55:06 PM EDT
[#31]
I like small axes that are light enough to carry easily, small enough to choke up on under the blade's beard to use one-handed for carving, and large enough to get two hands on when more power is required. A Granfors Bruks "Scandinavian Forest Axe" was my favorite for years, I think it's a two pound head on a 25" handle, what's usually called a "limbing axe". I wouldn't go any smaller than that. Lately I've gravitated to a 2 1/2 pound military axe head (marked "Hults Bruk") that I bought from a surplus place and put a 29" handle on. It's an American pattern general purpose axe made in Sweden, a good combination. They're the two in the foreground of this pic. I usually tape a strip of leather to the leading edge of handles to protect from overstrikes. They, uh, won't get lost in the snow or leaves, or be mistaken for anyone else's.

Link Posted: 4/2/2013 1:18:51 PM EDT
[#32]
I have been using the Fiskar's 14" and it has worked well for my needs... I'm not using it for game or anything like that, but it is sharp... Don't touch the blade....
Link Posted: 5/19/2013 5:26:47 PM EDT
[#33]
Gransfors Bruks are top of the line --- choose the size you like, and name your favorite grandkid or nephew as its recipient in your will. Plan on making a more durable sheath than  the inadequate factory-furnished model -- think Kydex...

The USDA Forest Service publishes an axe manual, also available as a video, online --- "An Axe to Grind"
Link Posted: 5/19/2013 5:32:56 PM EDT
[#34]
Gransfors Bruks are top of the line --- choose the size you like, and name your favorite grandkid or nephew as its recipient in your will. Plan on making a more durable sheath than  the inadequate factory-furnished model -- think Kydex...

The USDA Forest Service publishes an axe manual, also available as a video, online --- "An Axe to Grind"
Link Posted: 5/24/2013 8:19:34 AM EDT
[#35]
Quoted:
The Gransfors Bruks Hunters Axe is worth a look: http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/produkter/new_prod/p_jagarensyxa.html

Hunter's Axe
Specially made for hunter. The poll is forged thinner than normal and gently rounded and burnished to a Flay Poll to be used when skinning an animal. You pull the hide with one hand at the same time you hit with the Flay Poll of the axe between the hide and the flesh; and stroke by stroke the hide comes off. The axe is good for chopping, in wood as well as meat. The grip of the handle has circular grooves which gives a steady grip even if your hands are wet or sticky. This axe has received, as the first and only axe in Sweden, a design award from The Swedish Society of Crafts and Design.

The axe has a 3 1/4" face and a 19" hickory handle and the head weighs 1 1/2 lb.
It comes with a grain-leather sheath.


http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/produkter/new_prod/bilder/jagarensyxa.jpg

I want one.... Just don't have the cash to drop on it right now.
Link Posted: 5/24/2013 8:23:20 AM EDT
[#36]
I take this one with me most of the time.

http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-22-41420-Gator-Combo-Axe/dp/B000C0RKYM/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1369412618&sr=8-17&keywords=axe

http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-22-41420-Gator-Combo-Axe/dp/B000C0RKYM/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1369412618&sr=8-17&keywords=axe
Link Posted: 5/31/2013 1:39:50 PM EDT
[#37]

For your tasks I would recommend the http://www.amazon.com/Gransfors-Bruks-Hand-Hatchet/dp/B0041TQEYM/ref=pd_sbs_sg_1 IMO it dose every thing a large bladed knife will do, but better because now you have some leverage.



Its great for getting threw those tough parts of game, and the head is scary sharp, so you can choke up on the handle for skinning. Unless you are planing on cutting down trees I think a hatchet is much more suited for the job. Of course like anything you really need to be careful and respect the power of your tools.

Link Posted: 7/18/2013 12:35:24 AM EDT
[#38]
Use this hatchets/axes Chart, it will make your selection process easier. .
Link Posted: 7/22/2013 9:05:26 AM EDT
[#39]
Another vote for the Estwing Sportsman's Hatchet.
Link Posted: 8/5/2013 10:15:32 AM EDT
[#40]
A Lot of good information here, the saw is better for just cutting wood and I carry one on a vehicle for that purpose,  A injury in the woods in not to be taken lightly. I don't take the saw on foot as the multiple uses of a Hawk, Kukuri, or small Axe outweigh the abilities  of a saw.  I (being an old guy) have a few I have used over the years and am lucky enough to have been issued some of the expensive ones as my pay was not that much. I have a  Estwing 26 in that gets my vote for serious wood work and still be carried, a cold steel Rifleman's hawk with the longer handle for long walks and some wood cutting also very handy for camp chores and cutting meat of any type.  A issued cold steel carbon 5 Kukri for camp, brush, meat, and anti social contacts much lighter weight and carries on the ruck well.  I have been given or bought a few tomahawks from the benchmade to some custom fighting tools but most are not worth the price for all around use over the cold steel.  Just my opinion from a few years of farm work, camping, and living in the brush for work.  


Cold steel and a custom hawk given to me by the CO of the unit I was in.

Rifleman hawk with standard handle I have the longer one and like it more.
Link Posted: 8/5/2013 4:41:50 PM EDT
[#41]
I really like Estwing stuff and have a couple of the 26" axes but I have really come to like this hatchet...
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200316257_200316257
$10.

I think the blade profile and design is perfect for an all around utility type hatchet...  I also re-handled one of the heads to a Gransfors Bruks small forest axe handle with great results.
Got the idea from:  
http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2010/11/cheap-alternative-for-gransfors-bruks.html

I also have a semi customized CS pipe hawk that I like very much.

But my #3 item (tool wise) to go with me is a Bacho Laplander folding saw...  It is a great piece of kit and works amazing.
My first two items are #1 Leatherman wave, #2 Mora2.  
#4 will be the axe hatchet or hawk depending on the AO and situation.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 6:42:30 PM EDT
[#42]
The "Rogers" hatchet from Domari Nolo has gotten excellent reviews. I have been looking into one myself.

Domari Nolo
Link Posted: 8/24/2013 9:53:05 AM EDT
[#43]


Hatchets are good for harvesting pine knots and dressing BIG game.  For Camp work you'll need an AXE.  Can't go wrong with Estwing.  Made in USA.
Link Posted: 8/24/2013 10:21:05 AM EDT
[#44]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Hatchets are good for harvesting pine knots and dressing BIG game.  For Camp work you'll need an AXE.  Can't go wrong with Estwing.  Made in USA.
View Quote


This is true.
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