Recommend me a hatchet

Pete7874 · 2019-06-10T01:10:51.000Z

Looking for a budget hatchet, mainly for splitting logs that are too big to toss in the fire, at a camp site. Hoping to find something not too big, but still reasonably functional. How is this one?

Estwing Camper’s Axe - 16 Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip - E44A

Please feel free to suggest others.

ValuseekeR · 2019-06-10T01:31:01.000Z

The Estwings are nice, but if splitting is your primary intended use, something like the Fiskars X11 might work better.

The X7 is smaller, less expensive. It’s more of a true hatchet, also a nice tool.

Fargo203 · 2019-06-10T01:58:08.000Z

https://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-576926301-13-Wooden-Hatchet/dp/B00HC077GQ

Relampago · 2019-06-10T02:17:56.000Z

Estwing will last you forever. I’ve got two, different sizes. I’ve also got the baby Gerber which is nice, 9”.

Gerber Hatchet

Couchmaster · 2019-06-10T03:12:26.000Z

NO! No Estwing. Get the Gerber X11 splitting hatchet. Thank me later. Also, its soft metal, don’t hit rock or dirt. https://smile.amazon.com/Fiskars-X11-Splitting-Axe-17-Inch/dp/B000AQLUE4/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=gerber+hatchet&qid=1560136082&s=gateway&sr=8-12

In fact the X15 does all that and more. I’ve used all these and more, go with the Fiskars.

Aviationtech · 2019-06-10T03:50:39.000Z

For under $40 delivered to USA I just received this German Ochsenkopf from Amazon.de. Not sure how they are viewed over in Europe, but I’m impressed with the quality. Only 5 euros to ship a 1KG hatchet I thought was a good deal.

OX Head OX235E 1002

https://www.amazon.de/OCHSENKOPF-235-1002-Forstbeil-1000/dp/B000UYZI30/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=OX+Head+OX235E+1002&qid=1560136413&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0

They make a number of different hatchets and axes, some better than others for the purpose of splitting, I suggest you take a look at there whole line.

Relampago · 2019-06-10T03:21:43.000Z

The Gerber/Fiskars are nice but they’re plastic. They work great and I haven’t had one fail but they are not as solid as the estwing. The weight of the estwing is the tradeoff. When it comes to edge profiles, those can always be tweaked to your preference.

Relampago · 2019-06-10T03:31:17.000Z

Aviationtech:

For under $40 delivered to USA I just received this German Ochsenkopf from Amazon.de. Not sure how they are viewed over in Europe, but I’m impressed with the quality. Only 5 euros to ship a 1KG hatchet I thought was a good deal.

OX Head OX235E 1002

Amazon.de

They make a number of different hatchets and axes, some better than others for the purpose of splitting, I suggest you take a look at there whole line.

That’s a good looking hatchet.

Sparks65 · 2019-06-10T03:32:46.000Z

I have the Estwing and the Husqvarna, really like both of them. My son took the Estwing last time he was home.
I also have the larger Estwing axe and 2 hammers (one of which is older than I am) great products. I’m thinking about trying the “fireside friend” also
for just the purpose you mentioned.

Relampago · 2019-06-10T03:34:40.000Z

I also purchased a handmade leather sheath by Viking Princess on etsy. Really good quality and quick shipping.

Gerber Hatchet Leather Sheath

Pete7874 · 2019-06-10T03:45:27.000Z

Sparks65:

I’m thinking about trying the “fireside friend” also for just the purpose you mentioned.

Yeah, for splitting already chopped firewood into smaller pieces, this one might be good.

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone!

DBSAR · 2019-06-10T05:18:15.000Z

The Estwing E24A it probably the best ever small hatchet/axe on the market today, & has been for decades. it beats everything regardless of brand & price for durability, holding a sharp edge, balance, quality, etc. I have had many others, including Gerber X11, (which chipped its blade) Fiskars, etc but the Estwing is the one i will grab for if my life depended on it. I had mine for 15 years and its still the best axe/hatchet i ever used, and still its my favorite for our week+ long expeditions and trips.
Personally there is no other small axe/hatchet that even comes close to the Estwing.
>> Amazon.com

Pete7874 · 2019-06-10T13:58:10.000Z

DBSAR:

The Estwing E24A it probably the best ever small hatchet/axe on the market today,

Thanks. For splitting already chopped wood specifically though, wouldn’t something wedge shaped, like the Fireside Friend, be better?

DBSAR · 2019-06-10T16:41:29.000Z

Pete7874:

DBSAR:

The Estwing E24A it probably the best ever small hatchet/axe on the market today,

Thanks. For splitting already chopped wood specifically though, wouldn’t something wedge shaped, like the Fireside Friend, be better?

True for splitting wood a thicker wedge axe would be better. a few times we carried a full size axe with the handle cut off to hatchet length on our long canoe trips. a shortened heavier, thicker axe head on a short handle will split wood far better than and lighter hatchet of that’s the only purpose you need one for.

Muto · 2019-06-11T01:22:23.000Z

Molly

dekozn · 2019-06-11T01:23:58.000Z

I really hate metal handles on hatchets, hammers and anything else I have to hit with, wooden handles all day everyday. Plastic handles are great for camping or backpacking but are often not replacable. I d never give money to hatchet with metal (steel if it’s half decent) handle. It doesn’t feel nice, it’s cold in wintertime and when it gets bend you’re sol.

gcbryan · 2019-06-11T01:38:14.000Z

I just cut down a few small trees in my yard with a bow saw. I went to the local garden center and got a longer (wooden) handled hatchet (not axe) and it’s been great (much better than my shorter handled hatchet). I’m not splitting wood as you are but the principle is the same.

When my bow saw is slow going due to the weight of the wood, I use the hatchet for a few chops and then go back with the bow saw. Without the hatchet my work would be slow going. The longer handle is much better.

I paid less than $20.

southland · 2019-06-11T05:01:07.000Z

Fargo203:

Amazon.com

Best axe for the money, without a doubt. Pretty sure this one is made by Hults Bruk in Sweden, excellent steel, cheaper and maybe a little less finished than a Hults Bruk branded one. Other great Swedish axes are Wetterlings, Hultafors, and Gransfors Bruks. Fiskars is very soft steel, avoid.

dekozn · 2019-06-11T10:49:35.000Z

$90 for a hatchet I didn’t pay that much for my hand-forged maul. If you swing that hatchet everyday for 8 h then it might be worth investing $90 in it, but for the occasional chop I’d go for a $30 one. It might be a good idea to buy one localy so you can check that it’s forged symmetrically, it’s a pain and dangerous to chop with an hatchet that is curved to left or right

RobertB · 2019-06-11T11:03:34.000Z

dekozn:

it’s a pain and dangerous to chop with an hatchet that is curved to left or right

Also dangerous to chop with a dull hatchet. Should be almost as sharp as a good knife.