Camp hatchet

What do y’all use? Looking for something quality with a good steel, keeps an edge, lighter in weight and packable.

Fiskers checks all the boxes, and they're cheap.

Hults Bruk is what the cool kids prefer. Not exactly cheap though.

I’d go with Fiskars, but Stihl has one you might want to look at. I still have my Boy Scout hatchet.

Thanks for the responses.

Picked up a nice one at Ace Hardware in Lampasas a few years ago. Does a good job splitting sticks for my smoker.

You have a Woodmans Pal don’t you? What do you do that it wouldn’t do?

Gerber makes some decent small axes.

Yes, I do. But like knives, guns and potato chips, nobody can have just one…

The snivel about light hatchets is they can't do the work a heavier one can. I got a pretty little Schrade hatchet that is only really good for fireplace kindling, too much work breaking down anything bigger than 6 inches across. Belive it or not Harbor Freight has a couple of usable cheap hatchets for sale.

I use a True Temper Tommy Axe. You'll have to find one used on Ebay or wherever, but they are common and not expensive. I like it for camping because it has a hardened poll that you can use as a hammer for tent stakes and has a nail puller for tent stakes.

Not mine, but just like it.

define pacakable?

This game changer is packable, versatile and the handle doesn't often break on you when you need it.

I have the Estwing Axe and hatchet on hand at camp at all times. My axe is probably 30 years old. they can take a beating thats for sure. The hatchet I've only had a few years

I used one of their hammers for roofing and framing. Used it so much I had a new waffle head cut into it. They last forever for sure.




Something I can put into or attach to a backpack without being too bulky or heavy. As was mentioned, I have a Woodmans Pro that will go on my belt.

Thank me later

https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/product/gransfors-small-forest-axe/

Seriously though, these are great axes and mine goes with me everywhere

That looks like a good one!

Estwing Sportsmans Axe. They call it an axe but I call it a hatchet. Its about 12" long, solid one piece stainless steel, and made in USA. There are Estwings that are 100 years old this year and still in use. Its a time tested proven design. I like the polymer handle hatchets if its going to be a 100% carry hatchet just due to weight, but for a carry/camp axe there has never been a better one made than the Estwing.

I’ve never needed a hatchet. I have an old double bit axe and a chainsaw. Just wondering. I don’t pack in to do anything anymore. I’m curious at what you will be using one for?

Had my Estwing out just this weekend. Was using it to hack away at brush situated where I didn't want it. Easy to cut it off right at the ground. I don't like those short handled ones like Trapper posted so mine does have a longer handle. Very effective. Lighter in the hands than the double bit axe and no messing with a chainsaw as referenced above.

I use to pack one for splitting pelvis’s and making kindling. I stop a) fire starters easier, B) i do everything gutless c) hatchet accidents in backcountry hurt…

At this point I have watched hours upon hours of reviews and I have narrowed it down to the Estwing or the Fiskars. My Estwing hammer is 35+ years old.

I've got the Fiskars hatchet and also the Fiskars axe. Both are great, tough, and reasonably priced. Fiskars have a lifetime warranty and I like their blade geometry.

Thanks Bigfoot.

I have the Fiskars. It's OK. One of the handsomest is the Vaughan 22-ounce Standard Half Hatchet, which sells for around $30.There's a fella who cleans these up, adds some patina to the steel and re-hafts them with straight hickory handles. Popular among the re-enactor crowd.
https://www.vaughanmfg.com/Products/SH2-22-oz-Standard-Half-Hatchet__20520.aspx

I just got one of these battery operated mini chainsaws by Stihl two days ago. Havent used it a lot but I think its the cats meow. Definitely not a hatchet but Im not sure you need a hatchet if you have this. I have two small echo gas chainsaws, several loppers and many machete/hatchet type things. For zipping around the deer lease and around the house this will be my new go to. Its mostly a massive improvement in convenience. You can get a little holster and easily climb trees with it hands free. I plan to leave it on the seat or floor board beside me and grab as needed. Hope the link below works.
https://www.stihlusa.com/products/gardening-tools/battery-hand-tools/gta26/

That’s interesting freerange. Thanks for sharing.

I know it was kinda off topic but I’ve found on here that as much is learned when someone slightly goes off topic than from the topic. For instance, I don’t need a hatchet but I followed this thread and if I didnt know about the saw I would of jumped all over checking it out.
I just used it a minute ago. There’s some small limbs in my way where i occasionally park my truck but never took time to dig out anything to cut them. This thing is so handy I just grabbed it and cut them lickity split. It’s all about the convenience.

I get it, I had no idea your little saw even existed. Again, thanks for sharing.

Is it self oiling?

No it is not self oiling and that’s the only drawback I see. I like easy idiot proof stuff but I’ve already bought a canvas bag to keep it, charger, manual, extra chain and battery as needed so I’ll just keep lube handy and you just dribble it on chain/bar.

Get something made in the USA.
Council Tool
Vaughan
Estwing