I need a hatchet and I cant find one thats any good around me. Do yall have any recommendations for a decent hatchet? Ive looked at several online but would like some first hand reviews of them so please let me know what you got and how you like it.
I actually bought a second one. (love those xmas time gift cards). keep one by the stove and one in the truck
Wetterlings makes some fine hatchets and axes with quality near GFB but slightly lower prices. I kind of think they make the Husqvarna labeled hand tools. For a more thorough evaluation of hatchets, you might want to consider looking at the bushcraft/survival forums. They usually have many practical reviews and evaluations of axes and hatchets.
I used to have a Estwing that was given to me as a gift when I was in Boy Scouts. It was great, but I think somebody walked off with it at a bonfire I took it to, as I haven't been able to find it for a couple years. I replaced it with a Fiskars. Both cut pretty good, the Fiskars may actually cut a little better. But I do miss being able to use the Estwing as a hammer when the need arises. When the Fiskars dies or disappears I'll probably get another Estwing. They look better, and can be abused a little more.
You Fiskars guys have the x7 or x11? I have an x7, I think I would prefer the heavier guy, the x7 is just too light for me. I'd also like to try the x17 for a small axe.
I have the x7. I hadn't ever seen the x11 but wish I had, looks like a good tool. Has the same head as the x27/25. I bet it's a much better splitter than the x7
I've got the x7. What do you want a hatchet for? I had my eyes on an Estwing splitting hatchet for awhile for keeping inside by the stove, until I discovered Rutland fire starters and no longer need to make kindling. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DT0PEUE...TF8&colid=3FMKJ9RNLUHE4&coliid=I2VRCH77L3DBEW The X7 and Estwing sportsmans hatchet before that were mainly used for camping, killing wild grape vines, decapitating and de-legging squirrels before skinning them, and occasionally splitting a deer's pelvic bone. Occasionally I'd make kindling with them, but found it was often more work than using something with a longer handle like my Fiskars X27. I think either the x11 or Estwing linked above would be about the best for making kindling.
It's been noted that Hultafors makes Husqvarna mauls. Looking at one side-by-side with my Wetterlings 2.5 kg mau, they're indistinguishable. The important part: both work great. For the mauls referred to, I could have gotten the Husqy one for 1/2 what the Wetterlings cost.
Good info. Yep, I've heard very good things about the husqvarna offerings. I believe their small forest axe is made by wetterlings? I could be wrong. I've been eyeing that. Much cheaper alternatives and still very nice tools
Well because theyre cool and I want to play like Im George Washington and cut down a cherry tree Yes Im being a smart azz sorry I cant help it sometimes But seriously Ive been wanting one to have on hand by the wood pile for checking moisture content or for those pieces that dont quite get split all the way with the splitter I think a hatchet would be perfect for those situations instead of trying to swing an axe or use an axe as a hatchet Ive tried it works but its not so safe or efficient.
If you're ever up this way, there's a Husqy dealer who''ll give you a good deal, in Shokan NY (S of Catskills)- Ashokan Turf & Timber. Bob, the dealer is a serious student of splitting tools, as you'd see on AS. I still very much like my $111 Wetterlings 2.5 kg and $155 Mueller 3 kg. They're made for the long haul. I really love my $25 Council Tools 6 lb. There's a time & place for all. Council Tools in NC, USA, makes a variety of axes too, that might interest you. Got a 3.5 lb "Jersey pattern" 36" handle axe for $25 a few months back, not a pretty-boy but a working tool. Found both of these deals on Bailey's. Happy Hunting.
