Gonna carry this with me from now on-

The hatchet. Did a little cleanup of some blow downs at my parents house on Sunday. 30 in Poplar (dang worthless tree!!) laid over with a 7 ft diameter root ball. The house is up for sale and the root ball was unsightly, so I cropped it off the tree and pushed it into the hole. Went to cut the stump to lower hieght and was faced with a dirt packed bark surface. After a little consideration, I opted to go at it with a hatchet as opposed to a wire brush. It was surprisingly easy and effective. I think I will assemble a tool box for the accessories; bar oil, files, wedges and now a hatchet.

 

I here ya on the hatchet. I have been in the woods several times and realized it wood be nice to have my hatchet right now. I also have a plastic tote that I carry my bar oil, gas, and some tools for the saw when I go in. Now that I have an enclosed cab on the TLB I am going to look into what works best that I can keep in the cab when I go in. The chainsaw will fit on one side and then I will come up with something a little smaller than the plastic tote for keeping the bar/chain oil and tools for the other side and keep them from rolling around. A hatchet and a machete type tool that I have will also come along with me.

 

I'd be lost without several of my antique hatchets.Usually have 1 close by for splitting small blocks for the smoker/bbq kettle & small sticks for kindling,another goes with me in the woods.Different edges - for splitting I prefer a thicker blunter one,for chopping,shaving,paring & peeling its a thin razor sharp one.Also very useful in chopping through any poison ivy or Virginia creeper vines I might see growing up the trunks of trees.....The X25 isn't far behind,I use that for driving felling wedges in addition to splitting the easier ones in the field....

 

I have been meaning to get a hatchet. What should I look for in a good one?

 

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/77513?feat=hatchet-SR0&page=gr-nsfors-bruks-wildlife-hatchet

 

I have seen these branded on Gerber too. Not sure who makes it for who, but the Gerber is all black.

 

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/75654?feat=77513-ppxs&dds=y

 

Same company making it under two brand names.

 

I like that Gränsfors and the Estwing too. I have owned an Estwing hammer for 20 years or more. They are nice.

 

I really love the Gransfors stuff but I just cant see spending that much on an axe right now so Im looking at the Husqvarna line of stuff it looks similar to the Gransfors and its Swedish too

http://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-Hat...-12&keywords=gransfors+bruks+wildlife+hatchet

 

I have 2 Estwing hammers bought new that have seen almost daily use for 25 years & a shingling hatchet that dates to the late 20's (still has metal patent dated tag riveted to end of handle) that still has the stacked leather handle grip.

If I had to think of one word to describe Estwing products - indestructible would be at the top of the list.

 

Thanks Ill check them out for sure.

 

I have several different hatchets & believe it or not, the $8 Harbor Freight is the one I take to the woods. Yellow fiberglass handle is easy to see, has a comfortable grip, & holds an edge well.

 

What about the handle? Does the rubber deteriorate, chip off, slide off, crack, etc?