Old timers had what they called a kindling hatchet. Used to make fire preps.

Been using Estwing for 30+ years, never really needed to make a change. Good job, and God Bless everyone.

@escapetherace1943

Жыл бұрын

no reason to. There are better splitters the same size, but the estwing cuts better. If you're in the wilderness cutting is more important than splitting, because cutting takes more energy and an axe shaped for cutting can decently split if you know what you're doing. Wranglerstar made the same point in his 2013 video where he talked about shape. Estwing's also USA made, a great choice for a lifetime tool

@Elias.Agg.

Жыл бұрын

estwing and lemme guess, you are using also buck knives! right?!

Great review, and I hear what you're saying, but... Over here in Belgium (and other countries in Western Europe), our "national parcs" are the size of a handkerchief compared to yours, and camping in the woods and making a shelter and campfire etc. are often not allowed. So when you're hiking with a Fiskars X7 on your belt (which I also own, and love, but mainly use at home) , people will automatically think you're up to no good, and a big knife like you use in your video is definitely a no go... That's why most of my fixed blades are also rather small (Casström Woodsman, or a Mora Garberg) compared to the ones you often test. So I bought the small Gerber, since it fits in my camera bag and I can use it in an emergency situation, or when I find a quiet spot in the woods and quickly want to collect material to make a bow drill back home, to practice my skills. Anyway, love your videos, keep up the good work 👍. Greetings from Belgium, stay safe. Eric

@svenradovic5820

2 жыл бұрын

We are living in dictatorship.

I use the Fiskars version of this hatchet every day to split firewood/kindling inside the house. Works a treat as I don't have to swing a larger one around :)!

@truth-Hurts375

3 жыл бұрын

Same thing...different color.

@CrimeVid

3 жыл бұрын

Handle too damn short, you can also choke up on a longer handle. You can get a kindling axe/hatchet for about £7.00 on ebay or any cheapie ironmonger, I had one from woolworths for over twenty years, was fine. Forget the Estwing , the grip will get wet and then get loose. The trick with hatchets is to find one where the balance suits you. That Gerber is meant for throwing.... at fish !

@ExelArts

2 жыл бұрын

@@truth-Hurts375 owned by same company

@aarde7036

9 ай бұрын

That's great news! I just bought two, the smallest from Fiskars! Just got them today and I already love them!! Next to chopping small pieces they are super in the hand when woodworking! I scraped the paint of today on a wooden cabinet and WOW how thin this slices!! I'm also training with them (masks on..!) as if they're dumbells 😂😂 to get a good feeling and really make them an extension of my arms and hands.

Some people use them to carve down wood to carve bowls, cups and plates before you get your carving knife out. Just makes it faster.

@rdaleytex

3 жыл бұрын

Spoon and bowel carvers don't use hatchets that short. I would choose the Estwing to carve my blanks before that Gerber.

@charlessalmond7076

2 жыл бұрын

Apparently 25 of us do.

The whole point of these mini hatchets is that they're small and portable. I think it's a bit unfair to compare it to larger hatchets or choppers. This would be a nice thing to have in a lightweight survival or bug out bag, it doesn't take up much room and has more utility than a belt knife. Get rid of the clunky mask/handle and you can fit that thing in a very small space.

@JDStone20

3 жыл бұрын

Yes!

@texasnannyjoe2049

3 жыл бұрын

Small and portable is not the point of a hatchet. The point of a hatchet is to cut wood... not to fit it into a survival or bug out bag,

@ajaxtelamonian5134

3 жыл бұрын

So save a bunch of calories carrying it then use them all trying to make it work? I mean it would be good if one were doing carving though I rarely use a hatchet anymore.

@johnhildenbrand2642

Жыл бұрын

Sorry bud, but I have to disagree...weight vs rate, and this thing rates like junk, yes you save weight, but you lose virtually every reason to bring a hatchet that the knife on your belt can't handle...

@bcamping1

Жыл бұрын

​@@johnhildenbrand2642 not every reason, I am looking for a little lightweight hammer for tent stakes. When the ground is hard or frozen. So it might aswell be a hatchet. Wish they were half the weight.

I found one of these about 10 months ago while out hunting. My son put some skateboard tape on the handle and we sharpened it makes a world of difference. I like it we’ve put it to work a good bit.

I've got the x5 and consider it as a splitting wedge with a handle, paired with my silky 270 and a SAK farmer with a ferro rod lanyarded to it it's a great lightweight set up for feeding the fire stove or making shelters, as soon as you think of it as a splitting wedge on a handle it makes far more sense

Physics remains undefeated.

Would be great for motorcycle touring camping small compact I like it personally

I carry a 9" hatchet, an Agawa Canyon 21" folding saw, and my belt knife; I can handle 95% of my needs on wilderness canoe trips with minimal weight in my pack.

Looks like a kindling hammer. To be used instead of bottoning with your knife is all it looks good for.

@JDStone20

3 жыл бұрын

^^^^This! And maybe some carving. Right tool for the right job.

A novelty. Compact and handy for small projects, especially with a sharply maintained blade. Far better than having nothing.

I have a small Gransfors Bruks hatchet that is the best fire making tool. Feather sticks, splitting kindling etc are all minty.

@mountaingoattaichi

3 жыл бұрын

GT, compare the good ones with the cheaper ones.

@kejadventures241

3 жыл бұрын

@@mountaingoattaichi there really wouldn't be a point. Wranglerstar has spent a long time doing that. He's pretty much one of the authorities when it comes to comparing axes. that being said he'll pretty much always pick a gransfurs.

@bravowhiskey4684

3 жыл бұрын

I have a small Hults Bruks trappers axe, I love it for camp/utility tasks. Making ridge poles, cooking tripods, cutting kindling, etc. Scandinavian axes are the best, hands down. This little Gerber would be plenty useful for carving if the edge was filed properly, this guy doesn’t really know about axemanship.

@ROckNCom

3 жыл бұрын

I have the same from GB and brand doesn't give it any magical way to overcome the physics involved here lol

@thesho0ter1911

3 жыл бұрын

@@ROckNCom I doubt you even have it. If you did it’s the convex grind and handle that makes it special

Yep, totally agree with you. I’ve got a similar Gerber. I guess you could baton it through some wood, but I really miss the extra length of a more full size hatchet.

I’ve used one of the older ones with the knife in the handle over the last 15 years for processing big game. It works great for splitting the sternum and pelvic bones. It fits in my back pocket of my hunting pants so I don’t even know I’m caring it.

The only thing I really like about the shorter hatchets is they fit inside my hunting side bag, where the x7 length ones stick out. :)

@JDStone20

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly!

@kkirk1381

3 жыл бұрын

Spot on with your comment!!!

@texasnannyjoe2049

3 жыл бұрын

If you want to carry around useless weight that won't protrude from a hunting side bag, just throw a few large stone in the bag.

@Gungeek

3 жыл бұрын

@@texasnannyjoe2049 umm okay...

The hipster shade at the end. 🤣

Another excellent video thank you. I have a couple of small hatchets this size and find that they are great for when you only have a small bushcraft shoulder bag and they don’t take up any room. Good enough for a small fire or crafting. Horses for courses. I love my Fiskers X7 so may look to get the 9 inch version.

It’s a great hunting hatchet and when space is limited in your pack and you need it to clear limbs and process your kill - especially when hiking way out and trying to keep your pack limited in weight and dimensions.

Glad to see Estwing Sportsman getting some love in comparison. It is my first purchase of an axe for backpacking and just in general outdoor use (camping, bushcraft, getting wood for bonfire, ect). Glad I went with it.

👍 You are absolutely correct. Cannot do anything a slightly longer hatchet can do.

I use mine to trim small branches on trees. I’ve had mine 15 years and used it hundreds of times in my landscape business. Also great for splitting oak, pecan and mesquite for my bbq pit

@The4cp

3 жыл бұрын

BBQ!

That Hatchet would be great at processing animal carcasses . Takes after the older Case , Western knife / hatchet combos that was popular in the 60s 70s.

I always pack a 24” pack axe, deal with the weight and use other light gear to cut down ounces in the back country.

For 30 years I wield a El Cheapo Warehouse hatchet. I gave the head a new profile once, and it works for me since then. Still has the first handle.

Great information thanks for sharing and taking the time to make this. I will say that looks better than the slim one I carry. But still my favorite is the estwing!

Council Tool are the best axes and hatchets for the price.

@jock-of-ages73

3 жыл бұрын

Prandi are really good that way too.

@nikeduck24

3 жыл бұрын

@@jock-of-ages73 Council Tool is USA Made. Cant beat the price 🇺🇸

@tinyfrogs

3 жыл бұрын

I own three.

@jock-of-ages73

3 жыл бұрын

@@nikeduck24 I've heard that name but i don't think they are available in Scotland.

@nikeduck24

3 жыл бұрын

@@jock-of-ages73 we can all agree, Gerber and Fiskars are a complete waste of time 😅

Great interview! Chose between this one (fiskars x5) and the Mora camp axe for my GHB, I chose the Mora and I´m glad I did, especially after watching this. Thanks for some great videos!

Can confirm those estwings are great. Very comfy and do real work. Bonus-they throw beautifully

I don't know, man, that TOPS chopper didn't outperform it by that much, considering that it costs six times what that little Gerber hatchet does.

@Rikske77

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly 👍 And that little Gerber axe won't get you arrested in places where knife laws are stricter (like most of Europe...). Pair up the Gerber axe with a Mora HD Companion and you get a more versatile load out (and one that you can carry discretely) compared to that huge TOPS knife, and still save a nice penny.

@Ve-suvius

3 жыл бұрын

I know how well Condor machete's would perform on those arm sized pieces of wood. Better than Tops and better than Back Paxe. But yeah, as Eric said. In Europe they are not too keen on large knives . Though a cheap machete easily competes with the X7 as well. And for clearing a path, think of overhanging brances, the speed of the machete does a way better job. For splitting the axe is better.

@TheJoedonbakerfan

3 жыл бұрын

@@Ve-suvius And all of those options at a fraction of the price for the TOPS.

@Ve-suvius

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheJoedonbakerfan True. But I'm not a minimalist in everything either. I do like my Cold Steel Tri-Ad Lock folding knives. It's a bit like what Mors Kochanski said, if you're paying more than ten bucks, you're wasting your money. Unless you like the beauty and quality of certain products. But for survival , to live , yeah, a ten dollar knife will work also. As the 10 or 15 dollar axe/hatchet, and machete.

5:29 cue the bongos 😆 Solid review. Always appreciate the honesty and especially suggestions on better options 👍👍

Splitting wood and pounding in tent pegs is all many campers will need. It does some tasks fairly well so I guess I won't knock it for that, but at that price I'd go Estwing for sure.

I have one of the Gerber Gator combo axes with the small fixed-blade knife in the handle. I carry it for hiking, fishing and hunting. These are occasions in which I MIGHT need a hatchet. If I'm going to be in a situation where I WILL need an axe or hatchet, I'll take along a full size hatchet or axe. I don't expect my Swiss Army Knife or Multiplier to replace my tool box. I carry them for the occasion that a task presents itself that they can handle conveniently.

Out here, in pa, i use one in place of a knife over the winter. Its pretty thin, especially compared to the fiskars style hatchet. But, Its less likely to be damaged by frozen wood. But i also carry a 2.5lb axe for my larger wood processing needs. Dont knock a style of product just because you dont understand its place or how to use it effectively.

Traditionally they were used with more of a pushing motion while holding them near the head. They also had a bearded blade style to facilitate carving .

@kaizoebara

3 жыл бұрын

Traditionally, people didn't have half a dozen different hatchets and axes... smh

@jimf1964

3 жыл бұрын

Those carpenter style axes are still around, but the handles aren't usually that short. More like the longer hatched he showed. They just need to be short enough that when you choke up on it like you mentioned, it wouldn't get in the way.

@whengrapespop5728

2 жыл бұрын

@@kaizoebara That’s not true. Vikings used different sized/shaped hatchets, small knives, medium knives, big knives, scrama sax knives/short swords, and plenty of other tools. Look at the Japanese and all the different food prep knives they use.

@kaizoebara

2 жыл бұрын

@@whengrapespop5728 Of course there were different sizes and shapes etc, because every weapon/tool was basically custom made at that time. However, apart from a nobleman, the average guy did not have an assortment of dozens of the same type of tool. As for the Japanese, you are wrong again: the vast diversity developed during the Edo-period, which is way, way past the viking age.

@whengrapespop5728

2 жыл бұрын

@@kaizoebara I wasn’t implying that the Japanese developed their knives during the Viking age, I was trying to say that it’s not uncommon for cultures/individuals to prefer a large assortment of tools, while others might prefer a “one tool to do it all”. In contrast to people from Japan, people from China pretty much only use a Chinese chef’s knife / vegetable cleaver and a meat cleaver, for example. So, owning an axe for kindling, another for carpentry, a third for chopping and another for splitting was/isn’t that uncommon. Sure, some Viking only used what they had (which is partly why the axe was a popular weapon as well), but I’m sure that was a case to case thing. Most people had multiple knives, however.

It's the best carving axe you can have.

I have a Gransfors mini and it is awesome for splitting the sternum and pelvis of elk. Also helps using the poll to separate the hide from the meat. Small and packable butcher tool. Not sure if the gerber would work for that or not as far as the flay poll is concerned.

My brother and I bought these small axes about 20 years ago. We did a lot of backpacking in the Adirondack mountains. We would go for a week or two at a time bushwhacking. pertaining and Big blades were not popular back then. I believe he carried a western 5 inch blade hunting knife and me a buck 110 so that small hatchet filled a niche for us. At that time. I have to say they never let us down. We did put grip tape on the handle though. We both still have ours they ride in our get home bags in our vehicles.

THANK YOU! Saved me from making a mistake!

@gideonstactical

9 ай бұрын

Glad I could help!

@MichaelSmith-yv1ch

9 ай бұрын

@gideonstactical that's 1 of the reasons I watch you're content, brother. 😉

Nova Scotian here! Nice review. I wrapped my x7 with paracord, Made the handle fit better in my hands.

A small axe like this is good for firecraft and large carving tasks but there are better designs. I would suggest shopping consignment/resale pages/flee markets for something like this if you want to do a lot of carving, 10-20 dollars will get you a piece of history that will patina beautifully. If you're going to be going out into the wilderness you want either a 16-20 inch hatchet or a machete/chopper.

"just 1 or 2 more inches" man, little back paxe. i know how you feel, brother.

At the end of the day a hatchets handle needs to be a bit longer for better swing and not to smash hands on logs, but I suppose the shorter handles have their use in the wild for much smaller jobs, maybe handy if just out for a days hike in the hills

I have the TOPs Grandpa's axe 🪓. I think it's great, and a nice alternative to a large knife

I've got the Fiskars X5 and it is handy and it has done me well especially with the SW72 saw. I still have my Gränsfors, hachetes and large knives for however I need to pack for the trip. Very good as it is not tactical scary looking for carrying in SHTF situations. The police seem to overlook it.

have one. fiskars x5. great backup tool to carry in your car for example. also becomes handy when knife is not enough, but axe takes too much space in bag...

You can go to Harbor Freight and get one of their little yellow handled ones for about $5 if you watch the sales. Wish they had those little ones with wood handles. Don’t tell my Gransfors Bruk but I’ve been really impressed with the steel on the HF junky hatchets and axes.

Gideon I love your videos you're awesome dude love this video on these hatchets 👍

I like my fiskars x5 as a splitting wedge on a stick, it's the size of a bushcraft knife but splits well and you can carve a wedge then batton with it, if the battoning fails then the wedge goes in, between the tiny x5 silky 270 and a small pocket knife I've a very light set up that's very none threatening and can get alot of work done

I put black athletic tape on mine and it has great real estate and it never slips or slides. Made an absolute world of difference in it's use honestly and the tape is like 2 bucks for a roll

I agree. Got a similar sized hultafors. Used once. Expensive. Rather a heavy machete and pocket knife.

I got that X5 maybe 10 years now and it is my fatwood collector:) But i prefer using the X10. The best thing with that small axe (we say axe about every size in sweden) its that it take not alot of space in the backpack and will do the job pretty good.

I'm trying to be under 15LB base weight, I'm at 16lb complete. Its been expensive because of buying all the wrong stuff over and over again. your videos are worth a lot, wish I'd started using YT sooner it would have saved me thousands. I'm close to having a pack we are going to duplicate many times.

Honest review. I’ve never understood extremely short (sub 12”) handles on hatchets. I’ll keep using my $30 tomahawk or 1970’s boy scout hatchet. Both work well for 3” or smaller wood with the tomahawk having one added feature, if you really want to do fine carving with it (ulu style) just take the handle completely off and reinstall it when done.

Love Gerber and Fiskar stuff. My gf got me a set of no big deal Gerber folding knives and theyre my favorite knives and hold up well. My problem with modern hatchets, and axes: I can't shove a stick in the hole and bang a wedge in it in any environment when the handle eventually breaks if my hatchet is a solid wedge of steel forced into some molded plastic.

Thanks for your nice demonstration of this short handle hatchet, and in concordance of your skill, I have now a good idea in my needs. I've seen your X7 compare to the Gerber Bushcraft. I will go on with this last as it's good quality and compromise in weight and size.

They are great for using inside a wall tent for a smaller tent stove

I got one as a gift. It’s an awesome kindling chopper. But that’s about it for me. It hangs beside my wood furnace.

Used this one (Fiskars) for years. It is in my dayhike pack. I have a big firesteel and a modified Mora Companion in the handle. I really like it, safe to use when you are alone in the woods...tough litte bastard this handaxe🖒

I have found a use for the little and medium size hatchets in the kitchen.

I have the Fiskars XS which is basically the same hatchet as the Gerber. Have it for 2 years and carry it when I have a smaller pack. While it has limitations I really like it. It works great for splitting smaller pieces of wood, battoning wood, carving feather sticks etc. It's not as good as my Fiskars X7 which I carry for camping or longer trips. Is it perfect, no. But for me it's a good tool for it's purpose.

Commenting to help with the algorithm.

To me a large chopper has much more versatility. take care Aaron

I have one and keep it in front of the wood burning stove for kindling.

It’s good for processing game that’s what I use mine

Great review!

I recently bought the ESEE bushcraft ax. I would like to compare and give your thoughts on all the small axes. I bought it because i want a small carving ax I could rough out spoons and carve other things. And I think I could be used as a sompact survival tool on a day hike. A good 10” ax can be effective and more compact than the larger 12” 15” lengths that might not get packed.

Thanks Aaron I see this and think novelty item, enjoy your day

I have the SOG mini-hatchet (Hand Ax); bought because it was full tang and has a lifetime guarantee. I told the guy at the store I was going to try and break it. Since then I've been beating the hell out it using to baton fire wood for my mountain cabin for three full years. It is a piece of shit chopper, but surprisingly batons pretty well for what it is and the low cost. Now I use the Tops El Chete as it is much more pleasant to beat on with a club; but if you use a baton with this little hand ax it does an amazing job. Others hatchets that have the synthetic handles will not hold up, but this thing has G-10 scales with 360 degree exposed tang. You can literally beat it to death and it will not break. Not my favorite tool, but it has its place for light work, not (not cabin building). Thanks for all of your videos; I've enjoyed them through the years.

I always giggle when I see those 😁

Well okay, you're letting the limb bounce all around with the hatchet then for the machete, you hold the material. Kinda leaning toward making your point. I will give you the 'Like' for showing me all I needed to see about this little chipper. Looks like a folder saw and the hatchet would be a great duo tucked away in a day pack or even a waist pack. Perhaps a lanyard of narrow strap material would keep the hand firmly on the handle. I appreciate the info about changing the grind upon re-sharpening. I will check your other vids to see if you have a sharpening demonstration. From Ontario, Canada, take care...

No experience with this one, but I find a small axe or hatchet to be a compromise. I can choke up on a small one and use it as a hand axe and still have the swing when I need it. My current go to is a Marbles outdoor axe (19.75 inch) or sometimes hunter's axe (17.75 inch). The Cold Steel Trail Boss rides in the truck.

Have a look one day at the Silky Axe. Love it for a pack Axe.

I could see it if you have a specific way you camp I'd prefer an eastwing or a tomahawk but thats what I'm used to. Batoning with fixed blades hasn't been my thing but a esse 5 has actually been a good chopper for me so I can see someone just having a chopper and a smaller fixed blade too

The 9" Gerber is my favorite hatchet. It goes on most outings while my 14" and 17.5" Gerbers stay home. I prefer to pair it with a bow saw blade and make a bow saw or buck saw when I need it. I use the saw to cut larger diameter wood and the hatchet to split it. On minimal winter camps the 9" hatchet fits in my haversack (wearing a leather mask I made, not the factory cover) and is perfect for making a buck saw, my bed, shelter, processing fire wood and most camp chores.It also works well for splitting the pelvis on big game. Just because you don't get it doesn't mean you need to imply those that do are posers. I'm definitely not the type of person to be "putting beard oil in my mustache carving a custom counter top." Then again, I'm not the type to be wearing trendy, name brand outdoor clothing either.

I choose the Estwing and it usually comes with a nice belt sheath.

The Fiskar X7 rules. There needs to be a minimum amount of leverage and shift length for a smaller axe to even be viable, IMHO

A few years ago, I was in Teton NP in WY and got stuck when a tree fell across the road. After a few and park ranger finally showed up. I had no saw or axe in my truck, so ashamed and I've remedied that now, but the "ranger" tiny little blond girl, only had one of those tiny Gerber axes and it was dull. She directed traffic and I had to cut. The tree was about 6" in Diameter and it took me nearly half an hour to get through it. Worthless in my book. I now carry a Saw, Tomahawk, half axe and machete in my truck. Better to have and not need than need and not have.

Excellent review

I use the Fiskars X7. Works well for most tasks but, for added grip I put skateboard tape to the handle. Instead of chopping I found my Silky Saw is faster and much quieter in the woods. (If that's important to you.)

A good video demonstrating all the reasons why I don't like hatchets( and even axes)! Let's be practical - who in their right mind would want to do that kind of work with a hatchet? It's nuts! A Silky saw would do it in a fraction of the time, with far less energy expenditure! I could even do it easily with my Cold Steel Trail Master (if I had to!), which I would have anyway! Why would I also carry a fiddly little hatchet? With a decent saw, like a Silky Outback Gomboy (or Bigboy, depending), and my TM I'm up for processing lumber!

great review as usual, what is the electric tape on the handle of the x7 fiskars for?

@gideonstactical

3 жыл бұрын

Giving it a little extra grip

I was told by an old fisherman who lived close by where I grew up, that this style of hatchet was similar to the ones used on sailing ships pre 1900s. He said they made the handles short and used them in emergencies to cut lines without hitting the lines around them. The short handles lend themselves towards precision and one chop from that was significantly faster than trying to cut with a knife or a sword... I would love to hear your opinion on that, but I'm not sure of the accuracy lol. He could have just been trying to sound like he knew what he was talking about....

Good honest review. Precisely my thoughts as well. Really no reason to take the Gerber Back Paxe II when you can have so much more performance with the X7 which is practically just as easy to store in the pack. Plus nearly the same weight. The leverage is what makes the axe/hatchet effective in chopping, longer is more striking power. This Paxe is too short. And it's also possible to hurt your hand being that close to the target.

I am used to a larger hatchet, but recently I did get a Marbles 12". I had a bit of learning curve to use the 12". I do not think I would ever be comfortable with a 9" hatchet. you talk about your Large size hands, I wear XL leather gloves, and find I need to stretch the knuckles out before they fit right. I prefer a 16" hatchet, but I do like how packable the 12" is. I just do not see any future for a 9" hatchet in my hands. Some people might find it useful, just not me.

I modified some of my SOG tomahawks. The Fast Hawk was just too small for me, so Baby Bear has it in her bag. I really liked the SOG Voodoo, and then the Voodoo Mini, but the handles on them were too short for me. So I replaced the handles with ones from their Tactical models. Man, are they sweet! The Mini Voodoo head chops better than the Tactical head, and the longer handle make for much more leverage. And it’s still light enough for self defense. The full size Voodoo head on the longer handle is a bit wieldy, but chops like nobody’s business. I’ve written to SOG about this, but for some reason, they won’t answer my emails. 😎

This size hatchet is more for chopping branches, splitting wood, and carving than building shelters and falling trees.

You think that one splits good you should see the Fiskars 36” splitter in action . IMHO it’s the best splitting maul for the money . Like I said in your preview post these mini hatchets work well on breaking down big game I use them to unzip ribs from hogs and white tails .

I agree with everything you say the only way I can see this as a better option was if that little bit of size matters and even to me I’d figure out a way to fit one of the others or just a bigger knife I just don’t think this is a good size maybe if you was just using for splitting soft woods even then their is better options thanks for the review.

I like this size for making tarp and tent stakes

i have a spot me and my friend goes in the wood the set up is already there so i think if i want to hike there and go drink there sleep and only make my fire you pair this tool with a folding saw or a silky zubat and you all set so i think of getting one even tho i love my bigger fishkar one eheh :P its just that me and my friend have both an axe so we alway split who brings it i usually bring my coldsteel shovel its a gnarly tool to redig the pond near out hammock spot ! great video thanks

That seems like a hand or finger breaker if you miss I Will stick with my estwing

@xjeepmanx

3 жыл бұрын

So true..I luv my double bit estwing.. But that little Gerber is so cute..I guess it has its purpose..being so light and easy to pack. Another inch an the handle would be nice.....thats what she said

@whengrapespop5728

2 жыл бұрын

How often do you really miss with a hatchet, though? I own this myself, and never missed a hit. Practical little thing, and you could probably diy a longer handle with its hollow handle (haven’t tried it myself, though).

I use one when on trails as I use either a stick stove for cooking or a small fire. Weight is an issue for most backpackers. I saw 4-12" pieces of up to 4" wood, split it into quarters then continue splitting to get to the dry wood in wet conditions. While I may split the first strike through the length, I typically split flat side down on another log as I am processing fire starting materials. If I am able to have a larger fire? I've got the saw for the actual cutting which is less taxing after a long day on the trails than carrying or using a larger camp axe. While I do own 'ye olde estwing #1' 14" leather gripped hatchet , it's far too much extra to carry for more than a weekend at 24+oz. However, the 12" at about the same weight as the fiskars/gerber?? ? Hmmm... I may see if I can rig a way to carry those extra few inches as it certainly would be handier and last forever. Besides, It's made in Illinois!

Feather sticks with the Estwing... grabbing the head in the palm of my hand...

I think that the 13" handle hatchets are the smallest to take camping/bushcrafting.

Aesthetically, I prefer wood hafts, but after getting curious and buying a Fiskars X7 several years ago, I haven't touched another hatchet. The thing chops, cuts, and carves like a dream. I didn't realize they had an "Norden" N series with hickory handles. I'm interested in checking one out, but not really sure I can justify $90 for it when the $30 X7 does everything I need it to perfectly (except have a wooden haft).

I have one from way back. Good for carving and looking cute, not much else. X7 wins every time

If you thinned out the edge a lot, then it might make a nice compact crafting hatchet for roughing out spoons and bowls. But a thinner built head would work better, like one of the old german style forest hatchets or carpenter's hatchet - small grip area, wide bit, thin blade that flares suddenly thicker near the eye. They both are somewhat bearded so you can push from a more centered head grip and have very little rotation torque. But your point is good - a Skrama, Ontario SP53/SP8, or other medium/heavy chopper might put you ahead (in function) of the very small hatchet at the same weight. That has been Dave Pearson's (reallybigmonkey1 - fun in the woods) method, small knife + heavy short machete, which covers well up to light woods and brush, especially if you add a compact saw. I camp solo some, so avoiding the usual risk rate of hatchet work is valuable to me. Machetes don't deflect and injure as easily as hatchets do. The heavy, short machete also splits larger wood if you use it as a froe and use a large baton to drive it through - with essentially zero chance of skip-cut injury.

are you going to review those smartwool gloves? Mine are warm but the finger tips have some pilling inside after a few months of wear and the leather seems a little thin. What’s your experience with them so far?