Axe / hatchet recommendations

MikekiM

MikekiM

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Looking for a new small, lightweight axe for splitting firewood.

I have a full length axe that was my dad's the I don't want to use. Also have a hatchet since my Boy Scout days that works most of the time, but I am looking for something that can be exposed to the elements without fear of it getting destroyed

Planning to use primarily to work down 6-8" pieces.

Bonus points for good looks..
 
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I see little point in buying an expensive hatchet for campfire wood. I found something decent and reasonably priced at Home Depot. I've had it for years and have actually sharpened it a few times.

If it gets destroyed in the elements I guess it sucks for the hatchet. I'll get another.
 
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LJGreg said:
I was gifted a Gränsfors Bruk Hunters Axe. It's so nice I'm almost afraid to use it. Not cheap though.
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Know them well. Too nice for my purposes.

Mr. Bills said:
I see little point in buying an expensive hatchet for campfire wood. I found something decent and reasonably priced at Home Depot. I've had it for years and have actually sharpened it a few times.

If it gets destroyed in the elements I guess it sucks for the hatchett. I'll get another.
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I agree which is why I am asking. I picked up a hatchet and have been working on the edge for a few weeks. My Boy Scout hatchet is decades old and has been well maintained with a wonderful edge but I am thinking a shorty axe with a bit more leverage would serve me better.
 
MikekiM said:
Know them well. Too nice for my purposes.


I agree which is why I am asking. I picked up a hatchet and have been working on the edge for a few weeks. My Boy Scout hatchet is decades old and has been well maintained with a wonderful edge but I am thinking a shorty axe with a bit more leverage would serve me better.
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You'll go a very long way to find much better value than the two Fiskars options for both the hatchet and smallish axe. Been using both for decades working camp firewood with zero issues and they both resharpen well and easily with a good blade angle that simplifies that process.

edit- saw your sharpening comment. If you can't put a good edge back on both of those in about 5 minutes, you're doing something wrong.
 
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mrblaine said:
You'll go a very long way to find much better value than the two Fiskars options for both the hatchet and smallish axe.
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Fully agree with this, I grew up in the foothills of Colorado splitting wood. They're also cheap enough that even with bad sharpening skills you could replace them every other year 😜
 
mrblaine said:
You'll go a very long way to find much better value than the two Fiskars options for both the hatchet and smallish axe. Been using both for decades working camp firewood with zero issues and they both resharpen well and easily with a good blade angle that simplifies that process.

edit- saw your sharpening comment. If you can't put a good edge back on both of those in about 5 minutes, you're doing something wrong.
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Mr. Bills said:
I saw it too. Hope he doesn't do piecework. He'll starve.
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LOL.. You guys are funny.

The hatchet I bought needs to be reprofiled. It is like splitting with a dead fish as it is. I am not in a rush to do it since the small hatchet and Dad's axe are doing a good job. Both of those have serious sentimental value hence the desire to retire them. I bring the new and old each time I go camping with the intent that I would work on the new one and I just don't get to it. I can get the small one to 'scary sharp' in just a few minutes.

Fiskars is an obvious choice and easy to find.
 
We live on some land, and I've had the opportunity to use quite a few brands - after a day of felling, chopping and limbing - man-0-man, what I want is a solid head and light/durable handle - I also appreciate an axe that is visible in the failing light of the day.

For me the X7 and X15Fiskars hatchet and axe check a lot of my boxes and do an excellent job. They're also not so expensive that I don't use them.

x3-4 on the Granfors axe - SO nice, like a piece of artwork - has no business in a day of hard work for me. I'd beat the living crap out of it and feel bad after. Fiskars - break it (hard to do) - oh well, go to home depot or online to Amazon.com and keep on rockin' in the free world.
 
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MikekiM said:
Looking for a new small, lightweight axe for splitting firewood.

I have a full length axe that was my dad's the I don't want to use. Also have a hatchet since my Boy Scout days that works most of the time, but I am looking for something that can be exposed to the elements without fear of it getting destroyed

Planning to use primarily to work down 6-8" pieces.

Bonus points for good looks..
Click to expand...

You mean for making kindling? I've been using wood heat my whole life and did the kindling&paper way to light fires for most of it. These days though i just stack firewood in the stove or campfire and use one of these type of little squares.
Screenshot_20231105_115134_Chrome.jpg


Light it and walk away. I thought it was the wimps way to light fires,but i used them at a friends insistance and have never gone back.my hatchets are all gathering rust now
 
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I have what I think is called a youth ax. It has a smaller handle and head than a full-sized ax, but is much larger than a hatchet. 28” wooden handle and single bit head with a flat backside that works great for hammering tent stakes. Bought at one of the local home improvement or hardware stores.
 
Rickyd said:
You mean for making kindling? I've been using wood heat my whole life and did the kindling&paper way to light fires for most of it. These days though i just stack firewood in the stove or campfire and use one of these type of little squares.
View attachment 471591

Light it and walk away. I thought it was the wimps way to light fires,but i used them at a friends insistance and have never gone back.my hatchets are all gathering rust now
Click to expand...

That's pretty cool!
 
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4Lo4Sho said:
We live on some land, and I've had the opportunity to use quite a few brands - after a day of felling, chopping and limbing - man-0-man, what I want is a solid head and light/durable handle - I also appreciate an axe that is visible in the failing light of the day.

For me the X7 and X14 Fiskars hatchet and axe check a lot of my boxes and do an excellent job. They're also not so expensive that I don't use them.

x3-4 on the Granfors axe - SO nice, like a piece of artwork - has no business in a day of hard work for me. I'd beat the living crap out of it and feel bad after. Fiskars - break it (hard to do) - oh well, go to home depot or online to Amazon.com and keep on rockin' in the free world.
Click to expand...
Was just on Fishers site and the X17 was my choice on this first pass. Price is right. They advertise it as indestructible. The X11 is a 17" handle and might prove more versatile. X11 might be too short. X17 might be too long. Then I saw the Norden N12. 2.8lb head, 19" hickory handle, That is a nice a balance of high-tech and old school. Fiskars head design, overstrike protection and a nice hickory handle. Sexy. Functional. But the composite handles might be better suited.

Gransfors are beautiful but not something I want to beat the snot out of.

Rickyd said:
You mean for making kindling? I've been using wood heat my whole life and did the kindling&paper way to light fires for most of it. These days though i just stack firewood in the stove or campfire and use one of these type of little squares.
View attachment 471591

Light it and walk away. I thought it was the wimps way to light fires,but i used them at a friends insistance and have never gone back.my hatchets are all gathering rust now
Click to expand...
I have no shortage of first starters.. Never tried the brand you pictured but I've lost count of how many I have used.

KennethS said:
I have what I think is called a youth ax. It has a smaller handle and head than a full-sized ax, but is much larger than a hatchet. 28” wooden handle and single bit head with a flat backside that works great for hammering tent stakes. Bought at one of the local home improvement or hardware stores.
Click to expand...
That's what my Dad gave me five decades ago. Collins 27" hickory handle and a Homestead single bit.. It takes and holds a great edge. I just replaced the sheath Dad & I made when I was a teen. Serves my splitting needs around my property but not something I want to take to the backcountry.

Blackjack said:
What head weight are you thinking?
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Not sure. 2.5 to 3lb maybe? I want it heavy enough to generate some momentum but light enough to be able to one hand. Suggestions?

Anyone use the Norden N12?
 
MikekiM said:
Was just on Fishers site and the X17 was my choice on this first pass. Price is right. They advertise it as indestructible. The X11 is a 17" handle and might prove more versatile. X11 might be too short. X17 might be too long.
Click to expand...
MikekiM said:
Then I saw the Norden N12. 2.8lb head, 19" hickory handle, That is a nice a balance of high-tech and old school. Fiskars head design, overstrike protection and a nice hickory handle. Sexy. Functional. But the composite handles might be better suited.


Anyone use the Norden N12?
Click to expand...

For me the X15 fit the bill between the 11 and 17. might be worth a try.

No time on the Norden N12, but I think i saw a favorable review on Youtube about one from a bushcraft fellow. Neat that it has the same handle profile as the standard composite. I wonder how it would balance when swinging?
 
MikekiM said:
Was just on Fishers site and the X17 was my choice on this first pass. Price is right. They advertise it as indestructible. The X11 is a 17" handle and might prove more versatile. X11 might be too short. X17 might be too long. Then I saw the Norden N12. 2.8lb head, 19" hickory handle, That is a nice a balance of high-tech and old school. Fiskars head design, overstrike protection and a nice hickory handle. Sexy. Functional. But the composite handles might be better suited.

Gransfors are beautiful but not something I want to beat the snot out of.


I have no shortage of first starters.. Never tried the brand you pictured but I've lost count of how many I have used.


That's what my Dad gave me five decades ago. Collins 27" hickory handle and a Homestead single bit.. It takes and holds a great edge. I just replaced the sheath Dad & I made when I was a teen. Serves my splitting needs around my property but not something I want to take to the backcountry.


Not sure. 2.5 to 3lb maybe? I want it heavy enough to generate some momentum but light enough to be able to one hand. Suggestions?

Anyone use the Norden N12?
Click to expand...

Ok,you get a cookie for having fire starters. You still didn't answer what you want to use it for. How big you and your arms are will affect that answer.
 
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