There is a whole discussion among bush crafters, survivalists, and many other outdoor fanatics that talks about the best tool that is used in the field among fixed-blade camp knives or a hatchet. Each has its own benefits and doubts, all the big knives possibly taking advantage for all-around convenience and utility. But for all the fine chopping power nothing can beat a hatchet.
Surely, a large knife can cut wood for fire or curl up some of the feather sticks for fire-making process, but if you try cutting down a meat pole, dividing a round of hardwood, or driving tent stakes.
You need to take a look at these options for selecting this essential camp tool.
One-Piece Steel
You need to keep in mind that a hatchet with a steel handle can last forever. They are slightly heavy and hence they are not really a bush crafter’s favorite blade, but if you are just interested in a sturdy hatchet to throw on your back seat or bang around the bottom of your johnboat, steel is something that you would go for. They are perfect for all age groups, and the one-piece construction will last longer than other hatchets.
Wood-Handled Hatchets
So, the bush crafters are more interested into wood-handled hatchet. There are a lot of makers and styles available in the market, some of the best of among them are Scandinavian. If you happen to ask any “axe head” about their favorite hatchet, odds are that the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe is at or near the top of the list.
Specialty Hatchets
Hatchets are not just meant for chopping the woods, they serve a lot more than that. If you intend to have a little fun around your camp, all you need to do is to set up a goal and have at it with a throwing axe. Or if you want a little more use out of it, you need to look for a hatchet that is specially constructed with a hammering head.
Keep in mind that not all hatchet heads, especially forged bits such as the Gransfors Bruks axe, are appropriate for hammering. If you are going to beat on it, make sure the tool is designed for that kind of abuse.
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Key Features to consider while buying camping hatchet.
Below are some key features that you need to keep in mind before you go to buy a camping hatchet.
Dexterity
This feature especially talks about the weight balance of the camping axe. A better camping hatchet will be in particular and perfectly balance that would allow you to provide a strong, perfect, and efficient strokes that easily and quickly cut through the woods though minimizing the risk of injury from its bounce back.
Effectiveness
A good camping axe should not perform just one but numerous tasks carefully and swiftly. If you want a camping axe that can also help you hit tent pegs into the ground intensely and tightly. Along with that, you are likely to want your camping axe to be able to break up all those dropped debris, that must act as a close-range defensive weapon, it may help you construct an emergency shelter or splints for injured parties, and much more.
Stability
In terms or durability any good camping hatchet must have made with super sharp and rust-proof metal that is not likely to chip or get damaged after multiple usages, with also a long-lasting and stable handle that will provide many years of dependable use without even breaking.
Most of the strong camping axes on the market can last up to 20 years or more with regular sharpening and with proper care.
Size.
Camping axes can differ significantly in size, so when you are about to choose one that you may think is perfect for your use, think about what your primary purpose would be or use of it. If you go for something too large, that might be cumbersome and impractical, but something too small will not get the job done properly.
Weight.
Weight is the major and most important factor for all those users who may or may not be able to handle perfectly and safely swinging a relatively heavier hatcher. All those hatchers that are not weighted perfectly according to your swinging ability can surely rise your risk of injury from erroneous cuts or bounce back from a lack of ability to penetrate wood grains effectively.
Warranty.
Consider buying a camping axe that comes supported by a solid warranty. A lot of times, there can be some defects in the condition of the axe blade, handle, or the point at which these two are merged.
You will need a company that can protect your investment by providing a easy return or replacement policy in the face of any manufacturer’s defects.
Purpose.
Different types of axes offer different purposes. If you want a hatchet for cross-cutting small logs and branches, or if you want a splitting maul that takes larger branches and splits them to make kindling and tinier pieces of wood, maybe you are looking for an axe that can also work as a hunting tool on animal skins or digging holes in tough and hard ground. Choose one that is perfect for your primary and secondary, all kind of needs.
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Benefits That You Should Look for In A Camping Hatchets
It Must Be Portable.
A camping axe should be an exceptional, efficient, lightweight alternative to a regular axe that you use in your daily life. The handle should be much shorter, and the blade must be comparatively smaller.
This will be the ideal hatcher when you are camping because you will not be having much space when camping or backpacking and may not have extra room to carry a regular sized axe.
Camping Hatcher Must Be Resourceful.
A camping axe must be a versatile tool which can offer not only one but multiple uses. The axe’s poll, or butt, can also be used as a hammer to secure tent stakes into the ground. The axe must be used to cut lengths of rope or vine for cordage.
Usually, camping axe handles do have accessible multitools that are built into them, making them even more flexible and user-friendly as a great all-in-one camping tool.
Lightweight.
One of the best characteristics must have is that they must be considerably lighter in weight than regular axes that we use in our daily routines. This makes them the best option for people who may not be strong enough to swing a regular-sized axe safely and efficiently.
Economical.
Camping hatchers must be less expensive than regular-sized hatchers, making them a more budget-friendly option for people who only rarely require using an axe or use them for smaller jobs.
Some famous and useful camping hatchers
Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet
This axe is a very good option because of its lightweight design and unique design handle. It is the best option for chopping kindling and small-to-medium-sized logs, which are the ideal size for any campfire.
MTech USA Camping Axe
The hatchet is 11 inches long, and the head is 3 inches, making it the best length to chop small to medium sized logs without letting you lose your balance or grip.
RoverTac Multi-tool Camping Axe
This is the 14-in-1 tool hatcher that includes.
- A hammer
- An axe
- A knife blades.
- A saw, assorted hex wrenches
- A Philips screwdriver
- A slotted screwdriver
- A bottle opener
- A file
- A fish descale.
- A safety lock to keep everything in place.
