{"id":2003,"date":"2018-01-30T00:20:49","date_gmt":"2018-01-30T08:20:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toolazine.com\/?p=2003"},"modified":"2022-05-03T17:19:59","modified_gmt":"2022-05-04T00:19:59","slug":"hatchet-vs-axe-bushcraft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toolazine.com\/hatchet-vs-axe-bushcraft\/","title":{"rendered":"Hatchet vs axe for bushcraft"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

As a beginner in bushcraft, your biggest dilemma would be \u2013 a hatchet, or an\u00a0axe<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

Majority of the users struggle to answer this, but before proceeding to the\u00a0axe\u00a0vs hatchet comparison<\/strong>, let\u2019s define bushcraft.<\/p>\n

What is\u00a0bushcraft?<\/h2>\n

It is a set of skills required for surviving in nature\u00a0and using its available resources<\/em>. Combine your experience and knowledge\u00a0for\u00a0the flora and fauna, with several tools and you will make your living in the wild easier and more efficient.<\/p>\n

Bushcraft tools<\/h2>\n

While learning the skills, you will notice that every one of them requires having a tool. So, what are bushcraft tools?<\/p>\n

Knife, machete,\u00a0and\u00a0axe\/hatchet.<\/p>\n

Axe vs hatchet<\/h2>\n

Which one is the best and what should I buy?<\/p>\n

The best thing you can do is to buy all of them. But the real question is \u2013 should you go for an\u00a0axe\u00a0or a hatchet?<\/p>\n

First, let\u2019s define these tools.<\/p>\n

Axe<\/h3>\n

Axe is a tool that should be used with two hands, for a maximum power. They are great for felling trees and splitting firewood. However, more power means more weight.<\/p>\n

Hatchet<\/h3>\n

The easiest definition of a hatchet is a smaller\u00a0axe. It is a one-handed tool, designed for tasks like chopping small branches and splitting firewood.<\/p>\n

It isn’t easy to choose, however, I would go for the Fiskars model. What do you prefer? Feel free to post your favorites in comments.<\/p>\n

So, what to choose?<\/h3>\n

There isn\u2019t one answer, as this depends on the tasks you are willing to do, your kit, location, and weather conditions. When it is down to tools, size definitively matters.<\/p>\n

I prefer a hatchet for bushcraft. I hatchet may not be able to do the heavy chopping and splitting work as efficiently as an axe but a hatchet is generally lighter than an axe, great if you need to carry it in your pack, and is great for finner work like whittling things from wood and other more delicate tasks.<\/p>\n

Check the models that you may find useful for bushcraft.<\/p>\n

CRKT Kangee T-Hawk<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"CRKT<\/a>

The CRKT Kangee T-Hawk<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"Once you take this model in your hands, the only thing that stands in your way… just kidding, nothing can stand on your way with the CRKT Kangee T-Hawk.<\/p>\n

It is made of carbon steel, but still fits perfectly in your hand – it combines comfort and power and it can handle a variety of tasks.<\/p>\n

Lightweight model, easy to handle and great for bushcraft. Its only negative point is its price – you will have to pay about $100+ for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
PROS<\/strong><\/td>\nCONS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
lightweight<\/td>\nexpensive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
a powerful strike<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
comfortable handle<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
easy to attach to your gear<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cold Steel Trail Hawk<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"Cold<\/a>

The Cold Steel Trail Hawk<\/p><\/div>\n

This durable and steel drop forged model is the perfect pick if you need a bigger axe for your tasks.<\/p>\n

Want to go hiking and you need a tool that can chop branches without problems? This is what you need.<\/p>\n

Plus, bushcrafting isn’t the only thing you can use this for. Check how you can use this model as a throwing axe<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It is relatively a cheap model, as you can find it for $30. Great tool that deserves a special place in your garage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
PROS<\/a><\/td>\nCONS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
cheap<\/td>\ndifficult to pack<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
powerful<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
steel drop forged<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

WatchFire Hatchet<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"WatchFire<\/a>

The WatchFire Hatchet<\/p><\/div>\n

Looking for a small hatchet, designed for hiking? Say no more.<\/p>\n

This lightweight and compact model has everything you need. Its blade is made of stainless steel, and it has a skid proof handle.<\/p>\n

Plus, you get it with a nice sheath.<\/p>\n

The best part? It has a very good price, as you can get it for ~$20, which is another reason to consider this hatchet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
PROS<\/strong><\/td>\nCONS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
lightweight<\/td>\ncan’t be used as a hammer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
great for chopping and kindling<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
very good for carrying<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gerber Gator Combo Axe II<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"Gerber<\/a>

The Gerber Gator Combo Axe II<\/p><\/div>\n

Looking for an unstoppable axe, designed for tough tasks in bad weather conditions? Consider this one.<\/p>\n

This Gerber Gator axe has a forged steel head with great striking force. It has a nylon handle and thanks to the Gator grip you will be able to handle this axe in toughest conditions.<\/p>\n

If you are in need of a tool for outdoor activities, this one is the perfect pick.<\/p>\n

However, quality models aren’t cheap, and you will have to spend around $50 for this one. Don’t hesitate much, as it would be worth every cent of its price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
PROS<\/strong><\/td>\nCONS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
lightweight<\/td>\nexpensive price<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ideal for tough tasks in different weather conditions<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
great striking power<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/h2>\n

Wetterlings Saw 118 Outdoor Axe<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"Wetterlings<\/a>

The Wetterlings Saw 118 Outdoor Axe<\/p><\/div>\n

If you are looking for a quality axe with finest details, this is just for you.<\/p>\n

As a camper, you will fell in love with this axe immediately. It has a head made of high carbon steel and the wooden handle will offer you much comfort.<\/p>\n

However, not everything is good about this model. It offers good value, but for an expensive price. If you can spend about $120, you will enjoy the benefits of this great tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
PROS<\/strong><\/td>\nCONS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
high carbon steel head<\/td>\nexpensive price<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
lightweight<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
great camping model<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gransfors Bruks Outdoor Axe<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"Gransfors<\/a>

The Gransfors Bruks Outdoor Axe<\/p><\/div>\n

Could you imagine what would be like to have a hatchet that could be used as a knife as well? This way you will have to carry less and will save some money as well.<\/p>\n

Well, you don’t have to imagine, as this model is just what you need. This small, lightweight model is here to help you with a variety of tasks.<\/p>\n

Limbing, or chopping branches for the fire, this model is a great choice for every camper.<\/p>\n

But, if you want to get this model you will have to pay couple of hundred dollars, which isn’t cheap. Your money, your decisions, so the choice is up to you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
PROS<\/strong><\/td>\nCONS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
great model for hunting and camping<\/td>\ntoo expensive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
lightweight<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
small, one-handed\u00a0axe<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
very powerful strike<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fiskars X7 Hatchet<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"Fiskars<\/a>

The Fiskars X7 Hatchet<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"If you still didn’t make your pick, consider this one.<\/p>\n

Fiskars constantly provides great quality models, and this one is not an exception.<\/p>\n

It is an unbreakable hatchet, with the traditional orange handle and a molded head. The blade is extra sharp and it has way better design than any other hatchet.<\/p>\n

It is a one-handed hatchet that provides quick swings and deep cuts. It is best for chopping small to medium-sized trees, but you can use it for a huge range of activities.<\/p>\n

As a camper, you need to consider this one as well. If you need more info about this model, check my article about the different kinds of fiskars axe<\/a>, with reviews and comparisons.<\/p>\n

You can get this one for a price ~$40, which is reasonable for what you get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
PROS<\/strong><\/td>\nCONS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ideal for chopping small to medium-sized logs<\/td>\nyou may have to sharpen it<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
great power-to-weight ratio<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
small, one-handed axe<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
very powerful strike<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

What skills are required?<\/h2>\n

Well, humans have a strong connection with nature. People of all ages are capable of developing skills in order to survive in nature.<\/p>\n

So, the skills include lighting up a fire with sparks, cooking on\u00a0<\/em>fire, building a shelter, using different plants and finding water<\/em>. Yes, this is almost equal to the survival movies you watch on TV.<\/p>\n

But, we live in the 21st century. Nobody wants to live like a caveman. Can\u2019t you just stay at home and live in a civilization\u00a0like most of the people?<\/p>\n

Of\u00a0course, you can, but take a look at what you get from bushcraft.<\/p>\n

Bushcraft benefits<\/h2>\n