Choosing A Proper Hatchet

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[@first2summit]

Thanks. I especially liked the comment at the end about leaving the branches.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

+John Carey // That's woodsmanship.

[@carlsenberg8999]

I thought the same :D

[@the430movie]

John Carey I double that thanks too! Responsible felling.

[@livapininfarina2164]

Do not behave like a crazy hatchet in a porcelain store, haha. Awesome! Love it too :D

[@RealityStar9]

Totally agree. A large survival knife may be better when there are kit limitations but a well-rounded kit will have an axe no doubt. I always grab my 26 inch. I find the extra few inches helps out a lot in what I use it for but Im a big and tall guy so that is also a factor in using an axe larger than a 19 inch or so. Loved the video and the information you provide. Thank you.

[@sweetcostarica]

Thanks wranglerstar for the wise advise. I hear quite often on KZbin folks saying the "Large 7 to 12 inch knives are safer to use and some of them say their knife cuts/chops at least as well as an hatchet/axe. Common sense woodcraft isn't so common.

[@sonnywoo4695]

Cody, I would like to thank you for all the wealth of information (especially the tips) you provide to your subscribers. As a , ny suburb, dyi homeowner, having the right tool (the right hatchet in this case, and the proper usage) is invaluable. Every time, i watch your show, i have to pause every few minutes and google the name of the tool since i am so inexperienced. Please keep up the great work.....

[@chrisaitken4192]

Thanks Cody, I've watched many of your video's and always seem to learn something. It's an inspiration really. I come from New York originally and my family and I are now in PA, which is more suited to my likes and personality. I've always found myself drawn to the woods and the outdoors and have recently been fevered by bushcrafting. I love the idea of leaving nothing behind but the nature that was there before you arrived. That being said, the right type of equipment is essential. I am anxiously awaiting my Gransfors Bruks small forest axe. Thanks again for all you have shared.

[@wranglerstar]

+Chris Aitken Thanks Chris

[@DanteAZ72]

It's funny to go back and look at these older videos. It really gives you an appreciation for hard work. W has been doing this for years, day in and day out. Many want overnight success, which is fleeting.

[@10footlongschlong21]

I live in a city and never leave my apartment why am I watching this XD

[@ToeJuice]

Have you watched any survival movie/series like The Walking Dead?

[@val-xo7ud]

It's the call of the wild.

[@johnparinello8102]

Ace because you wise you could have some or any kind of adventure.

[@CamelxXxYogurt]

Most people don’t live in the remote wilderness, and there are plenty who travel to experience it. I enjoy backpacking, but I don’t have a trail head in my backyard. I suggest taking a trip and going on adventure!

[@gobo6844]

Change that!

[@markjones7135]

I think it's great you took the time to do a thorough review on hatchets. I use one while trapping, hunting, camping, etc (I'm in the North Rockies). Still, I think there is a bit of prejudice against the "hardware" hatchet... their taper and weight balance is in favor of splitting and edge endurance. While the grind you use is great for woodwork or game prep, the edge angle dulls easily. A bit of nit-picking :) Thanks so much for the video.

[@beerhunter272]

Great video once again. I have learned a trick from my late old timer friend (who used to log for a living and spent his entire life cutting firewood) that you can use the back of your axe for removing limbs. It works really well and obviously saves your blade. I bought a thick steel tool (I'm not sure of what it was used for) that is basically a long steel dowel with a horizontal mouth at one end. I wrapped the handle in hockey tape to a thickness that is both comfortable and absorbs the vibration and I use it to remove limbs when chainsawing trees for my hunting tent.

[@j6mason]

I really like that you take pride in your work that has fallen off and I was always taught to take pride in whatever you do. That's the world we need.

[@frankvazquez4050]

That was one of the most informative and perfectly executed videos I have ever seen. I would have thought that this was a TV show. Besides this, subject wise this is perfect for clearing up the difference between an axe and a hatchet. I have a few tools and am not sure what's what, but maybe now I can knowledgeably recognize what tools I have.

[@enriquemorris]

I recently move to another country and I am about get axe. This is one of the most explained video I ever see and the way you care of the environment🍃. I have no doubt about which axe to get and how to use properly! BIG THANKS for share this!

[@GabeMacDonnell]

There are 3 bargain-priced hatchets, which i think many woodcrafters and campers would love. The first,mis the Husqvarna hatchet. It's made by Hults Bruks, the oldest axe maker in Sweden, and the steel and forging are close to or equal the levels of Gransfors Bruks and Wetterlings. The quality of the high-Carbon Swedish steel is superb. It is often $45 or less, and i believe it is the best deal in hatchets. The Fiskars X7 is a modern Finnish axe, with fiberglass handle. The head is made of decent quality, mid carbon Finn steel. It won't hold an edge like the Husqvarna, but with its wedge shape, it splits very well. I find the steel a bit soft, but it is easy to sharpen. $25 and common. The last would be the famous Estwing 12" or 14" Sportsmans Hatchet. It's a 1-piece, all steel design with a pretty stacked leather handle. USA-made, the head is a nice thin shape, for great bite in wood. The US-steel is medium carbon, and while it doesn't hold an edge like the Husqvarna, i find it is better than the Fiskars. It is very easy to find, and you should pay less than $35. I personally love the traditional Husqvarna/Hults Bruks, and find it performs extremely well, just as well as my pricier Swedish axes. But all 3 are outstanding value for money, and will last a lifetime of service.

[@GabeMacDonnell]

The Hults Bruks is in the same general area: non-lab, hand-held unit testing, but I own 3 Gransfors, 5 Hults, and 2 Wetterlings, and they are all near dead even, and got to R/C a few in a buddies machine shop. My GB SFA was 60 at the edge, my HB Hatchet was 61, and Forest Axe was 59. The splitting axe wasn't tested, but feels a bit softer. Off the top of my head, I don't remember the Wetterlings SFA but it was in the same ballpark. The hardest 2 axes were the HB and GB Carving axes, but neither were 68, (seems a bit high.) As long as their QC is tight, (they have recently had some slips I guess due to increased production,) I still say the Gransfors are the best out of the box axe you can get. If you are willing to do some clean up, sharpening and maybe sand and finish the handle, the Husqvarnas are the best bang-for-the-buck. FWIW, I would like to go back to test my new Velvicut Boys axe, which is a beauty. It's harder than a regular Council, but it is not as hard as a Gransfors. Next time I go to the NE, I'll try to bag a Barco Kelly Perfect to test- those beauts have caught my eye and the quality/price ratio is crazy.

[@GabeMacDonnell]

Markus Wincor yes, I agree the Fiskars are a superb tool, especially for harsh environments, or rough use. The combination of the slightly softer, but excellent steel, and the fiberglass handle makes for an extremely tough tool. I often take a Fiskars X7 or X14 backpacking because they are easier to maintain. That said, the beauty of a Gransfors Bruks is tough to beat. Wetterlings and Hults Bruks are close, and with some handle work they can be just as good. The Fiskars axes are so well designed it is hard not to like them- but I love traditional wood, steel and leather!

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

But isn't it only like 13" long? That seems a little small. Maybe something 16 - 19 inches is more usefull.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

seattwa OK, I just wa5ched a few videos on tnis hatchet and apparently even tho it's handle is short, 12 1/2", it works very well for small-medium camp chores.

[@Dariet88]

what about some good old spanish style axe¿? the basques are mighty.

[@JustinSpam]

Great vid Cody, I can never learn enough about axemanship. I, like many others purchased a silly fiskars camp axe and although I don't think I'll ever break it, those tend to be the famous last words! Lots of love from New Brunswick Canada

[@mplsatty]

This is a great video, & certainly not the first time I've watched it. I really appreciate not just your experienced instruction, but also the approach of stacking the limbs to create a habitat. Thanks for making & posting this video.

[@ericwhitlow7364]

I am not a woodsman but I love your videos. thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience

[@54tooth]

"Neatly and do it with Pride!" awesome..

[@CamelxXxYogurt]

Whatever you do, do it with gusto!

[@wranglerstar]

Yes the bushy end stacks higher. By facing the cut ends uphill the pile stacks even.

[@bullvalene]

Thanks wranglerstar, i just bought an old true temper hatchet head on ebay in need of some work. I made sure it had the properties you describe. I look forward to restoring it and carving a nice handle for it.

[@wranglerstar]

You have a good eye for quality.

[@thop1984]

Thanks for the vid. I want the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe. They just look like excellent, high quality tools. Can't wait to purchase it and put it to work!

[@JeffsTrades]

I love watching your older videos to see how far you've come.....great information.

[@8bitkefka]

When talking budget hatchets/trail axe I love the Cold Steel Trail Hawk after sharpening using your jig and making a handle it was a go to for the trail and my son still carries it today was not bad for 35$ after making sheath and new handle. Though I purchased a Gränsfors Bruks Small Forest Axe as my new go to. (this comment is for those who are broke and looking to get something to carry that you can trust) Love the video btw Wranglestar hope to see more it is because of you I was inspired to do my own handles for all of my axes and many more projects.

[@WildMedGuru1]

Your videos are so true to life and honest! Sincerely thank you for your time shared!

[@geneschuchard1217]

Thanks for the video ! next hatchet purchase will defiantly be the Husqvarna Hatchet made by Wetterlings , my current hand axe that i use is a Estwing Tomahawk , before that was the hatchet/ hand axe that started it all . the Coleman $15 hatchet from walmart , but now that i'm getting more knowledge i can get better tools

[@Musicpins]

I learned this the hard way by putting my axe into a small stone (in the ground) - making a really bad nick in the axe edge, grinding and grinding to make that edge useable again. Im happy you mention straight handles for axes! I have a tomahawk style axe with a straight handle and it does the job very good!

[@TechZACH16]

Martyn I chipped my Husqvarna hatchet within a day of getting it. Some lessons have to be learned the hard way.

[@philiproseel3506]

I purchased a Hults Bruk hatchet before learning how to use one. With the help of your videos and others', I've seen the light now and purchased a cheap Collins to practice using and sharpening so I don't damage the expensive one. I've been far more frugal since and haven't overspent on gear.

[@AZBORDERSOLDIER]

Thank you for the great review, and for sharing. Great tips on outdoor etiquette. Keep up the great work!

[@averyvance8202]

BEST channel on axes and crosscut saws ever! great job wranglerstar keep making videos

[@ianfeltell9041]

The most informative and educational video on the use and design of an hatchet I have seen on KZbin to date! Thanks for the education! Ian.

[@SurvivalAussie]

Thanks for making this video. I'm going Gransfors Bruks, with a finger choil, smithed by our youngest Instructor Zac Nast, who visited and was taught at the Gransfors Bruks factory. :-)

[@jamesgenovese1652]

Note: The hook on the beard of a hatchet has a function. On the toothed 1812 US boarding axe and British boarding axe it is there to be used as a hook to move things like tangled battle damage rigging. For the woodsman it might be handy to move brush so don't cut that beard off that nice old hatchet. It was put there for a reason.

[@nov51947]

Your pride in your work shows in every video. Thanks.

[@yourprayersmeannothing]

Great video!! I like how you ended it with reminding people to take pride in their work and leave the place as neat as possible. :)

[@Lowlitstudio]

another great video, i appreciate your wisdom and knowledge; thank you for creating these and sharing with the public

[@Risingnshouting]

The only place where I prefer a large survival blade to a hatchet or axe is when I'm backpacking. I haven't bought into the hype, just watching my weight as much as possible since I am packing in with 3 kids and a dog and my smallest just turned 6, so I end up with a backpack weight of over 80 lbs as it is. And I can get by with a SawVivor cross cut saw, and my buck hoodlum, and get all the work done I need to, for less total weight and less work. Thanks for the awesome videos!

[@wranglerstar]

I like the shape and design however the steel is soft.

[@owenguest7225]

you inspired me to fix a old 5 buck flea market axe with my dad into a clean sharp and study hatchet.

[@Rubicon1776]

I have the ESEE junglas 10.5” and a Bahco Laplander Saw and if I was planning a solo trip or was caught offguard, that’s the gear I would likely have because they are smaller, packable and more suitable to EDC. This combo does have a place in the survival/bushcraft world in my opinion. The large knife vs the axe gives different capabilities, so its user preference for the right application.

[@jasonleedham5678]

I was pleased to see your small forest axe was made by the same smith as mine, it speaks volumes that each smith initials each head that he/she forges, Pride in the job!

[@TheMontanaBushcraft]

Thank you for the helpful information and tips. Much appreciated

[@Joe_Sant]

Some great tips. Thank you.

[@Newenglandah1376]

Great video. Thanks for a decent refresher course.

[@paulie4x1]

I totally agree, " Thin is In ", I had a Iltis Oxhead 2 3/4lbs German made, with a 5" cutting face, I had it put on a 19" White Hickory handle, everybody told me too thin, but for camp work, it chops, slices, and dices, I had it custom made, and that's exactly what I use it for, for my needs, for tinder, and shelter building, it will out perform any large knife I own, " follow your hearts men ".

[@Loveoftheoutdoors]

Great advice. Thanks for taking the time.

[@rockochimp545]

Hey wranglerstar! Nice channel! I'm the child of homesteaders trying it out on my own soon with my fiancé. I tip for your sheath if you find the sharp edge is popping rivets, works with knife sheaths too. Use a leather shoelace or other thin strip of leather in between your seam to act a blade stop, and your sheath will last almost forever! With your axe sheath, you might be able to just loosen the screws and slip a strip in. I hope it helps!

[@10footlongschlong21]

Hopefully you didnt try it on your fiance XD

[@mrbluenun]

I appreciate the advice, thank you. You pointed out some things I had not even realised.

[@bigdaddyyummyum]

Great Vid... Very informative, I have an old hatchet head i was going to make a handle for. I think I am going to try the straight handle. Thank for the info!

[@DecideOutside]

Fantastic video. Thanks for all the information... I definitely learned how much I didn't know about hatchets.

[@arctodussimus6198]

I like that you carry your Axe/hatchet on your belt handle up. I have been doing it that way for a long time myself.

[@coffeeexmachina]

Great video, it's always a pleasure to listen to someone who knows what they're talking about.

[@paleo52]

I have a Gransfors Burks small forest axe,that I like very much. I also have a Marble's # 9 belt axe with the 14 inch handle,that is nice for light work.

[@PreparedDad]

I really like the idea of stacking the limbs neatly.. Growing up my Dad pounded the idea of keeping a neat job site into my brain. If I'm working and the area starts getting too cluttered I have to stop and organize things a bit lol

[@robertharcourt7650]

It's amazing how much information I have learned by watching your videos Cody. I am extremely grateful to you and look forward to watching your videos for a long time. God Bless you and your family. Robert Harcourt

[@Samjamiefan]

"And all that you do in the woods, do it neatly and with pride." Reliable info from a good steward is why I always watch your videos.

[@USNERDOC]

Nicely done Cody. Thanks for another great video.

[@lecturer09]

Sir, you are a Professional Woodsman. So many people come on here thinking they are Les Stroud and they haven't got a clue on technique or safety (or both!). Very useful video about hatchet axe types, grinds, shapes and bevel. Knice to know there are people out there who are both knowledegable and modest. Well done!

[@cj_m2477]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@AirSofter241]

This is my absolute all time favorite video I've ever seen on youtube

[@TheDesertYeti0311]

Wonderful review thanks man! You really have a true passion for this! Keep on posting

[@Rubicon1776]

For a planned bugout, I like the axe and have ordered the GB Scandi, and will likely soon get the GB Small Forest Axe also. I couldn’t decide on which to get so I may just get both, I’ll see how I like the Scandi 1 handed use. If ever the WROL/Bugout scenario happens and the lights go dark I will have the means to process larger/more trees with the scandi and perform smaller task with the SFA. Redundancy/Versatility.

[@TimmyC079]

It's all about your purpose, thick cheeks does not equal cheap axe. If you carry a silky saw....the majority of what you will be doing is splitting wood. The hatchet described will penetrate, cut and get stuck before initiating the split. You want thick cheeks to transfer the energy of your blow to the splitting direction. I learned this by grinding the cheeks out of a hatchet; it did not split as well. If you want a woodcraft hatchet, or have no saw then by all means I would agree. Your true temper hardware store hatchet with thick cheeks has its purpose as well.

[@Mantinae]

Nice, clear and informative. Great video :).

[@matthewgeorge9424]

ordered my gransfors small forest axe! so excited

[@rustyb78]

These older videos are so good.

[@lexibule]

I love that you said to leave the branches in a pile because it make a nice shelter for small animals

[@dynaguy2911]

I'm in the same boat, just yesterday I put in an order for a John Neeman axe, they said it'll be ready in 5-6 MONTHS! The boots are my next purchase, my Redwing loggers are about shot. He lives the life I've always dreamed of, and am thankfully now working on achieving, although up in Alaska. He is more of an influence on people than he probably thinks, in a good way for sure.

[@NekitaNet]

Great video :-) Love the switching segments and camera angles!

[@Barkeaters99live]

In case you wondered who made your Granfors Bruks Axe the initials are stamped on them and a list of the smiths can be found in "The Axe Book" I think that says a lot about a company. Same reason I like John Neeman (Autine).

[@MrDracorex]

Very Well done Mate, I am a fan of The Ghurka Khukri as a light brush tool and survival weapon,..although I never confuse my knife to be an ax, even as I notice you never attempted to throw your ax. I knew In advance you were the real thing. Very informative, I would like to hear your opinion on Tomahawks and their purpose with lite camp work and survival,..I find Cold Steel has got a fair selection on light axes as well. Thanks for the Great video.

[@deepsouthredneck1]

If you buy cold steel axes/hawks get ready for a project. They come dull as hell with a terrible bevel that will need to be reground. The paint they use is useless and needs to be stripped off, and sometimes you get one that wasn't hardened properly. And the handles are a bit rough on the hawks so you will need to work on them a bit, but if you don't mind putting about ten bucks into their hawks/axes( if you get one that was heat treated properly, and I'm assuming you have a belt sander/worksharp) you can turn a 30 dollar axe in a 70 dollar axe. Oh, and if you do get a crap heat treat cold steel should send you new one.

[@zachpeters4253]

Crazy watching your older videos hahaha. Still golden content!

[@GriffithTribe]

Well done and instructive. Thanks!

[@timreid9556]

It's nice to come back and watch some classics.

[@antiquetoolman6958]

nice video I have been trying to find good axes and learn about them as much as I can and this video was very helpful

[@TheJoeCool1964]

just bought my first gfb. love it . thanks for all of your help.

[@bandofbrothers1964]

Thank you for the lesson!

[@masongreen2284]

Thank you! By far one of your best videos! I love what you do sir! Keep up the good work! Mason Green

[@jimmyggh1]

Great info! Love my GB small forest axe!

[@candacepearson2528]

Thanks Cody. As it happens I've been looking at hatchets...and NOW i know what to look for. Great video, as usual.

[@selador11]

I should have guessed! :) By the way, most excellent advice about not trying to take down a tree by sheer force. Always always always, let the tool do the work! And you really know how to keep the tool in top shape so it CAN do the work for you!

[@averyvance8202]

I didn't use a hatchet until I was 10 . I started out at 6 using a plumb 4 pound double bit axe, then I got a Collins 2.5 pound boys axe. At 12 years of age I can swing an 8 pound splitting maul. I appreciate your videos. I hope you would post a video on sharpening a Tuttle toothed crosscut saw, I have a two man 5' crosscut, it has Tuttle teeth. My grandpa says I should learn how to sharpen it. At 12 I feel certain I could survive in the woods by myself for a while, Thanks for the GREAT videos, please answer my questions, Thanks

[@olybears57]

One criticism of the gransfors grind.. It is thin so it cuts very deep... But it also sticks quite badly in wood. It also doesn't throw chips as well as a proper vintage axe with a high centerline, and convex cheeks, which will bit deep, throw chips well, and not stick. This makes such a big difference in fatigue after a full days work

[@paulie4x1]

Thanx, and Happy New Year

[@gordonnesbitt1052]

Very informative. Great job. Thanks.

[@wyattoneable]

Great tips Cody, thank you.

[@MasterK9Trainer]

I have always been confused as to what a hatchet is and what it is used for. There are carpenter's hatchets and nowadays there are hybrids and misnamed tools due to either ignorance or marketing fluff. Even if someone has trouble finding one they can always modify or improve another tool. Great video.

[@citizen1114]

I come from lumber country in Michigan and from a long line of fellers and smiths. I'm pretty old now and my grandad taught me that the weight of the axe should do the work and not your back.

[@justinbeery5194]

I really agree with this guy. I made my own leather axe cover when I was in Boy Scouts. I’m an Eagle Scout and have been using mine for over 5 years.

[@AlexT-md9df]

I carry my Cold Steel SRK for knife work and my Gransfors Bruk small forest axe for axe work A hatchet seems like an in between?

[@Nitrisbot]

Cheers Cody, I wonder weather once sharpened if it were possible to heat treat the edge to help it hold an edge longer. But then again its probably worth getting something like you were showing in this vid.

[@WAVETUBE84]

Best video of Wranglestar! Notice the edge of that hatchet? I could see the objects in its reflection: "Mirror" Sharp! That's passed "Scary".

[@boatingman11]

As I commented at your axe video, I'll go with Fiskars, every time. They're fairly cheap, about $35, and are very nearly indestructible. They are sharp as help, chop like a dream, are light, and very comfortable to use. Oh, they split well, too.

[@richardanderson4916]

Thank you so much! What a great video!!

[@ionflorea5349]

i ruined a good mechanical watch chopping wood like you do in video. all my ax handles are self made. out of black locust wood, the best wood for handles, all are straight, lightly tapered, and inserted from front to back,so you don`t need any wedge, the whole handle is so to say a long wedge, the more you abuse it - the stiffer becomes.

[@jameshance9442]

Well said.

[@claymoore2081]

thank you. you explain like you are teaching a friend. You are awesome. God Bless

[@13bravoredleg18]

I have a tiny Vaughn tree sounding hatchet. Great for splitting kindling!

[@TexasLife39]

Great video, I think I saw a nice pair of White's smoke jumpers. Great boots

[@goriverman]

You never cease to amaze me. i learned a lot from this video. Thanks

[@jeffofsparta]

"in all that you do in the woods: do it neatly, and with pride." I couldn't agree more. great video. I'm glad I subscribed to your channel.

[@jfilm7466]

Tack så mycket och Gott Nytt År från Sverige.