Hardcore hammers survivalist hatchet

my first use of the Survivalist hatchet. wood,
fire, nails and crafting.
bushtools.co.uk/

[@robshirewood5060]

The cows seem to approve each time, especially when you got the feather stick lit, three moos, hurrah, hurrah, hurrah. Nice to see you out in the woods again with new tools. Stay safe and wise.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I don't know about the wise bit!

[@LoreTunderin]

Thanks for reviewing this. A lot of wooden handled framing and roofing hatchets have a spray lacquer on them to stop them soaking up moisture on a rainy job site, but I've always taken a card scraper to them and coated them with Danish oil or BLO.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I will probably do the same

[@Mugwumps107]

Good honest review as always Robert 👏🏻 I’ll be interested to see how the axe fares once you have put your own grind on it 👍🏻

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

You and me both!

[@rebel-yellenterprises1479]

I got the Hardcore Hammers Camp Companion Axe with shorter 14” handle that comes with a paracord sized lanyard hole in the handle. It lacks the Corporal’s Corner branding, but was cheaper. It excels at wilderness construction but is not intended to replace a carver’s hatchet. The driving hammer head is bigger and cross hatched; whereas, most rigging half-hatchets are not. For a knockabout hatchet, I keep a 28 ounce 17” handle Vaughn Rigger’s hatchet in the back of my mule and put the Hardcore Camp Companion Axe into my backwoods building bag for doing things out in my back woods.

[@johnovanic9560]

It's basically a carpenter or rigging ax. I had an old True Temper model that I re- profiled the edge and undercut the bottom. Then I put on a cut down boy's ax handle. When I repo file the edge I also took the curve out of it and put a straight edge back on it which helped a lot for crafting

[@dennisobrien3618]

Up until recently, Vaughn sold a carpenter's hatchet with nail puller and hammer poll in the $20 range at Lowe's, I believe. I bought one a few years back and reshaped the head to be more of a carving hatchet. Unfortunately, I read recently that Vaughn is shutting down.

[@johnovanic9560]

@@dennisobrien3618 my favorite framing hammer is a Vaughn I've had it for over 20 years. Yeah when I undercut that hatchet I took the nail part out because any sizable nail you try to pull you're putting pressure the wrong way on the neck of that handle.

[@Rcknives]

Bloody hell Rob them cows making some funny noises 😂 better check if they are OK I think 😂

[@ApoMaTu3aTop]

It has been a while since I've visited your channel, I just happen to own a roofers's hatchet. I appreciate the effort to test a tool's versatility, but there is a reason why specialized tools exist, right? It's easier to cut down a tree with a saw than to chop it down with an axe, even though our predecessors did exactly that. That's why, in today's context, I consider the axe to be mainly a splitting tool. Now, back to that roofer's hatchet that I bought for about 8 euros: it's axehead weighs 1,1kg (or about 2,5 pounds if I understand imperial correct), and its overall length is 35cm (about a foot long). Overall weight comes in at 1,5kg with it's fiberglass-nylon, rubberized handle-that's 3 pounds and 1/3. That thing has some heft to it! It splits wood like nobody's business, even though it had terrible blade geometry with a 90-degree edge out of the factory. Yes, I had to spend some time reprofiling it in order to make it usable, but this shouldn't be a problem for anyone who aspires to be a woodsman. Manual labor is part of the job, I think, and you better get good at it ;D On the other hand, the one that you show in this video seems a bit on the light side. Even if it has premium looks and a symetrical, well-made axhead, some jobs require sheer force; that's where weight comes in handy. Also, I know for a fact that you like big knives, and you own some. A big knife could have done everything you did here and would have done it better, except maybe nail pulling. Some knives have a protruding tang on the back of the handle. If such knives were to have a teardrop-shaped lanyard hole, they might have done the job just as well. My point is, do we really need nail-pulling abilities out in the woods? I mean, given the fact that bushcrafting goes for wooden dowels instead of nails, why do we even need to pull the nails out of the firewood? Cheers!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

It was an itch I needed to scratch, total waste of money but hopefully it'll save someone else making the mistake, I prefer to use a saw any day of the week. Thanks for watching and your detailed comment. Rob

[@daemonharper3928]

Great review Rob as usual....seems super expensive though. When I Googled it, a Vaughan & Bushnell sh2 (that looks almost exactly the same) for $27 appeared randomly. You certainly put it through its paces!

[@orange010]

Hello, I have tested many axes and hatchets for bushcraft over many years also Gransfors Bruks and I prefer big knives / machete such as: Silky Nata - Terävä Skrama - Condor Woodbuster Chopper and many more for Bushcraft. Thanks for the video 💖

[@kringsja9913]

yeah i think the regrind will definitely make it more usable for carving and such, it looked like it came with a very steep angle, great video thanks for sharing:)

[@dennisleighton2812]

Hiyer Rob, 20:23 Just watching you struggle with that axe imbedded with the cutting edge perfectly vertical, I was wondering if it wouldn't cut better if the cutting edge was angled? I saw a video with Felix Immler angling a Victorinox blade at about 45degs and it seemed to work loads better when feathersticking. I was wondering if you've ever tried that? If so, how did it go? 23:12 LOVE the use of the chain for the pot! My favourite method. Learned that at Scouts when I was a nipper! Conclusion: Now, I love working with axes - they're loads of fun! BUT, that's only if I don't have to lug them around all the time! For me, a combo of Silky saw, and my Trail Master would do jolly nicely for that kind of work. With the gnarly chunks ( and if I HAD to split them as a last resort) I'd use wedges and mallet. They are lighter and easier to carry and the saw cuts are nice clean edged to work with. It is a nice looking bit of kit though. Cheers mate!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Axe was blunt with an obtuse edge , not even the magical SAK genius Felix could have gotten that to work in that gnarly piece of wood.

[@The_Arby]

Nice one Rob...That's the trouble with buying items from America, there posting and packaging are way too expensive, even for small items and then taxes on top 😞

[@cujomojo]

I knew I had an old crate tool laying about somewhere, I used to make kindling for the squirrel stove with it. I dug it out and did a short on it.

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

Your review pretty much mirrors my experience with that hatchet. It’s a good tool, but it needs some work. Please do a follow up after you’ve reprofiled it and refinished the handle.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I will, I just haven't had the time lately.

[@grahamwinter5536]

👌👍Nice Rob. I watched Sean Kelly's video too and it seems to be a pretty good tool, not sure about for this part of the world. I admire your perseverance with the feather sticks 😉☺️.

[@clivedunning4317]

Nice , honest , review Rob. My friend in Tennessee has just sent me a couple of knives, cost of postage etc., was 5 times the purchase price of the knives ! I would have liked to seen you reviewing a £30/40 roofers hatchet at the same time, just for comparison purposes.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I might do that Clive

[@alphaomegasurvivalsupply6548]

It looks to me like its to thick behind the edge or perhaps to short of a primary grind, im sure they did that more for durability than performance and gransfors seems to go the other direction. Im sure once you put a better suited edge on it, strip/oil the handle, and possibly make a leather overstrike guard (which would give you more thickness when choking up), then it should fit you well but for the cost and all that needs modified its an investment. Thanks for showing and hopefully we see it again once your mods are complete!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Primary edge is a bit obtuse, I won't be crafting with it, it's just not suited to that job.

[@alphaomegasurvivalsupply6548]

@@RobEvansWoodsman no doubt 👍

[@johnturner6251]

Thankx Rob

[@3vil3lvis]

That's a fancy lumberjack costume. "i am a lumberjack & i am ok i sleep all night & i work all day i cut down trees, i eat my lunch i go to the lavatory on wednesdays i go shopping and have buttered scones for tea i am a lumberjack & i am ok i sleep all night & i work all day i cut down trees, i skip & jump i like to press wild flowers i put on women´s clothing and hang around in bars i am a lumberjack & i am ok i sleep all night & i work all day i cut down trees, i wear high heels suspenders & a bra i wish i would been a girlie just like my dear papa" -Monty Python

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

You have far too much time on your hands writing that lot.

[@3vil3lvis]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Brought to you through the magic of control-c and control-V.

[@clivedunning4317]

Well Elvis , your post could have been worse ! It could have been . . . "SPAM" . . .boom , boom.

[@bubba7626]

I’ve got one too, but still prefer my GB wildlife hatchet🤷‍♂️

[@Orlosthedruid]

Ive seen this tool on multiple channels. The price on it is near $200 USD I will say this to everyone who will read this....The Vaughan Riggers Axe is less than $75 for either the Half Hatchet or the 28ounce full size. I have used the Vaughans for the last 30-40 years, and have built everything from deer stands and hunting blinds to a full size 400sqf plywood and 2x4 deer cabin in the Texas hill country. I know we all like quality gear...but to be honest with all of you....this axe is just way the heck over priced. It is NOT value equitable. What you spend does not equal what you get.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Yes , way overpriced.

[@wyles965]

Looks ok, but agree for the price I wouldn't pick one up. Nice Seamaster btw!

[@perebird]

Nice film Rob👍 are you likely to change the angle on the bevel ?….or maybe a sharp convex ?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Spot on with the sharp/shallow convex.

[@Among-the-trees]

Muller Beaver Classic Hatchet 500g has a nail puller at the pole and near the bit. £35 delivered.

[@Ceriva09]

Rinaldi makes a carpenter style Tomahawk with a nailpuller for 1/10 of what you paid here 😅 i love mine because it the handle breaks i just make a new one

[@dennisobrien3618]

It lists for $169.99 on their website before taxes or shipping. Still quite pricey here in the U.S.

[@cujomojo]

Have you ever seen a “Crate Tool”, hatchet, hammer, nail puller and pry bar all in one.

[@walterreynolds8527]

I bought one of those and mine came hair popping sharp. Guess I got lucky

[@christopherlarson7579]

At 17:34 when you say it’s not sharp enough, is that because it was blunt from the previous work you were doing? Or did it not come with a proper edge out of the box?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

It wasn't sharp enough to start with.

[@slick_slicers]

I just don’t like Gunstock knives… sorry, scrub that, this knife is gorgeous! What is really scary is that it fits in to my buying rules!!!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I've lost you..

[@slick_slicers]

Sorry that was supposed to be attached to another video! It’s the auto play thing! More relevant to this, I was a little disappointed to see the relatively poor performance of this axe. Even at $150, I’d expect it to be ready to use.

[@misolgit69]

You're probably not one for rubber handles etc...there is an Estwing Carpenters Hatchet, all steel with blue rubber handles just like the hammers, I saw one listed for £55 and change I believe its the E32H model

[@The-Armed-Pacifist]

Looks like a nicely made useable piece, but at that price, I would sooner have another of your knives.

[@dongkhamet1351]

Although it makes sense to have left behind the knife and saw for this test, a sharpening stone might have made a reasonable inclusion to your kit for the day.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I did sharpen it, that's on the long versions for my members, I gave it a quick sharpen but it did do much

[@RenThraysk]

Well it looks better than a Trucker's Friend, they still seem to be in production after all these years, but what a monstrosity.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I'm not familiar with thoes

[@mikeinthewoods2193]

What kind of steel is it...? Looks like cast iron😅

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

It's not tool steel

[@rebel-yellenterprises1479]

It’s ordnance steel, same as used with firearms and artillery components, according to the manufacturer’s website.

[@bubba7626]

I sprung for a titanium crow bar and keep it in my pack

[@HankSielski]

I am wondering how the reprofiling went?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I haven't done it yet, stock for the show is my priority at the moment.

[@chronicon5616]

Should you have to reprofile the edge of a $250 hatchet new out of the box? Those cows definitely wanted to make their presence known.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

No you shouldn't need to reprofle a axe that expensive.

[@howardvarley8795]

Think it’s nothing more than an expensive gimmick.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

We've all bought them.

[@howardvarley8795]

@@RobEvansWoodsman I’ve got a drawer full!!! But not many at £250👍

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@howardvarley8795 I bet there's a few grossly overpriced knives in there Howard, JP Woodlore for example 😂😂

[@howardvarley8795]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Yeah but that’s not a gimmick , it’s an essential part of my R. M. collection and I’ve already been offered more than I paid… actually an eye watering amount for the full collection!👌😉

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

ok i'll give you that one mate.

[@victorcaceres9603]

Appreciate your review. I am in the U.S. I own the same and would have recommended you not buy it due to the overseas taxes.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

It was an itch that had to be scratched

[@victorcaceres9603]

@@RobEvansWoodsman I can't argue against that. Hope the Axe pays for itself over time.