Why I Hate the Husqvarna 13" Hatchet-- Review

[@Theorimlig]

One of my teachers who used to work in forestry uses these for pounding wedges, freeing up stuck saws, etc. He swears by them. The design seems a lot more suited to that kind of use, and it would make sense if that's the original intent since it's manufactured by Husqvarna. It's a really robust, overbuilt design that's made to take a lot of stress. But for camping or bushcraft I imagine it would be way too clumsy. It should not be marketed as an equivalent to Wetterlings or Gränsfors Bruk camping axes, this is a wear-and-tear tool for rough use and not something you're gonna be bucking wood or carving feather sticks with.

[@SkillCult]

yes, that makes sense. If you look at it that way, it might be a great design, just not very versatile. A wedge and a hammer. It should be called the Husqvarna chainsaw tray hatchet. It is clumsy and stiff as a hatchet, even for peeling bark.

[@Theorimlig]

I think it's good for what it's made for, but probably pretty crap for camping, bushcraft and especially woodworking. Of course, one of the things beside the robust design that makes it suitable for beater use in the forest is that it is relatively cheap. Husqvarna makes gardening and forestry tools, and we should keep that in mind. Looking at the hatchet info on their website, they say it "can be used for cutting branches or splitting small campfire wood", which I dare say it can. People on KZbin shouldn't market it as some sort of great bushcrafting hatchet, or a cheaper alternative to Gränsfors, Wetterlings or similar. Recommending this type of axe for bushcraft is a pretty good indication of somebodys lack of knowledge, I think.

[@SkillCult]

I'm not sure why they would think it needs to be forged. The other two axes in that line look much more promising design wise, but I would never buy one without sorting through them in person to find a good one.

[@Fred.jpeg_]

When you pointed out the fact the eye of the head is too big even for a full size axe handle, your attention to detail and experience really shined. I do a lot of axe work for the National Park Service, and I wouldn't even have noticed that until I went to change the handle.

[@tommerchant9075]

I don't know why I started watching you talk about a hatchet for 24 minutes but I enjoyed it. I bought a very cheap hatchet, it was so blunt it hurt me more than the logs I was trying to split, but now I've been watching your channel I might try filing it down. Here in England we call the implement we dispatch fish with (I think you called it a fish club) a 'priest', apparently because it delivers the last rites - a useless bit of trivia there for you. Keep up the good work.

[@SkillCult]

+Tom Merchant The priest, I like that :) Most axes and hatchets come resally blunt and need some major filing, often way back up into the blade. I'll eventually do some more stuff on that type of thing, though I don't have it figured out for sure. that's a whole other bag of worms.

[@stgeorge6947]

Tom Merchant rights *

[@smellyellow]

He had it right. It's "rites". Look it up.

[@firewoodwarrior4396]

I've had one for few years and i'm extremely happy with it. I use it for pounding wedges when felling trees and because of the heavy head it's perfect for my needs.

[@rolandsarins7151]

same usage here

[@sarahgraves7107]

Why not just use a hammer? NOT being an ass, honest question.

[@firewoodwarrior4396]

@@sarahgraves7107 Because with hammer all you could use it for is pounding wedges but with an axe you can pound wedges, limb trees and most importantly it'll help you get your saw unstuck whenever the bar gets pinched. Not to mention the need of removing bark on sketchy trees to inspect the tree before felling it. And sometimes i use the axe as pickaroon to carry bucked firewood. I also use it for splitting kindling to get a fire going so i could burn the branches and the list just goes on.

[@sarahgraves7107]

@@firewoodwarrior4396 you didn't say that. You said that you use it to pound wedges. period

[@redpepper876]

You suck at conversations lmao, your so annoying and negative

[@fouroakfarm]

I think you're bang on in your assessment that tools like these are marketed to those unfamiliar with using them. They're designed more for aesthetics than function

[@freezerburn04]

I would totally just keep that thing in the cabin for kindling, too. On the other hand that little (not red) hatchet you rehafted twenty years ago is super sweet.

[@TheSherwoodyeoman]

I own one and love it. Awesome hatchet. I have been carrying axes and hatchets for years.

[@Mr_Lasagna]

What would be a good alternative

[@broadriverforge]

excellent point about the hand forged head and the axe being 40$, no one can take the time to pay attention and make sure its perfect if the complete axe retails that cheap, no hand made axe is worth buying new at that price point.

[@davidtoschi1788]

"I havent spent much time looking at reviews." ... "Ive spent a lot of time looking thru the 265 reviews on amazon." ???

[@SkillCult]

One refers to my general knowledge of axes and hatchets not being primarily from ingesting information and reviews. Yes, of course I look at reviews before I buy something. I also looked at more after I bought it to see what other reviews were like.

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

@@SkillCult Fav 50$ hatchet these days?

[@SkillCult]

@@BOOSTEDLASER don't have one, but stay tuned. I picked a few up for review.

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

@@SkillCult I put an okay straight handle on an old Vaughn shingling hatchet... it's fairly lightweight, I forget the length, but maybe 15"?, and with a little dressing on the edge, it makes for a nice, general camp hatchet. I've used it for chopping kindling, cooking (the "nail puller" works great for grabbing the handle on my Dutch oven), and driving tent stakes with the hammer head. It takes a great, sharp edge and holds it well. Probably harder than you'd want for an actual hatchet, but honestly works fairly nicely for a general purpose camp tool.

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

Bump, need to buy asap

[@grizzladams]

4:13: "I have not used this."

[@manguydude905]

Lmao! Ya I hate Toyota, i never drove one but i looked at one and iv driven lots of cars so they are trash.

[@HolodeckArcade]

While everything that you say in this video is probably true for you, you may be in the minority on some of your opinions. I have the Hults Bruk version of this Hatchet, other than the touch mark and the handle markings, they are basically the same. I also live on a homestead, I live on 52 acres in rural Texas and I use some kind of an axe on pretty much a daily basis and have for the last 20 years. Before that I still used hatchets and axes, but just as a kid doing country chores or as a cub scout, boy scout, and later explorer scout, before the military. I also have the Husqvarna Carpenter's axe which has a similar, but longer handle, which I think may be the best bushcraft axe available. I like thick handles in all size axes, especially when I am using them for carving. You do have to push past the initial hand discomfort when you are new to them, but they exist for a reason. A thick handle doesn't slip or twist in the hand even when you get sweaty. Like I said before, I live in Texas and I still use axes when it is 110 degrees outside. The thick sections gives you control under all conditions. As for the axe eye size, all of Hults Bruk's hatchets have that large eye, that is not a justification just a statement. They have been making axes since 1697 and are the oldest existing axe maker in the world, but that doesn't mean that they know what they are doing, just that they have been doing it a long time. It is also entirely possible that I have spent the last 40 years of my life settling on what is or was available.

[@SkillCult]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I agree to some extent on the carving hatchet handles, but this one is just way outside of anything I would consider using. I actually don't think I've ever seen a handle this thick on any sized axe. This year I really noticed that if I used my gransfors forest axe for over 45 minutes or so it would start to punish my hands and wrists from the shock. And that is after already thinning it down some to make it acceptable to use. I suppose it ultimately is a matter of taste and priorities, and we have different bodies and different circumstances such as amount and duration of use and what we're cutting and so on. There is no doubt that handle shock is real though and while I try not to accept other peoples opinions as my own without any experience, I'm in good company on the thin handle thing. I know Mors Kochanski, Dudley Cook, Kephart and Peter Vido all talk about it. I do mention in this video that the thinnest handled hatchet I show is what I want for flexibility, but it does not provide as much control as I'd like. The interplay between flexibility and gripability/control is the question that I'm most interested in right now when it comes to hatchet Handles. I feel that for me it will be a compromise trading one for the other to some extent. Or, the answer may be to have a fairly meaty handle with a narrowed area near the eye as is found on straight hammer handles. That is how I have my hewing hatchet set up. it's not ideal but it works pretty well and if I'm chopping bark or shaping wood for long periods of time that flexibility is important to me. The Husqvarna has practically no flex and feels thudding and clumsy. It is also way too big to grasp near the eye comfortably, so as it comes stock, that is not even an option, at least not for my hand size.

[@17bigdawg]

+SkillCult my apologies if you've already answered this but what model/brand is that hatchet with the lighter and straight handle that you said you like? (Not the one with the red blade)

[@SkillCult]

I don't know. It doesn't have a marking. It had a cheapo tropical hardwood handle, so it's probably something really cheap. It doesn't matter that much, there are jillions of similar hatchets out there. Whatever it is, cheap or not, the temper is even, it sharpens up fine and seems to hold an edge, it is ground well enough to cut well right out of the box, and it is well finished. The council camp axe (the red one) is not well ground or well finished and it's 25.00 Without a bunch of work, it's basically a kindling hatchet. That could be okay, but given that the handle is really short, I just don't see the percentage in messing with it, when there are vintage heads at that price and less. The best looking out of the box options I've seen are about 130.00 the most intriguing of which is the Hults Bruk Almike amzn.to/28X8XrV I've never seen it in person though and I'd be very wary of buying any hand forged axe or hatchet sight unseen unless it is returnable or the vendor will promise to pick out the best of the lot for you and of course knows what to look for. Plug and play is nice, but you'll pay for it and you can learn a lot fixing up an old tool. BTW, I was just looking in Kephart and he says his hatchet was 1 lb 10 oz with a straight 17 inch handle made by himself. The one you are referring to is 16 inches and 1 lb 12 oz, so fairly similar. Too much heavier and it starts to become less carryable and probably might as well be graduated to a longer handle and called a small axe.

[@InXLsisDeo]

Wranglestar made a video on this hatchet, on how to "improve" on it: basically, it was thinning the handle.

[@horseblinderson4747]

Having a long bit accentuates your over strike error, the problem with that doesn't really come on the back end after the overstrike or miss hit or whatnot, it comes at the fore because your errors become more common.

[@sammyluke1]

The essential craftsman mentioned you in one of his videos and so far I've watched around 3 hours of your content and I have to say I'm very impressed with how thoroughly you get into your topics and I'd like to say thanks for doing what you do

[@SkillCult]

Thank you Jason. Welcome :)

[@sammyluke1]

SkillCult I’ve been really enjoying your content I’m an axe man and have a fairly pathetic collection. I’ve been working on doing my own handles and I really like your idea of a thinner handle Right now I’m only able to buy hardware store handles but they’re doing alright so far Anyhow you’re awesome and I appreciate what you do Thanks

[@thegreatflamdango5612]

I love my Husq Hatchet. But everyones experience may vary. Personally I don't know what Tom Hardy's emo-raggae-viking cousin is talking about.

[@claymcculloch2729]

Yea I would have to disagree on that, 1. The heavy head is good for pounding falling wedges and stakes. 2. Thick handle is more durable and curves are more ergonomic to me. 3. It's fairly affordable.

[@Leima1]

I have that husgvarna axe, it's ok to me, i own meny axes difrend handles and i like litle fat handles, and i notise how good that husgvarna is spoon carving its just good...

[@wes4192]

Wranglerstar's review would have been slightly different

[@9mmkahr]

Fk that guy and his clickbait bullshit videos for wannabes.

[@MJNader81]

Marry him then

[@toadstkr]

😂😂😂 yeah every circus needs a clown

[@mikejungle]

Not gonna lie, I assumed I was gonna throw a thumbsdown, because I thought it was going to be a click-baity title, or just some bitter dude...I was wrong. I disagree with just a couple of comments you made, but for the most part, seems spot-on. Thanks for the lengthy video and honest feedback.

[@SkillCult]

Thanks :)

[@AzNpowangeFTW]

I use it, and love it. Tried a gransfors out and sure it's better. Not $140 better though

[@mollybooism]

Thanks, this explains why my hand cramps like crazy when I choke up on the handle for finer work with this hatchet.

[@SkillCult]

Exactly. There is a point at which you'll have the same problem when a handle gets too thin. Still not sure what the best compromise is. I guess it would depend on the person and the use.

[@drason69]

Ive been buying axe and hatchet heads at a flea market for years. I need to learn to make proper handles and best ways to sharpen them. I actually found a hand forged head and paid 5.00 for it. That is one of my treasures yet to be worked into a functioning tool. Thanks

[@CVP-og9pw]

Have ever heard of rinaldi? It's a traditional italian hand tool manufacturer. They got a pretty wide variety of axes and hatchets in various weights and styles, hand forged and the handles are straight

[@ModernGentleman]

😄 I agree on the thickness. First thing I do with new handles is put them in the vise and scrape off about a third

[@peterjet44]

Have you thought about checking out the newer Husqvarna camping ax

[@CaptCanuck4444]

I have one and it didn't take me long to replace it with a Gransfors Wildlife Hatchet. I'm intending to modify it to try to improve it.

[@spinyheghog]

A good hickory handel is around $8 retail with wedge. Beaver tool co makes them. A large foundry can make an axe head rather quick and cheap. Scandinavians have tax breaks for the foundry to make them shipping bulk across ocean is really affordable. A curve handel gives more leverage. pre 1895 axe handels were straight now we call that a miners axe handel. In a curved handel you want the pivot to be front of eye to back of top handel give or take for what hang of axe head and that is dependent on what wood you will cut be it pulp or hard. What angle grind for fine tune. Forest service has a guide called axe to grind gets into some detail. Handel length for example is forearm = hatchet, instream= axe, fingers to sholder= boys axe, camp axe difference is head size weight. You take an axe based on a soft wood angles and design it will suck hitting hard wood it will need to be tuned.

[@SkillCult]

Thanks for your input. You've had good luck with the Beaver Tool handles? House Handle is terrible.

[@spinyheghog]

SkillCult Yes, Beaver tool co has accurate descriptions and if you ask for specific grain or shape they accommodate the best they can

[@yellowdog762jb]

@@SkillCult I just bought two handles from Beaver Tooth, one was a 13-14 inch Scout type, the second was a 19 inch House Ax model that fits a 2.25 lb boys axe head. Both were white hickory (no heartwood) that was waxed, not varrnished. I asked them not to ship anything with a grain that was off by more than 15 degrees. I think they charged about $2 for the higher grade handles. I think total cost, including about $8ish for shipping, was around $28-29. I'm very happy wth the color and grain of the wood. I was already considering thinning the handles a bit, more so now that I see it is not just me that thinks many handles are two thick. Based on your review, I'd say you'll want to thin the handles as well. But their handles are mildly curved, so you might be happier making your own. Anyone that wants to buy a nice handle and just thin it down to their tastes should be vey happy if they receive handles similar to what I received. I've kicked around the idea of making an octagonal hatchet handle. It seems like it would solve many of your complaints on handles, and i think it would be pretty comfortable using it to carve with. But I think it would be so ugly I wouldn't like to use it. I'm okay with an octagonal axe handle though, for some reason. Perhaps they aren't ideal for today`s Bush crafting market, and it sounds like they may be too curvy for your preferences, but I love the look of the thin, curved handles with a fawn`s foot, like those found on the Plumb Scout hatchets made in the 50`s and 60`s.

[@joeyripswell]

TLDR: would buy again i have that hatchet and also the carpenters axe hatchet: head is a little heavy for length. fit and finish is good. not a shelf queen. workin tool. carpenters axe is great. weight and length are a nice balance. fit and finish is good for a working tool. both have fantastic grain orientation. i may slim down the handles a little. may clean up the edge and cheek angles but overall both are great workin tools.

[@neilpare8938]

I have a very old Snow and Nealey hudson bay pattern axe, it has a 24" handle that is very thin and comfortable, I use it for everything from splitting small pieces of firewood to making feather sticks. it's really the only axe/hatchet that I own. the design seems to work for me as long as I keep it razor sharp ( like and cutting tool should be) it a dream, you couldn't pay me enough to trade to that monstrosity. thanks for the review

[@SkillCult]

I think of the hudson's bay pattern as a real multipurpose axe. I eventually go rid of mine because the eye was too small to keep a good grip on the wood so it was always working loose and breaking handles. Mine was a collins. It really wan't the best chopper either, but it was good for small tasks and hewing/carving for an axe. A hudson's bay type with ears for added stability would be a much better axe. I haven't seen that anyone makes one though. Thanks for commenting.

[@neilpare8938]

SkillCult Definitely a general purpose axe, I've been pretty luck with this one, it still has the original handle that says snow and Nealey although I think my Father or Grandfather hung the handle a little deeper because it protrudes through the top of the eye and is flaired quite a bit, but definitely not a heavy duty axe for sure. do you think that the Swedish axes kind of resemble the hudsons bay axe but with ears? regardless I can't afford those so I've gotta keep this old girl going for a while. thanks for the response. thanks for doing these vids. I really have learned quite a bit. great work. thanks .

[@SkillCult]

I don't recall seeing anything from sweden with that short of an eye, ears and the same wide sweeping bit that Hudson's Bays have, but I may just not have been paying attention. It seems like most of those eared axes have narrower bits. I'm not really that into the swedish hand forged stuff just because of the price. People think they will do work for you or something, but they are not really going to do any more work than a well tuned inexpensive axe. If it works for you, then it works. For processing a lot of firewood, I think you might find the hudson's bay somewhat lacking just design wise. That was sort of my impression of mine anyway, but that was a long time ago. They are usually pretty light too. Good for packing and camping/trapping chores I guess. I think they are an evolution from the wrapped eye axes and tomahawks as much as anything. I consider them kind of a link between those and later deep eyed poll designs, but the small eye may have been intentional to allow working up close to the head for carving and such since I think of them as an Indian trade and trapper axe. That's my take on them anyway.

[@neilkennykenny4113]

I bought one in a landscapers supply shop I thought I was onto a winner,but its a club of a design everything you said is correct the handle is too thick and my hands are big so some one with small hands would get tired holding it. It's a pity

[@9mike747]

Husqvarna uses Swedish made axe heads. The steel should be perfect to put it on a longer handle.

[@SkillCult]

probably the best use for them, but mine isn't straight enough to bother.

[@9mike747]

That sucks. I've got a multipurpose and carpenter's axe made by them and they both came to me in good shape.

[@SkillCult]

I have examined both of those at a local Huqvarna dealer the some were good and some weren't. Both actually look very promising design wise, though I'm not fit to judge what would make a good traditional carpenters axe. I would suggest that anyone try to select one of this line in person for sure, or at least make sure they are returnable. Same with any axe really, but especially any hand forged axe.

[@9mike747]

I figured the heads were "factory seconds" based on the price point, but gambled on both and have been pleased. Frankly, I didn't have anything useful, and was looking for something of higher quality than I can find at the local big box stores. The multipurpose fits me precisely between my armpit and cupped hand. The bit on both are straight and sharpen well. In doing some clearing in the woods around my house, the multipurpose chops well, even cutting through some pear trees growing out there at about 2 inches thick in a single swing. I got lucky, to be honest, but it was still cool. At the end of the day, I'll either save up and buy a real Gransfors Bruks, or start hitting up flea markets and garage sales looking for good quality heads I can re-hang. Or both. Probably both.

[@SkillCult]

I'm not sure you'd really benefit from going to a gransfors. Try one first at least They aren't magic or anything. Sounds like you're doing pretty good. Chop safe.

[@yolmak1793]

I have never seen anybody choking up on a hatchet until now. There is a good reason why they make the handle curved. It's more comfortable and you DON"T NEED to choke up on it. It's designed to hold at one spot to chop wood, not to shave wood.. That's what a knife is for. I have never seen a hatchet/axe with a straight handle in Europe. Classic European hatches are usually 600 gram, 800 gram or 1 kg. I like the 800 gram personally. What's the weight on this one, because I've seen different numbers on different websites. I give you thumbs up, you make a few good points.

[@sonsofliberty1062]

Hello Steven, Your review is pretty accurate in my opinion. I've bit the bullet, and gave it quiet a few field workouts. And the size of head and handle combination in the "axe", is not anything that agrees with the human hand. And for any one to make a comment about my hands, I've been a student of martial arts longer than most of my co-workers have been alive, I digress. Ya, the copy I have has a fairly straight eye, so a 21 - 22in. straighter handle may bring it up to a usable utility tool. So thanks for your review and God speed. Semper Fi, Kelly D.

[@MrKfq269]

Initially I thought you were insane. You know waaay too much about axes and hatchets. But you are not alone. There are quite a few of you guys out there. I mean when Im swinging an axe or hatchet for hours and Im deeply focused on my work, Im not thinking about the tiny details. Im focused on getting the job done. But there is a science behind the whole process and you do a thorough job explaining it. I appreciate it. I like your vids. Thank you for posting them.

[@MarcBtrs]

This axe is made by hults bruk which is equal quality with gransfors, if the size is an issue, try the Husqvarna camping axe which is the hults bruk almike. Maybe This hatchet will fit awesomely with some bigger guy with bigger hands.

[@SkillCult]

I did pick that husqvarna almike up to try and to review, but haven't done anything with it yet.

[@jessicaroland4281]

I have thought the same thing. I am in the process of putting a 24" handle on the head because I really want a short bush/wood craft axe and can't afford the pricey ones.

[@SkillCult]

Cool, I hope it works out for you. Their 26 inch forest axe looks pretty good if you could find a lot of them to select a good specimen. I think it's about 70.00. our local husqvarna dealer stocks them a couple at a time.

[@richardbarrett7544]

Good for you responding to me. Yes, they are cheap in Europe, we find the Gransfors hatchet is $114 in the United Kingdom so the Husqvarna could have a good grind, handle change and still change out of $50. It's why I rate them, agree the head is a bit big maybe too big for a hatchet. If the Gransfors was cheaper it would be my choice. Again thanks for the response. Rich.

[@SkillCult]

On paper, the best looking hatchet I've seen on the market is the Hults Almike, but it's too pricey for most people. Never seen one in person though. I'd really like to see hults make just a plain old dayton-esque type light hatchet, preferably with at least a 15 inch handle.

[@SkillCult]

BTW, there is also a new Husqv. camp hatchet out. It looks nice, but it's marketed for the more boutique axe market, so it's fairly expensive. Which is fine if people have a lot of expendable income and want a good tool, but I'm always looking for the affordable tool for beginners.

[@barrybartlett8554]

Nearly every hatchet I've owned has been re-profiled and re-hung on a haft designed and made by myself. The Husky hatchet is made by Hultafors, that can be seen in every way of it's build yet it costs far less which is interesting. I have three Husky carpenter's axes which I have heavily modified and hung on both shorter, and longer handles and find they hold and edge well yet are more resistant to easy sharpening.

[@SkillCult]

I've been looking for something I can recommend that doesn't need a custom haft for new users to dive with. But, I'm struggling to think of any good user hatchet I've used with the stock handle. Can't think of any. It's usually the length for me. I want it 16 inches, at least 15.

[@salemswagger]

I know every gram counts when hiking, but I like a heavy tool because it saves effort when using it. If I want lightweight I bring a knife I can baton, for doing real work I bring a fullsize axe and for in between situations where I want something more effective than batoning but fits in a bag. Plus I like the wide eye because it makes splitting easier. Im glad to hear your review because I havent heard much bad about the husqvarna hatchet but your complaints are not relevant to my preferences. Disclaimer, I have an american felling style head on a 18 inch handle and I think its perfect for how I use my axes except the steel is not great.

[@SkillCult]

Yeah, I have specific wants out of what I would consider a belt axe and this doesn't fit them. There are different sized people too. I'm not hercules. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

In describing the deflection of an impact tool or knife being amplified by the length of the blade , the word / term I grew up with is called "kanting" , sometimes improperly spelled canting . Some practitioners of knife fighting debate about the efficacy of a 6 inch blade as opposed to a 12 inch on (as an example) a large bowie . A large blade used in stabbing has a tendency to kant more than the shorter blade ... particularly if it hits bone or a hard object such as armor . An axe or hatchet will do the same thing if the point of impact is not in relation to center mass and weight . A bit of physics mixed with geometry and enough of my preaching . I like this video and your thoughts a lot . Thanks

[@SkillCult]

Thanks, I don't think I've heard that term.

[@deyangeorgiev]

You are so right about this "hatchet". I'm just entering the world of transforming standard hiking to a more bushkraft type of outings, so I didn't really had any experience with carrying a hatchet. Upon receiving this i did thought it's a bit heavy. After the first use I immediately hated it. Way too heavy, way to short and thick handle and oh my god, the feedback trough the handle. Can't image having to use this for a bigger task. Thanks god it's cheap (bought it brand new for $30). But hey, at least I now know what to look for in a hatchet.

[@SkillCult]

A lot of bushcraft guys like those short handled light axes, so you could think about trying a longer handle on it. Good luck. Thanks for weighing in.

[@DJ-JAKL]

Hello! Thanks for the outstanding and genuinely considered content. I have a question along the lines of this video. I just purchased a Council Tool #2 Hudson Bay Camp Axe with 18" handle through amazon. My first impression is the axe is ok. After watching the video I'm having some reservations. I am a beginner in axes. I have a wood burning fireplace and occasionally cut kindling. I will take this camping, if they let us out this summer. I would like to become a more informed user, hence the recent purchase and the video watching. That being said, I'm hoping to gain your perspective. The CT #2 has a two pound head. Like you mention in the video, it's a big axe head on a short handle. It is slightly off center and crooked. The poll is a full on hammer sized obtrusion accounting for a considerable amount of weight. On the plus side, the head is mounted perfectly with no space around the handle and the handle is decent. I'll take some material off but it's good. With the head out of alignment, should I return it? Should I buy a lighter hatchet? Can an axe head be shaped to make it lighter? I'm ready to file the bit, slim down the handle, use it, etc. If it is worth returning, I still can. Then again, its a cheap axe and I'll probably use it like a rookie and so it might be perfect (per your "don't buy an expensive axe" advice). I will greatly appreciate your advice. You are very clearly informed by experience; the best teacher. Thanks again for taking the time to educate others.

[@aleks2194]

I bought this handle for a 1.3 pound head, and I carved the handle alot thinner for choking up on it and gave it a better grip at the end, but yeah, that was one thick boye before that

[@tocodelray]

This is what is great about the internet: no matter what topic you think of, somewhere there is an expert who can tell you all about it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@MrPeter0201]

One of the most reasonable rants ever lol thank you! Sub'd

[@SkillCult]

ha ha, thanks :)

[@DS1150]

I agree wholeheartedly with you. I bought one about 2 years ago and came to a similar conclusion. I tried modifying the edge but have given up and now it's just hung up in my garage. I much prefer my Fiskars.

[@SkillCult]

Yeah, well good to see someone that agrees. I haven't used the fiskars. I'm wary of the not replaceable handle on it though. I'm sure they don't break easily, but....

[@DeltaElite121]

Just wanted to say from someone that doesn't come from your background but wants a good small hatchet for sitting around my fire pit - your video validated some of my potential thoughts when looking at the design behind it. Thank you for taking the time to have meaningful input!

[@JoshuaLeeCrawford]

4 years later. Have you seen the market change much? Any hatchets you’ve been impressed with yet? I think I watched this video 4 years ago when it came out 😉 Hope you are well Brother. Down in SoCal myself. I think you’ve said you’re in NorCal?

[@TrollDragomir]

With an eye that big you could experiment with wedgeless viking style shaft mounting. You know, one that gets thinner the further it gets from the axe head and is mounted not from the other side, so that the whole shaft has to go through the eye. If done right it still gives you a good grip, shifts the center of balance closer to the head (giving you more power but also requiring more skill to use precisely), and most of all is ultra secure and strong with no need of wedging. It works so that when you use it, the socketing actually tightens. I'm really curious what a person that has an almost lifetime experience with axes thinks of this kind of solution.

[@SkillCult]

I'm definitely curious about that system. I always figured that was the original eyed axe style, aside from Celts and grooved axes, which were basically stone age tech, though I think the Celt carried forward a while (also efficient use of metal). I've use other tools and tomahawks designed like that and it can be a pain having stuff slip down sometimes. I think an axe would be less likely to do that than some tools though. I sure is easier to fix handles and swappable handles would be really cool. Experimenting with that would be fun though I'm not sure most standard axes would really be wide enough, even this one.. With the right file, should not be a big deal to change the eye though if there as room. You can't really have a faun's foot with that system, but with a standard modern eye you might still be able to have a hook on the front edge of the axe as a substitute. there might be another creative solution too, like a cord wrap. Or you just get used to it. I've used plenty of swinging tools with little or no butt swell.

[@KnifeCrazzzzy]

Very good points, my dad has one and the head came loose with barely any use. Shared on Facebook.

[@SkillCult]

Loose heads are pretty common all around on axes and hatchets. I pretty much expect to have to deal with that.

[@tortugabob]

A lot of your critique comes down to your personal preference on head weight, handle design and length. 280 Amazon purchasers liked the hatchet. Are they all wrong? Are they all just dumb amateurs? Possible but not probable. One could see valid reasons why they might like it. I have never seen or used this tool but it is good forged Swedish steel that could be worked on for an edge. It has a non-varnished hickory handle, thick as you say, but some people may actually like the heft. This hatchet is probably going to be used to exert blunt force trauma on small logs to render it into kindling. It will happen around fire pits and campfires by skilled users and idiots. In the case of the latter, beefy (and shorter) is better. The best reason people might like this tool is the price. At a price one quarter of a Gransfors Bruks hatchet you get something serviceable, something you can learn on and something you won't cry about if you, your children or ham-fisted friends screw it up. BTW I have GBA , which I love, but I'm looking for a "beater"" kindling hatchet for all the reasons I stated. If I can get my hands on one I will look at it in light of all the points you made. For that your review was very valuable to me. Well done Sir.

[@SkillCult]

Like I said, it's a beater hatchet. It's heavy and overbuilt in every dimension for a one handed tool. My objection is that I think this is the direction we are headed in and we are in danger of having "normal" reset for the lowest common denominator. It may be inevitable, but it's still unpreferable. Newbs aren't idiots (not all of them) they are just newbs. None of us comes out of the womb knowing jack about hatchets or anything else. My other major objection is that this is sold in a line of traditional hatchets when it's really an over built hatchet for non-users to bang around the garden or back yard with, but new purchasers don't know that. I had a gransfors head I put a handle on. I remember liking it, but I lost it some years ago. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.

[@r.d.k.909]

I don't know what you use your hatchet for but for 99% of the people out there this is exactly what they want. Well made hatchet that won't break putting in tent stakes and chopping up a little firewood for the campfire. The rest of the time it's in the back of the truck.

[@jovanbergh33]

R.D. K Otherwise known as a beater. Which is exactly what he said it was.

[@insanogeddon]

Its social media and sales not experts and professionals that do "likes". Highly probable they are amateurs as forest folk and forestry workers are out of net range or maintaining real tools to engage in puerile attempts to feel like boho lumberjacks.

[@karlh5645]

280 Amazon purchaser added together probably didn't chop nearly as much as wood as this guy. I would listen to SkillCult. Learn from the experienced.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I cleaned mine up, cut the haft off and rehafted with a longer one and it became almost as good a tool as my traditional tomahawks.

[@SkillCult]

Seems like a good plan. I ended up selling mine on eBay.

[@HuyTran-tc8cw]

Hi,. I like the review. What would you recommend for a weekend backpack camper that wants to carry something something that is capable. I'll use it mostly for chopping down small trees and turning them into firewood. It should be lightweight.

[@SkillCult]

I dont' have a new recommendation. Best I can say now is get a vintage head and put a handle on it 16 inches long. I hope to do more content on that in the future.

[@Robbydhjr]

I have this hatchet and like it, but none the less, great honest review.

[@travissawatzky5205]

Thank you for rhe honest review, whatis the one youd prefer?

[@SkillCult]

Sorry, I still don't have one. I still think just a used hatchet head on a straight 16 inch handle is great.

[@paulhiebert9319]

having recently purchased this hatchet, the title for this review caught my attention. Two things caused me to stop watching and discredit this rather biased opinion.... First off, he does mention that he doesn't watch other reviews. Then he points out how the hatchet sent to HIM had a head out of alignment with the handle and therefore grades it poorly as if everyone elses is hung the same. I bought mine after seeing many reviews where they praised the dead straight alignment and fantastic hang job comparable to Gransfors Bruks. MINE also came to me perfectly aligned and hung. Maybe you SHOULD see other you tube reviews on this hatchet. Seems to me your evaluation is in fact about the one they sent YOU, which obviously you got the lemon, and lemons occur everywhere. But its inaccurate to say this is why you hate the Husqvarna hatchet. This is why you hate YOURS ! You could not say that about mine or others. Second thing is actually the first reason I am personally writing off this review. You lost me at "I haven't even actually sharpened this axe or really used it much" What kind of a review is this then? These are clearly based on your own first impressions, but NOT based on actual use. You certainly have the worst individual Husqvarna hatchet I've seen. But to hear such a strong opinion without actually seriously testing it or even sharpening it, to me, who has been familiarizing myself for decades with axes was a complete turn off.

[@SkillCult]

I'm not impressed with this review of my review. Perhaps you should experience the whole product before reviewing it lol.

[@toadstkr]

I just went on Amazon and looked and there isn’t a single decent hatchet for under $40 which really blows me away how hard is it to make? A fairly straight handle on a 1-1 1/2 lbs head on a 18” handle. It doesn’t seem like rocket science

[@gavinistheawesomest]

If I don’t like a thicker handle, I sand it down gradually until I like how it feels.

[@SkillCult]

You'd be sanding a long time on this one lol. I usually scrape with a knife or use a rasp.

[@staciepaul]

4:13, I have not used it, here is a 24 min review.

[@SkillCult]

I didn't need to. the fact that you can't believe that probably indicates your lack of familiarity with the subject. There are a lot of skilled or professional folks out there that could judge the tools of their trade with little or even no use. I actually did hack at some stuff btw, as I said in the video if you were paying attention, or actually watched it. The point of the video was to discuss the things that would make people more savvy about hatchets and stop accepting this crap they are selling. Watch my axe content, I guarantee you'll learn a lot.

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

not many honest people that take this much time on a product!!! thanks for your time sir !!

[@SkillCult]

You're welcome!

[@ThePedarius]

OK, this is the best youtube gear review I've seen in a while. There are a few reviewers I trust to give unbiased opinions, but so much of it is people either shilling for free samples as content or to drive clicks or, among enthusiasts, just rationalizations of their latest purchases. This kind of honesty, with some real explanation that TEACHES the uninformed viewer (that'd be me) something about the opinion, is really valuable. Thanks--subscribed!

[@SkillCult]

Thanks. I'm glad to see that someone understands what is going on with a lot of the "reviews" really being there to drive clicks to amazon. I think a lot of people aren't seeing that. I want people to buy less and do more and there is just a lot over obsession over gear in general Aside from the expense and wasted resources from overconsumption of gear, I just believe in skills over gear always. Obsessing and overly focusing on gear is distracting from the stuff that matters, which is getting out and actually doing stuff.

[@ThePedarius]

Thanks for the reply. So, here's my n00b question on which I'd be grateful for your much more informed opinion than mine. Forget "which hatchet should I buy?" What I'm trying to figure out is what tool I should use at home and camp for processing previously split or small logs down into kindling-sized pieces, limbing and perhaps occasional bucking if the full axe isn't with me. A well-balanced light hatchet if I can find one, or an 18-22" half-axe that could be used both one- and two-handed? Note--I'm 6'6" and reasonably strong, but inexperienced/unskilled with using axes, so safety is the primary concern. Is this even a problem that is best solved by one tool, or am I framing it wrong and better off with specialized tools? (Sorry for the long question--any reply much appreciated)

[@CRJines]

I sure love mine! I live off-grid in New Mexico and heat my house totally with wood. That's the best Hatchet I've ever owned

[@SkillCult]

For what uses? It's okay for splitting kindling. My initial reaction is you should try some different hatchets :). thanks for commenting

[@CRJines]

@@SkillCult well... I'm 54 years old and been living off grid for 30 years, so... I've used a few hatchets in my day. I was also a roofer for 22 years who use Roofing hammers and pounded literally millions of nails. This is one awesome Hatchet. Best Hatchet I've ever owned. If it doesn't work for you, that's fine.

[@SkillCult]

@@CRJines If it works for you, that's fine. Still interested in specifically what you use it for and what you like about it, especially if you have a lot of experience. Not everyone uses them for the same things.

[@PintoBlades]

I just picked up a 28" Council Tool axe. Love it so far. Had to work a couple hours to get it personalized and sharpened. I like the Hudson Bay pattern for a camp axe. Great reviews! Subbed.

[@PintoBlades]

If you don't count the axe itself, the handle is actually 25 inches. Nice size, fits on my ATV just fine.

[@SkillCult]

I like the council 28 inch boy's axe. I decided I didn't like hudson bay pattern a long time ago, but I might have to revisit it now.

[@PintoBlades]

Yeah I think they are fine for camp work. I actually thought I was ordering their 20" hatchet but I accidentally ordered the longer one but I actually like it so I'll keep it. I'll order their 20" later, good pack ax or easy work. What state are you in? I'm down in New Mexico.

[@SkillCult]

I'm in California.

[@davidleasure9138]

you are spot on about this hatchet. Have one and it is a wedge. Not comfortable at all. Too heavy and unwieldy.

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

Great video, really enjoy your channel. Could you do a video on making axe/hatchet handles?

[@tragikk03]

I find this hilarious.. I had a CRKT tomahawk (the one with the little hammer head opposite the cutting edge) laying around, so I took some files to it and reprofiled the head sort of based on your "make it cut" video, I think. I finished the cutting edge up with a 3 step tri-stone thing (coarse diamond, fine diamond, Arkansas stone + honing solution) and have been using it as a general purpose hatchet and camp hatchet (hammer side is an asset that I have grown to love). I also sanded down to handle to get rid of the shiney coating, laminate of some sort, I guess? The bare wood feels much better (finished it with 600/800 grit wet/dry sandpaper (used dry) and then, when I remember, I rub my hands around kind of polishing motion for a bit.. in theory, I'm slowly imparting my oils from my hands, idk. Point being, with minor effort on my part, I have a perfectly functional tool for like $40 (I got mine years ago pre-pandemic when prices were lower, just never messed with it)

[@bretc3609]

Great review...your honesty is appreciated by many! I also got some good laughs out of the honest review. Keep up the good work.

[@SkillCult]

thanks!

[@timberray9572]

Husqvarna axes are the budget line of Wetterlings and therefore the fit and finish wont be as nice, however if you know how to use a file or stone you can put a respectable edge on one. For me personally nothing beats a vintage Hults Bruks hatchet, I would not trade it for anything on the market today.

[@jeffdunham9981]

uhhh... Husqvarna axes and hatchets are now made by Hults Bruks (hultafors) for husky.... they switched a few years back.

[@andreyz94]

jeff dunham doesn't make them equal in quality

[@urbanlumberjack]

Ok, so my two cents. I own a ton of Swedish axes, new and vintage, and also American made axes, new and vintage. This axe is made by Hults Bruk, a subsidiary of Hultafors. Hultafors makes all kinds of tools throughout the world, mostly Asia, Hults Bruk is located in Sweden. Hults bruk won’t give up its type of steel. I’m convinced it is inferior quality. Gransfors Bruks uses its own blend but will tell you it’s very similar to 1055. Helko Werk uses C50 steel which is a euro way of saying 1050. However HB won’t tell you what their steel is, they’ll only say “Swedish steel.” That’s a marketing gimmick and if their steel was good they would use that quality to sell you on the product. Look up what “genuine leather” really is, that’s basically what Swedish steel is being used as. I’m trying to figure out what steel HB uses. It is not 1050 or 1055. In fact I’m pretty sure it’s not in the high carbon alloy family at all. It’s certainly a stainless steel variety, though. For the money HB is very expensive for what you get. They are fine tools, but if I’m needing an axe for serious work I go with my helko werk or even council tools, whose axes are 1/5 the price and made in America.

[@SkillCult]

I honestly don't even think about steel. Almost any, probably all, axes I have in the pile can be set up for practical chopping as long it's not with any extremely thin grind, and do good practical work. They rarely break, unless abused or ground too thin and extra sharpening is usually pretty minimal. not that there isn't garbage out there, but I've not noticed much impact on practical axe work or efficiency.

[@chainsawcanuck]

I bought one, maybe newer ones are better and do a crap ton of bush craft in western Alberta and this hatchet is great.. Agree in the needing a strait handle.. But stock handle is very this IMHO.. But maybe my hands are big

[@AB-jm3iu]

Hey I just got one and after watching the review I feel it was a mistake, it’s my first hatchet what shall I do, I was thinking of changing the handle with a 20’’ one. Appreciate your feedback.

[@SkillCult]

Im not personally a big fan of the handles in between hatchet and axe sized. but a lot of people like them for packing. If I did, that's probably what I'd have done with it. I just ended up selling it on ebay.

[@Gungeek]

Ever look at the Collins/Tuper Hatchet ? Nice thin handle and very affordable :)

[@SkillCult]

I've just seen it for sale online.

[@Gungeek]

review :)?

[@jasonlewis2264]

Thanks man.......You just saved me a heap of money and frustration. Great to finally see a man that tells it like it is. Your knowledge and wisdom is truly appreciated. Keep up the great work....you just won a subscriber and fan. Thanks for the comprehensive review and for not selling out. You just taught me more about axes and hatchets in 24 minutes than what most people 'learn' in years. Keep up the great work!!!

[@SkillCult]

Thanks Jason! I just wish I could recommend something out of the box that isn't super expensive.

[@Rammykazemi]

what do you recommend then instead not to break the bank too much?

[@SkillCult]

still can't recommend anything

[@sixblanc]

"this is a response to the market" ... spot on :) mora just did that for the american market with the Garberg, heavy, unbalanced, doesn't cut well.. but a real hit with the survival american crowd ! ho.. and yes i have one :/

[@apugalypse_now]

Saw one at Campmor and couldn't believe it was retailing for $90 bucks ... I knew nothing about it except that I would never own one. lol

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

😂 "Bigger means better" I'd take my Opinel no. 9 over that any day.

[@shawnpepin7890]

@@jameshaulenbeek5931 an opinel vs a garberg ? I admit that the mora is way overpriced, but you can say a opinel is a better survival tool

[@yourangerfuelsme]

man in shop 12usd an hour handles - cheap, they buy tens of thousands at a time steel - cheaper as they live near the source. Decent bushcraft axe if you tailor it to your needs.

[@Saymyname1.2]

Would you add 22-26 inch handle on Husqvarna hatchet? Thank you.

[@SkillCult]

I think up to about 20 is more reasonable, maybe a little more. You certainly could add longer, but it doesn't make much sense to me. I don't really like handles between 16 and 26 that much personally, so I don't own anything in that size.

[@outlaweric]

interesting review, for sure, and I appreciate it. I bought one for thirty two bucks, so if i hate it than so be it. but ill be taking your comments into consideration when i use it.

[@gnamsu]

I disagree with almost all of your points and I own both the Husqvarna and a Hultafors Hatchett. But I’m both liking the video and commenting for the time and effort you put into the video. Great job very thorough. Keep it up!

[@SkillCult]

Thanks, I like that comment.

[@mikeku825]

at 14:00.. your frustration with the handle is hilarious. Your loss of words summed it up pretty well.

[@SkillCult]

lol!

[@azaba2007]

Awesome review. Do you happen to have tried the Rinaldi axes from Italy? They look interesting and i wonder what you think of them?

[@SkillCult]

I haven't People ask a lot.

[@azaba2007]

yes, i understand. Anyway, i find myself interested in axes lately. I like your comments on the flexibility of handles. It makes a lot of sense. I happen to live near Malaysia, and they have an extreme version of "flexible" handles. If you are interested here is an link on really flexible handles of jungle handles. If you have not come across it already, you may find it interesting. Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJjNYYeEr76ihck And by they way, i find his channel very good as well.

[@azaba2007]

oops sorry, i just realized, you recommended that link in one of your videos a year ago

[@Dxm28D]

Great videos. I've spent some time researching some hatchets and axes. This is another one of your vids that helped. Just beginning and slowly easing my way into using these tools. Keep it up!

[@SkillCult]

Great hopefully I'm not misleading you overly much ;) Stay safe!

[@jamest7677]

Why not make a longer straight handle and turn it into an axe rather than leaving it as a hatch, since weight and size fits the size of a forest axe.

[@joecimbak3974]

Thanks for the education. Good job. Good teacher. Obviously skilled in the craft. Helpful rant.

[@SkillCult]

"helpful rant" I like that :)

[@TheKlickitat]

If you ever get the chance, pick up a Rigging Hatchet. I started carrying ont 16 years ago on the trapline and have never looked back. Probably the most elegant hatchet I have ever used.

[@SkillCult]

Thanks, I'll look into that!

[@SkillCult]

well, not really, I just haven't sharpened it and used it to chop through a bunch of wood. I've split with it, peeled bark with it and used it as a wedge. I don't even like using if for those things and it usually sits around unused in preference to my other hatchets.

[@GameFaceUMS]

The Husqvarna Hatchet I have is completely different from the current one. The head shape and size along with the handle shape and size look nothing like the current one. Back When I got it Wetterlings apparently made it and it looks just like their Hunter's Hatchet just 13" instead of 16". Logo burnt in, same leather sheath, no metal wedge, ect. I assume the changed manufactures, and you are getting a cheaper version nowadays.

[@SkillCult]

That early model is why I started looking at husqvarna at all. They actually may be having that one made again, so I'm hopeful it will be available and I can recommend it to people. It looks promising. I don't get the 13 inch handle size though. So much more useful to have 15 to 17 inches.

[@richardbarrett7544]

I'd like your opinion on the looks of the German Stihl 1926 hatchet. I wonder if it would make a good chopper, or with those looks a Tomahawk? The European ones have a Mountain Ash handle just to be a bit different?

[@SkillCult]

Well, it's awfully expensive. Other wise, I don't really like those super thick handles. I really couldn't say much else without seeing it. At the price I would imagine you could do a lot better for even less, but I am not really tuned into that higher end market. or really the rest of the market for that matter.

[@fastcamo]

Honest reviewers are the best reviews, well done.

[@FactFinderGeneral]

The bushcraft market in a nutshell. Unskilled, highly rates gear that's barely been used to get the sponsor and ad money, and assumes anything from Scandinavia is gold. I'll take my forestry service spec axe by Council Tool anytime. Proper handle, Properly made, and does what a generalist axe is meant to.

[@VikingPreparedness]

Such an excellent presentation. Subbed

[@russbohman9577]

Recent subscriber. Very novice axe user and what you say seems to make some good sense. I would like to replace my first axe head and this looks like a good start. I have been trying to find an axe handle to fit the husqvarna head but cant seem to find one that has a 2x1 inch eye. I am new to this, but am I missing something or is this an odd size head that is hard to fit?

[@SkillCult]

It's a totally weird size. Like the whole tool, it's sort of a shrunken axechet. You might have to make one, certainly will have to modify something.

[@russbohman9577]

@@SkillCult any idea where to start? A few forums have guys saying theyd like to turn it into an 18-20 inch. I am leaning in that direction.

[@rwrp]

Is the difference from aiming error due to distance from sighting point, like MOA?

[@SkillCult]

Don't know what MOA is, but basically yeah, if you mean that the further you are from the target, the more any miss-aim is magnified. I don't think it's that big of a deal, but this is not what I would most want for accurate carving and such. That said, many traditional axes are quite long in the bit.

[@rwrp]

SkillCult minute of angle, which is roughly like saying a 1” group at 100yards becomes a wider group at longer ranges so 2” at 200 yards and so on. It’s how I would have explained it. It seemed like you were having difficulty explaining it in the video, but many are familiar with the concept relating to firearms so that would potentially be a useful analogy. I shared your channel page with a few people and subscribed. You have excellent content.

[@buckingsawpalace3029]

At first I would like to thank you for your awesome channel and the variety of you projects, thoughts, clues and reviews. I do like the DIY Ideas on your channel - seems a bit like someone from the Youthcrew/DIY/Hardcore era... Great to watch - even though I've hardly find the time to watch, because I've too much projects running by myself. Anyways, while I've encountered a similar problem regarding the handle on my Hultafors axe - I would like to shave my handle down a bit to get him more in like the Gransfors ones in terms of width and thickness. I remember a video link in one of your videos to another channel showing someones shaving down his handles - BUT i can't remember which video of all of yours that was... but would like to watch it to get some ideas and thoguhts about downshaving a handle. Can you help me finding that link - or do you have a video made yourself tackling that topic? Best regards from Germany.

[@SkillCult]

I haven't really tackled the subject in particular, more just in passing. I would just go for it. If you don't know what you want, keep the cross section and outline the way it is and just reduce dimensions systematically. Useful tools are a 4 way shoemaker's rasp, a knife for scraping or a spokeshave. Any of those tools will do the whole job, but the rasp will leave a lot of texture to sand out. I'd prefer to scrape it out with a knife usually. If you do the same number of consistent strokes per side, and work gradually, it should be hard to mess it up too bad. It's going to end up a matter of personal taste. The only dimensions I've seen offered are for hickory handles in Dudley Cook's The Axe Book, where he bemoans the thickness of modern handles. Peter Vido has an article on it on the the AxeConnected blog. Do a little at a time and use it. that's my recommendation.

[@mysticforge369]

I felt the same way until I used it now it's my main hatchet out of my 15 hatchets, mostly because it fits my hand.

[@Airik1111bibles]

LOL your comment has more value then this long freaking video. The hatchet just needs a bit of use and elbow grease to make it your own . I stopped watching minutes in cause he never used the tool he's reviewing that's just silly . Even if ya have "miles" of wood you've chopped it all is a mute point cause ya never used the freaking tool to gage its performance.

[@rescueraver]

Thank you for your review I have more respect for a honest review then of someone that doesn't really understand the tool. You are so right to call out these manufacturers of junk there is NO substitute for quality

[@prodigalfarmer]

What is the hatchet with the long handle? That looks like what I'm wanting. Thanks alot

[@SkillCult]

Hi Jud. That's one I put together from a yard sale find. I filed on it a lot to make it that shape and try to balance it. I'm not sure of the brand. It was a 5.00 yard sale head. I might be doing a video soon of putting something like that together. You can't buy a handle like that though, so you have to make it yourself. If you mean the longer axe, that is a gransfors bruk forest axe.. They are very expensive and I think they are back ordered now. too so you can't even get one.

[@Trevlee74]

One of if not the best reviews I have watched on KZbin. I have been using axes and hatchets since 1982. The word "abomination" is the exact word I thought of when I saw this thing in my local hardware shop last year. No shit'n!

[@SkillCult]

ha, that's hilarious. Well, not everyone agrees with us. Cheers.

[@thomasgronek6469]

Great videos, thanks. I agree about thick handles. I prefer thin, almost delicate (yes, graceful is a fine word ) tool handles. I have a grip like a bear, but only use a 14 ounce hammer. discomfort,, fatigue, bad fit, all play a part in damage to the handle and the person using it. Prices are ridiculous I bought a Marbles hunting ax for 16.66 plus 3.99 shipping from the company. at any given point an ax will get lost, left out, run over by equipment, etc, I don't want to babysit a $200 ax.

[@scottthomson700]

I bought one online without having ever handled one,it was cheap. I totaly agree with what your saying. It is the wrong tool for the job of a hatchet it can do it but there are much better tools/desings for this task. It does need a longer handle. Then it's in the small forest bracket and still cheap in that bracket. I use it to pound wedges. Dont give it to your mother for kindling,it is 100% the wrong tool for that, to heavy and hard to be consistently accurate with this when holding what ever your choping in the other hand. I hear a lot of poeple saying it's fine as hatchet. That may be the case for them. But i wonder how many hatchets have the handled? and what tasks would they asing to diffrent tools?

[@schmojo33]

I have this hatchet. To me it fits a very small niche and that is when I want a relatively heavy head with a short handle. I pretty much use it for chopping yard debris on a block that is too thick to go through with a swing or two of a machete but I don't need to swing a longer axe. The handle is way too chunky for any role. It is weird because it is a very good quality especially for the price but the design puts it in an odd place. Not something I would recommend to someone who wanted hatchet for what one should expect a hatchet would be used for.

[@SkillCult]

Yep! lol.