{"id":5725,"date":"2020-11-12T12:41:13","date_gmt":"2020-11-12T20:41:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpshoe.com\/?p=5725"},"modified":"2023-11-29T09:45:12","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T17:45:12","slug":"hiking-axes-hatchets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpshoe.com\/hiking-axes-hatchets\/","title":{"rendered":"HIKING AXES\/HATCHETS [TOP 10]"},"content":{"rendered":"


Each one of us somehow loves a little bit of axe work, right? Whether you are a wild outdoor person or not, you will definitely want to get your hands on one of the best hiking axes\/hatchets. These axes and hatchets not only make you look cool but are also mightily handy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when it comes to choosing hiking axes\/hatchets, there are so many options available. In this article, I am going to recommend to you the top 10 best hiking hatchets.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The list contains the following Hiking Hatches:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Schrade SCAXE2L 15.7in<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. CRKT Freyr 2746 Axe 4.528″ Axe edge, 16″<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Gerber 17.5-Inch Freescape Hatchet [31-002536]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Schrade SCAXE10 11.1in Full Tang Hatchet with 3.6in Stainless Steel Blade and TPR Handle<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Cold Steel Throwing Axe Camping Hatchet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. MTech USA Camping Axe, Two-Tone Blade, Black Rubberized Handle, 11-Inch Overall<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. SOG Camp Axe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Estwing Sportsman’s Axe – 14″<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Coleman Camp Axe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking hatches help you in any outdoor scenario, such as efficiently gathering and splitting firewood, creating bigger and better shelters, and speeding up game processing. Let’s find out why to hike with one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Bring a Hatchet When Hiking?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Why<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

I would suggest you definitely carry a survival hatchet along when you go hiking, as it gives you more options and versatility than a knife. You won\u2019t be able to do enough with a survival knife. Hiking hatches are the undisputed \u201cking\u201d when it comes to\u00a0chopping power. If you own a well-designed sharp blade hatch and have room in your pack, then there is no choice but to leave it behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though hiking axes and hatches are heavy tools, the weight alone cannot surpass its uses and benefits. Also, the usefulness of hatches highly depends on the activities you are going to perform. If you have no plans to cut and\u00a0process wood<\/strong>, you can skip that to trim down weight.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you have intentions of woodworking<\/strong>, then it would be essential to carry. It is a simple but extremely reliable tool that can serve every role in between. It shortens your time and efforts for a carving project and can turn fir-making into a pleasant experience. You will understand its value in the worst conditions and worse weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5 Qualities A Hiking Hatchet Should Have<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you are convinced to bring a hiking hatchet when hiking, the next step would be to buy one. If you already have one, then it’s more than perfect, but if you don’t, then go and buy one for yourself. Each tool is something very personal and highly depends on individual choices and needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this section, I am going to discuss 5 main qualities a hiking hatchet should have. I hope this helps you choose one for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. The Head<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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    \"The<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    There are a few shapes of heads of the hatchets that suit specific uses, but if you want a good all-rounder, then get one with a flat top<\/strong> and a finger wide<\/strong>. Its blade should be curved downward. The top of the head should be flat and shouldn’t extend beyond the handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I recommend a flat top head because it can also be\u00a0used as a hammer<\/strong>. The downward curve prevents the hatchet from getting stuck in the woods. It also allows you to swing it back and forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A good hiking hatchet has to\u00a0cut well<\/strong>. This is not only about the sharpness of the hatchet but also about the area behind the cutting edge (bit). If your hatchet has a thick bit, it will give you a hard time penetrating into wood, no matter how sharp its blade is. A thick bit of hatchet would also cause it to bounce off the tree while chopping or carving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you plan to buy a hatchet for woodwork, I would suggest getting one with a\u00a0thin bit<\/strong>. The cheeks of the hatchet, i.e., sides of the Head, should also be smooth and continuous. If you keep these considerations in mind, you will end up having a very functional tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. The Handle<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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      \"The<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      You will get multiple options in the market, from wood, fiberglass, plastic, rubber, and metal. I would prefer you to stay away from metal handles. I can’t deny the fact that they are strong, but they are awfully heavy and will burden you. You can also go for\u00a0fiberglass handles<\/strong>\u00a0as they are very strong and lightweight. But make sure they do not have other material at the core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Wood handles are also a good option. For\u00a0wooden handles<\/strong>, you need to consider the grain orientation. By grain orientation, I mean when you place the hatchet on the table, the grain of the wooden handle should be vertically lining up with the bit. This type of orientation is an indication of the strongest handles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Now, let’s discuss the shapes and sizes of the handles. It comes in various sizes and shapes, serving different purposes. When you have to\u00a0split large wood pieces<\/strong>, choose\u00a0long handles<\/strong>\u00a0as they allow you to put more force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u00a0If you are planning for firewood,\u00a0small hatchets\u00a0<\/strong>will suit you better because it gives you\u00a0better control. For an all-rounder, I would suggest you get a medium-sized handle that will give you a good balance between both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Material<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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        The material of the hatchet’s Head and the shaft matters a lot. If you are working outdoors and work with\u00a0wet wood<\/strong>, I would suggest you go for\u00a0stainless steel<\/strong>\u00a0heads as they are rust-resistant. It is long-lasting and requires less maintenance, but it doesn’t hold as sharp as a\u00a0carbon steelhead<\/strong>. Another option you have is carbon steel, but this is more prone to corrosion; therefore, it requires more love and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        In my opinion, full steel hatchet handles, i.e., metal from the head to the handle, are the worst. Though it would allow you to craft your own handle for insulation and comfort, it is extremely expensive to repair once something breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I think wooden handles<\/strong> are the best. Handles are the weakest part, so if it breaks, it will be easier and cheaper to replace a wooden handle. One good option is hickory wood for the handles. While choosing your hatchets, feel the wood to ensure its protective coating is not too smooth. Because if it’s too slick<\/strong> and smooth, you will lose your grip, and that’s a bad thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        1. Sharpness Of The Edge<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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          \"Axe<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

          The sharpness of the edge is actually one of the most essential aspects<\/strong> of its quality. Sharp hatchets mean cleaner cuts and easily getting through the wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          It is specifically important when the wood has a lot of knots in it. But for that, you need to be extra careful. It does need more maintenance and care since blunt edges are more prone to accidents<\/strong> than sharp ones because of the extra force you put.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          I would recommend trying out the hatches before taking them out to the woods. This will help you to get used to its weight and handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. Balance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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            \"Axe<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

            You should be aware of the balance of a hiking hatchet. A good hiking hatchet has a balance point on the handle. This gives you entire control when you choke up<\/strong> on the hatchet for carving<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Also, when the hatchet is balanced in such a way, the head should rest horizontally. It increases your accuracy and reduces wobble during a swing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            If you want to throw axes for recreation, you will want to get an ax designed for that purpose and learn all the safety guidelines to prevent an injury.\u00a0Throwing axes<\/strong>\u00a0are usually well balanced and called\u00a0tomahawks<\/strong>. They have a thin penetrating blade but may not be great at chopping wood. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            Bonus: Sheath Quality<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

            A hiking hatchet is a sharp tool, so you would want to ensure that it remains safe and secure when you put it away. Therefore, I would suggest leather sheaths instead of nylon sheaths. It should cover and protect the head of the hatchet so the edge is safe. It should also have an eyelet or a snap fastener to prevent the sheath from opening and the hatchet from falling out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Top 10 Hiking Hatchets<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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            1. Schrade SCAXE2L 15.7in<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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            \n \n\t\n\t\t\"Schrade\n\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Lasso\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            So the first one on my list is Schrade SCAXE2L 15.7in. Let\u2019s look at a few attributes of this hatchet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n