Looking for a new hatchet...

[Keith_Beef]

Until I get around to finishing off the handle for a little hatchet I picked up at a rural fair the summer before last...

This will mainly be used for splitting down small logs. I have a couple of wedges and would get a maul if I find that my logs are too big. A small hatchet would be good for overnight or weekend camping and fishing trips, too.

I saw some Estwing hatchets in the local gardening and DIY shop this afternoon.

Single piece forged head and haft, stacked leather handle. Looked OK, though some of them had a badly shaped edge. By that, I mean that the curve of the line wasn't a smooth arc. I could sort that out, but I'm wondering about the quality of the steel and the HT.

I've read on here that in days of old, Estwings were too hard, with no differential temper to leave the haft springy (to absorb shocks); but that nowadays, they are left too soft all over...

Anyway, at $44, they are just about affordable. But are they worth the money for my sort of task?


Keith.

 

[Shing]

Hi Keith, how's the new location? I've had an Eastwing hatchet for about 10 years, its quite good, a little soft but its got a good blade profile, don't need a lot of work to thin out the cutting edge like another hatchet I got, and it has a good weight to it.

Mines a leather handle one which reminds me Randall or Scagel knives. By the way, your other folder is nearly done, where should I send it?

 

[Keith_Beef]

Hi Keith, how's the new location? I've had an Eastwing hatchet for about 10 years, its quite good, a little soft but its got a good blade profile, don't need a lot of work to thin out the cutting edge like another hatchet I got, and it has a good weight to it.

Mines a leather handle one which reminds me Randall or Scagel knives. By the way, your other folder is nearly done, where should I send it?

Hi, Shing.

Yes, that stacked leather handle reminded me of Scagel, or even Marble pattern scout knives. The head looked quite thin, I think it would be good for splitting down logs that have already been quarter-split.

As for my other folder, I should be back in Sunny Sheffield for my little brother's wedding on 18th December. I'll let you know more when I have the plane tickets booked. I might have a little trip down to Denby pottery and to Craft Supplies again

Good luck with everything.
:You_Rock_


Keith.