Couple of days ago I finally decided to pull the trigger and bought my first Gransfors Burke axe - the Mini Hatchet. Why this model as the first one? Well, I've got mid-size Roselli hatchet already, so I thought that something smaller would be good choice. So I knew it was going to be small, and it was indeed SMALL when I unpacked it. Ver small... well, let's check what we can do with Mini Hatchet!
First of all I must say that it's first really portable serious mini axe I've played with. It's certainly not a toy! As you can see below I carry it attached to my small 16L backpack with MOLLE system via lether sheath and small piece of paracord. Paracord just positions/fixes the handle (no need to tie/untie it, it's just snug-fit double loop). That way I can carry it everywhere with me and it's easy to access without the need of opening the pack.
Size... as I said it is small, very small. About 27cm long (11") and quite lightweight (300g). Here it is compared to popular G-Shock Mudman and Atwood pry-minitool. That's of course one-hand axe. Thanks to the handle ergonomy I can work with it all-day long without any problem. The grip is very safe. And perfect ballanced! But that's also thanks to the overall small size.
The edge and profile of the head is thinner than in most of axes, but it's a specific feature, which makes it so special. When you swing it, it just "slices" deeply into the wood! It's not what you get with any other axe. And sure it's about profile and sharpness, not just "power". The weight is concentrated just behind the cutting edge, and that plus RAZOR SHARP edge makes every swing VERY effective! Just take a look at that branch below - it took me less than 30 seconds to went through it! You can examin how clean and long cuts are, and consider that it was made without support behind that limb, it was hanging free above the ground! Great performance!
And now check this - after some cutting & chopping I used my Mini Hatchet to make some feather sticks to check the edge - no problem at all, the edge was still scary sharp and ready for any job. I always carry my knife with me anyway, but it was a good way to check the sharpness and overall quality of the edge.
And final check - splitting wood. Is it possible at all to split hardwood with such a small hatchet? Sure it is! I used it to split some seasoned hardwood quite effectively, it took by average 2 swings per one "split", sometimes even one (but strong). Quite an easy job, but requires some accuracy and expirience in using axe. You need to be careful, as your hand is close to the log you split. Also be accurate, otherwise it's easy to dimple the handle. So I'd not recommend it for a beginner to use as a splitter, or at least as I said couple of times -> be carefull. OK, my Roselli is sure more effective splitter, but is also twice as long and 3 times (or more) as heavy. For a short trip I'd take just mini. But for a longer stay or bigger camp you need (or rather you'd prefer) something bigger.
Overall score? For me G.B. Mini Hatchet is simply perfect "carry hatchet". When you want to travel light, that's a great choice! However, you need to be aware about it's disadvantages, it's not an axe for heavy duty jobs of course! But for small camp jobs like building improvised shelter, preparing firewood, sharening sticks etc. it's more than enough for expirienced person. Some say it's good also for cutting, but I still prefer knife for that. And since I ALWAYS carry at leats one knife with me I'd use one of them for cutting anyway, not the axe. Want a good "carry hatchet" for a trip? For a week-long bushcraft fun? Get Mini Hatchet by G.B. and you won't be disappointed! I'm not!
Have fun! P.
First of all I must say that it's first really portable serious mini axe I've played with. It's certainly not a toy! As you can see below I carry it attached to my small 16L backpack with MOLLE system via lether sheath and small piece of paracord. Paracord just positions/fixes the handle (no need to tie/untie it, it's just snug-fit double loop). That way I can carry it everywhere with me and it's easy to access without the need of opening the pack.
Size... as I said it is small, very small. About 27cm long (11") and quite lightweight (300g). Here it is compared to popular G-Shock Mudman and Atwood pry-minitool. That's of course one-hand axe. Thanks to the handle ergonomy I can work with it all-day long without any problem. The grip is very safe. And perfect ballanced! But that's also thanks to the overall small size.
The edge and profile of the head is thinner than in most of axes, but it's a specific feature, which makes it so special. When you swing it, it just "slices" deeply into the wood! It's not what you get with any other axe. And sure it's about profile and sharpness, not just "power". The weight is concentrated just behind the cutting edge, and that plus RAZOR SHARP edge makes every swing VERY effective! Just take a look at that branch below - it took me less than 30 seconds to went through it! You can examin how clean and long cuts are, and consider that it was made without support behind that limb, it was hanging free above the ground! Great performance!
And now check this - after some cutting & chopping I used my Mini Hatchet to make some feather sticks to check the edge - no problem at all, the edge was still scary sharp and ready for any job. I always carry my knife with me anyway, but it was a good way to check the sharpness and overall quality of the edge.
And final check - splitting wood. Is it possible at all to split hardwood with such a small hatchet? Sure it is! I used it to split some seasoned hardwood quite effectively, it took by average 2 swings per one "split", sometimes even one (but strong). Quite an easy job, but requires some accuracy and expirience in using axe. You need to be careful, as your hand is close to the log you split. Also be accurate, otherwise it's easy to dimple the handle. So I'd not recommend it for a beginner to use as a splitter, or at least as I said couple of times -> be carefull. OK, my Roselli is sure more effective splitter, but is also twice as long and 3 times (or more) as heavy. For a short trip I'd take just mini. But for a longer stay or bigger camp you need (or rather you'd prefer) something bigger.
Overall score? For me G.B. Mini Hatchet is simply perfect "carry hatchet". When you want to travel light, that's a great choice! However, you need to be aware about it's disadvantages, it's not an axe for heavy duty jobs of course! But for small camp jobs like building improvised shelter, preparing firewood, sharening sticks etc. it's more than enough for expirienced person. Some say it's good also for cutting, but I still prefer knife for that. And since I ALWAYS carry at leats one knife with me I'd use one of them for cutting anyway, not the axe. Want a good "carry hatchet" for a trip? For a week-long bushcraft fun? Get Mini Hatchet by G.B. and you won't be disappointed! I'm not!
Have fun! P.
