Husqvarna hatchet mini review pic heavy

[SOAR]

After seeing Fast but dims heads up on the deal that Ramages are doing on the Husqvarna hatchet, I thought for £20 its got to be worth a punt.
I dont normally write reviews so this may not be that good (sorry)

http://www.ramages.co.uk/acatalog/Special_offers.html

The 35cm hatchet comes with a leather sheath which is more than likely made for a larger axe, kind of one size fits all, I cut mine down and put in a new welt piece to stop the axe cutting the sheath. The leather is nice and thick and is a waxy type feel with a simple pull closure, which is effective but might wear with use.

Husqvarna sheath

Small forest sheath

The shape is similar to the Gransfors Bruks axes, the finish isn't as good but for the money, and compared to the GB equivalent which would be the wildlife hatchet its not too bad at all. It came razor sharp and the grind is nice and even, its been hand forged using Swedish steel, I stropped it on some leather before I used it and its held up ok since.

Husqvarna

Small forest axe

The weight is about 1/12 lb, which the same weight as my small forest axe, so it has a nice weight for splitting and with the shorter handle it seems to be okay for carving, the haft is made from Hickory and is nicely finished.

I got mine for work to be used to knock in plastic wedges for felling large pieces when doing takedowns, and with its handy size I'm sure it will find its way in my pack, and might even replace my small forest axe when going on over nighters.

 

[shogun]

looks excellent for 20 bucks..great pics thanx for sharing...atb shogun

 

[wattsy]

nice review i've just ordered one of these can't wait to give it a few swings now

 

[subedarmajor]

That's a useful review, thanks Simon.
I was spitting feathers when I saw these at this price as I'd just bought a Wetterlings small hunter from Rutlands in their sale. Oh well.

The profile compariaon with the SFA was particularly nice to see.

Cheers, Alan.

 

[redneck]

I have one from Ramages too but the head was slightly off centre on mine, something that I'm not too happy with, spend the extra and go for a cegga or GB

 

[littlebiglane]

Interesting to see what their Scandinavian Forest Axe equivalent is like at £17 cheaper than the GB one...

http://www.husqvarnachainsaws.co.uk/acatalog/Husqvarna_all_round_axe_68cms.html

 

[Salix]

Had one for about 6 months now, and the larger with the splitting cheeks, they get my vote anytime of the day. Cheap, effective and extremely usable, i dont own a gransfors, and to be honest with these two, i dont need too.

Mark

 

[lavrentyuk]

I got one. Sheath is, as written, over large, but fixable.

The grind was slightly off centre at the upper end and it was sharp rather than razor sharp but for £20 very good and of a handy size.

I will be spending more money on a Cegga or GB for the larger axe for car camping.

Richard

 

[Shewie]

Looks like a bargain for £20

Good useful review Simon

 

[addo]

OOO That looks nice mmm £20 ehh

 

[SOAR]

Cheers guys,

Redneck, is the grind off centre or is it the eye thats off centre? have you contacted Ramages?

Salix, I have been looking at the splitting axe, I might invest now, cheers.

I wanted to keep adding to this review so heres a few more thoughts.

I feel they have not had the time spent on them like GB axes, after all GB makers stamp their initials into the axe, but like I said for the money they seem like a good buy.

Mine was just as sharp as my GB when it arrived
and the grind and eye were spot on. I was not expecting much to be honest, I thought I might have to reprofile or at least give it a sharpen.

I have not handled or used a Cegga so I cant compare the two, really this is a working axe, a handy little hatchet to knock about at work which is fine for me, and what I have used it for this week it has stood up to the job.

The steel seems to be good and strong, It limbs pretty well on dry pine trees, and with its weight it splits dry Ash logs just fine with no nicks or chips, its size is good for splitting down to kindling and the edge still shaves paper after a week of use.

Only took two hits to split this Ash ring

 

[wattsy]

i got mine this morning and i have to say for £20 i don't think you'll get anything better. handle alignment and the grind are spot on on mine the sheath could do with being a bit smaller but thats not a massive problem

 

[redneck]

It's the head itself that turns to the left, the grind is fine, the edge is sharp but the handle seems to have been put on hastily with no concern for the correct alignment..I'll probably fit a new handle to it myself..

 

[littlebiglane]

I got one today. I did not fancy paying £6.99 for postage - even with the excellent £20 price. I got mine in person from Radmore & Tucker in Exeter for £22 - so those who live local - this is where to get 'em. It just a coincidence that they are 75 yards away from Endicotts Also it gave me a chance to hand-pick from the stock on display. I found this crucial because - as previously mentioned - they have not had as much time spent on them by the makers as lets say a GB has - so there is a variance in fit and finish.

LBL

 

[pinerevolver]

Thats a nice little axe a cheaper eqivilent to Gransfors im gono place my order today hopefully ill get back to you guys will a few photos !

 

[demographic]

I have one and although the handle isn't aligned perfectly if I sight down the edge its only about about an 1/8th of an inch out when viewed against centreline at the very end (furthest away from the head that is) of the shaft.

I can live with that and would be surprised if it caused anyone else any real (as opposed to imaginary) problem.

 

[fast but dim]

good review, seeing as i spotted these i'm glad (nearly) everyone's happy. if anyone wants one, phone the shop and tell them to pick you good 'un, tell them what to look for!

if you get a bad one, tell them and swap it , the people in the shop are good.

 

[onfire]

I received my hatchet today - overall pleased with it, but a bit disappointed with the quality of the handle.

I was really disappointed to find the postage paid was only £2.70 ... when I was charged £6.99 p&p. I would complain to Ramages except I am sure that they would claim it took £4 to pack and post it.

 

[demographic]

I received my hatchet today - overall pleased with it, but a bit disappointed with the quality of the handle.

I was really disappointed to find the postage paid was only £2.70 ... when I was charged £6.99 p&p. I would complain to Ramages except I am sure that they would claim it took £4 to pack and post it.

I bought mine on the local chainsaw shop when I was picking up some bar oil so postage wasn't an issue.