Stu: I have no real hatchet experience. Over the years the fires have always been round wood, broken to size or burned through. It's only this transition to bushcraft that's prompted the old-way gear approach and has found me purchase the Mini to substitute for a larger knife purchase. But I've read about how sharp they are--"shaving sharp"--and given that it's of a similar size and composition of a knife, figured that not only could it be as sharp as a knife, it would arrive this way. But no; it didn't. Perhaps this one is new old stock. The cutting edge is bit tarnished too. I have been stropping it though, but haven't seen the kind of paper-slicing performance that I am expecting it to be capable of.
My three-inch fixed blade is a solid knife, but real kindling work is for a small hatchet. I'll need to develop some skill, but I'm a solid outdoorsman and an educator, which ultimately means that I am not put off by skill/knowledge acquisition, and shouldn't have any problems getting used to this nutty little knife-on-a-stick. If I find that this one isn't up for the task (which is unlikely), then I'd like to sharpen it. If it's still not for me, then I'll sell it. I can't imagine I'll have any problem moving a Mini that's only been used for one weekend. But frankly, I'm optimistic. The Mini should be perfect for my occasional needs.
…and PM me with your phone number.
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