Axe beginner: good outdoor hiking axe (brand & model) please?

D

Dextar

Joined
Sep 14, 2017
Messages
589
Hi there,

Just started my journey in axe, i'm about go hiking & camping this weekend, 1 night + 1 day.
While exploring this forum's post & internet, I wanted to ask following quick questions to know any good recommendation?

Checked online, seems following brands / models are good?
- Gränsfors Bruk Sweden - small forest,
- Beavercraft Woodcraft Bushcraft Splitting Hatchet

wanted to ask: are following brand also considered as good? Husqvarna, Karesuando
any other recommendations?

What specs, features need to consider and check as a good outdoor hiking knife?

Please be noted, this time, a small to medium size is better, can bundled in my Gregory Z35 backpack's ice axe loops.

appreciate your inputs
 
Dextar said:
Hi there,

Just started my journey in axe, i'm about go hiking & camping this weekend, 1 night + 1 day.
While exploring this forum's post & internet, I wanted to ask following quick questions to know any good recommendation?

Checked online, seems following brands / models are good?
- Gränsfors Bruk Sweden - small forest,
- Beavercraft Woodcraft Bushcraft Splitting Hatchet

wanted to ask: are following brand also considered as good? Husqvarna, Karesuando
any other recommendations?

What specs, features need to consider and check as a good outdoor hiking knife?

Please be noted, this time, a small to medium size is better, can bundled in my Gregory Z35 backpack's ice axe loops.

appreciate your inputs
Click to expand...
Oh boy, the agony of choice; there are so many good hatchets and axes out there.

This is what I recommend: Council Tool Hudson Bay Axe, 1-1/4 lb head, 14 inch handle.
IMGP1356-scaled.jpg
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
What do you plan on doing with it (most of the time, some of the time, and rarely), and what's your budget? Those will greatly influence what the best match for you will be.
Click to expand...

Thanks for asking, as the beginner, I consider to use it as common cut for tree/wood, defence(😂), I didn't realize other usage of axe, frankly speak. i need to deep dive into the use of axe.
Budget...emm, I didn't consider this too much, until I see an online dealer price one Gränsfors Bruk axe at USD$800. But I see Gränsfors Bruk Small Forest price about $200, which is acceptable.
 
Dextar said:
Thanks for asking, as the beginner, I consider to use it as common cut for tree/wood, defence(😂), I didn't realize other usage of axe, frankly speak. i need to deep dive into the use of axe.
Budget...emm, I didn't consider this too much, until I see an online dealer price one Gränsfors Bruk axe at USD$800. But I see Gränsfors Bruk Small Forest price about $200, which is acceptable.
Click to expand...
Nothing beats Flying Fox with hardened poll
https://byxco.com/products/council-tool-sport-utility-flying-fox-hatchet-22-straight-handle
https://byxco.com/products/council-tool-sport-utility-flying-fox-hatchet
 
If you’re backpacking the go light light light. Fiskars aren’t the greatest axes but with the hollow plastic handles they’re a little lighter and all the weight is in the head where you want it. I ground a nail notch in mine.
 
Dextar said:
thanks for recommendation, looks very handy as well.
May I ask, what the differences could be there between a pricy hatchet and a not-pricy one?
Click to expand...
This is a very legitimate question.

To me, a well shaped and balanced sub 100 dollar hatchet does as much as a Liam Hoffman 500 dollar hatchet, or all the beautiful Scandinavian offering, the latter being of exceptional quality of course.

FWIW, more than 9 out of 10 days I wear a cheap Timex. Super rarely I wear my Rolex. The Timex keeps the time more accurately :-) The Rolex feels rewarding, solid, it appeals in old-worldly ways.

I find the Hudson Bay hatchet the perfect woods loafers companion.
 
For LIGHT light I recently got my hands on a titanium tomahawk from Wrangler Tools and their hammer-poll model might be sufficient within budget. Surprisingly it stands up very well due to its very high yield strength while still being easy to sharpen due to its low abrasion resistance. But for a good budget model the Council Tools Flying Fox is an excellent hatchet and works real well when hung on a longer handle like a 24". The real question, though, is do you even need one at all? If so, why? I use a hatchet or axe around camp, but not really when actively hiking.
 
Look into a small cut.on the pull hand saw too.....Well worth the miniscule weight... Chopping thru.more than 3 " is more work than. Its worth for most........A nice 4-5 " fixed blade would round out your steel weight gain 😉.....

You'll learn as you go and develop some preferences..... Good luck
....
Safe travels
 
crbnSteeladdict said:
Nothing beats Flying Fox with hardened poll
https://byxco.com/products/council-tool-sport-utility-flying-fox-hatchet-22-straight-handle
https://byxco.com/products/council-tool-sport-utility-flying-fox-hatchet
Click to expand...
thanks for recommendation. I can now only identify the difference in shape and looking. and looking for / trying to identify the differences in other factors.
To me, the 2nd smaller one you recommended looks great too

Square_peg said:
If you’re backpacking the go light light light. Fiskars aren’t the greatest axes but with the hollow plastic handles they’re a little lighter and all the weight is in the head where you want it. I ground a nail notch in mine.
Click to expand...
thanks for consider the power consume to carry, I didn't consider this factor.
 
.577NE said:
This is a very legitimate question.

To me, a well shaped and balanced sub 100 dollar hatchet does as much as a Liam Hoffman 500 dollar hatchet, or all the beautiful Scandinavian offering, the latter being of exceptional quality of course.

FWIW, more than 9 out of 10 days I wear a cheap Timex. Super rarely I wear my Rolex. The Timex keeps the time more accurately :-) The Rolex feels rewarding, solid, it appeals in old-worldly ways.

I find the Hudson Bay hatchet the perfect woods loafers companion.
Click to expand...
very good points, thanks! plus I learn 2 more good brands. it sounds like that in real-usage there is not to much differences between the pricy ones and non-pricy ones, maybe I will start with forest...
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
For LIGHT light I recently got my hands on a titanium tomahawk from Wrangler Tools and their hammer-poll model might be sufficient within budget. Surprisingly it stands up very well due to its very high yield strength while still being easy to sharpen due to its low abrasion resistance. But for a good budget model the Council Tools Flying Fox is an excellent hatchet and works real well when hung on a longer handle like a 24". The real question, though, is do you even need one at all? If so, why? I use a hatchet or axe around camp, but not really when actively hiking.
Click to expand...
i usually go hiking in places nearby city, but this weekend is a different one, and i will make more hiking activities in wilder places which far away from cities, villages etc., as fire weapons are not allowed here, I prefer axe...unless there is any other alternatives you or people would recommend.
 
jfk1110 said:
Look into a small cut.on the pull hand saw too.....Well worth the miniscule weight... Chopping thru.more than 3 " is more work than. Its worth for most........A nice 4-5 " fixed blade would round out your steel weight gain 😉.....

You'll learn as you go and develop some preferences..... Good luck
....
Safe travels
Click to expand...
great to see you here!!!
 
Most of the basic questions have been answered.

In general, with the right experience, a $50 axe (if you know how to sharpen it as well as the more expensive ones) will do the same job as an $800 axe.

I have several models, none of which are too expensive, but a simple axe can easily meet a camper's needs for a few days in the woods.

Husqvarna axes are manufactured by Hultafors in Sweden. They offer excellent value for money.



Husqvarna axes with polymer and fiberglass handles are equally good and even lighter than traditional axes with wooden handles.





Fiskars has excellent models at a great price, there are several options.





Cold Steel is a brand that I really love, because they are light, functional for everyday use in the bush and excellent throwing weapons.









And if money is not the problem, have several and take turns using them in your outdoor activities. LOL
 
Gato do mato said:
Most of the basic questions have been answered.

In general, with the right experience, a $50 axe (if you know how to sharpen it as well as the more expensive ones) will do the same job as an $800 axe.

I have several models, none of which are too expensive, but a simple axe can easily meet a camper's needs for a few days in the woods.

Husqvarna axes are manufactured by Hultafors in Sweden. They offer excellent value for money.



Husqvarna axes with polymer and fiberglass handles are equally good and even lighter than traditional axes with wooden handles.





Fiskars has excellent models at a great price, there are several options.





Cold Steel is a brand that I really love, because they are light, functional for everyday use in the bush and excellent throwing weapons.









And if money is not the problem, have several and take turns using them in your outdoor activities. LOL
Click to expand...
Excellent post G Gato do mato , many thanks for your pictures, they speak more than a thousand words.
 
One note: tomahawks are cool and inexpensive but I find a hatchet or axe handle much more comfortable to chop with than the straight handle of a hawk
 
At a request from a friend I tried his fiberglass/ plastic hafted axe and hatchet. Even though weight is a factor sometimes, I will NEVER AGAIN put my hands on a plastic haft. I really did not like the feel and feedback of the haft. Only wood for me when I go into the woods. I have never used the Council Flying-Fox, but I get good feedback from people whose opinion I trust. And I have always liked Council tools, And I really like the idea of the hardened poll.
 
In my experience you don't need a hatchet for most backpacking / camping & many places look down on harvesting firewood. Maybe your circumstances are different.
I do recommend having a good hatchet, ( or a dozen).
Council tools are very good, Estwing, Vaughan also. Another good option is finding a older American hatchet and giving it a little maintenance.
Maintenance you should know how to do anyway to keep whatever you get in top condition.
Finally I recommend the Fiskers x7 as maybe the best lightweight,low maintenance tool .
 
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