Best Fiskars for camping?

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stack23

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Nov 3, 2013
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I'm going on a week long camping trip next month and i want to buy a new hatchet/axe for the trip. After watching lots of videos and reviews i think i'm going to go with a fiskars, now i have to decide what size to go with. Anyone have experience with these axes? I am torn between the x7, x11, and x15 :confused:
 
I have both the X15 and the 28" chopping axe and both have exceeded my expectations. They both have the same head, but the 28" length of the bigger model definitely makes it more capable. Put a decent edge on it and have at it. Both axes punch well above their weight class.
 
Go with a lightweight axe. Two-handed use implements are infinitely more practical than a mere one-handed kindling maker and tent stake pounder.
 
X11 is a splitting axe. I would not consider it for general use.

X15 is a good general purpose axe. Here is a glowing review: http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-fiskars-x15-chopping-axe-hottest.html
At over 3 lbs, it may be a little too much for backpacking, but that is your personal preference.

The Gerber camp axe II, also made by Fiskars, is the next size down, with 17" OAL. You may look into that as a compromise between the X15 and the X7 hatchet. Of course, you are giving up performance for easy of carry. Interesting read: http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2013/04/battle-of-compact-bushcraft-axes.html

Unless you are processing a lot of wood for winter camping, I'd consider the hatchet for backpacking. It can split logs up to 4" diameter with no problem.
 
I have an older Fiskars hatchet and a CS Frontier Hawk. They both do pretty well for making kindling around camping. The hatchet is better for wood processing, and the hawk is simply very cool. If you make some wedges, you can split big logs, but that's unlikely in car camping.
 
I have the hatchet, X7 ? which I really enjoy for its light weight. The thing is a freakin' feather. But it feels more like a kindling splitter than a chopper to me. Whatever, I'm no pro, but that's my impression. I still like it regardless and it certainly can do moderately heavier work if need be.


I also got the X25 for a toss in the trunk splitter. It works perfectly well but it feels quite head heavy in use.

They both sharpen up easily with an axe puck.......
Some here have likely forgotten more than I know about axes. But I just ''had'' to get a G.B. small forest a few years ago. And yes it is a great tool. But it is tiny when in hand for a 6'2 man and it is limited to splitting smaller diameter wood. Well that's how it feels to me anyhow. Having one of the Fiskars splitters in trunk has worked out to be a very useful option. I have enjoyed these axes since I got them and have had zero buyers remorse, they work, and get used. They kind of strike me like the axe version of a Mora knife. Looked down upon a little as a bit plasticy and inexpensive. But they work quite well none the less. The lifetime warranty is another attraction to the Fiskars line.
 
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Just my .02 but I find that if you are planning to use a hatchet/axe - being able to use two hands should be part of the plan. If you are ringing it along as an emergency tool, I think the one handed hatchet is fine. My opinion after lots of trial and error.
 
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