Best hatchet under or around $50

[Aerosmith101]

I'm looking for a decent USA or European made hatchet for under or around $50

 

[SoBoCo]

Husqvarna seems to be well regarded and around (or under) $50

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

I'm looking for a decent USA or European made hatchet for under or around $50

What kind of hatchet are you looking for? Use, weight, handle length etc.
This newcomer from Council Tools has hardened poll
http://www.baryonyxknife.com/cotoha.html
Most of Vaughan hatchets (not full size axes) are made in USA
https://www.vaughanmfg.com/Products/SC1-14-Supersteel-Camp-Axe__33220.aspx#.XZ5Idn97nIU
https://www.vaughanmfg.com/Products/SH2-22-oz-Standard-Half-Hatchet__20520.aspx#.XZ5Hrn97nIU
https://www.vaughanmfg.com/Products/RB-28-oz-Rig-Builders-Hatchet__20420.aspx#.XZ5QRn97nIU

 

[Square_peg]

The Craftsman camp axe has recently been available for under $20. It's made in USA by Vaughan. You might check your local Sears to see if they have it in stock. I'm going to go check on their half hatchets.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-1-4-lb-camp-axe/p-00948101000P

 

[Hickory n steel]

Vaughan is definitely the way to go.

 

[Riz!]

Ill probably get roasted for saying this but I have had a gerber/fiskars hatchet for years and it has been a very functional tool. Its been practically indestructible, chops well, and hasnt rusted even with minimal care

 

[Agent_H]

Ill probably get roasted for saying this but I have had a gerber/fiskars hatchet for years and it has been a very functional tool. Its been practically indestructible, chops well, and hasnt rusted even with minimal care

They have a place in the line-up.

 

[garry3]

Ill probably get roasted for saying this but I have had a gerber/fiskars hatchet for years and it has been a very functional tool. Its been practically indestructible, chops well, and hasnt rusted even with minimal care

I picked one up at a yard sale to have around camp so that friends wouldn't trash my good ones. It works much better than I was expecting and like you said pretty well indestructible. It was the right tool for the job.

 

[Allan DeGroot]

Under $50 puts the indestructible Estwing E14A in contention! at $35 average pricing...

If you want something bigger you can easily find an E45 for that price! even a snazzy limited edition version for that price!

 

[albertmitchell]

I would like to mention another hatchet - CAMAQUI Hatchet. Price about $50. It comes in two styles: Northern and Eastern. The Eastern style is lighter in weight at 1.88 pounds, has a smaller head and slimmer handle, and features a rose wood handle.

 

[Square_peg]

Looks like a cheap Asian import. I can't imagine spending twice the price of a Vaughan on that.

 

[plumberroy]

Vaughan or council tool.

 

[Yankee Josh]

I know it's been mentioned already but it's pretty hard to beat the flying fox from council tool.
These photos are after I slimmed down the haft and filed and honed the bit;

No one can weigh in on longevity due to it being new to the market. But it's kind of a moot point anyway because of course it's going to last! A very good hatchet and money well spent in my opinion.
OP hasn't been seen since the 10th so I'm probably writing this for nothing. Haha.

 

[thunderstick]

My votes are:
Hatchet--Vaughn
Belt axe--Council Tool Hudson Bay, Flying Fox or Husquvarna

 

[gben]

$50 ??? You can go to a yard sale and find used USA made hatchets for $2 all summer long and the quality of the head will be as good or better than anything made today.

 

[Yankee Josh]

$50 ??? You can go to a yard sale and find used USA made hatchets for $2 all summer long and the quality of the head will be as good or better than anything made today.

While you are right about finding equivalent (or better) hatchets from yard sales I chose to spend the fifty bucks to support Council tools. And to try out their new hatchet of course but mostly to support an American company. Especially one that listens to its customers!
9 times out of 10 I would recommend the same thing you did. But at the same time buying Vaughn/Council etc. is keeping our few U.S. companies going.

 

[David Martin]

Our mystery man might like a Estwing hatchet. They are U.S.A. made. DM

 

[dogstar]

I got caught up in the Fiskars Hatchet (v1.0) hype and bought one. I learned more about axes and told myself that I would get a traditional axe with a wooden haft when I broke or tired of the Fiskars. Guess what, I'm still using the Fiskars. It's my go to camping tool. It's gets the job done efficiently, so why stop using it?

 

[jblyttle]

I have not yet held a Flying Fox, but people seem to love it. Seems great for the price.

 

[Allan DeGroot]

I have several Estwing Hatchets, but I've never bought a new one and I think the most I've ever paid for one is $10 at a flea market