coloradowildman
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The new Fiskars X7 Hatchet- look out Wetterlings and Gransfors, there's a new kid in town
Now that I've had a couple of weeks to fiddle with Fiskar's new X7 Hatchet, I wanted to write a review on it. Fiskars touts the new X-series as having a number of improvements over the now older versions of Fiskars axes and hatchets, such as:
Better Balance
Improved Chopping Performance
A Hardened Bit with a hardness of 55 RC (info lifted from a Gerber reseller of the new Gerber II series which are rebranded Fiskars X-Series axes and hatchets)
Revised handle with rubberization to improve to improve comfort and grip retention
The new X7 (pictured left) sports a less wide bit, a larger handle with rubberization towards the end, and a slightly shorter length by a 1/4" inch.
Here are the specs I measured on new vs old:
Fiskars X7
Weight- 22.6 ounces (without plastic sheath)
Length- 14"
Head Weight- 1.28lbs
Older Fiskars 14" Hatchet
Weight- 18.7 ounces (without plastic sheath)
Length- 14.25"
Head Weight- 1lb
Length- 14.25"
Head Weight- 1lb
Note the shallower angle of the Scandi grind on the edge of the new X7. Also, the metal from the axe head flares out more to protect the plastic during splitting chores compared to the older model.
(Please note, the brighter metal along the edge is not from chopping but from my sharpening job with sandpaper and leather strop)
Older Fiskars hatchet showing closeup of wider Scandi grind and shallower transition between metal hatchet head and plastic
Side by side comparison (X7 on left, older model on right). Also note the larger hammer poll on the newer X7, which improves the balance and the ease of camp chores like pounding tent stakes, etc.
Side by side comparison of profile of the two (X7 is on the left). Aside from changes in the cutting edge angle and the increased head size and weight, I see no major changes here other than a slightly steeper angle on the head leading towards the cutting edge.
PERFORMANCE TESTING
In testing the X7's performance, I wanted to test it against a well known bushcraft hatchet, that being the respected Wetterlings Wildlife Hatchet. I chose this hatchet because of the similarity in size to the X7, including head weight, overall length, and it's reputation as probably the best overall performing non-custom hand hatchet out there. The heavier head of the Wetterlings gives it slightly more chopping capability than the vaunted Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet, and therefore would be a better match for this comparison test against the similar head weight of the new X7.
In this case I'm using a rebranded Wetterlings Wildlife Hatchet marketed under Husqvarna. I've used this hatchet almost daily for the last two months to process firewood to heat our home and spent some time giving it a better profile and keep it razor sharp. It is an excellent hatchet (if you don't mind hammering in a metal wedge to properly secure the head as mine came loose within days after buying and using it).
Here's a photo of the two side by side:
The specs on the Husky\Wetterlings hatchet are extremely similar to the X7, with the Husky weighing in at 22.8 ounces (without the sheath) and the X7 at 22.6 ounces, with both having the same exact cutting edge length on the bit. Though the Wetterlings has an overall length of 12.5" compared to the X7's 14" inches, when gripped at the very bottom the difference in where the hand is from the head on both is only about a 1/2". In fact, they are so closely matched that both my newer Wetterlings hatchet sheath and older Husqvarna sheath (with the buckle) fit almost perfectly on the X7!
A side note about the X7 factory sheath.... the X7 has a newer style plastic sheath which seems much sturdier than before and appears to be a permanent sheath solution compared to the older plastic holders which fell apart after a while. While nothing is like a good leather sheath, at least it now has something sturdy and dependable to protect the edge during transport in the car or backpack.
Now, onto the performance!
To test performance, I did three tests, which included feathersticks, chopping, and general wood shaping. I left out splitting since I don't think splitting performance is much changed on the X7 compared to the older version.
In making feathersticks, I made sure both hatchets were roughly the same sharpness before testing. I really thought the Husky\Wetterlings would beat the X7 here, but to my suprise, the X7 just carved a little easier.
To test performance, I did three tests, which included feathersticks, chopping, and general wood shaping. I left out splitting since I don't think splitting performance is much changed on the X7 compared to the older version.
In making feathersticks, I made sure both hatchets were roughly the same sharpness before testing. I really thought the Husky\Wetterlings would beat the X7 here, but to my suprise, the X7 just carved a little easier.
Here's a featherstick made with the Husky\Wetterlings:
Here's a featherstick made with the X7 using a slightly larger stick, which actually made it harder to do but the X7 still outperformed the Husky\Wetterlings
CHOPPING
I tested the X7 against the Husky\Wetterlings by chopping 25 times each into a piece of mostly seasoned hardwood that I picked up from a local property owner that cut down his dead tree. Don't ask me what this stuff is, but it's damn heavy considering that's it's mostly dry! Much heavier than the Douglas Fir and Pine that grows naturally up here.
Here's 25 chops into it with my trusty Husky\Wetterlings hatchet
Here's 25 chops with the X7. This thing amazes me that it can chop so well. Huge wood chunks fly almost like a 19" bushcraft axe when you start chopping with it. The photo doesn't really show how much difference as compared to what I saw in person, but it's the best photo I could get before the snow started falling
(yes, snow in April!)
OVERALL IMPRESSION
My impression after using this hatchet is that it's simply phenomenal at any price. I haven't used the hatchet over a long period of time so I can't say for sure yet if Fiskars fixed the problem with the overly soft steel on the older ones, but so far it does seem that the steel is improved. Edge retention was as good as the Wetterlings in testing, and I even chopped into some knots just to see if the X7's edge would chip or roll. So far, the edge has stayed perfect and is still super sharp. If this changes I'll post an update to this review.
As far as shaping wood for bushcraft tasks was concerned, i.e. tent pegs, wooden implements, etc. again, the X7 slightly outperformed the Wetterlings as it did with making feathersticks. This was another surprise.
As for the feel of the X7, it is much improved and handle retention is now better than most hatchets I've used. The balance almost feels like using a traditional wooden handled hatchet, which is amazing considering its all-composite construction. The rubberized handle portion reduces shock in addition to adding grip, so I think Fiskars hit a home run with this change.
I'm so impressed with this hatchet that I'm going to give the Wetterlings a break for a spell and start carrying the X7 in the bush, as the greater performance for the same weight just can't be denied. I'll still hang onto and use my Wetterlings as I enjoy the traditional look and feel of it, but for now, the X7 looks to be my new woods companion in the backcountry from now on.
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