The First Hatchet.

[toolguy]

I've been reading and watching videos on Youtube in order to learn about hatchets and axes.After several months of sporadic learning and viewing vids,I decided to take the next logical step and purchase.This is the first to arrive.I have three more in the pipeline but I won't write about them until they arrive.

I bought this particular hatchet for many specific reasons.The first being its one piece design.I know this flies in the face of tradition but this design has one strong point,no handle to break or splinter.This may not be of benefit in normal use but in a worst case scenario,an intact hatchet beats a hatchet head without a handle every time.

To be honest I also took into consideration that it was made in the USA and its handle was wrapped in leather.Both of these factors were attractive to me as a buyer.

After its arrival and upon inspection, certain flaws became obvious.The leather area of the handle had been lacquered and was slick to the touch.Also the back of the head of the hatchet was beveled.I can't understand the purpose of beveling the head which may be used as a hammer.I appears this does nothing but create an opportunity for the head to glance off objects intended to be hammered.

I've already taken steps to remedy one of these apparent flaws.I took a new pad of 0000 steel wool,soaked in denatured alcohol and rubbed the nasty,slick sheen off of the leather handle.These pictures were taken after I had done this.I never thought to take some before pics but I can assure you the shiny and slick leather was odious to a man,such as myself,who appreciates a good leather handled tool/knife.

I haven't had an opportunity to use this yet but when I do I'll write a few words about its performance.

[enki_ck]

One of the all time classics.

Looking forward to your thoughts once you've had some time to play with it.

[SAK Guy]

One of the all time classics.

Looking forward to your thoughts once you've had some time to play with it.

+1!!!   

[Smashie]

Nice, did it come with a sheath?

[toolguy]

Nice, did it come with a sheath?

Yes it did come with a sheath.This is a picture of it in its stock form.

I'm currently working on the sheath and hopefully it will be ready in  a few days.

[AimlessWanderer]

Looks like you're off to a good start  I hope there's something more traditional on the way too 

Just a few pointers when you start using it:

Don't use excessive force, accuracy is better than over exuberance
Keep it sharp
Always plan your swing so that if you miss the target, the axe head goes somewhere safe
New axes sometimes have a soft skin (the edge over tempers), so don't worry if it dulls quick to start with. After a couple of sharpenings you get to the good steel.
If you strike something you shouldn't, or you notice you've finished with less fingers than you started with, remember to blame Kirky

[Smashie]

Looks like you're off to a good start  I hope there's something more traditional on the way too 

Just a few pointers when you start using it:

Don't use excessive force, accuracy is better than over exuberance
Keep it sharp
Always plan your swing so that if you miss the target, the axe head goes somewhere safe
New axes sometimes have a soft skin (the edge over tempers), so don't worry if it dulls quick to start with. After a couple of sharpenings you get to the good steel.
If you strike something you shouldn't, or you notice you've finished with less fingers than you started with, remember to blame Kirky

Sage advice from Al

[Sparky415]

 



Nice Estwing 

[Gareth]

Very nice toolguy.   Al's advice is definitely worth listening too as well.

When using a hatchet, and when possible, I always like to get down near the wood to be chopped.  So if using a chopping block then kneel down for example.  That way when you do miss, and it will happen, the hatchet will strike the block and not end up swinging back towards your legs.

[zoidberg]

It is an axe, not a hammer. Also that end tends to be softer, when used it can deform and roll around the edges. The beveling helps prevent this.

[toolguy]

Thank you everyone for the advice.

I don't want to plead ignorance but I have used axes,I've just never owned any.I also never had to maintain any ax.I've chopped and split wood on a friend's ranch and at hunting camps in several states.

I did,for a brief time,own a Buck 106 which was a one piece design with nice rosewood handles.Although I never had any substantial experience with it, I did hack around with it a few times.LOL.

[toolguy]

It is an axe, not a hammer. Also that end tends to be softer, when used it can deform and roll around the edges. The beveling helps prevent this.

Thanks for that bit of information.

I was looking at it from the perspective of how that beveling would react,when the hatchet had to be used to hammer an object,that was absolutely necessary for survival.

[zoidberg]

It is an axe, not a hammer. Also that end tends to be softer, when used it can deform and roll around the edges. The beveling helps prevent this.

Thanks for that bit of information.

I was looking at it from the perspective of how that beveling would react,when the hatchet had to be used to hammer an object,that was absolutely necessary for survival.

Aye, I don't think it will be a problem.

I have a couple of their other products and love them. And that hatchet has been on my wants list for a while now. I think you did good.

[SAK Guy]

It is an axe, not a hammer. Also that end tends to be softer, when used it can deform and roll around the edges. The beveling helps prevent this.

Thanks for that bit of information.

I was looking at it from the perspective of how that beveling would react,when the hatchet had to be used to hammer an object,that was absolutely necessary for survival.

Which is why I like these.......

[toolguy]

It is an axe, not a hammer. Also that end tends to be softer, when used it can deform and roll around the edges. The beveling helps prevent this.

Thanks for that bit of information.
I was looking at it from the perspective of how that beveling would react,when the hatchet had to be used to hammer an object,that was absolutely necessary for survival.

Which is why I like these.......

Man,if that tool could talk.LOL

[SAK Guy]

It is an axe, not a hammer. Also that end tends to be softer, when used it can deform and roll around the edges. The beveling helps prevent this.

Thanks for that bit of information.
I was looking at it from the perspective of how that beveling would react,when the hatchet had to be used to hammer an object,that was absolutely necessary for survival.

Which is why I like these.......

(Image removed from quote.)

Man,if that tool could talk.LOL

LOL!!! Helped build my house and 35 years of deer hunts/camping/work!!! Gave me my first black thumbnail so I'd wager there would be a fair amount of cussin' in it's story!   

[toolguy]

Man,if that tool could talk.LOL

LOL!!! Helped build my house and 35 years of deer hunts/camping/work!!! Gave me my first black thumbnail so I'd wager there would be a fair amount of cussin' in it's story! 

LOL.

[cody6268]

I have four axes, one a hatchet that is unbranded, a Kelly Works Charleston, WV double bit felling axe (made from 1904-1933) that I re-handled, a Kelly Works axe that's had it's handle replaced with a hatchet handle (which is my main user), and a Kelly/True Temper axe that I just fixed.   

That Estwing is quite a beauty!   

I borrow a True Temper from time to time with a hammer head like that, but my grandparents won't let be own one like that.  I'd love to have one like that.

An axe is necessary for me, as an SAK saw is pretty much useless on larger wood, and my grandparent's won't let me use the chainsaw.  With my Kelly Works axe on a hatchet handle, my grandfather and I cleared a at least a foot diameter tree from the way of our Kubota RTV 900, as I'd brought my axe, but we hadn't brought the chainsaw.  It took about 15 minutes to do so, but it worked, as I keep the axe razor sharp.

[SAK Guy]

I have four axes, one a hatchet that is unbranded, a Kelly Works Charleston, WV double bit felling axe (made from 1904-1933) that I re-handled, a Kelly Works axe that's had it's handle replaced with a hatchet handle (which is my main user), and a Kelly/True Temper axe that I just fixed.   

That Estwing is quite a beauty!   

I borrow a True Temper from time to time with a hammer head like that, but my grandparents won't let be own one like that.  I'd love to have one like that.

An axe is necessary for me, as an SAK saw is pretty much useless on larger wood, and my grandparent's won't let me use the chainsaw.  With my Kelly Works axe on a hatchet handle, my grandfather and I cleared a at least a foot diameter tree from the way of our Kubota RTV 900, as I'd brought my axe, but we hadn't brought the chainsaw.  It took about 15 minutes to do so, but it worked, as I keep the axe razor sharp.

Hey I have a dbl bit that is a Kelly I think...looks like a Tru Temper. I can't remember right now.

Edit: Nah, I remember that it's got another name on it....starts with a "S" IIRC.

[WoodsDuck]

Nice choice, toolguy.
My first actual purchase of a hatchet (my great grandfather gave me this ancient one he found buried in a tree long ago) was also an Estwing. It's been through a lot, and I'm surprised this grip is still in such good shape after all that.

[toolguy]

Nice anecdote WoodsDuck.

A judicious application of oil and a coating of wax and this Estwing sheath is ready for service.

[Gareth]

That definitely looks better.

[SteveC]

[Sparky415]

Mine 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Very cool Tony

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[SAK Guy]

Very cool Tony

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+1!!!!!!!!!   

[Sparky415]

Thanks Guys I was trying for a Nessmuk kinda thing   

[Gareth]

Looking good Tony.

[Syncop8r]

I just got my first hatchet too - just for chopping up kindling around home.
It cost me a bit more than I wanted to pay but oh well.

Sorry about the poor pic.

[Gareth]

Bahco is a good choice mate.