About Hatchet type
A commentary on the types and characteristics of the one-handed ax hatchet.
overview
Although axes have many uses, there are no clear standards for their types, and (probably) they are also distinguished by shape, and there is no sense of unity in the names of manufacturers, so there is no distinction. It's difficult, but on this site, we divided them based on their use.
You often see descriptions of hatchets in the same line as two-handed axes, such as "for chopping wood, for felling, and for hatchets." This site has original classification based on the use of two-handed axes.
Although it's original, it's the main ax for camping, so I think it's easy to distinguish between axes suitable for camping.
| Two-Handed Ax | Hatchet |
|---|---|
| Wood-chopping ax | Heavy Hatchet |
| Logging ax | light hatchet |
| Hacker ax | Carving Ax |
Briefly, they are distinguished by split, cut, and form.
I don't think you'll ever use a two-handed ax at a camp, but since it's based on the distinction between two-handed axes (wood-chopping ax, logging ax, and chopping ax), the article below briefly explains two-handed axes. Keep an eye out.
What is Hatchet
A hatchet is a short, one-handed ax, also known as a handaxe or hatchet.
The handle is short so that it can be used with one hand, and the weight is light and easy to carry, so it is the most used type for camping and bushcraft.
The specs as an impression are about 20cm to 40cm in length and about 500g to 1000g in weight.
In order to prevent the ax from flying out of the hand due to momentum, there are many axes that incorporate a hole called a songhole for a cord to be passed through, or a structure with a wider end of the handle called a gripstop.
There is a wide range of lengths and weights, and when comparing small and large ones, there are times when the difference is more than double.
In addition, there is a strong image that it is made as a small version of a splitting ax (wood splitting ax) or a felling ax (logging ax) according to the purpose of cutting and splitting.
This hatchet is the only ax I use for camping, but as mentioned above, there are many types and different uses, so it is difficult to choose.
Use a hatchet as a hammer
Since it is a light ax that can be used with one hand, it is assumed that the back of the head can be used as a hammer, but Does damage to the handle. And there is a risk that the back will collapse and spread, so be careful.
Avoid using a hammer that gives a strong impact, and only hit it.
When hitting the back of the ax with batoning, try to use wood instead of metal or stone.
By the way, if you hit the steel head with metal or stone, sparks may fly, so be careful of fire.
You can also hit with the belly of the head instead of the back.
It's hard to swing because the center of gravity fluctuates, but because the area is wide, you can hit the target with the corner of the ax without denting it.
Hatchet for chopping wood
An ax used to split wood that is thinner than a log into pieces about the size of commercially available firewood.
Features of Hatchet for chopping wood
The head is heavy so that the blade bites into the firewood, and the blade is thick so that the firewood can be easily split when the blade bites into it.
It weighs more than 900g and has a solid feel like an axe.
The curve of the head is loose and almost rectangular.
Because the entire head is thick, it is difficult to sharpen the blade.
As a product, it is sold as a regular "Hatchet Handaxe Hatchet".
Husqvarna Hatchet and Halta Horse Scout.
There are also wedge-shaped axes that bulge out at the center of the head, similar to splitting axes.
Many of the hatchets made by famous manufacturers have an S-shaped handle that is easy to grip, while many cheap ones have a straight handle.
However, since the "cutting" ax such as the felling and carving axes introduced below has a nearly straight handle, it does not mean that "straight = cheap".
Use of Hatchet for chopping wood
As mentioned above, an ax specialized for chopping wood.
Although it is a little heavy, it is easy to drop and break under its own weight.
However, when used at camp, it feels over-specified when used against commercially available firewood, and compared to a hatchet for logging, it does not have the impression that it is particularly easy to split, so it is a type of suspicious standing position. turn into.
If you're camping in a hardwood or thickly fallen campsite, you might want to opt for a wood-chopping hatchet.
Foraging Hatchet
An ax used to split wood that is about the size of firewood on the market.
If you want to buy an ax for all-purpose camping, this is it.
Features of Foraging Hatchet
Compared to wood-chopping hatchets, the weight is lighter and the blade is thinner, making it easier to sharpen.
Weight is about 600g ~ 800g.
The shape of the head extends slightly downward, and the blade has a loosely curved shape.
There are many products called mini hatchets and camping gear, such as Husqvarna camping gear, Halta horse mini hatchet, and the popular Bushcraft Glensfors Brookes.
Use of Foraging Hatchet
It can be split, but it is also possible to cut it.
To put it in a good way, he is versatile, but in a bad way, he is poor in dexterity.
However, even if you collect firewood at camp, it should be about the same thickness as firewood on the market, so a logging hatchet will be sufficient.
In camping where you often sit down, it is easier to use the batoning method of splitting by letting the blade bite into it rather than dropping it by its own weight.
Some axes are already slightly sharpened, so they can be used to make feather sticks or to shape crafts.
Carving Ax
As the name suggests, an ax used for carving (Carving).
Often used for crafting in bushcraft.
Also known as Carpenter's Ax.
Although it is not common in Japan, there are various manufacturers in Northern Europe for carving.
Northern Europe is the home of bushcraft, so it is often used by bushcrafters who value carving.
Features of Carving Ax
- Fan-shaped head
- Slow curvature of handle
- Blade attached
- Hollow grind blade
The carving ax differs from the wood-chopping and felling hatchet in that the carving ax has a blade similar to that of a knife.
The shape of the blade is also concave, called a hollow grind.
Also, like a harvesting hatchet, the curve of the handle is loose, and since it often has the base of the head, there are many axes that have a good grip at the base of the handle.
Weight around 700g ~ 800g.
The shape of the head is a fan that extends up and down, and the curve is larger than that for chopping wood or felling.
The lower part of the head is called "bearded head" overseas, and the blade extends downward to hide the fingers.
I don't know if it's pronounced "hige" in Japan.
Basically, it's an ax produced by a manufacturer like a Nordic garage brand, so the only carving ax you can easily get in Japan is Glensfors Brooks carving.
However, it is also possible to use it as an ax for sharpening and cutting a felling hatchet if it is used.
The carving ax that I have is not sold in Japan, so I will have to negotiate directly with the manufacturer and ask them to sell it specially.
Use of Carving Ax
An ax in a standing position like a knife used for cutting wood, not for chopping wood.
Since the blade is sharpened like a knife, it is not suitable for splitting firewood by swinging it down, as this may cause the blade to chip.
Although it can be used in camps, the military cup goes up to the logging hatchet in that it is suitable for the purpose.
It is very convenient to have one if you are crafting with bush craft.