small axe for hunting/camping

I have a Gransfors Bruks mini-hatchet (http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/produkter/new_prod/p_lillayxa.html) that I got in high school. This is a pretty spendy, hand-forged hatchet, but it is everything a tool should be. I've had it for a decade, and will have it for many more.

This fall, I used it to split the pelvis and sever the heads of two elk. One good strike went right through the pelvic bone. It's super light (12 ounces), and very effective for all sorts of stuff. Investment, though, for sure.

JOsh

Wetterlings...

also has a small hatchet similar to the Gransfors Bruks. I have the GB mini hatchet. The handle seems small, looks bigger on the the Wetterlings but I've not had the opportunity to compare the two. I also have a small Estwing hatchet that is similar in size the GB and Wetterlings. I think Estwing still makes them. Probably cheaper than either of Swedish axes.

I bought this Gerber back pack ax and have been happy with it. A bit on the high side dollar wise about 40.00 most stores. Seems to be out of stock now for most. Not sure if it is done. I got mine from wholesale hunting.

The Gransfors Bruks mini is around $160, the Wetterlings is about $70, Estwing is around $40, but the small ones are hard to find.

Marble's Safety Ax?
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduc... - Tactical/Tools-_-PriceCompListing-_-958476

http://www.uparchery.com/product_info.php?products_id=201

Or the Gerber.

rc

Boy Scout Ax

Check out the Supersportsman Sub-Zero. At just over a pound in weight and a cost under $20, it's a heckuva deal. I carry one in my pack and hardly notice it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HWD4N0/ref=oss_product



For breaking the pelvis, I also like to have a hammer along to strike the backside of the axe's head. You can also use the axe and hammer on the ribcage.

An alternative to a hatchet is the EOD Robotics Breacher Bar: http://www.countycomm.com/eodrtool.htm

I have an older Buck Hand Axe that I picked up back in 83,..works well,..light and compact,...but I don't usually carry it hiking anymore. It does nothing for me that a good knife won't do as well.

Firestone is another option but they are pricy less so for the plastic ones...I like the Fiskars/Gerber axes as well.

I have a Gerber back Packs that I bought around 18-19 years ago. Still use it one of the best investments I have made in the way of durability.

I do not have, but want badly, a Gransfors Bruks hatchet.

Pricey, yes. However, once purchased and properly cared for, it should render a lifetime of service. I have a little old kabar knife-hatchet combo, and that hatchet is a kids toy compared to the GB, and in fact that was exactly how it was used as I was growing up. I mean, they are real tools and everything, but it's apples and oranges in terms of quality. I also happen to have one of the little Gerber hatchets as part of my car kit, and it has been nothing but handy and has rendered good service.

Though long out of business, Norlund made axes and hatchets of incredible steel. I have one of their camp hatchets, Hudson Bay pattern head, which I picked up at a yard sale for the mind boggling sum of 50 centavos some thirty years ago........... can't beat 'em.

Isher

Addendum: just found one on fleabay, if you want to know what they look like
http://cgi.ebay.com/Genuine-NORLUND...ultDomain_0&hash=item2eb1dcf763#ht_5983wt_907

For hunting, the Gerber works. I find most hatchets next to useless and a good knife is all you need; carry a folding small saw for camping. You can baton a knife through the pelvic bone of most deer quite easily. I like the Gransfors axes quite a lot for real axe work, but often carry a cheapie because I often abuse them chopping into the ground on roots and so forth.

For what it's worth, I broke the handle on a Buck 105 batonning it through the pelvic bone on a 4 point mule deer.

All good ones.

Estwing campers axe at Lowe's or Home Depot.