Camp Chopper

[Smith357]

I got a Cold Steel Kukri and after re-profiling the edge it's a decent cutter but not as good as my old 24" Ontario Latin that is my main clearing tool at the Cabin. When it comes to clearing paths and cutting saplings the Kukri just is not on par with the big Latin. And for real chopping a hawk or a hatchet is a much better tool. The Kukri currently resides in my get home bag in the trunk of my car with a SOG Hawk, an impulse buy of poor quality. There if I ever need them, but I really won't fret over them if something happens to them.



I've been a Tomahawk guy since my uncle took me to my first Rendezvous some 40 years ago. All those mountain men with their long rifles, green river knives, and tomahawks just struck me as the coolest guys around. Lately, I have been carrying a Devin Price made Two Hawks Longhunter on my belt. For the last few years with just a hawk and a good Hudson bay knife I can handle just about any camp chore short of felling trees. They are great tools for light to medium chopping, splitting kindling, making feather sticks, cutting tent poles and hammering them into the dirt. Plus they go real nice with the Santa Fe Hawken

 

[rodwha]

I like your second tomahawk and the percussion rifle! Nice!

 

[wheelgunslinger]

For the last few years with just a hawk and a good Hudson bay knife I can handle just about any camp chore short of felling trees. They are great tools for light to medium chopping, splitting kindling, making feather sticks, cutting tent poles and hammering them into the dirt.

right on. And when you're talking about backpacking, not dayhiking or car camping, the ounces count. I find the utility of a hawk or a hatchet to be really worth the extra ounces over one of the big fixed blades. But I'm partial to axe tools, I'll admit.

 

[Dr. Sandman]

I voted other. I would bring a small machete and a pocket knife. If you want a kukri, get one. It would do the trick. Kukris are pretty cool looking.

 

[Nighteyes]

backpacking is the keyword here.

It also really depends on where you're packing.

I voted hatchet because regardless of hardwood or conifer (or both like the Appalachians here), it'll get you both heartwood and firewood, shave small stuff down, split sections (especially if you make a heartwood or stone wedge with it), and take down dead stuff. As a defense weapon, it's okay.

I have one of those bear grylls Parangs, and it's okay. But most of the time I take a sven saw and a hatchet if there is plenty of deadfall. If not, just a hatchet.

Rodwha,

I agree with wheelgunslinger -- what you carry should depend on where you're headed. As I mentioned in your other thread, my 10-inch bush knife has served me well in the places I've been. In places like the ones wheelgunslinger mentioned, a hatchet will serve better. In both cases a mill file and a small stone will keep the edge razor-sharp.

I second the notion of packing a Sven Saw into the woodlands. Great tools, and very easy to carry/use.

 

[SuperNaut]

Hatchet.

I have a couple of Estwing Carpenter's hatchets and they see a lot of use. I have one that is leather handled and one that is rubber. I like the rubber handled one the most. I use Carpenter's hatchets rather than "camp specific" hatchets, they are a lot more versatile to me.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Hatchet.

I have a couple of Estwing Carpenter's hatchets and they see a lot of use. I have one that is leather handled and one that is rubber. I like the rubber handled one the most. I use Carpenter's hatchets rather than "camp specific" hatchets, they are a lot more versatile to me.

They are built like a Tank.

 

[mac66]

I carry a machete while hunting, camping, in all my vehicles including my ATV. Most versatile blade I use.

 

[srtolly]

Interesting discussion. I had to give up backpacking because of my knees but I still get in the woods. I used to carry a 28" boys axe which could do all the hatchet stuff and more and only slightly heavier.

I also carry my KaBar and a Mora companion. Still carry the KaBar and Mora but I'm usually only out for a couple days at a time now and not too far from the truck where that axe still resides.

Edit: can't forget about the .357 that is my woods companion either.