Looking for recommendations for a basic and not too big hatchet/axe for wood splitting for camp fires. Something along the lines of this Estwing 14" or this Fiskars X7. Suggestions?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Hatchet for wood splitting?
- Thread starter Quattro Pete
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JHZR2
Staff member
I prefer this kind, but dont have a good reason why other than that sometimes the hammer end comes in handy.
VAUGHAN Carbon Steel Hatchet with 13-in Hardwood Handle
![[Linked Image]](https://mobileimages.lowes.com/product/converted/051218/051218205206.jpg "[Linked Image]")
https://www.lowes.com/pd/vaughan-ca...860&gclid=CIX-o8b43eICFQZXDQodbxILeA
The challenge becomes if you have larger material. I split wood occasionally for a small backyard fire pit, and even 4" round dried wood does not split all that well with one of these if its in larger logs. These hatchets are IMO better off for making smaller pieces out of already split wood.
A splitting wedge and sledge might also be useful to you depending upon what kind of stock youre trying to split.
VAUGHAN Carbon Steel Hatchet with 13-in Hardwood Handle
https://www.lowes.com/pd/vaughan-ca...860&gclid=CIX-o8b43eICFQZXDQodbxILeA
The challenge becomes if you have larger material. I split wood occasionally for a small backyard fire pit, and even 4" round dried wood does not split all that well with one of these if its in larger logs. These hatchets are IMO better off for making smaller pieces out of already split wood.
A splitting wedge and sledge might also be useful to you depending upon what kind of stock youre trying to split.
Originally Posted by JHZR2
These hatchets are IMO better off for making smaller pieces out of already split wood.
Yeah, it would mainly be for splitting already split firewood into smaller pieces, so what you have might actually be better for this purpose. Maybe I should look at this one instead: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Estwing-64-oz-Fireside-Friend-Splitting-Tool-E3-FF4/202183840
These hatchets are IMO better off for making smaller pieces out of already split wood.
Yeah, it would mainly be for splitting already split firewood into smaller pieces, so what you have might actually be better for this purpose. Maybe I should look at this one instead: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Estwing-64-oz-Fireside-Friend-Splitting-Tool-E3-FF4/202183840
I find a small axe much better than a hatchet. I was unable to split any of the larger logs with a hatchet.
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Yeah, it would mainly be for splitting already split firewood into smaller pieces, so what you have might actually be better for this purpose. Maybe I should look at this one instead: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Estwing-64-oz-Fireside-Friend-Splitting-Tool-E3-FF4/202183840
That's a nice one. 4 lbs of US made steel, you get a sheath, its a one piece forging, and its got a shock absorbent grip. Not bad at all for 30 bucks. I would go with that one
Yeah, it would mainly be for splitting already split firewood into smaller pieces, so what you have might actually be better for this purpose. Maybe I should look at this one instead: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Estwing-64-oz-Fireside-Friend-Splitting-Tool-E3-FF4/202183840
That's a nice one. 4 lbs of US made steel, you get a sheath, its a one piece forging, and its got a shock absorbent grip. Not bad at all for 30 bucks. I would go with that one
Hands down the best quality you will find. Perfect for splitting. Hand forged in Sweden.
Caution: they are addictive. You will not stop at just one Gransfors Bruks axe...I have three now...
https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/product/gransfors-splitting-hatchet/
Caution: they are addictive. You will not stop at just one Gransfors Bruks axe...I have three now...
https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/product/gransfors-splitting-hatchet/
Kestas
Staff member
I prefer a wedge and a sledge hammer.
If you want one made in the USA, Council Tool makes a decent hatchet at a reasonable price. I have an axe and hatchet from them. I bought them for general wood splitting of mostly campground bought wood. What I found, like others have mentioned, is that you don't really want a general axe or hatchet for splitting. They're much better suited for cutting chunks out of the side of wood, their narrower edge just gets stuck in the end grain. The blunt wedge shape of most splitting tools do work better. http://counciltool.com/
I didn't want to spend the money on a Swedish Hultafors/Hults Bruk or Gransfors, so I got the Husqvarna branded small splitting axe, supposedly made by in a quality Swedish forge: https://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-Wo...;qid=1560168660&s=gateway&sr=8-7
I didn't want to spend the money on a Swedish Hultafors/Hults Bruk or Gransfors, so I got the Husqvarna branded small splitting axe, supposedly made by in a quality Swedish forge: https://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-Wo...;qid=1560168660&s=gateway&sr=8-7
Originally Posted by dlundblad
Somebody also makes a kindling splitter. I think Northern Tool carries them?
All you'd need is a decent hammer then.
If I was still heating the house with wood, I would buy their Kindling Cracker.
https://www.northerntool.com/images/product/rich-content/118990/kc-northerntool-equipment.gif
Somebody also makes a kindling splitter. I think Northern Tool carries them?
All you'd need is a decent hammer then.
If I was still heating the house with wood, I would buy their Kindling Cracker.
https://www.northerntool.com/images/product/rich-content/118990/kc-northerntool-equipment.gif
Just read a little more closely, that estwing fireside friend splitter looks like a pretty good option. In general, I'd definitely agree that you want something designed for splitting.
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Yeah, it would mainly be for splitting already split firewood into smaller pieces
I get by with the cheap HF hatchet for that purpose.
Yeah, it would mainly be for splitting already split firewood into smaller pieces
I get by with the cheap HF hatchet for that purpose.
I prefer a high quality machete, which will split the small wood a hatchet would, but also clear brush/etc for a campground or trails when hiking, etc.
If you want to struggle endlessly with your wood, use a hatchet. Otherwise get a nice axe.
The bottom line is that it takes a certain amount of energy to cut and split wood. Weight and handle length are features that help you impart energy into wood.
I have some very high end hatchets, not one of them is worth much other than to deal with kindling.
The bottom line is that it takes a certain amount of energy to cut and split wood. Weight and handle length are features that help you impart energy into wood.
I have some very high end hatchets, not one of them is worth much other than to deal with kindling.
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Originally Posted by Cujet
If you want to struggle endlessly with your wood, use a hatchet.
I started this thread not knowing the proper terminology.
My intent was to ask for a tool to further split campfire wood, not necessarily a hatchet.
If you want to struggle endlessly with your wood, use a hatchet.
I started this thread not knowing the proper terminology.
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by Cujet
If you want to struggle endlessly with your wood, use a hatchet.
I started this thread not knowing the proper terminology.
My intent was to ask for a tool to further split campfire wood, not necessarily a hatchet.
In that case, for modest splitting and convenient size, may I suggest:
https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/product/gransfors-small-splitting-axe/
I have the large splitting axe, which is still smaller than most mauls and splitters, but that Gransfors Bruks blows through wood that leaves the big mauls and heavy wedges stuck. The design and shape of the head make it far more effective than its size might suggest.
It is beautiful to behold and an absolute pleasure to use.
You will not regret buying one.
Originally Posted by Cujet
If you want to struggle endlessly with your wood, use a hatchet.
I started this thread not knowing the proper terminology.
In that case, for modest splitting and convenient size, may I suggest:
https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/product/gransfors-small-splitting-axe/
I have the large splitting axe, which is still smaller than most mauls and splitters, but that Gransfors Bruks blows through wood that leaves the big mauls and heavy wedges stuck. The design and shape of the head make it far more effective than its size might suggest.
It is beautiful to behold and an absolute pleasure to use.
You will not regret buying one.
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted by EdwardC
Just read a little more closely, that estwing fireside friend splitter looks like a pretty good option. In general, I'd definitely agree that you want something designed for splitting.
+1. I think when this thread first popped up, what the link took me to was something different. While I wouldn't necessarily want to carry a 4# sledge/hatchet with me, it's probably ideal given mass, for what OP wants to do.
Just read a little more closely, that estwing fireside friend splitter looks like a pretty good option. In general, I'd definitely agree that you want something designed for splitting.
+1. I think when this thread first popped up, what the link took me to was something different. While I wouldn't necessarily want to carry a 4# sledge/hatchet with me, it's probably ideal given mass, for what OP wants to do.
Originally Posted by BigD1
Originally Posted by dlundblad
Somebody also makes a kindling splitter. I think Northern Tool carries them?
All you'd need is a decent hammer then.
If I was still heating the house with wood, I would buy their Kindling Cracker.
https://www.northerntool.com/images/product/rich-content/118990/kc-northerntool-equipment.gif
This is perfect, you get precision and get to keep your toes. Having a large hammer in the car is also handy for getting lug nuts loose
Originally Posted by dlundblad
Somebody also makes a kindling splitter. I think Northern Tool carries them?
All you'd need is a decent hammer then.
If I was still heating the house with wood, I would buy their Kindling Cracker.
https://www.northerntool.com/images/product/rich-content/118990/kc-northerntool-equipment.gif
This is perfect, you get precision and get to keep your toes. Having a large hammer in the car is also handy for getting lug nuts loose
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