[Domindart]

My craftsman didnt last after I hacked away at the roots I took from the yard. The head is coming off...

Its 14" long and I like that length, want to stay around there.

This is a couple inches shorter. Unitecd Cutery good?

I like that it comes w a knife.

http://www.camping-gear-outlet.com/camping-gear-321398.html

I dont want to spend any more than $40

 

[Rely]

I was reading a article in "the backwoodsman. Mag. They used a lawnmower blade to make a hatchet/machty if you wanted to do a little hard work, I may try making one just something to do.

 

[sly otter]

Take a look at the cold steel tomahawks, ive used 1 for some years now and i got no complaints, there also easy to modify using para cord for handle grip,ect..also Bark River knives make a nice ax thats worth taking a look at....ill try and get some pics up of my hawk in the next day or 2.

 

[mwnavyvet]

look at the estwing camp axe - solid steel construction, you don't have to worry about the head coming off

 

[GaryMP]

Another vote for Estwing.

 

[Domindart]

I went online to REI.com tonight and bought me some stuff, including the Gerber combo II axe and saw... $50 for the combo, so well see.

I hope the saw stays in the handle while using.

http://www.rei.com/product/730548/gerber-gator-combo-axe-ii

 

[vicdotcom]

Solid 1 piece of steel construction. Your arms will break before this does. Good for garden work. About 30-40 bucks.

 

[Domindart]

which is that?

 

[vicdotcom]

which is that?

Estwing hatchet. Made in USA also. The handle is lacquered leather. It has a nice balance and lots of chopping power. You can use it for a hammer if you needed also. You really won't ever break it LOL It does weigh more than the model you posted, but if it is for the garden and busting roots, this will not fail. 14 inches also.

BTW if you want a temporary fix to your old hatchet (assuming it is wood handled) is to soak it in boiled linseed oil for a few weeks. It will swell up and keep it in place for a while longer. You will need to re-wedge it eventually, but the linseed oil soak will help in the short term. Never use water.

 

[Domindart]

I was wondering about salvaging it, but its only a cheap craftsman, I dont know if I trust it anymore. I might keep the blade and use it for shaving wood or something.

 

[econnofoot]

I got a Kobalt Tool wood handle one from Lowes little over a month ago, for 20 or so pretty decent Hatchet and apparently carries a guarantee. Took bit of time get the blade right but works good for processing wood( split a bunch for my smoker last nite) Husqvarna has pretty nice hatchet for little bit more(what I wanted but no one had them local in my area).