Reddit reviews Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet

Toss a hatchet in the air, let it do a flip, and then attempt to catch it by the handle.

I just tried this an hour ago and the result was as expected...which involves a fair amount of blood. The edge caught my pointer finger and left a 2 inch cut. Why you ask? Well I drank half a bottle of red wine and just received my Fiskars X7 hatchet from Amazon...so obviously the first thing to do was to play catch with it.

assuming quelling blade costs 200 gold or $25 on Amazon, 1 dollar equals 8 gold, and a bottle of water costs $6,25, which means DOTA is actually an Airport map.

I have a Fiskar hatchet, and use it as a hammer regularly, as well as cut kindling. It's sweet, and the poly-carbonate handle is supposedly unbreakable. I didn't believe them so i propped it on a rock and ran it over with my F250. It bent in half. I backed off of it and it miraculously sprang back into shape like nothing happened.

It's this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-7850-X7-14-Inch-Hatchet/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1372549206&sr=8-4&keywords=gerber+hatchet

edit: cut kindling, not butt kindling.

Your requirement for one piece seems arbitrary - check out some of the top options in this review.

Gränsfors Bruk Small Hatchet, 0.7lbs, $129.99.

Gränsfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet, 1.3lbs, $99.99.

Wetterlings Wildlife Hatchet, 1.2lbs, $99.99

Fiskars X7, 1.4lbs, $21.85.

Eastwing Sportsman, 1.8lbs, $26.99, one piece.

Wetterlings and Gransfors Brux are the considered by many to be some of the best axes and hatchets you can buy (and they certainly cost enough!).

However, on the more normally priced, but still higher-end of things, you can safely get an Estwing, Fiskars, or Condor - with the edge going to Condor for being the most 'traditional' of those more normal priced hatchets.

Of those that I listed, I own the Estwing and Fiskars, as the others have just been out of my price range. I like them both very much. Over time, the finish on the leather handle of the Estwing will crack and flake, which is probably likely due to sun exposure - you will need to maintain the handle a bit eventually. The Fiskars, though definitely the most modern looking - are quite awesome hatchets for the price, and are incredibly durable. It's edge might be a little more fragile (it's just an angle thing, you could probably reprofile it if you were desperate) than the Estwing, but it cuts a little better too - you just have to avoid rocks (as you should be anyways).

So for shelter, I'd suggest this tarp. I also suggest checking out the forum that the tarp is from (www.bushcraftusa.com) because it's a forum all about bushcraft but has sub forums in ultralight and backpacking. The tarp is https://bushcraftoutfitters.com/coyote-tarp-10x10/ which is priced at $67. The reason I suggest this is because this tarp specifically, there's lots of way's to set it up. Check out this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxtHJm51NPY&t=


So for cooking, it's pretty simple. This video will show you what most bushcrafters use and the links that follow are the two items. I use it myself and in fact have two sets because of how much I enjoy it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00gwQ4z_nQQ&t and the following links for the items. https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=Ozark%20Trail%2018-Ounce%20Stainless%20Steel%20Cup
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-Adventure-Camp-Cook-Set/16784406
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-9-5-Round-Frying-Pan/49332895


Hammocks are over rated, sleeping pads are a mess to figure out, get a cot. In fact, get this cot. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Outdoor-Super-Ultralight-Portable-Folding-Aluminium-alloy-Cot-Camping-Tent-Bed/112355265955?hash=item1a28e54da3:g:-PUAAOSwTM5Y365i:rk:2:pf:0


And now you need a knife, saw, and hatchet right? Well let's tackle all three.
https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-4-1-Inch-Military/dp/B004ZAIXSC?ref_=w_bl_hsx_s_sp_web_6501052011
https://www.amazon.com/Bahco-396-LAP-Laplander-Folding-Inch/dp/B0001IX7OW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540606867&sr=8-1&keywords=Bacho+Laplander
https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-X7-Hatchet-Inch-378501-1002/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1540607032&sr=8-2&keywords=Fiskars+X7+Hatchet+14+Inch%2C+378501-1002
And as a added bonus here's a fire steel.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-x-2-5-Drilled-Ferrocerium-Ferro-Rod-Steel-Flint-Fire-Starter-w-Lanyard-Hole/131485475489?hash=item1e9d2522a1:rk:4:pf:0


And finally to end it all, we have a sleeping bag. This one is well known in the world. Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree. It's a dry down bag which means it's made of down that can handle some moisture but still keep you warm. It's rated for 20 degree's. I'll post the same bag as well but is rated for 0 degrees'. It'll be more expensive but it'll let you stay warm during the winter.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kelty-Cosmic-20-Sleeping-Bag-20-Degree-Down/253894865275?epid=1152349824&hash=item3b1d50317b:m:mFpUvLXnvtZZETXdugDHwvw:rk:2:pf:0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kelty-Cosmic-0-Sleeping-Bag-0-Degree-Down/253375355468?epid=28012067594&hash=item3afe591a4c:m:mCrEnOYV72CJ257e08pGR4Q:rk:2:pf:0


Check the sizes of the sleeping bag before you buy.


Also a pack, this one works as two in one. Really nice for a 60L https://outdoorvitals.com/products/rhyolite-60l-lightweight-internal-frame-backpack1
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If you do plan on doing any winter camping, I'd edit a few things. One of them is I'd get the 0 Degree sleeping bag posted. Instead of the tarp I'd get this pup tent. https://www.ebay.com/itm/USGI-Military-Issue-2-Man-Canvas-PUP-TENT-w-Poles-Stakes-Complete-VGC/392111853275?hash=item5b4bb00edb:g:JEQAAOSw~jJarA5E:rk:1:pf:0 Which comes with poles and stakes. I normally toss the poles and get some branches outside. I get four branches and make a bipod that I tie off on either end. That gives me more room inside the tent and less weight I have to carry on my person.


I'd still get the cot but I'd also include Thermarest Z-Lite sleeping pad to put on top of it https://www.ebay.com/itm/Therm-a-Rest-Z-Lite-Sol-Ultralight-Foam-Backpacking-Mattress/132801349129?epid=1900010560&hash=item1eeb93c609:rk:1:pf:0 as well as one of those super heavy duty emergency blankets. It's a reflective blanket but it's also the same thickness as some of those heat reflectors you use for a car windshield. Not those flimsy things you see "survivalists" use. Those placed on the cot, with that zero degree bag, and that shelter works amazingly. Just don't throw a heavy blanket on the sleeping bag and don't wear a lot of clothes in it either. That'll make everything for naught.
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So with everything listed, the pack, cooking stuff, tools, cot, sleeping bag, and either the canvas shelter or tap, you'd be looking at around $560 assuming you got the 0 Degree Sleeping Bag instead of the 20 Degree. Which you really should. A 0 Degree is much better in my case.


Also if you do get a down sleeping bag, NEVER STORE IT IN THE COMPRESSED STATE!!! Always store it someplace with it out of it's bag. If you keep it compressed 24/7 until you use it, you'll destroy the down.

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-78506935-X7-Hatchet-14-Inch/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427480283&sr=8-1&keywords=x7+hatchet

Doesn't include a referral link as in the article...

Well since you asked.


Get a quality headlamp (like a Trunite TH10) instead of the one you have picked. Don't forget extra batteries and dont store them in the headlamp. I have had those energizer ones and while not bad for around the house or shop they arent very durable and I would want something a bit tougher for out doors. But this is more of just my opinion, the energizer one work an emergency.


You have three different firestarter kits. Stick with a ferror rod like this one and some cotton balls. Then toss in a 5 pack of bic lighters. Dont need to be more complicated then that.


I would pair the wool blanket with a survival blanket. Or even just carry a good sleeping bag. Just depends how cold it gets at night in the areas you travel.


Skip the Titan bracelet and cord and just buy some paracord at a fraction of the cost.



skip the campsnail, most that stuff is will be junk quality and redundant.


Tent stakes but you have a hammock?


Skip the tactical pen and get a couple pencils. Wont dry up and you can sharpen with your knife.


Those food ration packs taste like garbage. They will work but you could pack granola bars, jerky, nuts, rice, etc. Better for morale.


Skip the life straw/filter bottle and get a sawyer water filter. Fraction of the cost and is highly recommended by everyone who uses them including myself. Also get Stainless steel water bottle locally for a couple bucks. Allows you to boil water if you need to.


Get an Genuine Ames Entrenching Tool. from ebay. Anything but the Ames brand are flimsy junk.


I would go with a Fiskars x7 hatchet instead of one you have picked out.


I would suggest a couple tarps as well. 8x10 is a good size. Just get a couple cheap one from the hardware store. They dont need to be fancy.




After all my recommendations my best advice is to go out and practice. None of this stuff will do you any good if you dont know how to use it. There are many good youtube channels to watch as well. Go out on a nice day and practice fire making, water filtering, preparing food. Then spend the night. Next go out on a colder day, maybe a rainy day.

I have an HI Kukhri that chops just as well as this hatchet: http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-78506935-X7-14-Inch-Hatchet/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1408051660&sr=8-4&keywords=hatchet

It can also work as a machete.

The problem is weight. It's heavy to lug around, and your arm would get tired very quickly using it to blaze a trail.

It works quite well as a full hatchet replacement (albeit more dangerous), plus some light brush clearing though.

What are you planning to do with your axe? The one you linked to is described as a "felling axe," which means its meant to cut stuff down. To my knowledge, cutting down trees is not permitted in any public camping spaces. I do most of my camping in CA, and you are allowed to pick up deadfall in some places, as it reduces fuel for forest fires. If that's your plan, you might look into a splitting axe, which acts like a wedge and will be better for splitting logs than a felling axe.

If I'm car camping in the desert, I usually just take a hatchet like this one and use my tent mallet to drive the hatchet down the log. When I car camp in more forested areas, I'll take a splitting axe and a 8lb sledgehammer. If I'm backpacking, I take a knife.

You know that's a $25, hatchet that's spending $100 dollars on a paracord wrap.

Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_TYsMwbH19DAGR)

>40 oz hammer hatchet

>Trail EDC

🙄

Cut your weight in half.

A hatchet and a small knife are ideal, in my experience. A Mora Companion and a Fiskar's X7 will do darn near anything you need to do. Less than $50 together.

Fiskars X7

14" hatchet for $24 (WalMart), w/ a lifetime guarantee. The steel is a little softer than a Gransfors Bruks or Wetterlings, but it's also super-easy to sharpen and takes a good edge. It splits well, chops well and carves well. I've used mine to carve a bow-drill kit.

Here's a video review.

I almost got the Estwing, but it's heavier and the handle doesn't go all the way up to the head, which makes carving, detail work and fine splitting difficult.

I'd really like to have a Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe because it's the right size and the bit is heat treated to a greater hardness, so it'll take and hold a much sharper edge, but that also means it's more brittle. I live in Kentucky, with lots of Oak and Ash trees and those woods are tough enough to chip a hard, brittle edge.

A Council Tool Velvicut Hudson Bay Axe would also be a great option. Though pricey, it performs as well as a Gransfors Bruks, but with a slightly softer edge so it can take a bit more abuse.

Another vote for Fiskars. I keep this hatchet: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002YTO7E in my recovery bag for my Jeep. I've had it for three years I think... used it numerous times on the trail, bonfires, and camping. Works great and comes sharp as hell.

I just picked up a Fiskars hatchet. It's cheap enough at ~$25 that I didn't think that I could go too wrong, and it has great reviews. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but it does have a great feel in my hand.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002YTO7E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

Not to be a downer but I was just this week shopping for my first axe. I thought the X7 was attractive for price but I always go on Amazon and look at the worst reviews to see if they are reasonable objections, or just people who don't know what they're talking about. Many of them reported the edge bending/folding after light use.

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-78506935-X7-Hatchet-14-Inch/product-reviews/B0002YTO7E/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_one?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addOneStar&showViewpoints=0

I won't leave you with bad news without some good.

This is what I settled on: http://www.helkonorthamerica.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=204

It's the Helko German Standard Universal Axe. I obviously haven't had the chance to use it yet but if you take a look at their description of their manufacturing techniques and specifications, it's a VERY good sign. My understanding is that these are primarily sold in Europe, so I couldn't find many Youtube reviews, but again the mfg. standards speak for themselves. All that for only $49 + $5 shipping!

In an urban environment, probably not. In a wilderness environment, I'd take the hatchet and pruning saw and substitute the shovel with a lightweight plastic trowel. The hatchet is a good useful length, but I'd prefer a Fiskars, I think. They've got a solid reputation.

There are several variations, and tbh it’s no an axe you can beat the shit out of but for a lightweight backpacking hatchet(or even axe) they’re pretty hard to beat.

Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gCsOAbBQ3ZR0F

I've been using a Fiskars hatchet for going on 6 years now, I even use it to process smaller firewood at home. Great piece of kit and dirt cheap. Highly recommended.

https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-X7-Hatchet-14-Inch/dp/B0002YTO7E

I got my 22-year old about 30 things and 90% of them are for camping. A few BIFL items:

A hatchet - I bought another for myself

Two vintage Woolrich wool and fleece lined jackets - they're from the 70's with zero wear and tear.

Eastwing makes a nice hatchet (My father has one that was handed down to him from his father that although it needs a restore job still works well). It is however heavier than something with a wooden handle so if weight is a concern you may want to look more this way. (Sorry I don't know how to pretty up a link)

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-X7-Inch-Hatchet-78506935/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1418002422&sr=8-7&keywords=fiskars

First I'd make sure you both have all the clothing and footwear you need to be comfortable and the things you'd need for an urban day out (pack, water bottle, some snacks, etc.). Nothing ruins a day like an unexpected blister / rain shower that causes a chill / burned hand from a fire.

After that I'd consider basic survival needs and comforts that might be different in the woods. A small survival kit (and the knowledge required to use it), toilet paper, bug spray, gloves to protect your hands from heat and thorns, a tarp (which you already say you have) to escape the sun or rain, etc.. One suggestion I have that I don't see mentioned often is a lightweight foam kneeling pad. You can get them at the dollar stores in the gardening section usually and for the negligible weight and space they're worth having in my opinion. They are great for kneeling on (obviously), which you'll be doing a lot when practicing bushcraft skills like fire making, and they make a huge difference for the backside when sitting on ground / logs / rocks that are hard / wet / dirty.

With comfort and survival covered you can look at the real 'tools' of bushcraft. The most important thing, in my opinion, is a good knife for each of you. Soooo many projects / skills that are considered 'bushcraft' require / are made easier when you have a decent knife. You don't need to spend a lot (a Mora Companion is a great choice for under 10 dollars), just be sure to do your homework before spending money so you don't end up with something that looks cool but isn't practical for your bushcraft needs.

Beyond the knife I won't go into details about the rest of my suggestions but I think you'll find reasoning behind them fairly self-evident. I've been bushcrafting / camping / hunting for the better part of 2 decades now and all items I list below are all ones that I've personally used many, many times and wouldn't recommend if I didn't find them awesome and reliable. If you look into them further I think you'll find most / all are considered the best 'bang for your buck' option in their given class.


Mora Companion fixed blade knife - carbon or stainless doesn't matter, both are great: ~$12-15

Nalgene leak-proof water bottle - The cheaper HDPE bottle is actually better believe it or not: ~$5-8

Bahco Laplander folding saw - Silky saws are worth the upgrade price in my opinion but are definitely just a 'nice to have', considering Bahcos can't be beat for the price / function / reliability: ~$20-25

Sawyer Mini water filter - filters twice as good as the LifeStraw (0.1 vs 0.2 microns), lasts 10 times longer (100k vs 1k gallons), is much more versatile (you can screw the Sawyer onto a 2 litre coke bottle), and costs less to boot: ~$19

Fiskars X7 hatchet - I know you already have one bust I figured I'd mention it. For a bombproof, light weight, made in Finland hatchet it can't be beat for the price: ~$20-25

Tramontina 18" machete - great balance and blade, just sand or wrap the handle in some tape if yours isn't finished perfectly to avoid potential blisters (this is also where good gloves come in) - ~$15-18

not only that but it is just a rebranded fiskars hatchet for twice the price.

Aesthetics aside, I've always found that the fiberglass handles hold up much better than wood ones do. If this point is important to you, take a look at this one by Fiskars. It's been very comfortable to use. Wood handles seem to snap way too often.

With the caveat that they are completely unnecessary for events and I mostly brought mine to troll cadre: Fiskars X7

From my research, there's no better bang for your buck than the fiskars x7. 24 oz, and $25. It is very well reviewed. I love mine.

• Fiskars X7 Amazon Link

I have a Fiskars axe and a Fiskars wood splitter.

Both look identical to the Gerber, just orange.

They are quite light and are very strong. They call them unbreakable.

The reviews are amazing as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-7850-X7-14-Inch-Hatchet/dp/B0002YTO7E

Fiskars 7850 X7 14-Inch Hatchet

Fiskars X7 hatchet, link below. It has a hallow fiber handle which makes the hatchet light weight which is good for backpacking and doesn't tire your arm out swinging it continuously. The blade is as sharp as a knife. I cannot say enough good things about this hatchet!

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-78506935-X7-Hatchet-14-Inch/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420403107&sr=8-1&keywords=fiskers+hatchet

Also, I would get one of these Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_1KgPwb57E53TP
I bought one of their chopping axes & they are REALLY sharp for something that heavy

The [Sawyer Mini water filter] (http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/) is smaller, can be screwed onto standard disposable plastic water bottles, and is capable of filtering far more water since you can reuse it. If you pick up a [stainless steel water bottle] (http://www.amazon.com/Klean-Kanteen-40oz-Classic-Loop/dp/B0093IRPSA/), you can boil water in it as well.

You should always have a backup when it's a survival situation; [Israeli water purification tablets] (http://www.amazon.com/Taharmayim-Israeli-Water-Purification-Tablets/dp/B0077TB65U/) will both look legit and be legit if she actually needs to use them.

There are always more items you might add to a first aid kit, but [this one is pretty well rounded] (http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Weekender-Kit/dp/B000G7YIL4/). If you want a cheaper base kit (i.e if you want to add your own items), [this other kit] (http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Tripper-First/dp/B0033B4I9C/) will also do the job.

Battery-free lights can be good, but AA batteries are common enough that a [good tactical light that takes AAs] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006O4CELO) might be a more convenient option.

If she has a tablet (if tablet, go for the 12W) or E-reader (7W), [solar power might be an option] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3LPODY). With [rechargeable AA batteries] (http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-BK-3MCCA8BA-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B00JHKSN5I) and a [USB recharger] (http://www.amazon.com/SunJack-Battery-Charger-Ni-Mh-Batteries/dp/B00PZ6V99U/), the flashlight and any other AA device (like a [small, separate radio] (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ICF-S10MK2-Pocket-Radio-Silver/dp/B00020S7XK)) could work indefinitely, as well as any regular USB-charged device.

[ResQme] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IE0F12/) may not be strictly zombie-related, but if you buckled up as per Rule #4, you may want a way to quickly exit your vehicle if your seatbelt jams and the windows and door won't open normally.

There are a lot of compasses out there, but [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Suunto-SS012063013-A-10-Compass/dp/B000FEXZGW) is simple, reliable, and won't break easily. It's also designed to be laid over maps without getting in the way of reading them.

[Pocket chainsaw] (http://www.amazon.com/Chainmate-CM-24SSP-24-Inch-Survival-Pocket/dp/B0026OOS60). Won't be useful against zombies, but if you ever needed to cut a tree or thick branches and don't want to carry an axe...

...You can also carry a [hatchet] (http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-78506935-X7-Hatchet-14-Inch/dp/B0002YTO7E/) instead. This one has a short blade, which will cut into their heads and not get stuck like others. It'll also do a fine job cutting smaller branches.

For non-zombie/woodwork related tasks, the [Victorinox Forester] (http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Army-Grip-Series/dp/B003EH82TC/) has your bases covered.

You should also include World War Z (the book, and the movie if you'd prefer), I Am Legend (both the book and the film), and the Walking Dead series (TV, comics, and both seasons of the Telltale game series on Steam).

compare:

https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-31-002647-14-Inch-Hatchet/dp/B00KCY7W1O/ and https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-X7-Hatchet-Inch-378501-1002/dp/B0002YTO7E/

I use a pullsaw and a big knife or axe. I have an Esee 6, though I've used a Fiskars X7 in the past, and I'm currently lusting over a Skrama.

Anything else is too much. Truthfully, an axe is mostly unnecessary. You can cut logs with the pullsaw and split them into firewood by batoning with the knife.

A few good options for the price. Amazon has best prices.

Gerber
http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-45905-Camp-Axe-Sheath/dp/B0006G4P9K/pluckup-20
$34

http://www.amazon.com/Estwing-E24A-Sportsmans-Hatchet-Handle/dp/B0002JT0BO/pluckup-20
$30

Fiskars
http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-7850-X7-Hatchet-14-Inch/dp/B0002YTO7E/pluckup-20
$25

Buck
http://www.amazon.com/Buck-Knives-757BK-757-Camp/dp/B000EHYZSC/pluckup-20
$37

I concur on the axelet... to small to be truly useful. A good hatchet would be a the Gerber/Fiskers hatchet.
http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-7850-X7-14-Inch-Hatchet/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1370272062&sr=8-4&keywords=gerber+hatchet

I've used mine for a while and it's pretty nice. It's no Gransfor Bruks but it'll do.

Also, a stronger knife... preferably fixed blade. Even a cheap Buck fixed blade like the Omni Hunter or the Kershaw Bear Hunter II is better
than just a SAK.

Fiskars makes nice axes that are lightweight, easy to use, and reasonably priced. You can get them on amazon. The hatchet is $25 and you can get a big one for around $50

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_yxGhAb7NGRM6T

I've tried a hawk, it's not a great tool for wood chopping if you don't plan on throwing it I highly recommend just getting a hatchet. I use one like this, it's light and damn near indestructible - plus it works amazing for processing wood. I'd highly recommend it over any tomahawk.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YTO7E/

Prices are already cheap, I found a brand new 7850 for 25 buck!