Best camping axes & hatches according to redditors
We found 194 Reddit comments discussing the best camping axes & hatches. We ranked the 69 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 194 Reddit comments discussing the best camping axes & hatches. We ranked the 69 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I gotchyu
oh jesus christ lol
this is a United Cutlery Tomahawk and this is possibly the first time this thing has ever appeared outside of /r/mallninjashit on reddit
Thanks!
You can start pretty simple. All you HAVE to have is a decent knife. A simple Mora knife is what I use a lot. You can always go for nicer knives if you prefer but a Mora will do wonders because of the Scandi grind edge. Any sharp knife will carve but I personally recommend knives with a Scandi grind because they can cut deeper and they offer more controlled cuts.
Here are my typical spoon carving tools
Gransfors Brooks wildlife hatchet but you can use cheaper options like a Fiskars hatchet. You don't HAVE to have a hatchet, it just helps take out large waste pieces quicker.
Mora knife for general shaping and carving.
Pfeil palm gouge for scooping out the bowls of spoons. This CAN be done with the knife but it is a huge pain. You could also Dremel the bowl out if you have one and don't want to buy a gouge.
Opinel folding saw for making stop cuts and cutting wood to length. Any wood saw will do though.
Other than that just some sandpaper and some food safe oil like mineral oil or Howard's butcher block conditioner to finish it off and make it water resistant.
Resources
Here is a great video of Jill Swan showing how to carve a spoon with a hatchet, saw, knife, and gouge.
Here is a video with Ben Orford showing his process for carving a spoon as well. He uses a hook knife instead of a gouge for scooping the bowl out. Both methods work but I find a palm gouge to be easier to work with and a bit easier to sharpen.
Here is a video with Barn The Spoon using an axe a knife and a hook-knife.
If you don't want to spend the money on a gouge or a hook knife then you can always carve a Spatula because they don't require a bowl!
TIPS
You can avoid using an axe by using a saw to make a series of stop cuts and then sawing down or using your knife to "baton" off the side pieces. You can also just knife carve the whole thing with a knife but it will take way more time.
Wood: make sure your wood is food safe. Most fruit woods and oak and maple or birch are perfectly safe. Here is a list of common spoon carving woods
Make sure your tools are sharp! A super sharp knife, hatchet, and gouge not only makes the work a lot easier and enjoyable but also a lot safer because you have way less chance of slipping. There are tons of videos on youtube on how to sharpen knives, specifically scandi grind knives, hatchets, and gouges.
Just have fun! Your first couple of project may not come out beautiful but you will get the hang of it.
A Tomahawk and a Machete to keep in your car in the case of a zombie apocalypse/to scare traffic.
There are a ton of axes out there that fit your profile straight out of the box. You're just looking for a European style forest axe.
This is your best "budget" option.
These
are
some
... pricier options.
Don't ruin a perfectly fine American axe trying to replicate a European axe. There's no reason for it.
As for whether your design is good for "camp tasks," well, that depends. You'd need to define some things.
Even that knife isn't legal.They have to have an shiny (i mean like a swiss army knife) blade.But don't worry as long as you don't piss off any policemen, that law won't be enforced ;)
Edit: I'm not totally right, see below
Just to completly clarify:
Illegal knifes (dont carry, dont own):
Semi-legal knifes (own, dont carry in public):
Now there are also features that make a knife more like a weapon but don't necessary have to mean its illegal to carry , they are not written in law but they could be used against you and it would most likely stand up in court, you can look up (most) of them here(german only): https://www.bka.de/DE/UnsereAufgaben/Deliktsbereiche/Waffen/Feststellungsbescheide/Messer/messer_node.html;jsessionid=3190F0C1E1D57CD600C9E473FADA2E97.live0611
These features include:
There are a couple others but these are the most important (I think, don't assume all this is 100% true, I only read it on the internet).
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.
There is a lot wrong with this list, so I'm just going to work down it one by one with my thoughts on the matter.
USB flameless lighter? Why? That is going to be unreliable, at best. Throw a few BIC lighters and some stormproof matches in there and be done with it. IF you want to be fancy, get something built to be rugged, that will stand up to use in the field:
https://www.amazon.ca/Ultimate-Survival-Technologies-Floating-Lighter/dp/B00C85NBA6/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173178&sr=1-2&keywords=camping+lighter
Speaking of, I didn't see any sort of firestarting material. Warmth is going to be important, and you need as few steps as possible between you and fire. Get some quality firestarters. I am trying to keep all my links relevant from amazon.ca, so some of the brands I'm most familiar with aren't there. But these work well (though there are options from Wetfire and other brands that take up less space):
https://www.amazon.ca/Ultimate-Survival-Technologies-Fire-Stix/dp/B00C6SHODK/ref=sr_1_20?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173338&sr=1-20&keywords=emergency+fire+starter
What is with the mall-ninja "tactical" hatchet? That is a lot of weight and not a lot of utility. You'd be better served with a reliable and lightweight folding saw, and a good full-tang fixed-blade knife. Something like a 7 inch Corona saw:
https://www.amazon.ca/Corona-Cutting-Tools-RS-7041/dp/B00004R9YN/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173467&sr=1-1&keywords=corona+folding+saw
If you insist on carrying a hatchet (and their function in a bugout situation is debatable, especially for the weight) get something quality like an Estwing:
https://www.amazon.ca/Estwing-E24A-14-Inch-Sportmans-Sheath/dp/B00BNQR4SG/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173510&sr=1-1&keywords=estwing+hatchet
Nothing wrong with duct tape, but you'd do well to wrap just maybe 3-4 meters of it around a small core (like from doggy waste bags, or even just around itself).
The self-crank radio/flashlight/phone charger is shit. You also don't need four lights, especially if all of them are crap. Buy one good flashlight, and maybe one good headlamp.
A flashlight like a Nitecore P12 or something that runs on an 18650 and offers long runtime would be ideal. If you buy a diffuser cap for it, you can replace the lantern. Pick up some spare, high quality 18650 cells, as well. The P12 has SOS and beacon modes, which will run for days at a time, in addition to a nice throw and excellent brightness on Medium and High.
https://www.amazon.ca/Nitecore-Flashlight-Lumens-Meters-Distance/dp/B00PQE1D2E/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173859&sr=1-2&keywords=nitecore+P12
As for headlamps, those don't need to be super bright. You want something with enough brightness and floodiness to work around camp. But ideally you also want a red-light or low-light mode for night time, when you don't need to destroy your night vision just because you need to take a piss or something.
https://www.amazon.ca/TACTIKKA-CONSTANT-LIGHTING-HEADLAMP-DESERT/dp/B00GCGIGHK/ref=sr_1_14?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173989&sr=1-14&keywords=petzl+headlamp
The powerbank thing in the crank radio is crap, only 1000mah. Not enough to charge most modern smart phones even 25%. Figure that of that 1000mah, ~25% will be lost just due to inefficiency in the charging process. Get a 10,000mah or bigger high quality battery, with 2.1A ports, and be done with it:
https://www.amazon.ca/Anker-PowerCore-Portable-Ultra-Compact-High-speed-Charging-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482173708&sr=8-1&keywords=anker+usb+power+bank
Combine the money you'd spend on the shitty folding knife and the shitty Gerber multitool, and buy a proper multi-tool. You don't need two folding knives.
The Leatherman Wingman is a good value, though I prefer a nicer quality one like the Charge TTi, but at four times the price it may not be worth it just for an S30V blade.
https://www.amazon.ca/Leatherman-2996-831426-Wingman-Multi-Tool/dp/B005DI0XM4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482174264&sr=8-1&keywords=leatherman+wave
Ditch the camp toilet paper, that stuff is like wiping your ass with cardboard. Get some biodegradable camp wipes from an outdoor store. You can now use these to clean your ass, and they also are useful for wiping your hands, or taking whore baths.
Same with the camp soap. Are you bugging out or camping for a week? Nothing you are going to do in a bugout situation is going to necessitate body soap. Toothbrush, floss, deodorant.
Ditch the giant first aid kit full of crap you don't need. Those things are heavy and 80 of the 85 pieces are just different sized bitch stickers. Build your own first aid kit tailored around the likely injuries you would face: sprains, cuts, burns. Maybe throw some Quik Clot Z-pack gauze or a tourniquet (CAT or similar) in there for larger trauma, if that is a concern to you. Limit the bitch stickers to 5-10. All gauze, tape, trauma pads, alcohol wipes, tincture of iodine, moleskin for blisters, tweezers, surgical shears, gloves, maybe burn cream. Small containers of medications you might need: aspirin, antihistamines like Diphenhydramine, anti-diarrheals, etc.
That survival paracord bracelet thing is garbage. You already have 100ft of paracord in your list (which you could probably cut down to 50ft). You don't need some shitty firestarter, whistle, and compass thing. Buy a real lensatic sighting compass. Not going to do you much good without a map and the ability to understand it, anyway.
https://www.amazon.ca/UST-Survival-Essentials-Lensatic-Compass/dp/B005X1YI3Q/ref=sr_1_5?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482174799&sr=1-5&keywords=compass
You have both a cookset AND a mug/pot. This is extra redundant and not needed in a bugout situation. Stick to food you don't have to prepare. Caloric density is your friend. Jerky, EPIC bars, Clif bars, etc.
If you need to boil water, use a single-wall metal canteen (NOT a thermos). Remove the plastic lid, fill with water, set in your fire. Widemouth canteens like those by Klean Kanteen are multi-purpose (multipurpose is your friend). You can sterilize water, you can cook and eat food out of it (because of the large opening), and you can fill with hot water, wrap in a sock, and warm your sleep system.
https://www.amazon.ca/Klean-Kanteen-Stainless-Bottle-27-Ounce/dp/B0027W6WHE/ref=sr_1_sc_4?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482174908&sr=1-4-spell&keywords=klean+kanteen+widemouth
You don't need a can opener if you have a good multitool.
Lifestraws suck ass. They only work as a straw, and I am going to guess you don't want to get your water by drinking out of puddles exclusively. Get a Sawyer Squeeze mini filter. This can be used in-line with a hydration bladder, can be used like a Lifestraw, or can be used to filter an fill your water storage containers/bladder:
https://www.amazon.ca/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482175065&sr=1-1&keywords=sawyer+mini
One seriously lacking area for you is your sleep system. A tarp and a space blanket are not going to keep you functionally warm. You might survive a night, but you won't be useful the next day.
At the BARE minimum, you should get a good, reflective, breathable bivvy sack, like this one from SOL, AND a sleeping pad. A bivvy will reflect heat back onto you, helping with heat lost through convection, but no sleeping bag will help with heat lost through conduction (you touching the cold ground). That is why a sleeping pad is mandatory. I have used the Escape bivvy and the Klymit pad linked here together, and both kept me comfortably warm to about 50 degrees F. Below that, I've had to augment with base layers or jackets, and that still sucked. If you are hoping to sleep in below freezing temperatures, you'll need a properly sorted ultralight sleeping bag.
https://www.amazon.ca/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Escape-Bivvy/dp/B00EVGD0FQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482175280&sr=1-1&keywords=SOL+escape
https://www.amazon.ca/Klymit-06SVGR01C-Camping-Mattress-Green-Grey/dp/B007RFG0NM/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482175199&sr=1-1&keywords=sleep+pad
Other recommendations of mine would be to take survival, medical and foraging guides and put them on a smartphone, along with a GPS mapping software and pre-downloaded offline topographical maps at 1:24k resolution of your main bugout areas and 1:100k resolution elsewhere. Something like Gaia GPS for iOS or Backcountry Navigator Pro for Android:
Dude he didn't ask how to actually learn to do something himself, just help him out.
Here's a nice axe within your price range.
you'd do better to go this route. for less money, you get actual quality.
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).
For those wondering, its a Condor hatchet, although I'm not sure which model, although I think its a Scout Hatchet. If it is, its an okay hatchet for the price, but I'd save up for something like a Wetterlings or a Gransfors Bruks.
https://www.amazon.com/Zippo-Outdoors-44032-4-In-1-Woodsman/dp/B00BIV90TW
Woodsman 4:1 tool.
Here’s a link to the Amazon page. They are also reasonably priced, I own one and it is fantastic. The only downside would be that it is somewhat heavy for me.
Well, like I said, they're literally always looking for adult volunteers. As long as you're not a creep, they'd be glad to have you. As far as best places in the UK, I can't really help you much. Cabela's or Bass Pro Shop are huge outdoor gear retailers in the US that would definitely carry tomahawks, there's probably a UK equivalent. Or you could try amazon. SOG make the best cheap throwing hawks, although my experience is mostly with traditional Native American tomahawks, I've thrown a few. After that you just need a tree with nothing important behind it.
http://www.amazon.com/Estwing-E24A-14-Inch-Sportmans-Leather/dp/B00BNQR4SG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1394139135&sr=8-5&keywords=estwing+axe
http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-paracord-550LB-NYLON-FOLIAGE/dp/B002TT9NL2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1394139216&sr=8-3&keywords=paracord
http://www.amazon.com/SE-FS374-Magnesium-Fire-Starter/dp/B0010O748Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394139294&sr=8-2&keywords=fire+starter
>The government defines a zombie knife as a blade with a cutting edge, a serrated edge and "images or words that suggest it is to be used for the purpose of violence".
Basically they're knives that were designed to look scary, and marketed as being "for the zombie apocalypse", and often have brand names like "Zombie Killer", "Zombie Slayer" or "Z-Hunter".
The primary audience seems to be the sort of people who collect katanas, but apparently they caught on with gangs.
What about a hatchet? Certain parts of Alaska are no joke, and if you really trust him with anything a hatchet is actually an effective tool.
If you want to mall ninja it up a little bit, I have a SOG tomahawk that I honestly kind of love the shit out of, I think it was about $30
linky-dink
> Bennett carried a Sog brand tomahawk, and waved it around in the air during the argument.
https://www.amazon.com/SOG-Tactical-Tomahawk-F01TN-CP-Hardcased/dp/B000PICTYC
>According to police, she swung the axe at a door of the house, then threw the axe at the victim from a short distance. She missed him, but struck a television nearby. She then rushed at the victim with the tomahawk, but the victim was able to take control and grab it. He hid the weapon in his garage.
You can have this back after you are responsible enough to use it!
I hope the statement I'm about to make isn't insulting to you, but have you considered buying a hatchet? I bought one recently and I enjoy using it for heavy duty tasks like chopping/batoning much more than big/thick knife I had been using.
Using the hatchet with gloves hurt my hand less than using the knife with gloves and batoning.
Edit: The hatchet in combination with the mora knives you already have should be the perfect combination. Buy a folding saw and you'll have the hold trinity of bushcraft/camping wood processing.
These are great bang for the buck hand forged in sweden. A real top notch axe at a great price. Husqvarna
Gransfors Bruks aslo make BIFL axes but at a bit higher price point. You can also check out Axe junkies.com if you really want to nerd ou on axes. Rumor has it the Husky axes are forged by Granfors.
My weapon of choice is this tactical tomahawk because tough it sounds counterintuitive, Mythbusters did a show on whether guns or blades would be better, and blades consistently won. Plus, if noise draws more zombies, this will keep us in stealth mode.
I want /u/vogueadishu on my team because she is rocking at quitting smoking. That pretty much means she can attack a shambling zombie with ease, zombies being so much less powerful than nicotine cravings. And she can take her frustrations out on them. Plus I always picture her dancing. She would be majestic!
/u/StoryDone is one of the nicest, sweetest people in the world. You don't hurt or threaten someone a nice person loves. You just don't. It unleashes a power beyond that of a thousand suns. I want that power on my team.
Zombie apocalypse list finally comes in handy (it's been renamed)
/u/mrmaxpowers247
/u/campbench
My team is the best because we all know how to use weapons, have useful IRL skills, and keen survival instincts.
Shock And Awe Zombie Killer Knife by Armory Replicas http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AQ0ZGP8/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_axvutb15YNZ73
Check out the CRKT Kangee Tactical Tomahawk.
Was designed by Ryan Johnson (of RMJ) and is fairly budget priced.
[Here] (http://www.amazon.com/Zippo-44032-4-In-1-Woodsman/dp/B00BIV90TW/ref=sr_1_1/190-4779843-9598768?ie=UTF8&qid=1425572933&sr=8-1&keywords=zippo+saw+axe)
good news friend
Gorruck 34L GR2 Coyote Tan - a good bag, heavy, uncomfortable, probably give it to my grandchildren in like 50 years
Flip Flops - generic things
Bigblue 28W solar charger - very good, can charge my battery up during the day if i leave it in the sun which I've never really done honestly
Jakemy hardware tools - seamed useful? i've never needed this
Army glove shells - i thought i used these a lot and were indistructable but now that i think of it, i don't use them that often and are probably pretty cheaply made.
Sharpie, pen, all weather notebook - probably should switch over to a fisher space pen...
Straws - these are probably already broken.
Whistle - really really really loud
Fire-striker, matches, lighter - i'm not sure i have enough ways to start a fire
Fresnel lens - ok, now i have enough
LED flashlight - i used to go running in the middle of the night with this flashlight, its tiny
LED flashlight - this isn't the one i have but looks kinda similar? i don't remember where i got mine
Earbuds - generic cheap earbuds
Leatherman Surge - given to me by my wife for passing the bar. thanks wife!
First Aide kit - i put mine together from stuff i've stolen from friends houses whenever i go over and use the bathroom
playing cards - these look very similar to the ones i have, they are plastic so they won't get rained on
glasses/ sunglasses - i have really bad vision
personal hygiene kit - aahhhh dry shaving
Sawyer Mini / syringe, collapsible canteen (dirty), heavy duty straw - i've never used this
collapsible canteen (clean) - i've never used this either
sewing kit - i've used this a lot
ID tags - i guess if i get blown up they'll know my blood type?
garbage bag - for when my pockets are full
elastic bands - i use these when packing to keep rolled socks and things from falling apart
Salt - i have nooooo idea why i have this
cooking grate - i'm not going to hold meat over a fire with a stick like some sort of caveman
heavy duty ziplock bag - in case my mapcase breaks and other reasons
rip-patch - leftover from when i needed a pack because i bought a crummy cheap inflatable sleeping pad.
Army Fleece Beanie - i always keep this at the top of my pack
4 Bungie Cords - not the one i use but similar. to make a field-expedient shelter
Trowel - for disposal of biological wastes
Lensatic compass - because GPS should only be a backup
Pocketboy 130 folding saw - i have a bigger one for yardwork, this small one is really great
Tent stakes - for tent staking
Ravpower 26800 Battery - use this all the time can fast chage my stuff
Battery Battery holder, cables, wall charger - all fits togehter like glove!
Army Poncho - wear it, make a tent out of it etc
Microfiber towel - not the one i use but similar. i mainly use this for when the kids accidentally fall in a lake like they tend to do for some reason
Down Jacket - cheap chinese knockoff... i feel bad for not buying american
Wet weather top - not sure this is worth the space/weight
Wet Weather bottom - not sure if this is worth the weight/space
Silkweights - PJs! and warmth
Jungle Blanket - this is a lot better than the army's woobie. lighter and warmer
Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet - again, gift from wife. she wanted me to chop things and be more manly, generally. now i come home with parts of wildlife for her to cook
Map of New England - or, how i stopped worrying and love dismounted land navigation
PT belt - keeps me safe in all situations
Compression straps - i don't like lashing things to the outside but i guess i can if i wanted to
Fork and Spoon - stole these from the kitchen. i'll probably be replacing this soon with something titanium.
​
EDIT: i just priced it out: $1,585.08 total
Kershaw EDC Emerson - $26
Griffin tool - $18
SOG tomahawk - $30
Tomahawk and a circular saw!
https://www.amazon.com/Gemtor-D42-Crash-Axe/dp/B00M24C2U8
Guess you're gonna have to paint it Orange
I believe it is an estwing hatchet. Used to have one, it was really nice. Leather handle and all.
I bought the SOG throwing hawks for my pack. They have replaceable paracord grips and are very small and light for the younger scouts. They even come with a sheath for easy carrying. They are also metal and one piece, so you don’t need to worry about the heads coming off as they age. Have fun! Use proper range rules!
SOG Tomahawk Throwing Hatchets 3 Pk - “Throwing Hawks” TH1001-CP Black Stainless Steel Throwing Tomahawks with 1.75” Tomahawk Blades + Triple Hatchet Sheath https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T3QBSDA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3JW0Bb70YJPRQ
Sounds like their Small Forest Axe.
https://www.amazon.com/Gransfors-Bruks-Forest-Sweden-420/dp/B000WIROX6/ref=mp_s_a_1_2/145-7445795-4411910?ie=UTF8&qid=1542833834&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=gransfors+bruks+small+forest+axe&dpPl=1&dpID=31FLoe3JXXL&ref=plSrch
Backpacking or just camping? If just camping bring two knives, one big and one small. I find that it's a real pleasure to have a very large, heavy knife when camping. You don't get to use knives like that every day and you can use them to their fullest in a camp setting, especially if you're into bushcrafty stuff. Or think about a camp axe and smaller knife combo. Beyond the scope of your question but I'd like to have a... Condor camp axe and Mora companion or ESEE Izula PLUS a good multitool... for camping.
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.
buy Case knives ( owned by zippo )
the wife works there
zippo has their name on a lot of products that aren't made in bradford
i like this for carrying on my 4 wheeler
https://www.amazon.com/Zippo-44032-4-In-1-Woodsman/dp/B00BIV90TW
I stuck this one after about 3 tries. It gets good reviews from BladeHQ for camping/survival too
I love camping/outdoor stuff too and I've gotten a lot of fun gifts over the years. Here's a few that I think any outdoor lover would enjoy.
Flint fire starter
Compact camping hammock
Camping Tomahawk (Seriously, me and my friends had so much fun learning to throw this)
If you're really stuck you can always just take a trip to REI, that store is like candyland for the outdoor lover, although they can be expensive. Camelbacks, lanterns, oudoor cookware, and all other cool stuff can be found there.
If you're leaning towards a gaming gift that can be harder unless you know what he needs, and most parts for a gaming computer are probably going to clear your budget. But you mentioned he likes GoT so I could reccomend the Game of Thrones - Board Game. I've played this and it's a lot of fun.
I recently went on a trip with a United Cutlery M48 and it held up pretty well. Feels really solid for how cheap it is. Had to sharpen it often and it did get a bit dinged up, but we used it often and threw it into trees for fun... Unfortunately it is now lost in the rainforest due to a throwing mishap. Next up I will try the SOG tactical tomahawk, see how it compares.
Also, tomahawks are not great for splitting wood, and take a lot more effort to chop anything thick with. A hatchet is much heavier, but the added weight will make chopping wood much, much easier. Consider that when you buy.
If he's going to get any kind of "survival hatchet" he needs to get one from a reputable company. Mine is a Gransfors Bruks (they also just started making an "outdoor axe" that seems a bit too expensive for what it is) but I hear Wetterlings axes are also really good, and you can get them to the same level as the Gransfors by spending a couple hours sharpening and oiling the handles. I wouldn't really go with anything other than those two companies for axes. I also find that hatchets with a handle shorter than about 12" are really hard to use.
Most of the United Cutlery M48 products are 2CR13. One of the tomahawks is AUS6.
The United Cutlery UC2836 M48 Ranger Hawk Axe with Compass is made of 7cr17.
Marbles camp axe or the Husqvarna hatchet
Yep, this is My Weapon. Good for close quarters slashing and balanced for throwing.
I believe my best shot is to have /u/therubyredpirate distract the Zombies with a pretty tasty face and then /u/scatteredloops hit them with full force sarcasm and weaponary. We'll be a triangle team rotating lead position for maximum damage.
i guess i won't enter but ii found these to be perfect for a zombie apocalypse scenario Yours: http://www.amazon.com/80-Lbs-Self-Cocking-Crossbow-Pistol/dp/B0047WOMI8/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1FABDSFSGERJM&coliid=I2EYIBMLIY8SDP
Mine: http://www.amazon.com/United-Cutlery-Apocalypse-Tactical-Tomahawk/dp/B008FO5CXS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=36X9ZC35FZ1QP&coliid=I12K5V563SCWWC
:P
http://www.amazon.com/home-improvement/dp/B002QETWE8
non mobile link
They can be bought on Amazon for around $200.
https://www.amazon.com/Gransfors-Bruks-Forest-Sweden-420/dp/B000WIROX6
> Eastman
Estwing
Or just throw axes
I've been eyeing a couple different hatchets and small axes by Gransfors Bruks. They are expensive but from what I've read they are solid as hell.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WIX6YC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_NCL.BbR6RFM06
That's what I've been looking at to carry with me.
Here you are and it's only $29.79. There is another Sog T for a couple dollars less.
I don't own one, but I've have my eye on an Estwing for awhile. Seems like a solid balance between quality and price, based on the research I've done.
Estwing E24A 14-Inch Sportsman's Axe with Leather Grip & Nylon Sheath https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BNQR4SG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JMjFzbHWY1X6G
http://www.amazon.com/Condor-1-Pound-Hatchet-Leather-Sheath/dp/B004WMFMXW
http://www.helkonorthamerica.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=80
Thats a good place to start. I would only sell the Tracker if you need the funds for the other tools. Otherwise its a great part of your new and always growing gear collection :)
I'm a hunter [this] (http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-Tactical-Tomahawk/dp/B00438RI7S/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=26NERMJV5G0JB&coliid=I3TP35ZWCV5DQ1) would help me train for survival with much less materials!
item
Tractor supply store. Has animal feed (which can be eaten by people in a pinch) and sometimes livestock. Lots of tools and machines that would be awesome at zombie killing. Lots of fencing and stuff in the back too. This is just temporary until we find a way out of town. Then we hit the back roads and get to the mountains. Find a house on a steep mountain and move in. Then we fortify, head back to town and pick up some solar panels. A few months later our farm will be up and running and the hydro-electric generator will be powering my xbox.
I would want Nick Offerman because of his excellent woodworking skills and of course Kate Upton for... reasons.
EDIT: Please don't pick me for the prize, I'm not interested in the movie.
This is spot on. On trips where we compete to go light, no one brings one, and we have great fires still. As hatchets go, I've found that the full size SOG is pretty freaking killer. But like thesneakymonkey says, if you bring one, bring one that's worth it's salt. Don't get the shorter SOG Fasthawk. Go full size. My buddy schooled me on how to use one if you must. Don't chop directly into the tree, the less perpendicular the angle the better. Have a wide 12"-16" cutting area, you'll eat through more wood faster. The cut will be ugly compared to a clean saw cut, but who cares, you're burning it anyways.
This is the one I bought last year:
http://www.amazon.com/United-Cutlery-Apocalypse-Tactical-Tomahawk/dp/B008FO5CXS
Don't cut while under the influence though...Pointed edge will take an eye out...
I like the one with the leather handle, available in the UK too!
Or the carpenter version.
>I mean, that's cool, but come on. A $70 hatchet?
Yes, it is worth it to pay more for quality tools and not buy cheap Chinese made shit.
I'm carrying one if these, and it is fantastic, got enough length to get a good swing, while also being small enough to go on the belt.
I'm not really sure why but I really want to buy this thing.
Cold Steel Viking Hand Axe 90WVBA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U1IBFKA/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_PXlRzb4SJV3ZC
I have a little Condor Carving Hatchet that is cheap, light, and well-made. I use it to do rough work for carving, but it's handy for splitting kindling and holds an edge real well.
To cheer myself up, I eat things high in sugar content and either look at the kids baby pictures or watch an episode of a favorite TV series. If I'm SUPER depressed, I will make a meal from a favorite book and then read some from that book while I eat. I started doing that as a kid when I read Little House on the Prairie.
What I DON'T do is yell Oogady Boogady and run around with underpants on my head.. no siree Bob.
This is for going camping! Yay!
I've had this S.A. Wetterling on my amazon wish list for a long time now.
Whenever I was looking for a hatchet, this was the best one, from what I read. They come in different sizes, but I think the head is handmade in Sweden or something like that.
I like the SOG tomahawk, not too expensive, sturdy construction. Also, it looks really, really cool.
https://www.amazon.com/SOG-Tactical-Tomahawk-F01TN-CP-Hardcased/dp/B000PICTYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519450584&sr=8-1&keywords=sog+tomahawk
If I just go bad ass I was thinking about this:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PICTYC/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_yCyWtb083D5E7
It's a United Cutlery M48 Hawk Tomahawk.
Apparently an axe.
http://thoughtcatalog.com/christine-stockton/2013/12/heres-exactly-what-to-gift-people-based-on-their-myers-briggs-type-2/
Sounds good to me. I recommend this one from Cold Steel:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030DBHGU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_9QWwxbYM5SZ1M
Name: Liam
Gender: M
Age: 27
Primary Weapon: Remington 700
Secondary Weapon: Glock 19, this baby
Traits: Blames self for everything that goes wrong, ever.
Job: IT, whiskey consumer
Notes: Slow to anger but homicidal when enraged. Tough guy persona is a defense mechanism. Favors mulitcam pants.
Try this this and this . I can vouch for all three. Love the tomahawk.
Wetterling axes are good and so are the Husqvarna axes. However I would go with a Gränsfors Bruks Small Forest Axe.
I would not pay extra for a Les Stroud branded axe. Wetterling axes are good enough on their own.
I have a solution for you.
I bought one of these earlier this year. Its decent quality and in your price range. It feels very solid and holds a good edge. Its also very light and ideal for backpacking.
http://www.amazon.com/United-Cutlery-UC2765-Nylon-Sheath/dp/B004INXUOS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319480309&sr=8-1
Well, here we have a modern tomohawk with a composite handle http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-Tactical-Tomahawk/dp/B000PICTYC/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1319084580&sr=8-10
and also one with some tools http://www.amazon.com/Becis-Gifts-12847-Hatchet-Multi/dp/B002ZENH18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319084580&sr=8-1
Check out the Marbles axe offerings on Amazon. They're solid little numbers and are cheap enough that you can spend a little bit more on your knife and maybe add a saw as well.
For a beginner, I'd go with a more versatile knife until you find what you like and dislike. The TOPS B.O.B. knife is a bit more than you want to spend but has a lot of smart features that will help inform future knife purchases.
If you decide you want a saw (I think they're a wise choice) the Bahco Laplander is tough to beat. Small, light, efficient, and dirt cheap.
http://www.amazon.com/Marbles-Outdoors-American-Hickory-Handles/dp/B008PPZO94/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462247202&sr=8-1&keywords=marbles+axe
http://www.amazon.com/Tops-Knives-BOB-Hunter-Wood/dp/B004GAM1UC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462247669&sr=8-1&keywords=tops+BOB
http://www.amazon.com/Bahco-396-LAP-Laplander-Folding-9-Inch/dp/B0001IX7OW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462246674&sr=8-1&keywords=bahco+laplander
Xbox addiction?
... All right, glossing over that... I recommend looking into one of these: a fusion tomahawk patterned after the tomahawk special forces used in Vietnam. At a one-quarter strength swing, that thing can put a hole in a 100-gallon steel drum. A badass gift for any young man.
So looking at the pictures, the axe in the movie looks like it was made for the movie. It's probably fake so it's more lightweight and can be made easily if damaged. If it helps, this type of axe is called a crash axe
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BBOBXD2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_OcmZAb1D94NHS
On a completely unrelated note I was looking at picking one of these up: http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-Tactical-Tomahawk/dp/B000PICTYC/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_b?tag=reddit2-20
Looks like they're really easy to throw if you look on Youtube.
This
OR
This
I use this when I saber
http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Viking-Hand-90WVBA/dp/B00U1IBFKA
I have this hatchet which I got for wood working, but I'd take it camping too.
It's only 1.5 lbs, and pretty short so it'd do well in a backpack.
Since you're not supposed to cut down trees in the boundary waters anyways, a small axe/hatchet like this will do fine for splitting and chopping the downed wood you find.
I wasn't aware of the Kershaw Filter before you mentioning it had me Google it. Looks very Chronicles of Riddick. Personally not super into it, but a knife is better than no knife.
You might find having one of these pry bar tools would be better off being used for the random gum scraping and box opening and whatnot. Doesn't have to be that one, there's variations with a lot of overlap depending on which one of those you find.
I don't know if you're still considering a fixed blade or not, but I really like my CRKT M.U.K. which I just learned was discontinued. I bought mine for like $12 on Amazon several years ago. It's meant to be used around water and used on seafood prep with MUK standing for Marine Utility Knife. That link lists a black handled MUK for $35 on Ebay. Not quite the bargain it was, but still cheaper than a lot of knives! You can also use it as self defense, though I wouldn't recommend that. Your Filter or some equally affordable knife would probably be best since that knife may be taken away from you, damaged, lost, etc. Hell, you might just need to use it and then throw it in a river lol.
To be used axe? For wood?
I have the SOG Tomahawk here but maybe you'd prefer the SOG Camp?
https://www.amazon.com/Estwing-Sportsmans-Axe-Camping-Construction/dp/B00BNQR4SG
https://www.amazon.com/Estwing-Drilling-Crack-Hammer-Construction/dp/B002DQ5QO4
These work just fine. They are also pretty cheap, you don't need something fancy if you are just splitting smallish logs. You can get a real ax and splitting wedges if you are doing bigger camping. (Note: no affiliate links, I don't work for estwing. Please no ban.)
Gemtor D42 Crash Axe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M24C2U8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xaE6Cb2XTDRJ0
Tomahawk-
http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-F01TN-CP-2-75-Inch/dp/B000PICTYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418925463&sr=8-1&keywords=tomahawk
Spear-
http://www.amazon.com/United-Cutlery-UC2961-Survival-Sheath/dp/B00ATUX7UG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418925513&sr=8-1&keywords=spear
You can grab one from Amazon
Honestly, I recommend a Coleman Camp Hatchet. I've had the same one for years, used it for many many tasks, and it works great. Plus, its pretty dern inexpensive. I think it would work great for what you're looking for - and be easy on your wallet, too.
I just bought this axe, i really like it. It feels nice in my hands and it looks beautiful, best of all it doesn't have gransfors bruks price tag.
http://www.amazon.com/Condor-1-5-Pounds-Greenland-Pattern-Leather/dp/B004WMFNIG
I would add for the sub-$50.00:
Estwing
Cold Steel Trench Hawk
Cold Steel Trail Hawk
The Estwings are very well built, but they have a somewhat soft heat treat. The Cold Steels are well-made and I particularly like their Trail Hawk (just threw in the Trench Hawk 'cause it's cool). It may be tempting to get the Rifleman's Hawk, but it's too big for an effective 'hawk and too small to be a good woodsman's ax.
Condor also makes some excellent value axes, but they have a lot of choices. You should give them a look!
For your stated use, I'd look at an ax. Here is a 2-part series by Mors Kochanski that should help in the choosing of an ax:
Part 1
Part 2
Axes are sweet. Have fun!
Ruling out firearms limits severely to hand to hand which as everyone has said is less than ideal. My recommendation would be a tomahawk like the CRKT Kangee. It has similar disadvantages to a knife, but it has the advantage of being easy to use. If you can use a hammer, you can use a tomahawk. I know it's not the ideal weapon, but I was thinking about what I have at home and barring a firearm my wife would either go for my tomahawk or my wakazashi. Factoring in the kids I would think the tomahawk is a more efficient, user friendly, and "kid safe" weapon.
Tim Ferriss recommends this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PICTYC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2OZ0QUSC4SOQX&coliid=I3S42F3A5KK5G0
I have been considering buying it for a while now, and it is only 24 oz. Apparently a lot of people use it for throwing
Man those are pretty expensive. Option 1 looks really good to me.
I'd recommend something like this, battle tested in Vietnam and onwards.
Personally, I'd use something like SOG or Cold Steel which works well for me but I don't use it enough to let you know if it's really BIFL quality, it's certainly nice.
Amazon SOG
How does that cost 35 USD in the US and freakin' 67 EUR (= 75 USD !!!) in Europe?!
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00BNQR4SG/
I saw this on thinkgeek and had AMAZON open in another tab... Ridiculous.
I trust SOG.
this is what I'm bringing: http://www.amazon.com/United-Cutlery-Apocalypse-Tactical-Tomahawk/dp/B008FO5CXS
https://www.amazon.com/Estwing-Sportsmans-Axe-Camping-Construction/dp/B00BNQR4SG
http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-Tactical-Tomahawk/dp/B000PICTYC/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
Recently I've started taking many of my friends out camping. Most of which have never been before. I'm planning on taking a group of people on a beginners backpacking trip up into the San Bernardino mountains, before it gets too cool.
I'd really like to introduce people to nature in a way they will enjoy. The Small Forest Axe by Gransfors Bruks is an excellent tool, in the perfect size, to help teach everyone how to properly wield an axe, chop wood, and in turn show them how to select trees and properly build a fire without cutting down green trees or starting a forest fire. Gransfors Bruks, in Sweden, makes some of the finest axes in the world, and carries with it a legacy of skilled woodsmen.
Being an Environmental Science major, focusing on ecological restoration of forested and wetland areas, I feel like I should help pass on my love for nature to those who are willing to learn.
By far the marbles camp axe. $33 us and primable. Insanely good axe. Fantastic handle and fitment. Its hung very well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008PPZO94/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kXJ-Ab6P00WBK
My bother owns this Estwing axe and we've used it for a good 5 years of chopping wood each winter and its been solid, it has a great blade if you have a good grinder.
Recently got this and love it, heavy duty, sharp, affordable http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PICTYC/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M2T1_ST1_dp_2
I have this Marbles axe and I really like it. Out of the box it was sharp but it can be sharpened a little more. The hickory handle had good grain orientation and feels good in my hand. It holds an edge pretty well, even after heavy use. Sometimes you can find em for 25 but even at 35 dollars its dang good and I would buy another if I didn't already have one.
There's a fantastic axe by cold steel that's relatively cheap on amazon that I love. When you get it it takes a lil reinforcing to keep the head from wiggling but is well worth the price. I had planned on customizing mine anyway so wrapping the head with some leather cordage did the trick for me. Here's a link
There’s this one, or you could go all the way with this one
I have some zombie skull bashing knives in my WL!!! :D
Look how pretty!
A good axe handle has different properties than a good saw whatever. The thing were you put the sawblade in is probably not very comfortable to grip. The axe blade makes the saw unnecessarily unbalanced and heavy. Speaking of imbalance, all that stuff would make it difficult to properly balance either the saw or the axe, not to speak of both at the same time. The saw blade might not be a standard size and thus hard/expensive to replace. In a car or similar, most places where you could store this could also hold a hatched and a saw of that size. This axe has roughly similar dimensions at half the weight, so it's not great at optimizing carrying weight on foot either, even if you bring a saw as well. If you bring two separate tools, you can hand one to your buddy and you can work at the same time.
'Poorly' might not be the best term, it's more of a 'could be better' situation.