Bushcraft is an art that requires a set of skills and tools to survive in the wilderness - with a hatchet being an essential item for every bushcrafter.
The best bushcraft hatchets are:
- Best Overall: Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
- Best Budget: Fiskars X7 Hatchet
- Best for Heavy-Duty Tasks: Husqvarna Carpenter's Axe
- Best for Carving: Hults Bruk Akka Forester's Axe
- Best Lightweight: Estwing Sportsman's Axe
- Best for Survival: Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet
- Best for Beginners: Schrade SC AXE10 Full Tang Hatchet
As an outdoor enthusiast, you want to be sure that the tools you use are of high quality and can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. That's why we have researched and tested various bushcraft hatchets to bring you the top picks for different uses and budgets. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced bushcrafter, this article will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision when choosing a bushcraft hatchet.
Key Takeaways
- The best overall bushcraft hatchet: Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
- When choosing a bushcraft hatchet, consider the intended use and budget.
- Popular brands include Gransfors Bruks, Fiskars, Gerber, and Council Tool.
- Proper maintenance includes sharpening, caring for the handle, and preserving sheath.
Table of Contents
Understanding Bushcraft Hatchets
Bushcraft hatchets are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists. These hatchets are designed to be versatile, compact, and lightweight, making them perfect for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. They are also useful for bushcraft, which is the art of living off the land using only natural resources.
A bushcraft hatchet is a type of tool that is designed to be used in the wilderness. It is smaller than a traditional axe and is designed to be used with one hand. Bushcraft hatchets are usually made from high-quality materials such as steel, and they are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
Top 7 Bushcraft Hatchets
1. Best Overall: Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
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Specifications
- Length: 13.5 inches
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: Hickory Wood
Performance
The Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is a top-performing bushcraft hatchet that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
It has a razor-sharp blade that is perfect for chopping, splitting, and carving wood. The hatchet is well-balanced and easy to handle, making it ideal for long-term use.
What Sets This Product Apart
The hatchet is hand-forged by skilled blacksmiths in Sweden, ensuring that it is of the highest quality. It comes with a leather sheath that protects the blade when not in use.
The hatchet also has a lifetime warranty, making it a solid investment for any outdoorsman.
Recent Updates
The latest version of the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet has a slightly longer handle, making it easier to grip and control. The blade has also been improved, making it even sharper and more durable.
Benefits
- Razor-sharp blade
- Well-balanced and easy to handle
- Hand-forged by skilled blacksmiths
- Comes with a leather sheath
- Lifetime warranty
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- May require sharpening after extended use
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is perfect for anyone who wants a high-quality bushcraft hatchet that is easy to use and maintain. It is ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Where to Buy This Product
Buy the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet on Amazon or the official website.
2. Best Budget: Fiskars X7 Hatchet
Specifications
- Length: 14 inches
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: FiberComp
Performance
The Fiskars X7 Hatchet is a budget-friendly option that still delivers excellent performance.
It has a sharp blade that is perfect for chopping small to medium-sized branches. The hatchet is lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for beginners.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Fiskars X7 Hatchet has a unique FiberComp handle that is lightweight and durable. It also has a low-friction blade coating that helps it glide through wood with ease.
Recent Updates
The latest version of the Fiskars X7 Hatchet has a longer handle for improved grip and control. The blade has also been improved for better durability.
Benefits
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Sharp blade with low-friction coating
- Durable FiberComp handle
- Lifetime warranty
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- May require sharpening after extended use
- Handle may not be comfortable for all users
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Fiskars X7 Hatchet is perfect for beginners or anyone on a budget who needs a reliable bushcraft hatchet for light to medium-duty tasks.
Where to Buy This Product
Buy the Fiskars X7 Hatchet on Amazon or the official website.
3. Best for Heavy-Duty Tasks: Husqvarna Carpenter's Axe
Specifications
- Length: 19 inches
- Weight: 2.75 pounds
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: Hickory Wood
Performance
The Husqvarna Carpenter's Axe is a heavy-duty bushcraft hatchet that is perfect for chopping and splitting larger pieces of wood. It has a long handle that provides excellent leverage and control, making it ideal for tough tasks.
What Sets This Product Apart
The hatchet has a unique head shape that allows for precise cuts and maximum power.
It also has a hand-forged blade that is incredibly durable and holds its edge well. The hatchet comes with a leather sheath for safe storage and transport.
Recent Updates
The latest version of the Husqvarna Carpenter's Axe has a slightly longer handle for improved grip and control. The blade has also been improved for better durability.
Benefits
- Ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Long handle for excellent leverage and control
- Unique head shape for precise cuts
- Hand-forged blade for durability
- Comes with a leather sheath
Drawbacks
- Heavy and may be difficult to handle for some users
- Expensive
- Not suitable for small or delicate tasks
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Husqvarna Carpenter's Axe is perfect for anyone who needs a heavy-duty bushcraft hatchet for chopping and splitting larger pieces of wood.
Where to Buy This Product
Buy the Husqvarna Carpenter's Axe on Amazon or the official website.
4. Best for Carving: Hults Bruk Akka Forester's Axe
Specifications
- Length: 19 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: American Hickory Wood
Performance
The Hults Bruk Akka Forester's Axe is a versatile bushcraft hatchet that is perfect for carving and other delicate tasks.
It has a sharp blade that is ideal for precision cuts and a comfortable handle that provides excellent grip and control.
What Sets This Product Apart
The hatchet is hand-forged in Sweden using traditional techniques, ensuring that it is of the highest quality.
It has a unique head shape that allows for both chopping and carving. The hatchet comes with a leather sheath for safe storage and transport.
Recent Updates
The latest version of the Hults Bruk Akka Forester's Axe has a slightly longer handle for improved grip and control. The blade has also been improved for better durability.
Benefits
- Ideal for carving and other delicate tasks
- Sharp blade with unique head shape
- Hand-forged in Sweden
- Comfortable handle for excellent grip and control
- Comes with a leather sheath
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- May require sharpening after extended use
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Hults Bruk Akka Forester's Axe is perfect for anyone who needs a versatile bushcraft hatchet for carving and other delicate tasks.
Where to Buy This Product
Buy the Hults Bruk Akka Forester's Axe on Amazon or the official website.
5. Best Lightweight: Estwing Sportsman's Axe
Specifications
- Length: 14 inches
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: American Steel
Performance
The Estwing Sportsman's Axe is a lightweight bushcraft hatchet that is perfect for backpacking and other outdoor activities.
It has a sharp blade that is ideal for chopping small to medium-sized branches. The hatchet is well-balanced and easy to handle, making it ideal for long-term use.
What Sets This Product Apart
The entire axe is made in the USA using high-quality materials, ensuring that it is of the highest quality.
It has a unique one-piece design that eliminates the risk of the head coming loose. The hatchet also has a shock reduction grip that reduces vibration and hand fatigue.
Recent Updates
The latest version of the Estwing Sportsman's Axe has a slightly longer handle for improved grip and control. The blade has also been improved for better durability.
Benefits
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Sharp blade
- Well-balanced
- One-piece design eliminates the risk of the head coming loose
- Shock reduction grip reduces vibration and hand fatigue
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- May require sharpening after extended use
- Handle may not be comfortable for all users
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Estwing Sportsman's Axe is perfect for backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts who need a lightweight and reliable bushcraft hatchet for light to medium-duty tasks.
Where to Buy This Product
Buy the Estwing Sportsman's Axe on Amazon or the official website.
6. Best for Survival: Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet
Specifications
- Length: 9.5 inches
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Handle Material: Rubber Overmold
Performance
The Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet is a compact and versatile bushcraft hatchet that is perfect for survival situations.
It has a sharp blade that is ideal for chopping and splitting wood, and a comfortable handle that provides excellent grip and control.
What Sets This Product Apart
The hatchet has a unique design that includes a non-slip rubber grip and a stainless steel pommel that can be used for hammering. It also comes with a nylon sheath that has a belt loop for easy transport.
Recent Updates
The latest version of the Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet has a slightly longer handle for improved grip and control. The blade has also been improved for better durability.
Benefits
- Compact and versatile
- Sharp blade with stainless steel pommel for hammering
- Non-slip rubber grip
- Comes with a nylon sheath
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- May require sharpening after extended use
- Handle may not be comfortable for all users
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet is perfect for anyone who needs a compact and versatile bushcraft hatchet for survival situations.
Where to Buy This Product
Buy the Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet on the official website.
7. Best for Beginners: Schrade SC AXE10 Full Tang Hatchet
Specifications
- Length: 11.1 inches
- Weight: 1.37 pounds
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: TPR Rubber
Performance
The Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet is a budget-friendly bushcraft hatchet that is perfect for beginners.
It has a sharp blade that is ideal for light to medium-duty tasks, and a comfortable handle that provides excellent grip and control.
What Sets This Product Apart
The hatchet has a full tang design that provides added strength and durability. It also has a unique head shape that allows for both chopping and hammering. The hatchet comes with a nylon sheath for safe storage and transport.
Recent Updates
There are no recent updates for the Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet. However, we are keeping tabs on the product for any updates in the future!
Benefits
- Budget-friendly
- Full tang design for added strength and durability
- Unique head shape for chopping and hammering
- Comfortable handle for excellent grip and control
- Comes with a nylon sheath
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- May require sharpening after extended use
- Blade material is not as durable as high carbon steel
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet is perfect for beginners or anyone on a budget who needs a reliable bushcraft hatchet for light to medium-duty tasks.
Where to Buy This Product
Buy the Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet on Amazon.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing the best bushcraft hatchet, there are a few key features to consider. These features include design and materials, size and weight, blade and handle, and sheath and extras.
Design and Materials
The design and materials of a bushcraft hatchet play a significant role in its overall performance. Look for a hatchet with a durable and high-quality blade that can withstand heavy use. Some popular materials for hatchet blades include high-carbon steel and stainless steel.
The handle is another essential aspect of the design. Wooden handles, such as those made from American hickory, are popular for their durability and comfortable grip. Some hatchets also come with rubber or synthetic handles for added comfort and grip.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of a bushcraft hatchet are crucial for its portability and ease of use. A hatchet that is too heavy can cause fatigue and strain, while one that is too light may not provide enough force for chopping and splitting wood.
Look for a hatchet that is lightweight and compact enough to fit easily into a backpack. The length of the hatchet should be long enough to provide leverage for chopping, but not so long that it becomes unwieldy.
Blade and Handle
The blade and handle of a bushcraft hatchet are the two most important components. The blade should be sharp and durable, with a beveled edge for easy chopping and splitting. Some axe heads also come with a serrated edge for sawing through thicker branches.
The handle should be comfortable and easy to grip, with a non-slip surface for added safety. Look for a hatchet with a wooden or synthetic handle that is ergonomically designed for maximum comfort.
Sheath and Extras
Finally, consider the sheath and any extras that come with the hatchet. A high-quality sheath made from vegetable-tanned leather will protect the blade and make it easy to carry. Some hatchets also come with extras such as an instruction manual or sharpening stone.
Choosing a Bushcraft Hatchet on a Budget
When it comes to choosing a bushcraft hatchet, the budget is an important factor to consider. There are many options available in the market, and the prices can vary significantly.
However, it is important to remember that the most expensive option may not always be the best choice.
Fiskars X7 Hatchet
One of the most budget-friendly options is the Fiskars X7 Hatchet. It is a compact and lightweight hatchet that is perfect for camping and other outdoor activities. It is also incredibly durable and features a sharp edge that can handle most tasks with ease.
The Fiskars X7 Hatchet is an excellent choice for those who are on a tight budget but still want a reliable and high-quality hatchet.
Estwing Sportsman's Axe
Another great option for those on a budget is the Estwing Sportsman's Axe. It is a versatile hatchet that can be used for a variety of tasks, including chopping wood and clearing trails.
It is also incredibly durable and can withstand heavy use. The Estwing Sportsman's Axe is an excellent value for the price and is a great choice for those who want a reliable and affordable hatchet.
Gerber Pack Hatchet
For those who are willing to spend a bit more, the Gerber Pack Hatchet is a great choice. It is a compact and lightweight hatchet that is perfect for backpacking and other outdoor activities. It is also incredibly durable and can handle most tasks with ease.
The Gerber Pack Hatchet is an excellent value for the price and is a great choice for those who want a high-quality hatchet without breaking the bank. This company makes some of the best bushcraft axes on the market. Whether you need a felling axe or something for chopping wood, you know you can count on Gerber.
Customer Reviews and Considerations
As someone who spends a lot of time in the great outdoors, I know how important it is to have a reliable bushcraft hatchet. When it comes to choosing the right hatchet, customer reviews can be a valuable source of information.
After analyzing hundreds of customer reviews on popular outdoor gear websites, I've noticed that some common complaints and issues tend to come up again and again.
Blade Wear and Tear
One common complaint among bushcraft hatchet users is that the blade can become dull or damaged over time.
However, many customers have found that the Gerber Gear Gator Combo Axe is a great choice for those looking for a durable and sharp blade. One Amazon customer writes, "The blade is sharp and has held up well after a lot of use. I've used it to chop through everything from small branches to thick logs, and it's held up great."
Comfortability Issues
Another issue that some customers have experienced with bushcraft hatchets is that they can be difficult to wield for extended periods of time.
However, many customers have found that the Estwing Sportsman's Axe is a great bushcraft axe for those looking for a comfortable and easy-to-use hatchet.
One REI customer writes , "The handle is easy to grip and feels comfortable in my hand, even after hours of use. It's also well-balanced, which makes it easier to swing and reduces fatigue." Bushcraft axes that feature a sharp edge with this level of comfort and performance are ideal for felling trees as well as performing a wide variety of tasks.
That said, the best bushcraft axe is the one that features an axe head and handle design that is ideal for your needs. A good bushcraft axe is not the one with the most cutting edge design or highest price tag, it's the product that suits your intended use.
About THE AUTHOR
Brittany Melling
Brittany has been in the land business since 2020 when the world was starting to shut down. Since then, we’ve sold to dozens of people from ATV weekend warriors to camping enthusiasts to retired truck drivers. Our inventory spans mostly in the western United States. We’ve been trained by experience, land acquisition courses, and hundreds of hours meeting with county assessors and clerks, zoning officials, realtors, and land investors. We’ve answered hundreds of questions from people regarding the buying and use of land.
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