Looking to get a short Axe or hatchet. I have always used a machete for most tasks requiring more than a knife. I'm thinking a good Axe will serve me better. What are some of you fellas using?

I've had and used a Gerber ax. It's not the shortest one,but it's not the big ax either. I love that thing. I put it along with my Gerber bone and wood saw and I'm set for anything.

believe it or not Cold Steel makes a cheap axe called the Trail Hawk that i have used, abused and keep on using. i'm a little harsh on equipment and this one has stood up, very light weight and cheap.

I have 2 that get the work done in camp or on the hunt.  My carry hatchet is a Gransfors Bruks mini hatchet. Does all I need to do from field dressing game to preping a fire. Small, light and will fit in a pocket, on the belt or in a pack.  Back at camp I use a Granfors Scandinavian Forest axe. Expensive tools but they are 1st class, come sharp and touch-up quickly.

Ron LaClair has a nice little camp or trail axe....check his shrew website.

I have to side with Kenny on this one!!!!

Cold Steel's Trail Hawk, and it's brother Frontier Hawk, just can't be beat for the money!!!!!

I have a Trail Hawk. I cut the handle down to 18" and removed the paint on it. It's a great little hatchet for the money.

i have BEAT mind and blade help up good even whacking through CHAIN.... bought a spare handle but doubt i'll ever have to use it.

I'm with Airdale on this one.  Gransfors Scandinavian Forest Axe has been the best tool I've added to my kit in a long time.  Between the SFA and a good knife, I feel like I've got all my bases covered.

Not too big, no too small.  Keep it sharp enough and it'll carve beautifully as well as all the chopping you care to do.

QuoteOriginally posted by Izzy:
I have always used a machete for most tasks requiring more than a knife. I'm thinking a good Axe will serve me better.

That's funny, I was thinking just the opposite and have been researching machetes!    

I have a gransfors wildlife hatchet and it is a very, very nice tool, but I was thinking if I had to carry just one, maybe a machete would be better. Actually, I'm not sure I would use either while hunting... prefer a folding saw to cut larger stuff and hand pruners for the smaller stuff.

Nittany hit it on the head, i take my axe all the time but use my folding saw much more.

Check the " Uluchet " Awesome 9" hatchet that can be used as an Ulu for skinning! D2 steel and super strong synthetic handle. will handle everything from moose to Deer.

Wetterlings  axe and Bob Dustrude saw.


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The Gerber mid-size hatchet has worked well for me for many years. My folding saw gets more work but my hatchet is always there when needed.    

I probably won't be carrying it much while actually hunting but want it as a camp tool. If I draw my elk and moose tags next year I can see putting it to use then. Thanks for the responses fellas.

Gransfor Bruks.  I love my Scandinavian forest axe, but the small forest is more handy, cheaper, and comes in a very close second.  One of the above and a sawvivor live in my truck.

I used an old Buck for close to 40 years and now use a Timberline
model called the Bush Pilot Survival Hatchet.  Overall length is just at 9 inches.

I use a tomahawk from Fort Turner.  He makes a number of sizes and I use the smallest for everything from splitting kindling, splitting a pelvis, or driving tent stakes. Top quality tomahawk that you can get shaving sharp.

Eastwing