By Survival Ready Blog Team
Hatchets give provide with significant advantages in most survival or outdoor scenarios. Different from a knife, a hatchet allows a greater ability to gather and split firewood, speed up game processing, and create bigger and better shelters. Hatchets are great tools but you don't have to break the bank to get a good one. Below you'll find our top 5 list for hatchets for under $50.
Hatchets give provide with significant advantages in most survival or outdoor scenarios. Different from a knife, a hatchet allows a greater ability to gather and split firewood, speed up game processing, and create bigger and better shelters. Hatchets are great tools but you don't have to break the bank to get a good one. Below you'll find our top 5 list for hatchets for under $50.
#5 - Husqvarna 576926401 13 in. Curved Handle Hatchet
My first impression mirrored most here: This is a rather well-built tool. The forging was left clean but with imperfections. It has a very pleasing appearance, however, and was finished with an "acceptable" edge ground into the bit. I'm certain you could press this hatchet into service immediately out of the box, but you'll likely end up wishing you had put a better edge on it in the first place.
For roughly twice the price of that cheap-o hatchet with a tubular steel handle on the shelf of the nearest big-box retailer, you get a hand-forged tool that should last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. You'll need to do some work right out of the box to get a good edge on the bit and address the handle finish. When you're finished, though, you'll have a tool that is on par with some of the high-end hatchets that are twice or three times the price. And that, my friends, is a great value.
For roughly twice the price of that cheap-o hatchet with a tubular steel handle on the shelf of the nearest big-box retailer, you get a hand-forged tool that should last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. You'll need to do some work right out of the box to get a good edge on the bit and address the handle finish. When you're finished, though, you'll have a tool that is on par with some of the high-end hatchets that are twice or three times the price. And that, my friends, is a great value.
#4 - Gerber Gator Axe II
I found the hatchet to be a good size for recreational use, wouldn't be the best for downing large trees because of its size, but one should assume that even prior to purchasing. For it's intended use, downing small trees, knocking off limbs it works great. The finish, which appears to be a gray paint does come off but that's expected. I did split some large logs with this axe and it worked OK, I had to bang it on a hard surface a few times, but as I said before, one should assume this with an axe/hatchet this size.
Overall this is a great addition to anyone's gear if they are going to be in the woods for an extended time. It is very light for what it is. It would be great in emergencies, and using the saw and hatchet in conjunction, would allow someone to down just about anything given enough time. Needless to say, I won't be camping without this tool anytime soon.
Overall this is a great addition to anyone's gear if they are going to be in the woods for an extended time. It is very light for what it is. It would be great in emergencies, and using the saw and hatchet in conjunction, would allow someone to down just about anything given enough time. Needless to say, I won't be camping without this tool anytime soon.
#3 - Gerber 31-002070 Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet
Its compact and small, but not to small. It comes really sharp, and its easy to sharpen if you know what your doing. Its also really useful for cutting of chickens heads, and I've also used of for cutting of a dear leg.
I've split small logs, and have done a lot of bushcraft with this thing. It fits perfect in the front pocket of the Condor 3-day Assault Pack. I would highly recommend you get at least 2 of these for your bugout bag or for survival purposes!
#2 - Estwing E24A Sportsman's Hatchet
This hatchet is worth every penny. So solid and balanced. It just feels right. Not only is the steel outstanding quality and holds an edge very well, but the pressed leather handle is extremely comfortable and exquisite looking. I am proud to own this American Made product. Best hatchet on the market. It will last a lifetime...something you can pass down to your children. Comes with a beautifully crafted, QUALITY leather sheath as well. A definite favorite for me.
#1 - Fiskars X7 Hatchet
An amazingly solid hatchet. Great for chopping, felling, 'toting' logs back to the fire, and even close work such as whittling and spear making. A perfect fit in any bug-out-bag or camp pack, the included sheath ensures the blade stays safely put thanks to a locking mechanism on the back. I was a bit skeptical at first, as I am with any axe/hatchet; there's always a worry of the head breaking during use, but I can't feel any budge at all on impact.
The FiberComp® handle is an advanced composite of fiberglass in a thermoset polymer matrix that ensures it won't break through overstrike. The low-friction coating on the blade provides a buttery smooth slice without sacrificing sharpness. In fact, the blade arrived extremely sharp and ready for use.
The FiberComp® handle is an advanced composite of fiberglass in a thermoset polymer matrix that ensures it won't break through overstrike. The low-friction coating on the blade provides a buttery smooth slice without sacrificing sharpness. In fact, the blade arrived extremely sharp and ready for use.
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