Survival Hatchet

[415]

Just got my Rothco Survival Hatchet delivered (ax, hammer, pry bar and nail puller combo).

Was expecting a little more heft and size - It weighs in at about 1lb, is a foot tall and about 4.5" from the hammer to ax edge.

Looks like an ok tool for a BOB or GHB, but no good for anything you'd want to depend on long term. Should've figured as much, given the $10 price tag.

Anyone know of a similar, but better quality tool? Same features, but the heft a 'real' hatched?

[PonchoTA]

I don't have any personal experience, but heard nice things about the Gerber one.


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[Barabas]

I dunno about the Gerber camp hatchet, but I have the Fiskar's it's based on, bought it when they first came out. It stays in the truck as part of my pioneer kit, right next to my WWII era Soviet shovel, tree straps, chains and snatch rope. I like it a lot and use it when camping as a kindling hatchet. I've also ground the rear end flat so I can use it as a hammer, can't pull nails with it, but that's what the wrecking bar is for I guess.

I also have the camp ax, which has a much longer handle. It does a serviceable job whacking limbs off and splitting rounds, but I prefer wedges and a sledge for that. I leave the felling of trees to chainsaws.

I've used the soviet shovel as an ax by sharpening one side of the blade, wouldn't advise doing that unless it was a real emergency. It held the edge, but kept trying to twist out of my hand because of how springy and curved the blade of the shovel is.

[popndrop]

Swamp Rat Crash Axe - thats what I keep in my car at all times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU3YGKire1o

A bit on the spendy side, but tough as nails...at least thats what they say about it. Truth be told, I've never used it.
I have used my little SOG tomahawk though, and it's a great cheap, light tool.