Hultafors is a tool manufacturer from Sweden, and like all Scandanavian tools, this standard camping hatchet is made to be high-quality. I carry it on all my camping trips because of its versatility while keeping a low profile with regards to overall size and weight.
Build and Price
Like most of my gear, I purchased this axe from mec.ca for $71.95 CAD (plus tax). This price is practically unbeatable for a hand-crafted axe with a high carbon steel and hickory haft (handle, but on an axe). The axehead is coated with a lacquer which prevents corrosion and gives the steel a very beefy "metal" look. Right out the box, the blade is not super sharp; it would be sufficient to split logs and chop branches, but I personally sharpened it further so that I can whittle and make kindling with one tool. The other end of the axe is blunted: perfect for hammering my tent pegs into hardered dirt.
My favourite element of this tool is the shaped hickory haft. Made from one piece and sanded down until smooth, there are no imperfections along the wood. It has also been shaped so you may hold it with both hands comfortably, or use one hand close to the axehead for more precision. The head is mounted onto the haft with a standard eye mount, which makes replacing the handle a breeze for when the axehead outlasts the wood.
Lastly, the hatchet comes with a small leather cover that fits over the pointy end of the blade. It's simple, but I have never experienced the cover falling off my blade. I would not recommend storing the axe in this sheath since it could retain moisture and continually degrade the steel.
Usage
I use this hatchet for everything related to preparing wood for a campfire. I, LOVE, (responsible) campfires. My axe is sharp, but that doesn't mean it lacks the oomph to split logs into smaller sticks. As a chopping hatchet, I find it to be simple and much faster than any saw. (Side note: when swinging an axe, ALWAYS make sure the follow-through will not injure anyone, including yourself. Keep in mind where your leg is when chopping fallen branches and keep your fingers away from under the axehead if you are splitting smaller sticks into kindling.) As mentioned before, the steel holds a fantastic edge and is capable of making wood shavings to start fires with nothing but sparks.
Conclusion
This axe is a fantastic tool and one of my staples on my backpack. The only trips I would not carry this would be long expeditions (over a week) or trails that prohibit axes (West Coast Trail). For its weight and versatility, there is no comparison to others in the same price-point.
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