Hatchets & axes

A hatchet consists of a handle and a head that is broad on one side and sharp and pointed on the other. The pointed side is very well suited for splitting wood. A hatchet is used when wood has been collected for a fire and needs to be chopped into small pieces. It is indispensable for this. In addition, a hatchet is used on outdoor missions to clear dense undergrowth for a passage or to shorten branches that are in the way.
Hatchets are available in various sizes. Models designed for outdoor use have a relatively low weight and a short, handy handle. They can be securely attached to the outside of an outdoor backpack.

Hatchets are among the tools that can be dangerous to handle and should therefore be used with particular care. In this context, it is important that hatchets meet certain safety requirements. The handle must be stable and must not break during use. It is also important that the head is securely attached to the handle. ASMC offers hatchets that meet these safety standards and are ideally suited for outdoor use. The tools can be taken along on a mission or a hike, and are also an important aid in various camping situations. These tools are ideal for cutting a path or building a fort. There are also special folding variants that are automatically protected when folded so that the blade is no longer exposed. They also naturally take up less space in your gear. Otherwise, any hatchet that is transported frequently should come with a sheath, usually made of hard plastic. It is specially adapted to the respective hatchet and has a closure so that the sheath cannot slip off the edge.

Since wobbly handles are not only uncomfortable to work with and prevent precise work, but can also be extremely dangerous, you must always make sure that the head is firmly seated on the handle. The worst‑case scenario would be the head flying off when you swing. To refasten a loose head, you can either re‑wedge it with a larger wedge than the old one or hammer in an additional wedge into the wood afterwards. The metal wedge should be driven in at an angle of 60 to 90°.

How do you properly care for a hatchet?

The handle, which is usually made of wood, should occasionally be treated with a wood preservative stain so that it lasts longer and is less exposed to the elements. This is especially important if you carry the hatchet on the outside of your backpack.
The blade should also be cleaned regularly with steel wool. This removes (flash) rust quite effectively. Afterwards, it should be oiled and stored as dry as possible. The so-called burrs that often form when using hatchets for non-wood tasks (e.g. using the poll as a hammer substitute when driving in tent pegs while camping) should definitely be filed down from time to time, as otherwise they only create unnecessary risk of injury or can damage your equipment.