The Best Hatchets For Bushcraft In 2024
By, Sarah CombsUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: SOG Camp Axe- Compact Camping and Survival Hatchet
The Camp Axe is a compact axe with a 3.1-inch blade that can endure the most rugged outdoor adventures. It is small enough to conveniently fit in your pack and stored in your car, but don't let its size fool you; it's still very effective. When the time comes for chopping wood or splitting logs for campfire fuel, this Camp Axe will leave an impressive mark on the log. Read Review
2. Runner Up: 1844 Helko Werk Germany Traditional Rheinland Hatchet
This German Helko Werk axe is a traditional camping, bushcraft hatchet. The high carbon steel blade is tempered, ensuring it will retain its sharp edge for many years. The German Helko Werk axe head is open-face drop forged and individually hand crafted, ensuring the highest quality. Read Review
3. Best Convenient: Camping Axe - Camping Hatchet - Bushcraft Axe
The Camping Hatchet is a lightweight black military grade fiberglass handle keeps weight down and allows it to be packed in your camping gear. The hatchet head is at the ideal angle for cutting through brush and chopping wood. A perfect tool for camping and survival, the hatchet can function in multiple ways such as being used for chopping wood, securing stakes, cleaning game, or even a garden tool. Read Review
4. Best Quality: 1844 Helko Werk Germany Classic Axe - Bushcraft Axe
The 1844 Helko Werk Classic Axe and Bushcraft Axe is designed for the outdoorsman, hunter or anyone looking for an axe that is lightweight and efficient. The hidden tang design of this axe head can be attached to a pole, tree or handle. The two-piece steel construction of this hatchet will easily split wood, bone, and even frozen water at temperatures below freezing. Read Review
A good hatchet is one of the most important tools in your wilderness survival kit. It can help you build shelter, get firewood, make a cooking utensile and so much more. In a survival situation, you are likely to run into many situations where you may need to build something with limited resources.
You need a reliable tool that can easily break down and carry as well. A good hatchet is not just important but also an essential part in bushcraft and camping. Some of the best hatchets for bushcraft include those with replaceable blades and sharp points for pushing through dense wood or dense brush. They are lightweight and compact without compromising on strength or durability. If you’re interested in learning more about some of the best hatchets for bushcraft, keep reading!.
Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing customer feedback. Then we found the best hatchets for bushcraft is SOG Camp Axe- Compact Camping and Survival Hatchet. It is the greatest choice for its high quality. If you're looking for another one, consider 1844 Helko Werk Germany Traditional Rheinland Hatchet.
RELATED: Are you looking to buy the best axe for backpacking in 2024? We provided helpful advice and reliable information in this article.
Our Top Picks
CAMPING HATCHET WITH SHEATH: This small axe and hiking hatchet is lightweight and easy to carry; hand axe with sheath is a portable outdoor tool featuring glass-reinforced nylon to safely protect the blade
LIGHTWEIGHT CAMPING AXES AND HATCHETS: This light but heavy duty camp hatchet and survival hatchet also serves as a handy backpacking axe; hand axe includes textured GRN handle for comfortable use
STAINLESS STEEL CHOPPING AXE BLADE: Small forest axe, camping hatchet and backpacking hatchet features a 3.1-inch blade; small hatchet measures 11.5 inches in total length
SOG for life: Take care of your camp axes and hatchets and we’ll take care of you; we gladly consider repairs and replacements for your properly maintained SOG Camp Axe
WOOD HATCHET AND HAMMER AXE IN ONE: Wood chopping axe can also be used as a hammer axe; the hatchet is always ready for outdoor wood splitting, pounding tent stakes, and tinder breakdown
Grade A American Hickory Handle - Linseed Oil Finish - 150 Grit Sanded Sustainably sourced grade A American hickory handle. All Helko Werk camping axes and hatchets have handles individually hand finished and selected for grain orientation and density with a boiled linseed oil finish and sanded to 150 grit for a comfortable and smooth finish on your axe handle
Includes Full Grain Leather Sheath and 1 Oz Bottle of Axe Guard Protective Oil - All Helko Werk axes and hatchets include a vegetable-tanned premium leather axe sheath to protect your axe blade and head. The Axe Guard oil is a metal protecting oil to help maintain the steel of your axe head, and prevent rust over time.
Handmade In Germany - The Rheinland Hatchet performs well at limbing branches, making kindling, carving, and other light and fine cutting work. The Rheinland pattern, a traditional German wide-bit blade, is exceptionally well suited for cutting work. Handmade in Wuppertal, Germany, these hatchets are named after the region’s famous Rhein River Valley.
Dimensions: Head Weight: 1-1/4 lb, Length: 14 in, Total Weight: 1-3/4 lb
C50 High Carbon Steel: 53-56 HRC - Helko Werk axe heads are open-face drop forged individually by hand from German C50 high grade carbon steel. Drop forging is a process in which the blacksmith uses tongs to hold and shape hot steel as a drop hammer falls repeatedly onto it.
🎯 THROWING AXE 🪓 - Specifically narrow profile allows for perfect performance as a throwing axe. Ultra sharp head ideal for axe throwing. Designing a throwing axe its weight, sharpness and durability have all been taking into account without compromise allowing you to use in any level of competition.
🐣 EASY FOR ALL TO USE - Ideal weight as a camp axe with ergonomic handle design allow for anyone competent of your hiking or camping group to effectively swing the hatchet for chopping wood, clearing brush, using to secure stakes, clean game, or even in your arsenal of garden tools.
🛡️ HEAVY DUTY SHEATH - Ballistic nylon sheath specifically tailored to 7SG's hatchet head to ensure your blade stay sharp and your loved one and you stay safe. Multiple openings flaps allow you to quickly access and use your hatchet for camping and survival. Two adjacent hooking loops at the top of the sheath allow for it to be hung and secured regardless of orientation.
⚒️ TACTICAL SURVIVAL AXE & HAMMER - All blacked out hatchets for camping and survival axe designed to blend into your gear and the environment. A lightweight and versatile tool with ideal 20 degree head angle for cutting and chopping with flat back head perfect for driving stakes, acting as a hammer much needed tool in the field.
🏕️ SURVIVAL CAMPING AXE 🪓 - Lightweight black military grade fiberglass handle keeps weight down allowing it to be packed in your camping gear. Hatchet head is at the ideal angle for effectively cutting through brush and chopping wood.
Includes Full Grain Leather Sheath & 1 Oz Bottle Of Axe Guard Protective Oil - All Helko Werk axes and hatchets include a vegetable-tanned premium leather axe sheath to protect your axe blade and head. The Axe Guard oil is a metal protecting oil to help maintain the steel of your axe head, and prevent rust over time.
C50 HIGH Carbon Steel: 53-56 HRC - Helko Werk axe heads are open-face drop forged individually by hand from German C50 high grade carbon steel. Drop forging is a process in which the blacksmith uses tongs to hold and shape hot steel as a drop hammer falls repeatedly onto it. This hatchet is handmade and hand-forged with a highly polished Classic finish to prevent rust and reduce cutting friction.
Grade A American Hickory Handle - Linseed Oil Finish - 150 Grit Sanded sustainably sourced grade A American hickory handle. All Helko Werk camping axes and hatchets have handles individually hand finished and selected for grain orientation and density with a boiled linseed oil finish and sanded to 150 grit for a comfortable and smooth finish on your axe handle
Dimensions: Head Weight: 1-1/2 lb / Length: 20 in. / Total Weight: 2-1/4 lb
Handmade in Germany - The Journeyman camp axe is a hybrid of a hatchet and a conventional axe, and is the perfect all-purpose “in between” companion for the avid backpacker, camper, or woodsman. This pack axe is larger than a small axe and designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to carry while trekking through wilderness. Comfortable to use one or two handed, the Journeyman will make kindling, limb branches, build your shelter, and other light splitting or cutting work.
Our Survival Axe with Sheath is MOLLE ready & attaches well to a backpack / bugout bag so its easy to carry while your hiking, backpacking or camping.
These survival axes and hatchets are perfect for carving wood for shelters, traps & bushcrafting. They're designed to be the most versatile hand axe.
Our camping axes & hatchets are a good outdoor wood axe to have around Camp as a chopping axe or even as a tactical throwing tomahawk... just incase!
Use it for a splitting axe or hatchets for chopping wood. This axe tool not only makes a good Survival Hatchet, but the perfect bushcraft axe as well.
This Camping Axe is a great small axe as a kindling splitter & camping hatchet. Having multiple cutting edges - with this hatchet camping is a breeze.
Hand-Forged Carving Axe for Various Purposes: Hatchet is designed for wood carving, woodworking, green woodworking, carpentry. Can be used for shaping wooden products (for example, kuksas or small sculptures). The tool is sharpened and ready to cut, chop, carve and split.
Wood Hatchet from Premium Quality Materials: The top-grade hand-forged axe head is made of advanced hardened carbon steel. The blade is securely fixed in the handle and will not break.
Razor-Sharp Axe Made in Europe: The ultra-sharp hatchet blade from hardened carbon steel is ideal for efficient chopping, carving, and other woodworking techniques. It has a perfect balance between handle and blade for comfortable, efficient, and safe work. Made in Ukraine.
Comfortable Hatchet with Sheath: Genuine leather case and belt loop protect the blade during storage and carrying.
Small Axe with Huge Potential: The chopping axe handle is made of ash wood and impregnated with linseed oil and wax. The ergonomic shape of the handle prevents the carving axe from slipping out.
Solid and sharp AXE: Forged with High-Carbon steel integrally, robust enough to avoid rupture. The antique frosted surface of the tactical axe head is made of pure manual double-layer sand blasting process and 58 degree heat treatment, keeping it flat and prolong its life.
Multifunctional survival hatchet: Multi-usage scenarios for household and camping, split woods, cutting trees, ice breaking, screw twisting, extinguishing and self-protection in the wild. Hang hole for hanging and safety protection.
Comfortable handle: Ergonomically designed, can be used with one hand. The handle is made of colored G10 material, which is insulated, corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant.
Leather sheath, anti-rust oil and aluminum case included: High quality, full covered leather to keep the axe sharp and protect against injuries. Spread the oil on the axe can stave off rusting. Robust, high-capacity aluminum case is convenient to store and carry.
Compact size design: 14.4 inches, perfect size to grasp, net 1.5 pounds, light weight to carry, essential camping axe
AMERICAN HICKORY HANDLES are used in our axes, the wood is selected for proper grain orientation and specially assembled for maximum comfort and durability.
CONDOR CLASSIC FINISH is a perfected process of hand hammering our Classic Series of axes and knives. It gives a classic and enhanced look to an already well made tool
FORGED AXE HEADS are made from 1060 High Carbon Steel, heat treated and annealed to 50-55 HRC.
CONDOR LEATHER SHEATHS are high quality, heavy duty, hand crafted leather. Some of the designs feature a swiveling belt loop that allows the tool to swing out of the way while moving through brush or the jungle. The tool can also be swung out of the way while riding in a truck or car, thus not poking one in the side as a conventional knife sheath.
Made in Sweden
Premium 1.32 lbs. hand-forged axe head
Includes Proposition 65 labeling for California
Comes with a leather edge cover
Hatchet is designed for one-handed use on light wood cutting
Made with hickory and Swedish steel
axe adze woodworking tool carpentry axe curved adze
What to Look For in a best hatchets for bushcraft?
Looking for the best hatchets for bushcraft requires consideration of many criteria. Product learning varies in type, feature, and customer ranking. Overall, it comes with several difficulties in buying. So, we are available to support you occasionally.
It is beneficial for you to have a closer look at the things below to evaluate and then choose which one is suitable:
The Axe Head & The Blade
Flat edges will stick better to flat surfaces than those with sharper edges. You should think about the material you will be using most, and then choose a survival knife/survival hatchet that matches that material.
Thickness And Sharpness
It all comes down to the purpose of your axe. It's more practical to cut wood or do heavy carving in a survival situation than it is to make intricate carving.
Weight Distribution
To make sure your axe fits you properly, it is best to try it out as soon as possible. Swing it with both hands and make a choice whether it is light/heavy/long/short/portable enough for what you need it for.
Easy Maintenance
It is easy to sharpen a hatchet by running a file across its head and a whetstone. It is simple and inexpensive to replace the handle of a traditional hatchet. Your hatchet will be a valuable asset for the rest of your life as long as it is kept clean and protected from water.
Ease Of Splitting
Splitting is easier with longer handles and heavier heads. When shopping for similar models, be sure to consider the shape and construction of your handle.
If you are unsure about what you want, you can look into larger axes. You may find that some of the smaller camp hatchets are not what you want. In this case, you will need a full-sized, heavy-duty axe.
Handle Length And A Sturdy Grip
Safety and efficiency are also key factors. It shouldn't slip, or cause injury to you. To make life easier and safer, choose an axe/hatchet that has a grippy grip.
Non-slip materials such as rubber and wood are used to design the tail. The tail should be capable of withstanding humid conditions. You can even find axes that are specially made to improve grip and comfort by including patterns in the tail.
RELATED: Our top professionals have tested, examined, and ranked the 10 best all around axe of 2024 for you. See our top picks here.
FAQs
What Is A Hatchet Good For?
Hatchets can be used for a variety of purposes depending on their shape or construction. They are most commonly used for cutting and splitting small sections of wood. The diameter of a Hatchet's forearm is approximately the same as that of a normal forearm, but slightly larger.
Because of their small size, hatchets make excellent tools to perform more complex bushcraft tasks. These tools are ideal for creating shelters, carving woodwork projects and other tasks. If you don't have a field dressing knife after a hunt, hatchets can be used to cut through bone or cartilage.
What Is The Best Camping Hatchet?
The individual as well as the intended purpose of the hatchet are the most important factors in choosing the right camping hatchet. While some companies have an excellent reputation, it is almost impossible to find the best camping hatchet that suits everyone.
You should prioritize your needs and priorities, then weigh the pros and cons of each option. It may be that your best choice for camping is not the one for your partner.
How Do I Choose Between A Hatchet And An Axe?
It all comes down to space. A hatchet is more effective than an axe if it can be kept in a garage or car. A hatchet is a great option for those who travel by foot and need to have a lot of power, but are limited on space.
Are Hatchets And Tomahawks The Same Thing?
Although tomahawks and hatchets look very much the same, tomahawks have a more emphasis on lightweight and throwing. Hatchets are heavier, more concerned with chopping wood and less about striking a target.
Do I Need A Hatchet For Camping?
The hatchet is a highly-recommended survival and camping tool and one of most important tools. The oldest known human-made tool we have ever discovered is the "hand axe" made of stone, which dates back more than a million years. They are technically called hatchets. A hatchet can be your friend for woodwork and fire preparation even if you don't plan on carrying a chainsaw.
How Do I Sharpen A Hatchet?
While everyone will have their preferred method of sharpening the hatchet, it is very much like sharpening knives. You might have to file the edges depending on the condition of the blade.
The list of best hatchets for bushcraft is updated frequently to approach the latest information. Please check our website to get any changes and additions usually.
Would you like to be given practical support about best hatchets for bushcraft of 2024? Our customer service department is always here to assist you. Please contact us as soon as possible whenever you need.
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About Sarah Combs
