I also have the Finland made Fiscars.

It's indestructible.

Fiskers, made in Finland. For yard work, and some small log splitting.

I have a Kobalt hatchet with a fiberglass handle. I use it for kindling primarily and it holds an edge fairly well. I can't remember what I paid for it but I'm sure it was under $30.

Jim

From the sounds of what you want it for, I think any of the better hardware box store ones mentioned would be fine. I happen to be a sucker for fine tools, and own a number of Gransfors, Wetterlings, Hults Bruk and more, and they are a joy. But you'd have to have the same attitude towards tools in general, and axes in particular, to merit the expenditure for your light, occasional use.

Fiskar's hatch and their splitting axe are hard to beat.

The axe has a builtin wedge for easier splitting.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 41,

get an actual ax.

I have the GB SFA and it's amazing quality. LL Bean has them for a good price with a coupon once in a while. $110+

Worth a watch if you want to use an axe/hatchet. Around 3 min he uses a SFA to split wood.



The Husqvarna is a bit smaller and can be really good as well. Some can have a QC issue, but I've had good luck with them. $47+

Marbles makes a decent one as well. $35 and they sell sheaths for $13 on Amazon.

Wetterlings are Swedish hand forged like the GB but are less expensive. I have both and they are excellent quality.

Fiskar is rock solid, but is ugly and utilitarian.

I have this Husqvarna and it is an awesome working tool. I sharpen it with a composite stone and it will take an edge and shave hair off my arm. The maul shape splits wood easily.


https://www.husqvarna.com/us/a...e---small/596271001/

quote:

Originally posted by GA Gator:
Fiskar is rock solid, but is ugly and utilitarian.

They are made in Finland. I am watching a Finnish show currently and it appears everything is that way over there. Especially the architecture and interior design.
Though the show is kind of dark so it may use those settings a bit more intentionally.

Northern Tool Kindling Cracker


Neat tools and a wildcard suggestion.

My neighbor has one of these and is losing his vision due to macular degeneration. He nearly lopped off a couple fingers making kindling last year before getting this set up. He got one of these and is using a 2lb mallet. Makes it a little safer for his grandkids that are a bit young to be handling a well sharpened hatchet.

I am of Finnish descent so this matters to me ...

I have read that Fiskar axes/hatchets where some are made in Finland, and some made in China.

Been researching this, and still need to spend more time doing so, but I am getting mixed results.

quote:

Originally posted by old dino:
I am of Finnish descent so this matters to me ...

I have read that Fiskar axes/hatchets where some are made in Finland, and some made in China.

Been researching this, and still need to spend more time doing so, but I am getting mixed results.

Hit or miss. Some have edges that roll or chip, some of the handles break, some have no issues. I've owned them and prefer the Husqvarna or SFA.

quote:

Originally posted by old dino:
I am of Finnish descent so this matters to me ...

I have read that Fiskar axes/hatchets where some are made in Finland, and some made in China.

Been researching this, and still need to spend more time doing so, but I am getting mixed results.

All the sizes of hatchets and axes I looked at this week at Rural King were made in Finland.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
I have a Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet. I don't think you can ask for better quality.

I have had the same hatchet for about 10 years now and it’s been great. One day one of my kids will have it, so that’s cool.

Gransfors bruks or wetterlings.

Those would be the two I would stick to.

They were each others main competitors for years but I believe they are owned by the same group now.

Both are as much art as tool.

I jumped on the Gransfors Bruks buying thing a while back with (what seemed like) half the forum at the time.

I later wondered in one forum conversation why I'd felt the need to buy such an instrument. It is well made, and there is heritage and history and form and function and a buttload of money that I will never get back all wrapped up in it.

Does it do it's job? Heck yeah, I've been very pleased. Is it better than the Chinese Harbor Freight hand axe I have lunking around somewhere in the bottom of my truck tool box? You betcha.

If I were in need and on a budget, I'd find something much cheaper. If I were thinking long game and wanting something made with craftsmanship that would be used, yet I would one day hand to my grandson and tell him to keep it? Yeah, ok, I'd do it again.

+1 on the Estwing. I recently picked one up for camping with my son's Scout troop. Still very well made.

I have a Winkler, expensive but nothing beats it.

For spitting wood, these are great.

Kindling Cracker Firewood Splitter

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/pr..._title?ie=UTF8&psc=1