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Best Survival Hatchet

Last Updated: December 28, 2020

A survival kit is a kit for a reason; it’s because you can’t soar your way through survival with just one item. However, a survival hatchet will significantly help you in more ways than you would believe. After a long day surviving the outdoors, the best survival hatchet is what you need to shadow your every move. Finding the best survival hatchet on the market can be redundant with a variety of hatchets out there, with different terminologies and mechanics behind them to understand. There are many things to consider, and we are happy to assist you every step of the way. That’s why, here at Survival Front, we’ve narrowed it down to five products, and here, we believe, you will find a survival hatchet with your name on. Let’s meet the lineup!

Our Reviews
1

Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet

At a budget-friendly price, the Fiskar X7 hatchet can take on the mightiest of tasks in the mightiest conditions.

Are you moving with the times? If so, this hatchet might be for you. This 14-inch hatchet proves that unconventionality is a good thing when it offers both substance and style.

With its unconventional design and stronger-than-steel FiberComp handles, Fiskars doesn’t just promise to outlast others. Still, they say they’re virtually impossible to break – longevity is something to consider before making your decision!

The Fiskar X7 is an excellent combination of a durable and multi-functional tool and will help you accomplish various tasks throughout your adventure.

The proprietary blade-grinding technique gives you a sharper edge for better contact and cleaner cuts, adding efficiency to your performance.

When chopping away at wood, the last thing you want is the head getting stuck, slowing down the process of making a fire. So with a low-friction blade coating, you won’t have to take breaks in-between chopping.

With an exceptional balance and power-to-weight ratio, you will get an increase to swing speed to multiply power, that of the same power as an aluminium baseball bat.

When you’re out battling the unknown, you won’t want to think about product guarantees, but for peace of mind, Fiskars does offer a lifetime guarantee for this hatchet.

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Pros

  • Crafted with blade-grinding technology
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Highly visible, preventing accidents
  • Made for frequent regular use

Cons

  • Unconventional appearance could turn off traditionalists
  • Not a suitable choice for larger jobs
2

Schrade SCAXE3 Full Tang Hatchet

The Schrade SCAXE5 12.8in Full Tang Tactical Hatchet is a 12.8 inches long hatchet with a blade length of 3.1 inches. The Carbon steel blade weighs 1lb 9oz.

The SK-5 High Carbon Steel, hard-wearing hatchet blade will do you wonders if you’re taking on wet conditions, and the nylon fiber handle adds to how sturdy this hatchet truly is.

With its durable materials throughout, this reliable hatchet will see you through the good, the bad, and the unknown.

Included is a black nylon belt sheath, which brings convenience with its belt loop providing quick and easy access, for when the adrenaline takes over.

Schrade’s survival hatchet ensures the security of your hand, providing a finger-shaped grip and leaves you confident knowing that the blade or hatchet will not slip from your grasp.

You will enjoy adopting the Schrade as a companion for survival. Prepared is how you want to feel in remote and dangerous places, that’s why with its spike pommel and nail pull or pry bar, this hatchet has your back.

Not only does it chop well and has the right level of sturdiness, you will feel nothing but ease throughout due to its slight weight.

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Pros

  • SK-5 high carbon steel
  • Hand and finger shaped grip
  • Durable nylon fiber handle
  • Full Tang construction

Cons

  • Due to its small size, it may face difficulty in cutting larger things
3

Karesuando Unna Áksu Hunters Axe

The Karesuando Unna Áksu is a multipurpose tool, suitable for a variety of survival situations you could find yourself enduring.

It possesses a stainless steel constructed head, which is also polished to survive the wettest conditions. So if you’re enduring storms, then you might want to consider this water-resistant bad boy.

It makes for an excellent scouting and camping axe and is suitable for adventures through all the seasons.

Like most survival hatchets, it is small in size, and with its 3.9-inch blade, it can hack away at the most arduous tasks. In the world of survival, some have considered this hatchet to be the ‘ultimate small axe.’

Comfort is essential and often neglected when it comes to survival hatchets. But the Karesuando has you covered, with its curly birch-wood handle being designed and shaped to give a comfortable grip.

Included with the hatchet is a black leather cover belt sheath and a diamond sharpener to help not only sharpen the hatchet but to improve your survival experience.

If you like attention to detail, the head also features some drawings of the town of Karesuando to give it that finishing personal touch.

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Pros

  • Stainless steel
  • Suitable for all seasons
  • Small in size
  • Water resistant

Cons

  • Not budget-friendly
  • Its small size may turn off some consumers
4

Gränsfors Bruks Hand Hatchet

If the survivor in you wants a lightweight and conveniently sized survival hatchet to help breeze through many obstacles, then the Gränsfors Bruks Hand Hatchet could be for you.

The Gränsfors hand hatchet is a classic choice for the traditionalists out there, as it has a wooden handle. The handle is reliable, favored for its exterior and sturdiness. Although smaller than average, the grip is secure enough for you to do almost anything.

With a length of 9.5 inches and weighing in at 1.3lbs, it is an ideal size and weight for different aspects of your adventure. The blade itself is 3.4 inches and is just the right size to tackle the more taxing tasks, such as hacking away at the more massive logs.

It won’t burden your back and holds very little room in your bag, tent, or vehicle. It is not recommended to be carried around in your pocket, which could bring inconvenience to your routine.

Included is a leather sheath that covers the edge and the top part of the poll, which prevents the axe from cutting into your rucksack and damaging any other gear. At a premium price, this hatchet might break the bank, but it could push you further than before.

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Pros

  • Broad blade
  • Heavy-duty leather sheath
  • Lightweight makes for easy use
  • Established & reliable company

Cons

  • Handle is smaller than most hatchets
  • Not budget-friendly
5

Gerber Pack Hatchet Camping Axe

The Gerber Pack Hatchet has full tang construction, giving you the steadiness in hand and the strength to power through challenging swings. Not all hatchets offer this construction, and it certainly sets it apart from other hatchets out there.

In the survival world, a full tang hatchet is desirable. Meaning that the blade of the hatchet extends down through the handle as one piece of metal, which increases durability and prevents the blade from becoming loose.

Its portability and versatile shape have the appeal to bring campers, hunters, hikers, and survivalists together. For a compact tool, this pack hatchet delivers an impressive amount of function.

With a weight of 1.3 lbs, it is the ideal hatchet to take with you anywhere. However, the feather-ness of this tool might be less appealing to those who prefer a more substantial chop.

The Nylon sheath included can also be mounted on a pack or belt, making it easy to grab when you need to act quickly on your feet. The integrated lanyard hole secures the hatchet while on the move, so you don’t have to worry about losing it during busy times.

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Pros

  • Full Tang construction
  • Lightweight
  • Rubber molded handle
  • Stainless steel

Cons

  • Customers have reported it being too lightweight
  • Modern design may turn off traditionalists

Carbon or Steel Blade?

Before anything else, it is essential to make sure you know what material the blade of your survival hatchet is. The head of most, if not all, survival hatchets are made from metal, whereas the vast majority of axe hatchets are steel-constructed. We recommend assessing the expected weather conditions and the prime purpose for your hatchet before choosing either carbon or stainless steel blade. Stainless steel doesn’t corrode or rust, although it isn’t as durable or able to retain a sharp edge as well as carbon steel. Stainless, perhaps, because of how shiny it is maybe more visually appealing to consumers. Carbon requires less sharpening but will need frequent maintenance in other areas.

Handle Material & Length

Just like the blade’s material, the material of the handle is narrowed down to a select few materials. For survival, the grip of the handle is essential in accompanying you throughout the various obstacles you will face. Materials typically used for the handle include wood, paracord, rubber, and leather. The most traditional is wood and is the most popular for its classic exterior and reliability. Another conventional material is leather and favored for its comfortability and excellent grip, although it isn’t as preferred in wet conditions. Paracord, over time, is growing in popularity because of its excellent grip. However, sometimes, a firm hold can mean a lack of comfort. A rubber handle is reliable during wet conditions, but aesthetically it isn’t as favorable, and the feeling of a rubber grip is for an acquired taste – each to their own! The length of the handle is also something to consider because the longer the handle, the swing’s power is increased as a result of leverage.

Construction Style & Features

In the survival world, a full tang hatchet is desirable. Meaning that the blade of the hatchet extends down through the handle as one piece of metal, which increases durability and prevents the blade from becoming loose. Survival hatchets have evolved with some of the best hatchets having additional features, including fire-starters and hammer substitutes on the backside of the blade. Know your agenda, and the rest will fall into place, and you will eventually have the best survival hatchet that best suits you. Before you start your search, it is essential to ask yourself the big questions: How and where am I likely to use my survival hatchet the most? What tasks do I want to accomplish with it? Do I move with the times, or am I happy with tradition?

Solid Grip

It is an essential factor to consider while buying a survival hatchet. Some hatchets get wet for a variety of reasons, including rain, humidity, snow, or even from sweaty palms, but the best survival hatchet thrives during these conditions. The best survival hatchet out there should have a secure grip and will never slip from your grasp. The best hatchets tend to have a handle made from a non-slippery material such as rubber or wood.

Difference Between a Survival Axe and a Survival Hatchet

Before you start your wilderness exploration, you might want to familiarise yourself with the differences between an axe and a hatchet and why differentiating the two is vital to forming your hatchet decision. The most significant distinction between a survival hatchet and a survival axe is the size. A hatchet is designed to be used for multiple purposes and usually has a smaller handle, so it is easier to use when splitting firewood, chopping pieces of wood, or cutting down branches. Hatchets, because of their small size, are compatible and more appealing to the survivors on the move and don’t want to be burdened by size, weight, and so forth.

Recap

Survival hatchets are, without a doubt, one of the essential components to a survival kit. Without one, your time in remote and dangerous areas can leave you feeling defeated. Hatchets have soared in popularity and proven to be a necessity to both surviving and thriving in the unknown. And with so many to choose from, it is difficult to know what is worth your time and money. However, after tremendous research, my pick for the best survival hatchet is the Schrade SCAXE5 12.8in Full Tang Tactical Hatchet. This Full Tang hatchet has combined features, making it soar on top of our list. With its durable materials throughout and a lean size and weight, this hatchet will see you through many of your journey’s obstacles. Its finger and hand-shaped grip grant you with confidence throughout your survival, and I have no doubt it will offer success with its longevity. On the market as budget-friendly, this hatchet proves that big money doesn’t need to be involved in the design equates to great things! Thanks for reading, we hope you have gained considerable insight into the world of survival hatchets and have enjoyed our compilation to find the best survival hatchet out there. Good luck and happy prepping from the Survival Front team!

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