The Ax or Axe if you prefer, has been around as long as people have been. In all the years of it’s existence, little has changed. While modern axes are made from steel, iron, or other metal combinations, the aces of our primitive ancestors were constructed of obsidian or stone. Yet in all that time, the basic shape and function has remained the same.
Early axes were likely a simple wedge held in the hand. Then sometime later we figured out that if we put that wedge on a stick it worked better. Then of course we learned metallurgy and figured out how make our modern axes.
Coleman Camp Hatchet
This budget friendly option is one you should be cautious buying. Once again, the cautionary phrase “You get what you pay for.”
Now to be fair, mine could have come out of a bad batch with a poor heat treat. However, the first time I used it, the cutting edge rolled so bad a butter knife was sharper.
I have very little first hand experience using this one because of how quickly it failed.
CRKT Woods Chogan
The CRKT Woods Chogan is, in my opinion, an amazing work of modern design. The Chogan is less axe or hatchet and more tomahawk. However that doesn’t take away from it’s identical functionality.
I’ve had mine now going on 6 years and have only had to touch up the edge a few times. Unlike most off the shelf options, this one is also surprisingly well balanced for throwing too. I first got my hands on one about 8 years ago when my buddy Andrew and I were camping together. I got the chance to try his out and I knew instantly I had to have one.
I like that the head is held in place by friction. This allows me to, if I choose, leave the handle and only pack the head. In doing so, I can make my own handle once I get to my destination.
Because of the design of the head, you can choke up, hold the handle directly under the head, and gain knife like control to do some carving. This versatility allows the user the option to leave the big knife at home and take something smaller or even just a pocket knife.
Creek Stewart’s M.U.S.T. Tool
Another compact yet versatile axe option for consideration. As pictured below mine is currently in it’s Adze configuration. M.U.S.T. stands for Multi Use Survival Tool and is from Creek Stewart’s line of tools that use whiskey barrels for handle material.
I’ve had mine a couple years now and I have no complaints with it. Each and every time I have taken it out to use, it’s performed flawlessly. I use it for light chopping and splitting. I wouldn’t rely on it for anything more strenuous than that, that’s what my Chogan is for. But when I don’t need something as stout as the Chogan, the M.U.S.T. fits the bill perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Axes, there are many to choose from depending on your specific needs. I have no doubt your budget will play a roll in your axe decision, it has mine.
The Coleman has become the hatchet I use to practice sharpening with since I don’t care if I mess it up. To me, it’s no good for anything else. My Chogan is my axe of choice when I grab one to go hiking or camping with. It’s not yet let me down. The M.U.S.T. is a good little tool when I only have light work around camp to do.
What I use comes down to what I think I’m going to expect on that particular trip. I don’t believe there is one axe to rule them all. Edge design, head design, handle length, etc all play a part in what task it’s best suited for. It’s up to you to know what axe you need for the job at hand.
The Wandering Leatherneck 