Hatchet or Machete?

[Different Drummer]

For some reason I have recently had the need for a Hatchet. Just to use for mundane jobs like sharpening a stake to drive in the ground or lopping corn cobs destined for the compost into small pieces. Like other items that I last remember seeing in the barn where I grew up, the hatchet I used throughout my life has come up missing. But that's another story. My fault for owning the place but not residing there full time.
I know others here are into blades of various sorts so I am curious to the opinions of forum members.
I am just looking to have something usable for various chores. Not an heirloom, not a collectable, nothing custom or designed to do some kind of speciality work.
Yeah, the Gransfors Bruk et al are beautiful but we are not going down that road. As the last living member of my lineage I need to be getting rid of stuff, not collecting stuff.
Found many hatchets on CL locally. None look like anything special and $25.00 seems like the average asking price. ( I like how these days everyone starts their advertisement with the word "vintage").
I see I can buy a new Fisker's machete for about the same price as the used hatchet's on CR. Other machetes are out there for even less.
So what say the forum? Hatchet or machete? Which would be more versatile? Either could be new or used.

 

[E the massive]

Sugar cane knife.

 

[Jcp123]

I go hatchet for the way you use it.

Machetes are great for hacking your way through a forest, but they’re pretty indiscriminate. A hatchet is more like a sharp hammer, a bit more precise and you let the weight of the metal do a lot of the work for you.

 

[kev74]

For general purpose work, I prefer a machete.

 

[BDinPutnam]

I have a bunch of hatchets, axes, and fixed blade knives of various sizes but I do not own anything like a machete. May this thread convince me otherwise! I've also wanted a kukri for a hell of a long time...

I like the Fiskers axes, they are light and sharp and easy to shape up when they start to dull.

 

[masterswimmer]

I haven't had the need for a machete so I can't speak to that. I have used hatchets for many decades and many applications. I believe hatchets are much more versatile.

 

[E the massive]

I have a bunch of hatchets, axes, and fixed blade knives of various sizes but I do not own anything like a machete. May this thread convince me otherwise! I've also wanted a kukri for a hell of a long time...

I like the Fiskers axes, they are light and sharp and easy to shape up when they start to dull.

Cold Steel has kukri. I bought mine while drunk shopping during the zombie craze. Now I use it for all kind of yard work, honing my skill for zombies.

 

[Jcp123]

I haven't had the need for a machete so I can't speak to that. I have used hatchets for many decades and many applications. I believe hatchets are much more versatile.

Yup. My Pa and I went gold sluicing for many years in the Sierras. That’s not a great example of a dense forest, but the machete was in-hand for hacking pines or dogwood branches out of the way, or if we encountered the odd harmful snake. But the hatchet was the tool we used at camp for driving tent stakes, properly sizing firewood, all kinds of tasks.

Holding a machete does feel super manly, doe.

 

[GOPerfect]

So, I am a fan of things with a sharp edge or a blade. I own, dozens upon dozens of axes, hatchets and machetes.

Some do the same job as others. Some are unique tools. I have spent a lot of some and barely reached into my wallet for others.

I am a huge fan of Coldsteel and what they have to offer. Great tools at a very good price point. I have ordered from them A LOT! I have never been disappointed with anything they have shipped me.

 

[GOPerfect]

Cold Steel 21 1/2 Inch All Terrain Chopper Machete

Blade Length: 21 1/2″ Overall Length: 30 1/2″ Textured hard polypropylene handle Bush Style SAE 1055 High-Carbon Steel with Black Baked-On Anti Rust Matte Finish Imported from South Africa Primary grind established at factory but may require further sharpening for desired edge. Sheath...

www.machetespecialists.com

I have a couple of these and love them

 

[GOPerfect]

Ontario Spec Plus SP8 Survival Machete, 8683

The Spec Plus knives were once discontinued by Ontario Knife Company, but in recent years was brought back by popular demand. The SP8 Survival Machete is a solid full tang blade of 1075 High Carbon Steel with grooved Kraton Handle. The SP8 Survival Machete features serrations on the spine and a...

ontario-knife-store.com

I have two of these as well. Great for my land, does all kinds of great little tasks. Never an issue.

 

[GOPerfect]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNQR4SG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=99bldrs-campinghatchets-20&linkId=fe2173cd34beb2c57771e89cfaec3666&language=en_US

As for Hatchets, this is one of my favorite ones to use.

 

[Keyzard]

I have yet to be disappointed by any Fiskars I have bought. I own 2 hatchets, a mid size camping axe, and a splitting axe. All shipped scary sharp, and they have a no questions asked warranty which based on the posts I have read on other forums they actually stand behind. I've never had to use it......yet.

Nothing pretty, but they are great tools. And the composite handles are tough and impervious to weather.

 

[GOPerfect]

Amazon.com : Schrade SCAXE10 11.1in Full Tang Hatchet with 3.6in Stainless Steel Blade and TPR Handle for Outdoor Survival Camping and Everyday Tasks : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : Schrade SCAXE10 11.1in Full Tang Hatchet with 3.6in Stainless Steel Blade and TPR Handle for Outdoor Survival Camping and Everyday Tasks : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

I picked one of these up a couple years back; nice and basic. Not breaking the bank. Takes an edge fairly well and holds that edge for many tasks at a time.

 

[BDinPutnam]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNQR4SG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=99bldrs-campinghatchets-20&linkId=fe2173cd34beb2c57771e89cfaec3666&language=en_US

As for Hatchets, this is one of my favorite ones to use.

Estwing makes nice stuff. I dont need one but now you have me wanting to buy one of these.

 

[GOPerfect]

Estwing makes nice stuff. I dont need one but now you have me wanting to buy one of these.

Cannot beat what you get for the cost. Home depot sells them as well, about the same price.

 

[GOPerfect]

I have yet to be disappointed by any Fiskars I have bought. I own 2 hatchets, a mid size camping axe, and a splitting axe. All shipped scary sharp, and they have a no questions asked warranty which based on the posts I have read on other forums they actually stand behind. I've never had to use it......yet.

Nothing pretty, but they are great tools. And the composite handles are tough and impervious to weather.

I have heard also that their warranty and customer service is fantastic.

 

[fresch]

Estwing long handled axe, works for me. I don't hike.

 

[Jmac00]

I usually carry one of these when out in the woods

Estwing Tomahawk Axe - 16.25" Lightweight Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip - EBTA, Black - - Amazon.com

Estwing Tomahawk Axe - 16.25" Lightweight Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip - EBTA, Black - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

or sometimes one of these

Amazon.com: Black Legion Jungle Hunter Machete with Nylon Sheath and Lanyard - Sawback Blade Spine, Nonreflective Black Coating - 25" Length: Home Improvement

Buy Black Legion Jungle Hunter Machete with Nylon Sheath and Lanyard - Sawback Blade Spine, Nonreflective Black Coating - 25" Length: Fixed Blade Hunting Knives - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[togmaster]

Get both

 

[BDinPutnam]

Get both

Plus everything linked above.

It's the only way to be sure.

 

[GOPerfect]

And a sword!

And a Shield.

And some throwing knives!!!

 

[togmaster]

Plus everything linked above.

It's the only way to be sure.

It's usually what I do when I read one of these threads.

 

[BDinPutnam]

And a sword!

And a Shield.

And some throwing knives!!!

But no ninja stars they are still on the no no list!

 

[GOPerfect]

It's usually what I do when I read one of these threads.

I buy more shit than is never needed because of you fucking people.

 

[GOPerfect]

But no ninja stars they are still on the no no list!

Never really got into them.

 

[GOPerfect]

But no ninja stars they are still on the no no list!

BATTLE STAR

The Cold Steel Battle Star is quite possibly the largest production throwing star ever offered! Its huge spikes are almost 4 inches long and 2 inches wide at

www.coldsteel.com

 

[BDinPutnam]

BATTLE STAR

The Cold Steel Battle Star is quite possibly the largest production throwing star ever offered! Its huge spikes are almost 4 inches long and 2 inches wide at

www.coldsteel.com

We used to beat the hell out of each other with the rubber practice stars, good fun.

Somewhere in one of the many books on my shelf I seem to recall a picture of ROK army or marines, can't remember- as part of PT they used to use throwing stars made out of five railroad spikes welded together.

 

[Jcp123]

Wait - there are legal restrictions on these?! I always wanted to try psychedelics, but now I’m not as sure. That doesn’t feel like reality. Someone watched too many Kung fu movies.

 

[BDinPutnam]

Wait - there are legal restrictions on these?! I always wanted to try psychedelics, but now I’m not as sure. That doesn’t feel like reality. Someone watched too many Kung fu movies.

Of course there are, this is New York.