HATCHET MATCH

IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR

While some say the art of the axe has been lost on many, the same might be said of five smaller models that neatly fit in the hatchet category. Make no mistake, these choppers are capable of more than splitting tinder—each is a substantially different tool in its own right. I tested each equally in the field. Each excelled and failed at different things. There is no right answer, just things to consider as you enter the woods.

My tests ran a gauntlet of various survival and camp tasks. I used the hatchets to chop into dry and green wood, split wood, take down limbs, make kindling, smash bricks, drive tent stakes and strike to start a fire. These were hard tests but not outside the realm of use for any of these handy hackers.

THICK & HEFTY

I must thank KnifeCenter (knifecenter.com) for expediting the Halfbreed Blades CRA-01 to me for evaluation. This fine tool is made in Australia and, due to the current state of international shipping, my sample got hung up waiting for a ride across the Pacific. The CRA-01 arrived just in time to be harshly tested alongside the rest.

The Halfbreed is a very heavy-duty piece. It is thick and hefty, and capable of taking a serious