Recently, on the RKS main forum, a discussion concerning stag handles "drifted" off topic. ( I know...Rare...right?) One thing led to another and the subject of cleaning game, especially opening up the sternum (breat plate, etc.) started to get paramount discussion. Several folks remarked about using their "hatchet or tomahawk". I figured it might make for a good thread...all on it's own.
My friend Ron Wilson (West Virginia) made all of the tomahawks for the classic movie, Jeremiah Johnson. The last time I spoke to Ron. (Florida Knifemaker's Show) I think he told me his waiting time for a "Tommy" was 20 years or some such nonsense! I was wondering what you folks used / preferred / liked for an everyday "user".
Below is a Reeves (Lee, I believe) hatchet which I picked a couple of years ago. It is an extremely nice size, well made and takes about 19 1/2 "less years" to have made than one of Ronnie's "Tommies"! Let's see what ya'll prefer.
Thanks, Capt. Chris

The sheath offers good, safe protection for carry and storage. It is a fairly lightweight camp hatchet. I can not think os a better all-around size or weight.
Best, Capt. Chris

Lee Reeves offers several variants when you order a hatchet. This one features a handle made from "Hickory" wood. Quite comfortable.
Best, Capt. Chris

The head is what I believe is referred to as a "carving" shaped head. I don't know about that, "BUT" (There's that word again) the shape is ideal for skinning or bustin' through heavy bone on critters!
Let's see what you folks prefer...Thanks, Capt. Chris

That's a nice one Cap. I have always been a "hatchet" man when it comes to large deer (muley) and especially elk. I used an original #9 Marbles for many years until it's value exceeded the use. I still have a newer Marbles #9 but their handle material doesn't hold up like the old one. I have broken 3 handles over the past 4 years with just normal butchering on elk. I finally went with a Gerber hatchet that has a man-made handle material, but I'm not fond of the lighter weight or shorter handle. I like the looks of your Reeve hatchet.

Pap

MAN, Cap!
That's a beauty!
A little further down the scale is my old Boy Scout Axe. About 44 years old
and still tight! I have a bit of a sentimental tie to this one.
Had a new sheath made for it a few years ago.

Sorry for "drifting" Captain!
I'll re-post the picture here:

No apologies...from "anyone"..."PLEASE"! It's actually a good thing. We got another cool thread going. I am interested in seeing what everyone uses. (Any takers on the bet that our beloved "Pappy" will post something related to a "Hunter's Pal"?)
Best, Capt. Chris

Hey Captain,

Lee Reeves makes a great hatchet. I've got one of his double bit nessmuk hatchets. I've had it for years. He made it with a thicker edge for heavier cutting and a thin edge for finer work. Last time I used it was collecting black poplar and red willow for my wife's pots out by the front door.

My Collins hatchet was my Dad's. He bought it for his Colorado trout fishing trip after he got back from the Korean War. It is a great all purpose hatchet.

My tomahawk is a light infantry tomahawk made by American Tomahawk Company back in the day. Mine is similar to what was issued to American troops in the Revolutionary War era. The British also issued similar ones to troops headed to N.Am.
It is a good wood chopper, excellent animal cutter-upper, and good for all general bush work. And it always gets comments when pulled out for use.

Cheers,

Alan
RKS #5531

Photos Man...PHOTOS!!
Thanks, Capt. Chris

I used a Collins small double-bit for about 10 years until I ran across my original Marble's #9 at a local gun show. That old Collins worked great, and I still have it, but when the handle broke on the second elk, I re-handled it with the end of a broken handle from a larger axe and cut it down to fit. Darn thing worked for another 9 years until the Marbles. Only real reason I switched to the #9 was the hammer head vs the double-bit, it has a few more uses-like tent pegs, etc.

Cap-
I probably have 6 Woodman Pal's scattered around in my vehicles and I gave each of my grandsons one for their 10th birthday for their day packs. They make a "Compact" version that is just right for a youngster and will stay with them into adulthood as well. Fits a day pack perfect. I'll take some pictures but until then just check this out:

http://www.woodmanspal.com/products/woodmans-pal-compact-premium


Pap

Folks:
Here's couple of pics of Alan's Lee Reeves Double bit "Neesmuksh". Enjoy!
Thanks, Capt. Chris
PS: Alan: I cropped both of these and resized them to under 100kb...CCS

Hey Captain,

Thanks for helping. The handle is hedge apple (osage).

Reeves makes a great hatchet.

Cheers,

Alan

I had a chance to take a few hatchet photos today
I have the Marbles, which I just have for a collectible, since it was one of the later US made ones
The Estwing is a sturdy workhorse that you would have a tough time breaking the handle, but it might be a bit heavy.

I also have a Woodsman's Pal, which I think I posted elsewhere before.

Here is a link to the rarest and probably the most famous modern day hawk that I know of. It is only the second I have ever seen for sale. LaGana made 500 of the first run and advertised them in the back of Popular Mechanics or Popular Science, can't remember which. Most were sold and used in Viet Nam. He did a second run of a few thousand for the GI's painted green, and I think he even did a short third run. These first though, are the rarest of the rare.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220705013902&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I am bumping this one back up. I enjoy looking at our archives here at the forum. I came across this one on hand hatchet's. These two Plumbs were bought by my father in the early 60's. He found them at a real Army Navy store, you know the ones that had more then green long johns and camo jackets. The hatchet's were painted army green top to bottom. Dad sanded the handles to the wood. Then a light oil rubbed finish on them. I carried one during my scouting years. Many a trip on the Appalachia Trail and time on the French Broad River in North Carolina. I am glad that I pulled these out of storage, they need some work. I see some light rust on the heads. You think some steal wool and some elbow grease and Rem oil. Thanks for the thread.
RKS-Morris

Those look great! How about an 'after' photo when you get them cleaned up?

I've been on the lookout for an old Plumb or True Temper felling axe, but no luck so far. Old axes and hatchets can be addictive like Randalls are.

Abby,
Those are great!
My old Boy Scout Axe is a Plumb ... got it when I was about 12-13 years old.
I still use it today!

Oops! I just realized I posted this up above a while ago. Sorry!

No problem Tony, 2 Plumbs are better than one. I found a really nice Plumb "Camp Hatchet" that I will try and locate to take a picture.

Pap

Here are a few...

I was going to start a new thread until I took Tune's suggestion for a Google search. Bam! Look what I found. Right place for these two and I'll post a few others tucked away in another file later. When I think of these two, our own Pappy comes to mind. These may be some of his favorites of the past and trust me he has used them both.
First, is an original Woodsman's Pal along with stone, booklet and case. This one just sort of fell in my lap recently after looking a long time for a complete set. Used but not abused condition.
The second is a Jim Behring rehandled Marbles No9 head with a replacement metal shank and scagle style crown stag handle. Reliable sources said Jim rehandled this years ago.

I like hawks & war Hammers. Here is a couple.

Lets get a better look.
Yeah, to say I had a hand in these would be an understatement. Other alias members too,

And the "heavy" set.

Larger look?

That Behring hatchet, Mosher sheath, I expect? That old Woodman's Pal is a killer. Definately not a user in WW II condition like that. They are such a good woodsy tool.

Pap

Mosher it is Pap. You're right not a WWII vintage piece. The only thing vintage is the booklet pics that illustrates GI's wearing and using for multiple tasks. Fun reading.

A few years ago,my neighbor's son did two tours in Iraq (MP),so before he left I gave him my 'Hawk that I used in 'Nam and a KaBar.

In Feb'08,when I retired from the PD (40 yrs),I brought home my own personal bullet proof vest,not the lowest bidder issued one (cost difference was issued:$400. my own:$1250.) and within three days was with my neighbor's son in Iraq.

When he returned home,the 'hawk was broken and the Kabar pretty well used. No problem,he came back.....in one piece.

I have two Woodmans PAL tools,not WW II vintage and I find them to be very useful. Kind of hard to decide which would be more useful in the woods an ax or a Woodmas PAL.

Wayne

Wayne,

Just reading the booklet, you could do everything with a Woodsman's Pal that you could do with an axe, but not necessarily the other way around, at least not as efficiently. The Pal has 3 cutting edges, each with it's own purpose. Think Pap can speak from real life experience.

I first ran across the Woodman's Pal (WP) when I was in Forestry school at Louisiana Tech in the early 60's. I bought one in 1967 when I went to Forestry Summer Camp at Corny Lake in North Louisiana. Me and my crew used that thing every day. Chopping, grubbing, hammering, and digging. Every night I would use a file and resharpen, oil, and ready for the next day. After graduation, I took a job with the Forest Service in Island Park, Idaho next to Yellowstone. Not as much brush there, so it didn't get used as much, but stayed in my pickup. Last year I sent it back to the factory and had it refurbished. New leathers, paint,etc. I will post pictures later. I gave each of my gradsons A WP when they turned 13 to add to their day pack. They make a smaller version for youngsters but it is just as handy and works fine as an adult user.

Pap

Pap,

How much was the refurb?

Couple of Vietnam period examples, Woodsman from 1967 and a Howard Hess Tomahawk.

I think it was around $30, but don't quote me. If you call the factory, they will give you a quote.

Pap

Here's my CRKT Woods Chogan T-Hawk:

Eric,

Wasn't aware that Victor Tool wasn't the only one that made those Woodsman's. That one looks mint. Is that a plastic sleeve over the blade?

BTW, nice Tomahawks both Eric and Rob.

Warren, This example was made by Frank and Warren for the US Military in the mid 1960's. Just the original cosmoline covering the blade. This one has a cover dated 67. I use to collect survival machetes. Here is the common WWII V-44 Case survival machete with its rare WWII US Navy survival bag.

I have a soft sport for those smaller machetes. Thanks for posting.

This US Army presentation Tomahawk is from the 37th Field Artillery Regiment "On the Minute" Battalion.

Rob, A few more.

Eric,

1st pic hula girl super!
Folding handle is way cool.
Last one is way cool.
Leave it to you once again. Thanks for the show.

Yeah, for sure, those are the best examples I have ever seen.
Thanks for posting.

Pap

Thanks guys. This one was my favorite. Marine Raider from WWII, if this one could talk.

Speechless Eric.

My favorite would be the Hudson Bay type axe/hatchet although for most camp chores I use an axe with a 3.5 lb head.

But if you were to think about a hatchet,my choice would be to go for the Buck hatchet. I don't think that they make them anymore.

I purchased mine back in 1979.

Wayne

Buck #106

Eric,
Mine is pretty much like that except that the handle is "Buckarta" with no grip cap.

Wayne

Like this one, which I posted above on this forum 6 years ago?
.

I never owned one of these Case knife hatchet combos but they always looked interesting. Anybody have any experience?

Wayne, My Buck 106 is a Vietnam period made example. Tang marking "Buck / U.S.A." started in 1968. The style handle on my hatchet was used for a very short period of time.

Eric,
That second photo of the Buck 106 is just like the one I have. I purchased it in '79.

I also purchased a Buck Model 116 "Caper". Funny,both of these items are no longer made.

Wayne

Here's some pictures of my factory refurbished Woodman's Pal, with new leather handle, and repainted. They wouldn't mess with the metal sheath, so my son in law sandblasted it and repainted it. The leather strap was still good. No one makes this metal sheath with belt clip anymore that I know of, so it is hard to find, but I really like it. Only thing is you must be diligent in oiling it down by the hook or it will rust.

Pap

Looks mint Pap, nice refurbished Pal.

I can’t say enough about Knives of Alaska hunters hatchet! It’s still in my pack, and nothing fancy, but one tough axe. I’ve used it for a bunch of deer and several elk. I broke a chunk out of the handle (not approved for rocks) my fault, but sent it back and a brand new one arrived the next week.
Just my 2 cents. Not expensive either

Jimmy Lile made these three:

Awesome trio Miles.

Very nice!
Weight?

The PAL Woodsman also came with a saw-teeth blade during the 1940's. I believe they were only for commercial sale. I have never seen a U.S. LC-14 with a saw-teeth blade. I like the SFG handle shape on these.

Wow, never have seen one with saw teeth.

Pap

Well if anyone would have one it would be Eric. Great find Eric.

Yeah, I haven't either. That would be quite useful in a "if I could only take one thing to a tropical island" sort of way.

Here is the Woodsman PAL Victor #316-S (sawteeth) next to a WWII LC-14-B. They do have a different blade shape and the 316-S has a re-enforcment plate spot welded at the ricasso on one side.

Love this new Mini Hatchet by Gransfors Bruks.

Razor Sharp!

Jim Behring has been selling them for years. Of the trio Eric, I'd say the Bruks will see the most use. Initials JH in the head; makers mark?

Jim lives about 25 miles from me. I have never met him. The 1911 has had a lot of use by me over the last 42 years. I did retire it this year...it turned 100 years old. Picked up a SIG P320 .45 acp to replace it. The Mini hatchet will be my summer campout buddy. I got a leather belt loop with for it, so attached at the hip. The Model 8 goes back in its zipper case.

Yes, those are the initials of the worker that actually made that hatchet. The brochure that comes with the hatchet, has the full names of each worker and their initials.

Pap

You might also like the leather Behring makes for it.

Steve, That is a really nice looking sheath. Looks much sturdier than the one supplied by GBA.

They make a variety of these.

Well that's real news. Did not know that. Thank you Steve.

I am finding more Gransfors Bruk examples than I had planned. Love the Swedish steel. From top to bottom: double bit throwing ax (490-1),
small splitting ax (441), hunter's ax (418), wildlife ax (415), and a small hatchet (410).

I have all of those except for the double bit. Nice!!

Pap

Pap, You have great taste in edged tools. When I got my first GBA a couple of months ago I knew my wallet was in trouble.

Was reading about the double bit axe. It was common for one edge to be used for felling and the other for limbing, both edges ground differently.

Warren, Yes, GBA has 2 type of double-bit models. The one you are describing is the 490-2. It has the 2 different grinds. It also has a 31" handle. The one I have is a 490-1 with the 25" handle. I need to set up a target for it before I can go Viking.

Here is GBA's write up on the 490-1 throwing ax:
The Gränsfors Double Bit Axe is based on the North American working axes, but has been modified for use in axe throwing. Both edges are identical and the centre of gravity and handle are carefully positioned so that the axe rotates well in flight. The dimensions and design of the axe comply with the rules for axe throwing.

Eric,

Saw a news report last week about local axe throwing lessons now that you mention it. Brings back memories of the Johnny Carson axe throwing skit with Ed Ames
https://youtu.be/0L5QC9ZJkM8

Warren, I remember that episode. Mingo nailed the dummy right in the family jewels.

Classic episode.

Yes, that was a good one. But of course, every Johnny Carson show was a classic.

Pap

That splitting ax is a workhorse!

Eric,

So there you go starting trouble. Drooling....

Warren, I have yet to try any of these out. The thrower will probably get the most action. Although I live in the Country, my home is all natural gas, even the outdoor fire pit. I ordered a Solo Bonfire so I will have a reason to cut/split wood at home. Otherwise, the splitter would only have been used when camping (about 3 weeks during summer). Can't stock up for camping at home because it is illegal to transport firewood from 1 county to another in Michigan. "Buy It Where You Burn It". This law is not strictly followed by most(damn knuckleheads). So the Emerald Ash Borer has almost completely decimated one of Michigans most beautiful resources in the lower peninsula.

Same issue here Eric. Ash trees are nearly gone.

Mike Silvey Hatchet

Mismarked Treeman Hatchet, one of a kind.

My Old Treeman mini hatchet

George,

Perfect! I have the perfect use for that. If you guys recall I posted a pic of a large aloe plant this summer. We'll its gone alien. Perfect tool for defending myself.

That thing is scary looking !

No sheet! It actually is prickly and difficult to handle. Gonna need a forklift this spring to get it outside. Needs to be repotted into a new army of plants. Oh can't wait for that day.

Anyway back on topic, awesome mini. Was never a mini guy but this one's a looker.

Here's a James Behring Jr. Michigan camp combo, and a Behring Made Montana combo. Workmanship is what you'd expect; flawless!

FWI for the win!

2 great sets.

Thanks guys.

Hey guys,

Here is an old school Mudbone Jones stag handled hatchet -- check out the pinned handle. It's paired with a head cover from maker Jim Latton (Ohio).

Have a good day,

Jay

Sweet. Wonder how many of those Mud made over the years? Need to ask him bout that.

Picked up this vintage Marbles No.2 a few months ago. Might just send this one to Missoula for a cool makeover.