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