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