Hardcore Super-Naturalist Hatchet

Good little hatchet for the money. I bought this because it looks like a tomahawk and I like tomahawks. I have not had this very long but I have taken it on two outings and put it through its paces and believe it is a solid tool. Good one handed hatchet for most camp chores, nice curved handle with enough room for two handed use if needed. The poll is wide enough to use for striking while slim enough to allow a center choked hold for carving much like the Wetterlings Bushman axe. The first trip was supposed to be a quick little day trip to get the dog some exercise. I ended up getting stuck in my Jeep trying to get off the side of the road, I got all the exercise while the dog looked on in bewilderment. Luckily I brought my new Super Naturalist hatchet with me. I used it to chop up some downed wood to lattice the snow, chopped up a larger branch to make an improvised shovel-stick. I put my chains on and drove out over the bridgework I made with the hatchet... good first showing. The next trip was a little more purpose driven, I took my new hot tent setup out for a test run and brought along the Hardcore SNH for wood processing. Some of the tasks it performed included cutting the center pole for my shelter, cutting and forming a few snow stakes and guy poles for the shelter, acting as a brace for sawing wood for the stove, and of course processing wood for the stove, working wood into a platform to set the center pole and stove feet on to prevent sinking into the snow, and driving stakes into the ice crusted snow. It performed flawlessly for these camp tasks.The hatchet I received was fairly sharp, looked nice and was even nicely boxed in its own factory box inside the Amazon box. I have ordered axes from halfway across the world that cost 3 times as much that were thrown in a too-big box and one sheet of brown paper.... so this was a great thing !! I would also like to say that the Manufacturer Is very responsive to questions or issues so I would not hesitate to contact them.All in all I am very happy with this purchase, I did touch up the edge on mine. I also removed the lacquer coating on the handle and replaced with linseed oil, both are things I would do with any axe I buy, along with making a sheath. So far the edge has held up very well, still going on the original touch up/polish, Im glad having never used 4140 steel before, seems well tempered. If I have any complaints/critiques it would be to do away with the nail puller, it just seems out of place on this thing and I have yet to think of a outdoors type use for it... however Im sure someone out there appreciates it so who knows !!I have included some pictures for those that are interested.

I have had this axe for 5 months and had tested it on an outing. I really like it. I was surprised how sharp I got it using a 1 inch leather belt on my belt sander (using variable colored compoundsI bought at Lowes. I was excited to see in no time the mirrored finish on the blade without changing the original blade angle and it was then easy to make feather sticks. I put 2 coats of minwax poly oil on the handle and drilled a hole at end for a rope. If you do this I suggest starting hole with a very small bit all the way through and then use a beveled bit on both sides and then drill a final hole to match your cordage size. This will prevent any tear out on the exit hole. I would drill hole first before putting on a coat of oil based polyurethane. The axe is really well balanced and not heavy. I have owned the swedish gransfor skinner hunters hatchet but I sold it and I like this one better. I think because I find that it seems lighter, chops just as well, looks cooler, american made, and that the hammer end makes it more versatile. It is a keepsake too. My only problem is that I like it so much I want to take it back packing when I know I could leave it behind and survive with a mini saw. Both good tools to have for fun in setting up camp and making kindling. I made a simple sheath that just covers the blade out of kydex and 4 rivets and a piece of elastic cordage ( I saw a you tube video of a young guy who did this using a piece of 4 inch pvc pipe and soften it on the barbecue) it was straight forward instruction and you may find it by searching making a hatchet sheath from pvc. Last note I got I bicycle oil from the local REI called bohning T9. $10 for a small bottle. A thin coat of this protects the axe head on those rainy days.

Made in the USA. Very nice feel. Perfect working edge, very sharp. Enough heft to do work but very well balanced. Very well constructed. The some review videos at Hardcore site show updated features on their heavier hatchet and these have been incorporated, namely the handle connection. There was just a tiny bit of flash around the nail puller but nothing to hinder function. Better price than from Hardcore themselves. I am adding it to my Jeep wagon's kit and I will give it a workout next trip in the "wild". I really like how the handle feels, a little wider at the bottom so when you swing, it just strengthens your grip. Very secure.Only beef I have is that Amazon recommended a leather cover and sharpening puck. I ordered the package deal and when delivered I discovered the hatchet comes with a cover AND the cover bundled is for another type of hatchet or hammer and will not fit. I just put it on a CRKT tomahawk that needed a cover.

Horrible wavy grind on both sides. Figured I'd still go out and give it a shot and slowly work out the flaws over time. Just because I liked the design and feel of it. literally cut the first 1" branch off a soft pine tree and the blade chipped out. After a few more it was up and down chipped out. After this before any splitting or abuse whatsoever I bit into a soft log and that's when I discovered the handle was very loose. I could keep going but just don't buy this thing. Oh and a day after I wrote this review this happened broke in a soft 4" pine tree

The world lost something with the invention of the furnace. Return to your roots with the purchase of this very excellent hatchet. Your manhood will thank you. Women will love you. You might even build a fire all by yourself. Next thing yiu know you'll be cutting down your neighbor's trees to build log cabin, the only house a man ever really needed.

This is exactly what I was looking for. There were a few issues with the hatchet when I first received it, but I notified Steve and Rick at Hardcore Hammers and they took care of it. I returned the hatchet directly to them and they sent out a perfect one. I couldn't recommend them enough. Being made in the USA is a huge plus in my book.