Hart HAT20SCH 20 oz. Hatchet with Cover

Very good hatchet for smaller jobs. It feels really good in my hands. Real good grip on the handle and it’s got some good weight too it. Good for splitting and for chopping small wood. Most of all I like how it looks it’s badass. It’s made really well I think it will last for many many years. The cover is heavy duty it will keep the hatchet safe for storage.

14" total length12" handle length3.5" bit5" bit to poll7" (approx) of usable rubber grip.Well-formed head, even and reasonably symmetrical.Notable features:Cutouts in the cheeks allow for less sticking in the worktop-opening (velcro closure) nylon sheath with steel clip-on belt clip attached with two rivets to a nylon webbing belt pass-through loop.Thumb rest on rear of rubber grip just below red insert, located just right for a "choked up" hold, for better control.I picked up one of these Hart 20z hatchets, at a big box store, while out of town without my Wetterlings. It cost $35.99 + tax, $18 less expensive than the $45.99 + $6.99 shipping here at Amazon. Fortunately I had some sharpening tools with me, as this hatchet is duller than child's safety scissors. Actually, to be honest, it wasn't sharpened at all, the factory edge was visibly rounded and the heel and toe were terribly formed and required a lot of filing. After re-profiling and sharpening the bit, I tried using the hatchet around camp. Unfortunately the head is painted with a clear lacquer that caused the hatchet to stick in the work when used. Some steel wool and a little gasoline removed the lacquer and I finally had a usable tool. After a hour of "fixing" it, the Hart hatchet performed acceptably. There is quite a bit of vibration transferred to your hand, despite the "anti-vibration" labeling. This caused my hand to tire faster than when using a traditional wood-handled hatchet. My initial thoughts were; "Not terrible, but nothing special either."The Hart 20oz Hatchet feels heavier than it's advertised 20oz, it definitely swings heavier than my 2.2lb(total weight) Wetterlings hatchet. The hatchet fits snugly into it's sheath, just a bit too snugly. As it must be pushed up from the bottom to be removed when attached to your belt, the tight fit requires a bit of wiggling fore and aft to remove the hatchet from it's sheath. It's a two hand job to remove and replace the hatchet in it's sheath. Finally, the poll striking surface is not angled quite correctly in relation to the handle, causing the smoothly polished face to slip back towards you when hammering.Overall the Hart hatchet performs reasonably if not spectacularly. It's a fair effort to create a usable tool with some problem areas. The completely unsharpened bit was a surprised. Most axes come with at least a rudimentary attempt at sharpening. But, I often re-profile the bit to my own liking anyway, so I only deducted one star for the poorly formed heel and toe. I deducted a second star because this is simply an average "big-box store" style tool. It is serviceable and functional, but not up to a professional or "axe-guy" standard. It vibrates more than I like, tiring your hand. It feels slightly unweildy and heavy, unlike the more balanced and comfortable feel of higher-end hatchets.If you need a "tool box" hatchet for occasional work, or want a tool to take on occasional car camping forays, this will do the job and will probably last forever. But if you are an outdoorsman with some serious axe-time under your belt, you're still going to want a Wetterling or Gränsfors Bruk. But then, you already knew that, didn't you? ;)

This hatchet is a well made tool. Feels good in your hands, and a nice sheath as well. It has a fairly broad bit ( blade ) so it's more of a splitting hatchet, not so much for chopping. I reworked mine to perform as more of a all around camp tool. http://www.orionn49.com/choosing_an_axe.htm

This is great hatchet. Quality craftsmanship. Needs to be sharpened a little upon arrival, but that's not a big deal. Fits perfectly on the tailgate of my Jeep. You won't be disappointed with this hatchet.

The best hatchet I have ever bought and used. Very sharp and comfortable in my hand

Only used a few times now but I am very happy with it.We usthis for spliting wood when camping.

It’s built very well and looks amazing

satisfied with my order.