11 Best Survival Hatchets

Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet

• Extremely portable, weighing only 1.4 lbs and measuring just under 10 inches long.
• High carbon steel head with a full tang design and a rubber grip overlay.
• Includes a nylon sheath with belt loops for easy carrying.
• The head is coated with a nonstick material for efficient wood cutting.
• Ideal for camping trips and bushcrafting expeditions, though slightly less useful for heavy chopping and splitting tasks due to its small size

Off Grid Tools Survival Hatchet Multi-tool

• Compact multi-tool design, under 12 inches in length, weighing 1.6 lbs.
• Made from high carbon steel with a full tang, featuring over 17 tools including a hatchet, hammer, nail puller, saw blade, and more.
• The 6-inch fold-out saw blade is notably efficient for cutting small to medium branches.
• The axe blade may require sharpening upon purchase, as it wasn’t very sharp and had burrs.
• Excellent for emergency situations, with a diverse range of tools suitable for hiking, camping, and RVing.

Outdoor Edge Wood Devil Survival Hatchet

• Lightweight, at only 1.2 lbs, and 10 inches long.
• Features a narrower blade profile than traditional hatchets but remains strong and durable.
• Full tang steel design with a broad 4-inch head and a rubber handle.
• Comes with a nylon sheath for easy attachment to belts or backpacks.
• Ergonomic handle shape to reduce hand fatigue during extended use.
• Suitable for hiking, camping, and bushcrafting, though the narrow blade limits its use as a hammer​.

Axes and hatchets are one of the most useful tools to have in the wilderness. If you’re anything like us you grew up reading survival and adventure books like the American classic “Hatchet”. Survival hatchets are built to be lightweight, compact, and ready to do all the survival and camp preparation tasks needed. We’ve reviewed some of the best survival hatchets and given a general buying guide to help you make your decision.

Best Survival Hatchets Reviewed

Survival hatchets fulfill a specific niche in the tool world. They need to be highly portable, multi-functional, and durable. Their role is to help you clear ground, split wood, and do general tasks.

The best quality ones are compact, strong, and help you cut and split wood quickly. Here are several of the best survival hatchets on the market today.

Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet

Buy from Amazon

The Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet was designed by Gerber with input from the famous outdoorsman himself. It’s an extremely portable 1.4 lb hatchet that’s just under 10 inches long.

This makes it perfect for packing in and out during camping trips or bushcrafting expeditions. The head is made from high carbon steel and uses a full tang design with a rubber grip overlay.

It comes with a nylon sheath with belt loops to make it easy to carry or attach to your bag. The head itself is coated with a nonstick material that makes it glide through wood more efficiently. Its small size makes it slightly less useful for chopping and splitting tasks but the very small size and weigh definitely make up for it.

If you’re looking for one of the lightest and easiest to carry survival hatchets out there you should definitely check out this Gerber Bear Grylls product.

Off Grid Tools Survival Hatchet Multi tool

Buy from Amazon

I recently got my hands on the Off Grid Tools Survival Hatchet Multi-tool, and I must say, it’s quite the compact lifesaver. As someone who’s fond of hiking, camping, and RVing, I always appreciate a good tool that can multitask. This survival hatchet, crafted from high carbon steel with a full tang design, is just under 12 inches in length but packs a punch with more than 17 different tools. It houses a hatchet, hammer, nail puller, saw blade, hex wrenches, a seat belt cutter, glass breaker, and a bottle opener among others. The whole thing weighs just 1.6 lbs, which is pretty lightweight considering the number of tools it holds.

I was particularly impressed by the fold-out saw blade, which is perfect for cutting through small to medium branches, be it for clearing a trail or prepping a campfire. It’s 6 inches long and designed for easy removal and replacement, which is a thoughtful feature.

Now, while it excels as an emergency tool, I did notice the axe blade wasn’t up to par in terms of sharpness. It came with burrs along the edge which required some filing and sharpening. This was a bit disappointing especially at its price point; I expected it to be ready for action straight out of the box. However, once sharpened, it did well with chopping tasks during my outdoor exploits.

I gave it a test by attempting to break bricks and pull nails, and it held up sturdily. I even managed to slice through a nylon strap effortlessly with the seat belt cutter. Although I haven’t had the chance to use the glass breaker, it’s a reassuring feature to have, especially when driving through remote or rural areas where accidents could occur.

I wouldn’t replace my specialized camping axes or my trusty Cold Steel “Tactical Hawk” with it for serious outdoor expeditions, but it’s now a permanent fixture in my car for unexpected situations. It’s a comforting thought knowing I have a handy tool ready should I, or anyone else, need assistance in a pinch.

During a recent weekend RVing trip through some remote trails, the Off Grid Tools Survival Hatchet proved its worth. As dusk approached, I found a suitable spot to set up camp but realized there were quite a few overhanging branches obstructing the area. The fold-out saw blade came in handy as I quickly and efficiently cleared the space. Later, as I prepared a campfire, the hatchet made short work of splitting some collected firewood. However, the true hero moment came the next morning when I stumbled upon a fellow camper who had gotten a seat belt tangled around a tree limb while trying to create a makeshift shelter.

The seat belt cutter on the hatchet sliced through the tough material in seconds, saving a lot of time and possibly preventing any further mishap. It was a practical demonstration of the tool’s utility in real-world situations, making me appreciate its presence in my outdoor gear even more. The convenience and practicality it offered in unexpected scenarios resonated with me, reaffirming its position as a reliable companion for outdoor adventures and emergencies alike.

At around $60, it’s a valuable addition for anyone in need of a multi-tool for emergencies. Despite the initial hiccup with the axe blade, the Off Grid Tools Survival Hatchet is a versatile tool I’d recommend to fellow outdoor enthusiasts. The nylon case for the blade head is a nice touch, keeping it protected and ready for when duty calls.

Tools Included:

• Hatchet
• Hammer
• Nail Puller
• Saw Blade
• 10 Hex Wrenches
• Seat Belt Cutter
• Glass Breaker
• Bottle Opener

Pros:

• Versatile Multi-tool: Houses over 17 different tools including a hatchet, saw blade, and seat belt cutter, proving its utility in various situations.
• Compact and Lightweight: At just under 12 inches long and weighing 1.6 lbs, it’s easy to carry and store, especially in a car for emergencies.
• Durable Construction: High carbon steel with a full tang design provides a robust and sturdy build, handling rough tasks like chopping wood and breaking bricks well.
• Emergency Preparedness: The glass breaker and seat belt cutter make it a valuable tool for unexpected situations, whether on the road or in the outdoors.
• Fold-out Saw Blade: The 6-inch saw blade folds out easily, is replaceable, and performs well for cutting through small to medium branches.

Cons:

• Axe Blade Sharpness: The axe blade may come poorly sharpened with burrs, requiring additional sharpening before use.
• Quality Control: Some issues with quality control as seen in the blade’s finish and sharpness.
• Not a Replacement for Specialized Tools: While versatile, it’s not a replacement for specialized tools on planned outdoor expeditions.
• Price: Given the need for potential blade re-sharpening, some may find the price point a bit high for the immediate utility out of the box.

Outdoor Edge Wood Devil Survival Hatchet

Buy from Amazon

The Outdoor Edge Wood Devil is a lightweight survival hatchet designed for hiking, camping, and bushcrafting. It uses a narrower blade profile than many traditional camping hatchets but is still strong and durable.

It’s 10 inches long and weighs just 1.2 lbs. The head itself is quite broad for a hatchet this small, fully 4 inches from top to bottom. Like most of the very small hatchets it uses a full tang steel design with a rubber handle. It also comes with a nylon sheath to attach to your belt or backpack.

The handle is designed with an ergonomic shape to reduce hand fatigue during long use. The narrowness of the blade makes it more difficult to use as a hammer but it was serviceable for pounding in tent stakes and other light tasks.

Fiskars X7 Hatchet

Buy from Amazon

The Fiskars X7 is a 14 inch hatchet that’s been engineered to produce a rugged, high-quality product. Fiskars is well known for the quality of their many outdoor and cutting products, their survival hatchet is no exception to this.

The X7 has a proprietary blade grind that allows it to cut faster and longer than comparable hatchets. The entire head is coated with a non-friction material to prevent the blade from catching in wood.

At 14 inches it’s definitely on the large size but weighs less than you would expect. This is due to the lightweight FiberComp fiberglass handle Fiskars used. It’s hollow and has a textured exterior for better grip. It comes with a hard plastic carry sheath that can actually be locked closed when not in use.

Overall the X7 survival hatchet is an excellent product at a very affordable price. It’s lightweight, highly durable, and has a great head that can stand serious use well.

Estwing Sportsman’s Axe

Buy from Amazon

Estwing knows tools that swing. They specialize in hammers, axes, and other hand tools designed to take heavy impacts all day long. Their 14 inch Sportsman’s Axe is a classically styled camping and outdoor hatchet that looks downright handsome.

They used a full tang design with a burnished steel look. The handle is wrapped with genuine leather and lacquer for a nice smooth finish. The axe head itself is forged from a single piece of American steel for maximum durability and utility.

This is one of those tools you’ve no doubt seen used before and didn’t even realize. If you like old school styling on very high-quality products the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe is a great product for you.

Blade Mate Survival Hatchet

Buy from Amazon

The Blade Mate Survival Hatchet is another full tang steel hatchet designed for the outdoors. It has a 4.5 inch blade on a total body length of 12.6 inches. It weighs just over a pound and has a bonus cutting hook on the rear of the hatchet blade.

The Blade Mate hatchet has a textured composite handle over stainless steel. The blade is softer than some of the carbon steel hatchets on this list but extremely lightweight for its size. It’s coated with a corrosion resistant material to prevent rust or other environmental damage.

It comes with a nylon sheath that buttons closed over the entire hatchet head. The cutting hook was a neat feature but does prevent you from using the back of the hatchet as a makeshift hammer. Overall we think it would be better without it.

This is a quality product at a reasonable price. It looks sharp, has a very useful blade size and is easy to carry long distances.

Husqvarna Composite Hatchet

Buy from Amazon

Husqvarna has been making high quality Swedish axes and blades since 1689. They know their business and produce some very nice axes and hatchets. The 13 inches Composite Hatchet is no exception to this tradition.

It combines Husqvarna’s centuries of forge experience with the latest synthetic materials. It uses a coated fiberglass handle for maximum durability and weight savings. The axe head itself comes quite sharp and has a very nice hammer area on the other side.

It’s a bit heavier than many similarly-sized hatchets, weighing just under 2 lbs, but makes up for it with its durability and sheer cutting ability. The head is coated with a non-friction material to protect the blade from impact and cut through wood easier.

The only real downside to the Husqvarna Composite Hatchet is its relatively high price. You can find similar hatchets without its famous name from less than half the cost.

Is it worth it? Probably.

This is a very high-quality survival hatchet that gives you a lot of value. If treated right you’ll be chopping with this bad boy for decades.

Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet

Buy from Amazon

The Schrade SCAXE10 is a full tang hatchet that’s just 10.1 inches long. It’s made from durable stainless steel with a rubber wrapped handle. This makes it both highly durable and comfortable to use.

The blade is 3.6 inches long and has a full hammer pommel on the reverse side. The entire hatchet weighs just 1.6 lbs. This makes it compact, lightweight, and easy to carry with you.

It comes with an attached lanyard on the bottom of the handle and a thermoplastic belt sheath. This makes it easy to attach to your belt, bag, or hang off a strap somewhere.

Schrade is a respected name in the outdoor knife and axe world. The SCAXE10 is well designed, ruggedly built, and priced to move. It’s a great survival hatchet that won’t let you down when it counts.

Estwing Camper’s Axe with Shock Reduction Grip

Buy from Amazon

The Estwing Camper’s Axe is designed to meet all your hiking, camping, and bushcrafting needs. It has a 14 inch full tang design with a more tactical look than many of their other products.

It’s available in several different color and wrap options. The handle is covered with a rubber shock absorbing wrap to prevent slips and add to your comfort. It comes standard with a ballistic nylon belt sheath for easy carry.

Estwing manufactures all their products in the USA, using only the finest American steel. They have a well deserved reputation for excellence. If you’re looking for a modern survival hatchet with a low profile design the Estwing Camper’s Axe is an excellent choice.

Schrade SCAXE5 Full Tang Tactical Hatchet

Buy from Amazon

The SCAXE5 is a full tang tactical survival hatchet made from high carbon steel. It’s 12.8 inches long with a 3.1 inch blade. It has multiple tools built into the head and handle, including:

• Hatchet
• Spike Pommel
• Nail Puller

The SCAXE5 is a tactically focused hatchet. It has an all black design with a black nylon fiber handle. It’s textured and provides a very firm grip. The hatchet comes with a nylon sheath for belt or bag carry and weighs 1 lb 9 oz.

This is a good hatchet for carving or chopping. The only real downside to it is the lack of a hammer. You can’t use it effectively for setting up tent stakes or other pounding tasks.

All in all the SCAXE5 is a quality hatchet with a lot of useful features. It falls more on the tactical side of survival hatchets but still provides good value.

IUNIO Multi-Tool Survival Hatchet

Buy from Amazon

The IUNIO Survival Hatchet skirts the high side of what a hatchet can be. It’s almost 17 inches long and weighs over 2 pounds. The head is made of stainless steel while the handle is hollow aluminum. It provides you with 8 different tools, including:

• Hatchet
• Hammer
• Fire Starter Rod
• Fish Scaler
• Compass
• Whistle
• Rope
• Bottle Opener

The handle actually screws off into different components. You can access different tools and parts when they’re needed then reattach them when you’re done with them.

The fire starter and fish scaler are both a reasonably good size. They work well for what they are and give you everything needed to clean a fish and start a fire. In a survival situation this is invaluable.

The hatchet itself is made of slightly softer steel than many other hatchets. It needs sharpening a bit more often than ones made from harder steel but still works well at chopping and splitting tasks.

If you want a lightweight survival hatchet with multiple survival tools this is a great choice.

Buyers Guide for Choosing the Best Survival Hatchet

There are a lot of factors that go into picking the best survival hatchet. The biggest fear when buying a new tool is discovering you’ve ended up with a glorified paperweight.

As long as you carefully consider the materials, manufacturer, and basic design principles it’s a lot easier to find the best camping hatchet than you’d think.

Price/Value

Thankfully hatchets aren’t particularly expensive items. You can get a really good hatchet for around $20 without too much effort. The trick when considering price vs. value with hatchets is to look at the materials and design.

You want something from a reputable company, made from quality materials, with a tried and true design. There are plenty of great companies out there making hatchets that will last a lifetime with proper care.

Head

When it comes to the head of your survival hatchet you need to look at the material, blade style, and any extras. First things first, the only material you should consider for a camping hatchet head is carbon steel.

Axes and hatchets need to be made from hard steel that will take and hold an edge. There’s nothing worse than having to stop every 20-30 minutes to sharpen soft steel gone dull.

When you look at the style of the blade this comes down to type and design. Tomahawks and traditional axe heads both work well in this size. Tomahawks will generally have a spike or other striking point on the rear. With traditional hatchet heads you’re looking at the size of the blade and whether it has a hammer on the back.

Wider hatchets will usually be a bit heavier but can cut more wood with each strike. They aren’t usually as well suited for something like carving but do a great job at splitting kindling, etc.

Handle and Grip

When it comes to survival and camping hatchets there are three main materials used for handles:

• Wood
• Metal
• Fiberglass

Wooden handles are the most traditional, and for good reason. They’re durable, easy on the eyes, and require only basic care to last. One thing to keep in mind with wood handled hatchets is the grain pattern. You want the grain to run parallel with the bit. This gives you maximum strength.

Metal is arguably the strongest material for a hatchet handle but does have some downsides. The most obvious is its weight. Metal handled hatchets are noticeably heavier than their wood or fiberglass brethren. Corrosion can be another factor with metal handles. Though made from stainless steel they’ll still rust if not kept properly dry and oiled.

Fiberglass is a newer handle material than wood or metal. It’s lightweight, extremely strong, and resists all forms of corrosion. You’ll usually find fiberglass hatchets with a rubber grip overlay.

This is because fiberglass is actually quite slick on its own. Some people don’t like the look of fiberglass handles as well. They tend to look more ‘plasticky’ than wood or metal handle hatchets.

Balance

Balance is an often overlooked part of picking an axe of a hatchet. It’s not as essential as with full sized axes but is still important. You want your hatchet to have its center of gravity right near where the head meets the handle.

Check for this by finding where it will balance on your finger. The closer it is to the head the less work you’ll have to do to swing it. A poorly balanced hatchet makes every swing more difficult and a little more tiring.

Multi Tool

Axes and hatchets are excellent multi use tools all on their own. Nowadays though there are several companies putting out true survival hatchet multi tools.

They contain things like saws, compasses, hammers, and all kinds of other useful tools. You still won’t get as many tools as a true folding multi tool but the ones you get are generally a very useful size.

Durability and Strength

The durability and strength of your hatchet comes down to the materials of the handle and head. As long as you’ve purchased a carbon steel head and high quality handle you should see years of use out of your hatchet.

That being said, you don’t want to abuse a hatchet. Survival hatchets aren’t axes. If you try to do serious chopping or heavy wood work with a hatchet you’ll definitely wear it out faster. Poor form, such as driving the head into earth or a rock, will also likely end in damage and chipping on the blade.

Size and Weight

At their most basic hatchets are shrunken down axes. Most will be somewhere between 10 and 15 inches. Any larger than that and you start to get into the small axe category.

The weight of a hatchet should be equally reduced. You want to look for one with a head between about 1 and 1.5 lbs. That makes it easy to use with one hand without tiring yourself out.

Sheath

A sheath is absolutely essential for any camping axe or survival hatchet. They cover the blade when not in use and protect you and your other belongings from accidental damage.

Most sheathes will be made from leather, plastic, or nylon cloth. While not as important as the quality of your hatchet itself you should consider whether the sheath is junk or not.

Uses for a Survival Hatchet

Survival hatchets are tools that have a ton of potential uses. Before we go into the primary ones we wanted to make sure you know the proper technique to use for basic hatchet work.

Because of their short handle and light weight hatchets should ideally be used from a kneeling position with one hand. This lets you precisely control every stroke and prevents you from putting too much swing into it.

Chopping Wood

Chopping is the role where camping hatchets shine the brightest. They’re perfect for clearing brush, small trees, and other debris from a trail or campsite.

Their one handed design allows you to control your swings with more accuracy and leaves your other hand free to move things out of the way after each stroke.

Splitting Wood

Hatchet’s are great at splitting small logs and kindling. You should start by kneeling down and setting the piece of wood either on a stump or another chunk. This prevents you from missing with your swing and hitting your leg or the ground.

You won’t be powering through large logs but you’ll find it easy to create manageable pieces of wood for a fire.

Carving Wood

If you’re a carver you’re no doubt aware of how useful a hatchet can be. The trick for hatchet carving is to hold it by the head and slide it along the piece of wood.

This lets you remove long strips of wood with maximum delicacy and control. It’s also a great trick for producing very small pieces of kindling to get a campfire going.

Top Survival Hatchets Video

Frequently Asked Questions about Survival Hatchets

When it comes to venturing into the great outdoors, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. Among the essential gear for camping, hiking, and survival situations, a reliable survival hatchet ranks high on the list. With its compact size and versatile capabilities, a survival hatchet is designed to assist you in various tasks, from cutting wood to building shelters and beyond.

As you delve into the world of survival hatchets, you’re likely to have questions about their features, functionality, and best practices for using them effectively. To ensure you have all the information you need, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about survival hatchets. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a novice explorer, this FAQ section will address common queries and provide valuable insights to help you choose the best survival hatchet for your needs.

From understanding the unique qualities of survival hatchets to learning about maintenance tips and safety precautions, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into the questions that often arise when it comes to these versatile tools, empowering you to make informed decisions and embark on your outdoor adventures equipped with the best survival hatchet.

Read on to explore the answers to your burning questions and discover the knowledge you seek to enhance your wilderness experiences.

What is a survival hatchet?

A survival hatchet is a compact and versatile tool designed for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and survival situations. It typically features a short handle and a sharp blade, making it useful for tasks like cutting wood, clearing brush, building shelters, and self-defense.

How is a survival hatchet different from a regular hatchet?

While both types of hatchets share similarities, a survival hatchet is specifically designed for outdoor survival situations. It is typically more lightweight and portable than a regular hatchet, making it easier to carry in a backpack or attach to a belt. Survival hatchets often come with additional features like a hammerhead, pry bar, or firestarter to enhance their functionality in emergency situations.

What should I look for when choosing a survival hatchet?

When selecting a survival hatchet, consider factors such as the blade material, handle material, weight, length, and additional features. Look for a durable blade made from high-quality steel that can hold a sharp edge. The handle should provide a comfortable grip and be constructed from sturdy materials like wood or fiberglass. The weight and length should be suitable for your intended use and personal preferences, while additional features like a hammerhead or firestarter can add versatility to the hatchet.

What are some common uses for a survival hatchet?

A survival hatchet can serve a variety of purposes in outdoor situations. It can be used for cutting small branches, splitting firewood, shaping wooden stakes, clearing trails, building shelters, preparing food, and even self-defense if needed. Additionally, some survival hatchets come with features like a hammerhead or pry bar, which can be useful for tasks such as pounding tent stakes or prying open containers.

Can I use a survival hatchet for chopping down trees?

Survival hatchets are not typically designed for chopping down large trees. They are better suited for tasks involving smaller branches and wood. If you require a tool for felling trees, a full-sized axe or a specialized felling axe would be more appropriate.

How do I maintain and care for my survival hatchet?

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your survival hatchet, it’s essential to maintain and care for it properly. Clean the blade after each use, remove any dirt or debris, and dry it thoroughly to prevent rusting. Regularly sharpen the blade to maintain its cutting effectiveness. Additionally, keep the handle clean and inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. If the handle becomes loose, tighten it or consider replacing it if necessary.

Are there any safety precautions I should follow when using a survival hatchet?

Yes, safety should always be a priority when using a survival hatchet. Follow these guidelines:

• Always maintain a secure grip on the hatchet handle.
• Keep your hands and fingers away from the blade.
• Ensure a clear and safe swing path when using the hatchet.
• Use a solid chopping surface, such as a log or chopping block.
• Wear protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses.
• Keep the hatchet stored in a sheath or a safe place when not in use.
• Never leave a hatchet unattended or within reach of children.

Remember, proper usage and responsible handling of a survival hatchet are crucial for your safety and the safety of those around you.

Final Thoughts

A good survival hatchet can be the difference between life and death in the wilderness. Even when on a regular camping trip you’ll find that they’re one of the most useful tools to have.

By following our buying guide and sticking to quality manufacturers you make it much more likely you’ll find one of the best survival hatchets.