Chopping Edge Excellence: The Ultimate Top 10 Survival Hatchets

In the relentless pursuit of survival readiness, few tools match the raw versatility and compact utility of the survival hatchet. As a stalwart companion in the untamed wilderness or a crucial asset in military operations, the hatchet stands as a symbol of reliability and multifaceted functionality. Within this comprehensive guide, we present the top 10 survival hatchets meticulously curated for their resilience, precision, and indispensable prowess.

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Whether you’re braving uncharted terrains or honing your survival skills, these handpicked hatchets epitomize the epitome of preparedness and unfaltering strength, catering to the discerning needs of military and survival enthusiasts alike. Join us on an exploration of the finest survival hatchets that embody the essence of durability and readiness for any unforeseen challenge.

Why would you need a survival hatchet?

A survival hatchet is an indispensable tool for wilderness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers due to its multifunctional utility. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or navigating a survival situation, a survival hatchet serves as a versatile instrument for tasks such as chopping firewood, building shelters, preparing food, and crafting tools.

Its compact size and lightweight design make it portable and easy to carry, ensuring you’re equipped to tackle various challenges in the wild. From self-defense to hammering tent stakes and even assisting in rescue scenarios, a survival hatchet’s reliability and adaptability can be a game-changer when venturing into remote or unpredictable environments.

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#10 SOG Tactical Tomahawk

I used to carry a machete for clearing trails and cutting firewood along with a folding shovel. Now I just carry this tomahawk. I discovered this tool when a friend of mine bought one first. I’ve used my a fair amount; he’s used his extensively.

I use the SOG Tomahawk  to cut firewood, dig holes, driving tent stakes, pulling tent stakes (see the holes in the blade? perfect!), and for entertainment. When all your chores are done, it’s fun to throw this well balanced axe. After many poor throws, this tomahawk has show it’s durability. I’ve also used the axe to pry wood apart and am surprised the handle holds up as well as it has. For the price, the quality of the tool is simply amazing. It’s also extremely light. I highly recommend.

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#9 Gerber Downrange Tomahawk

I wanted one of these since I first saw them come on the market. My only regret is that these weren’t around when I was in the military. This item is a phenomenal breaching tool or would be an outstanding tool to add to your “go bag” or “bug out bag”. This item takes the place of multiple items that you would normally keep in your go bag. It is very high quality and I have put the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk through the ringer since I got it and it has held up phenomenally, plus you can’t beat the lifetime warranty it has through Gerber.

The only thing I would caution someone on, if you are looking for a versatile camping axe, this is not the product you want. It is made for breaching as well as other things. However, due to it’s design it has effective but blunted cutting surfaces to achieve the tasks it was created for. It would not be great for chopping wood. Though it can complete this task it will just take longer than a sharper camping hatchet or axe.

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#8 SOG Hand Axe with G10 Handle

I bought this camp ax from a different site, but have been more than thrilled with the purchase. This ax has a full tang, which makes it a great pick right off the bat. the handle is also ergonomic to fit your hand, which feels great with or without gloves.

However, it is a very rough handle, so if used for a while, it will cause blisters if your hands are not conditioned to the outdoors, but if your looking at this product, I would assume your hands are up to the task of owning this tool. It came very sharp out of the box which is great, and after three camping trips in the woods, has held an edge fairly well. The only downside to the is it has a very small profile and is skinny in the poll(butt) so it cannot be used to hammer in tent spikes. The small profile did lend to chopping that required little energy and its light weight so its acceptable in my book. You can pick it up online for about $35 (US).

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#7 United Cutlery M48 Hawk Axe

Behold! The modern age battle axe!!! I checked out a couple of video reviews and all the other reviews on this product… And i must say it doesn’t disappoint…The United Cutlery M48 Hawk Axe is a perfect weapon or tool, based on how you intend to use it… Well balanced and just the right length to wield either with one arm or two… Good gripping surface and comes with a provision to loop a paracord for securing it well…The blade is a wicked sick design as it has a good head to toe ratio and the rear guard doesn’t disappoint one bit.

The actual cutting edge is quite sharp… The butt is not sharp but good enuf to pierce any soft objects…Sheath is also reasonably good but could have been better in terms of perfect fitting… For a comparison, check the cold steel trench hawk’s plastic sheath… However, this is but a minor setback, if one considers it so…Overall i have thoroughly enjoyed wielding United Cutlery M48 Hawk Axe as I have put it in my survival bug out pack and now carry it with me on hiking trip. I would thoroughly recommended for campers/trekkers and adventure enthusiasts… Or even for someone who just loves wicked blades with skulls engraved on them 😀 Special mention to the one day delivery by Jalic.Inc… Truly appreciated…

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#6 Schrade SCAXE5

Looking at the Scaxe line I love Schrade products however, they really raised the bar with this tactical hatchet t-hawk. I never bought into scaxe line because of the none full tang excluding the scaxe3 if I remember right.

This is a small T-Hawk but, with it’s 3/8 in full tang design its one tough hatchet. I do worry just a little bit about the center cut out being a weak point however it’s hatch size and isn’t going to see the impacts a full size ax would and with the thickness of the sk5 high carbon stainless steel and Schrades life time warranty its only a small worry.

The grip on the Schrade SCAXE5 Full Tang Tactical Hatchet feels great while swinging the blade side, however not as good when using the spike, also where the screws are and the lanyard hole creates a hot spot, a nail file will buff them out. It comes very sharp and the angle of the spike is great for penetration. The pry bar pummel is a great idea and I know it will come in handy far more than I even know yet. All in all I would give it a 4.5 out of 5 starts only due to the need to file the screw and lanyard holes and the comfort factor is not as nice when using the spike as to the blade. This is a product that I will be using a lot and a great idea for a b.o.b. You full tang lovers will love this 1.5 pound scaxe5!

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#5 Cold Steel Trench Hawk Axe

I am a owner of both the SOG Tactical Tomahawk and the Cold Steel Trench Hawk Axe,these two are probably the most coveted of tomahawks on the market. Fellow hunters have quoted me on which is the better buy. Well I can’t decide for you, but I can list the pros and cons of both of these to decide which might be better for you.

COLD STEEL TRENCH HAWK
Pro:Blade is made from Carbon Steel
Con:Carbon Steel can easily rust
Pro: The blade and spike design are definitely geared towards hunting
Con: The Trench Hawk is pretty limited to use in hunting only
Pro:The handle is sturdy polymer at 19″ in length
Con:The handle has no textured grip
Pro:The Trench Hawk comes with a hardshell sheath that’s really unique
Con:The sheath has no belt loop

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#4 American Tomahawk Model 1

This thing is a self defense tool through and through. I have owned a lot of tomahawks in my life, but this is the only one I would trust to protect it. It offers a lot of different techniques, whether they be chopping, slashing, stabbing, or bashing due to the unique head design and pommel. The American Tomahawk handle scales provide a no slip grip. And the thing handles like a ballerina in the hand because of it’s light weight and perfect balance.

It’s thinner than most hawks so as to reduce the weight, but due to its light weight you can swing it so fast that it hits as hard as any other hawk 3 times as thick, and because of it’s thin profile is far less likely to get stuck. The steel has been heat treated to perfection, and holds an edge better than a lot of my more expensive knives, while still retaining the toughness to keep from breaking.My only real gripe with it is that as a SELF DEFENSE hawk. It really isn’t suited for demolition and extraction jobs, and that is where tomahawks get the most use. That’s not to say it can’t, but because it’s so thin it can’t chop away at the material as quickly. But when the chips are down, and all I have standing between me and an attacker is a tool, here’s hoping it’s this tool. $300 seems like a small price to pay if it is for the confidence of owning this tomahawk.

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#3 Smith & Wesson Extraction & Evasion

This is a top-notch, SOLID piece of well-designed equipment. It is NOT a toy or for screwing around on the weekend. NOT a camp axe–but in answer to the other reviews which say that it is “too heavy to carry:” you need to get off the couch and do some pushups or shoulder raises. Same to those who say it is “too heavy” in terms of swinging/deployability: do some physical exercise.

The Smith and Wesson Extraction and Evasion Hatchet grips are cushioned and comfortable–if you think your hand is going to “slip,” buy a glove. The handle offers 3 positions so you can “choke up” if need be. Not a “light combat ‘hawk” but, really folks, you aren’t Hawkeye, and this isn’t “Last of the Mohicans.” Which, honestly, makes this axe the best option vs. its competitors’ priced from $200-$500–come on guys, really? Stop living in that fantasy world.

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#2 Condor Tactical Rescue Kangee

I received my Condor Tool and Knife TRT (Tactical Rescue Tomhawk) and it has met and surpassed my expectations. I was a but apprehensive about a hollow tube for the handle on a tactical tomahawk, but this this beast is made of THICK steel. It’s sturdy as hell! The paracord makes a very good grip on it and it has a very good balance.

Mine was razor sharp out of the box and the edge has a mirror polish to it. A car door would not stand a chance against the Condor Tactical Kangee Tomahawk. The real leather sheath is outstanding as well. I have 6 other name brand tomahawks and my Condor TRT is just as good or better than any of the others. I have no negatives on this purchase.

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#1 CRKT Woods Chogan

The CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk has proven itself as a versatile and reliable tool in my outdoor adventures. Designed in collaboration with Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical, this tomahawk-style hatchet blends traditional and modern elements. With its sharp edge and durable 1055 carbon steel construction, it’s well-equipped for both chopping tasks and fine carving work.

The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry in the wilderness, and the hammerhead opposite the blade allows for pounding tent stakes or other campsite tasks. The American hickory handle provides an excellent grip and resonates with a classic feel, adding to the tomahawk’s aesthetics. With a blade length of 4.21 inches and an overall length of 19.13 inches, it strikes a balance between portability and functionality. Whether I’m preparing firewood or building shelter, the Woods Chogan has become an indispensable part of my outdoor gear.

In terms of specifications, the CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk features a full tang construction for strength and durability. The 1055 carbon steel blade is easy to sharpen and retains an edge well, which is crucial for wilderness tasks. The hammerhead on the backside of the head is handy for multiple uses around the campsite. The American hickory handle provides an excellent grip and a classic look. The included leather sheath offers protection and easy portability. Overall, the CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk is a reliable and well-crafted tool for outdoor enthusiasts and campers, combining traditional design with modern functionality.

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Survival Hatchet Runner Ups

#11 Fiskars X7 Hatchet:

The Fiskars X7 Hatchet stands as an indispensable tool for survivalists and military personnel seeking reliable and efficient wood splitting capabilities. Designed specifically for small to medium-sized kindling, this hatchet showcases a proprietary blade-grinding technique that enhances its cutting prowess. Its compact and portable design makes it a practical choice for outdoor survival scenarios, allowing users to effortlessly process firewood, build shelters, or create essential tools required for survival situations.

Crafted with durability in mind, the Fiskars X7 Hatchet ensures resilience and longevity even under demanding conditions. Its innovative blade technology enhances the splitting force, making it easier to chop through wood with precision and efficiency. This hatchet caters to the needs of military personnel, survivalists, and outdoor enthusiasts by offering a reliable wood-splitting tool that proves valuable in creating essential resources for survival, making it a crucial addition to any survival kit or military gear setup.

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#12 Estwing Sportsman’s Axe:

Made in the USA, this hatchet has a steel construction with a patented shock reduction grip for comfort.

#13 Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet:

A Swedish-made hatchet known for its hand-forged quality and ideal for bushcraft and survival.

#14 Husqvarna 13″ Wooden Hatchet:

With a hickory wood handle, this classic hatchet is renowned for its durability and quality.

#15 Condor Tool & Knife Greenland Pattern Hatchet:

This is a rugged and compact hatchet with a high carbon steel blade.

#16 Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe:

Although it’s technically an axe, it’s versatile and suitable for survival tasks.

#17 Schrade SCAXE2L Survival Hatchet:

A budget-friendly option with a full tang construction and fire-starting capabilities.

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