Tips for choosing a tourist ax, a description of the best models

What are they?

There are several types of axes (besides the tourist one) that can be useful in the forest or on a hike. Let's get to know them.

For splitting firewood

This is an unusual type of ax that is used for the purpose of chopping firewood in rural areas. To chop wood for space heating, such a hatchet is ideal. These tools are made with a fairly long handle (about 1.5 m) so that sweeping blows can be easily applied. Provided in such devices and a powerful ax, perfect for chopping wood.

Plotnitsky

Such axes are used when it comes to the production of various pieces of furniture or other wood products. Carpentry tools are equipped with a short handle and a modest hatchet.

Multifunctional

In the forest, such a hatchet will come in handy. Its name says a lot. Such tools are distinguished by a rather high cost, but at the same time, in their capabilities, they are inferior to carpentry specimens or devices for splitting firewood. However, as a tourist assistant, this model is quite good.

Kitchen

A kitchen or butcher's ax is used for cutting carcasses, chopping meat and bones. In such tools, the cutting element must necessarily be made of stainless steel, because this part is constantly in contact with food products that can be poisoned due to oxidation.

Hunting

An ax for a hunter will be very useful in a hike and in the forest. A similar tool, like a hunting knife, belongs to a completely different category of devices than the above specimens. With this type of ax, you can:

• to carry out splitting of chips to kindle a fire;
• engage in cutting down the legs of trees in order to arrange a night for yourself;
• chop stakes for organizing a tent or a place suitable for an overnight stay;
• butcher skins and carcasses of wild animals.

Kurchanov's instrument was recognized as truly amazing. It is distinguished by the unusual shape of both the hatchet and the cutting part with a rather wide cutting line. A practical tool of such a non-standard design is chosen by many hunters, refusing to buy newfangled and advertised devices with many additional functions.

Kurchanov's ax can last from 7 to 10 years with a competent attitude towards it. Factory sharpening will make it possible to freely chop branches, dead wood, prepare tent stakes and perform many other necessary actions.

These devices are not only highly effective in performing basic tasks. They can be safely considered a real work of art, since every single model is made by hand and is a collector's item.

Specifications

The set of tasks assigned determines the main characteristics of modern tourist hatchets. It is not often that high performance or the ability to deliver fairly powerful hits is required from these devices. This tool should have other more important characteristics. Let's see a small list of them.

A good touring ax doesn't have to be heavy. Such tools should be lightweight. This is due to the fact that you will have to carry them with you on a hike all the time. If the ax is too heavy, it will become a burden, not an assistant.

• This tool must be quite durable so that you will not be left without it at the right time.
• A tourist hatchet must be well protected.He should not damage or tear either the backpack or the clothes of the tourist himself. Needless to say, an ax should not injure a person in the event of an accidental fall.

• On a camping trip, you need to have a device in stock that is suitable for solving certain tasks. It is pointless to carry a heavy object with you if you are going to chop only brushwood. And with a small and short hatchet, you are unlikely to be able to build a good raft. Consider these characteristics.
• This tool must be handy. Moreover, he must remain so in any circumstances - in the rain, and in the slush, and in the snow.
• The touring ax should be made of moderately hard metal. In this case, you can avoid the risk of breakage of the blade itself or crumbling of the facade with a not very accurate impact. Note that harder steel always shows itself to be more brittle.

Popular models

Today the assortment of tourist axes pleases with its diversity. A lot of different models from different manufacturers (such as "Zubr", "Pathfinder", Sevlae and many others) are presented to the choice of buyers. Among them there are both very famous and still "young" firms, whose products have recently burst into the market. Let's take a closer look at some of the popular travel axes from different brands.

"Zubr"

High-quality products of this domestic manufacturer are included in more than one rating of the best models of axes. All products of the company are made of modern plastic or classic wood. The blades are made of the highest grade Russian stainless steel. Zubr axes are durable.

"Pathfinder"

Tourist axes "Pathfinder" are in great demand today. They come with a handy carry case. All models feature excellent strength characteristics and a comfortable rubber grip. The blade is made of high-strength steel that is not prone to breakage. Pathfinder Hatchets can be purchased as auxiliary tools. They won't take up a lot of extra space.

Stayer

Stayer is distinguished by a huge assortment of tools. The brand's arsenal includes a huge number of hammers, electric, painting and measuring tools, as well as various axes. Separately, it is worth highlighting the Professional line. It includes high quality tools. For example, axes characterized by maximum durability and ease of use. They are equipped with a forged, hardened head made of special tool steel. The handles are made of sturdy fiberglass with rubber inserts for a more comfortable and secure grip.

The best models for tourists

In order for the hatchet to be of high quality, you should take a closer look at tools from trusted manufacturers, for example, Fiskars, Wetterlings, Stayer, Garant. Among all the models of tourist axes on the market, the following products are considered the best.

Bison 20643-06

Model with a weight of 600 grams, in an all-metal design. The lower part of the handle is wrapped in rubber for convenience, and the chopping surface is rounded. Of the advantages, low cost and compactness stand out; of the shortcomings, the low quality of the material and the low level of processing are noted.

STAYER "TOURIST" 2064-06

The ax is completely made of metal and has a standard weight of 0.6 kilograms for a tourist product. The weight distribution is biased towards the chopping part, which makes it easier to chop the logs. At the bottom, the handle has a rubber nozzle. Pros - high quality metal and sharpening, cons - too small for active use on a hike.

GeterGator II

It is a multifunctional tool that combines the functions of a saw that is housed in the handle. The handle is made of durable fiberglass, the size is 396 mm. The ax itself weighs 737 grams.Of the advantages, the multitasking of the tool stands out - you can both chop and saw, and the disadvantages include the not very convenient shape of the handle.

Expedition HB-040

This model also has a saw that is integrated into the handle as an additional tool. The handle is made of fibrous plastic, the weight of the ax is only 600 grams. Among the advantages - a straight blade with increased strength and bright colors for easy searching at dusk. On the negative side is the unfortunate shape of the handle.

Features and purpose

An ax is an indispensable tool needed in any toolbox. Today, you can find many different options for such tools on sale. These can be simple "hard workers" or decorative models, decorated with painting or carved patterns. Today, special tourist hatchets are very popular, presented in a wide range.

A tourist who has such a useful and practical tool in stock may consider himself well prepared for outdoor recreation or long-distance hikes. A quality tourist ax is aimed at solving a number of important tasks.

Using such a tool, you can cut and sharpen the tent stakes.

Of course, such functionality of a tourist hatchet does not mean at all that you will encounter all the listed problems on a hike. And not every time this tool can come in handy. For example, in the conditions of forests located in the middle lane, tourist hatchets are not needed at all, they can not be taken. If we are talking about a cold winter forest, then there is no way to do without a lot of firewood. Here it is better not to leave the hatchet at home, but to take it with you.

How to put an ax on a hatchet correctly

There are many secrets associated with attaching axes to axes. Many people wedge an ax with an iron wedge, and then wonder why the ax begins to loosen. The wedge should be solid wood.

In order to avoid deformation of the hatchet associated with a change in moisture, the ax should be placed on a perfectly dried hatchet. Having bought it in a store, it is better to throw it into a heating radiator for the whole winter, and plant it in the spring.

For a tighter ax-handle ligament, the place where the ax will be planted should be coated with epoxy resin and a piece of leather should be wound there (some instead of leather use several layers of gauze soaked in epoxy resin). Before driving in the wedge, it must also be thoroughly lubricated with epoxy.

The most reliable way is to wedge the ax using three or five wedges. In the case of using three wedges, one of them is driven in the center, over the entire width, and the other two are above and below it. Before driving in wedges, it is better to lubricate with epoxy.

The five wedge method is of two types:

• In the first case, one longitudinal incision is made for the entire length and two transverse ones, at an equal distance from each other. This method will allow you to ideally fix the ax to the hatchet, the main thing is not to forget about the epoxy resin;
• It is very rare to find the option of fastening with five wedges, when two vertical wedges are made and three small horizontal wedges between them. At the same time, two large wedges are turned at an angle of 90 degrees to the ax.

Operation and storage rules

It is not enough to buy a good ax. He needs to provide proper care and proper storage. Do not use it to chop off parts such as nails. Store the tool exclusively in a dry and inaccessible place. Remember to sharpen the blade regularly.

When operating the hiking ax in perceptibly low temperatures and frost, you should exercise the utmost care. This is due to the fact that in such situations, the metal is often subjected to cracking and may even begin to crumble.

Certain models of Finnish production cannot withstand when their butts are exploited as hammers. The Soviet versions of such work are not afraid at all.

It is very helpful to pay due attention to adjusting the force of the impact you are delivering. Remember: modern tourist types of axes "do not like" very much when they are exposed to excessive loads

If you want your tool to last as long as possible and not undergo deformation / destruction, then you should follow all the above rules, be sure to take into account the nuances of the operation of such products. Treat the camping hatchet with care, do not expose it to unnecessary stress, store it correctly.

How to choose the right tourist ax, you will learn from the video below.

Main characteristics

Camping hatchets are usually divided into tourist and hunting. The difference between these types lies in the geometry of the sharpening of the blade. If the sharpening angle is small (about 20-25 degrees), the ax can be used for cutting animal meat, and if the tool is sharpened at a wider angle, it will be more convenient to chop wood. In fact, this division is rather arbitrary, and the basic requirements for an irreplaceable helper are as follows:

• the weight of a tourist tool should be in the range from 550 to 750 grams, if the device is heavier, it is problematic to lift it with one hand;
• for safety reasons, the handle at the ax must have a length of at least 65 cm, this size allows you to protect the user in case of misses on the target, and also contributes to the development of sufficient speed when swinging;
• the blade should be rounded and have an arc geometry - this will distribute the force over its entire surface;
• wood is the preferred material for the handle, as this handle can be quickly replaced. In addition, the tree does not freeze the skin of the hands at low ambient temperatures.

As for the requirements for the material from which the chopping part is made, these can be the following types of steels:

• instrumental alloyed and unalloyed steel (for example, grades 9ХФ or 9ХС) in accordance with GOST 5950-2000;
• structural alloy steel (for example, grade 35HGSA) in accordance with GOST 4543-2016.

Protective covers, as well as a hole for attaching to equipment, will not be superfluous for a camping hatchet.

Purpose of the tool

When planning a hike, during which the tourist will be in the wild (this includes one-day excursions), it is highly recommended to have a tourist hatchet with you. It may seem that its function is reduced only to chopping branches for a fire, but in fact the range of tasks for this tool is quite wide, the ax is used:

• to set up a temporary shelter (tent), which must be fixed in the ground with ropes and pegs. With an ax, you can not only chop and sharpen wooden sticks and rods for the tent, but also drive them firmly into the ground;
• for cutting down interfering twigs and branches when clearing a path through a dense thicket;
• if it is necessary to cross a river, this tool will allow you to efficiently and quickly build a temporary crossing or a raft from hewn logs;
• for skinning and cutting the carcass of an animal killed during a hunt;
• for cooking - opening cans, chopping frozen meat.

How to plant an ax on a hatchet

The process of mounting an ax on a new hatchet is quite simple - it consists of adjusting the seat to size and wedging. The general nuances of this process are as follows:

• it is forbidden to use wet wood for the handle, because later, when the tree dries, the ax will fly off;
• cuts are made in the upper part of the ax for the installation of the wedge;
• the place where the metal will be planted must be pre-treated with epoxy in order to additionally secure the chopping part;
• when the ax is planted, wooden wedges are driven into the cuts (it is not recommended to use metal wedges because of the danger of loosening);
• the place on the handle, near the ax, is additionally wrapped with a rope or wrapped in leather to protect it from damage in case of a miss.

For additional reinforcement of the ax (if the tool is large enough), it is recommended to wedge with 5 wedges. For this, two longitudinal and three transverse cuts are made on the upper part of the handle, where wooden plates are then driven in.

a - fitting, b - nozzle, c - wedging; 1 - ax, 2 - hatchet, 3 - wedge.

Sharpening the ax

The most important condition for the quality work of an ax is correct sharpening. Many "experts" recommend sharpening the ax at an angle of 20 degrees, achieving razor sharpness. This is fundamentally the wrong approach! The blade, hitting a strong knot, can get chipped, and if you accidentally hit a nail, then the blade will definitely be damaged. There are no knives or axes that can shave forearm hair while chopping nails. The chisel cuts metal not because of high-quality steel, but because of the large sharpening angle.

Ideally, the sharpening of the ax should be oval. An ax sharpened in this way will remain sharp for a long time. They can cut both wood and meat. Usually the ax is sharpened with an electric sharpener, but in the field, a coarse sharpening block is also suitable.

How to choose?

The choice of a good tourist ax should be taken very seriously, since the quality of the hike or hunting will depend on the quality of this device.

Let us consider in detail what parameters of such hatchets should be paid attention in the first place, so as not to be mistaken in choosing the ideal option

The first step is to make sure of the decent quality of materials, namely metal. Its hardening is also important. An overheated instrument can simply crumble with a strong impact, and an under-hot instrument will crumple regularly.

Pay attention to the overall quality of the instrument. It should be comfortable, conscientious

The blade should not be crooked or wobbly. The device must be reliable and sturdy.
The weight of a tourist ax should be no more than 800 g. Of course, every person is comfortable with an instrument of a certain weight, but it must be taken into account that the tourist options should not be too heavy.

• Do not buy axes with metal or slippery handles. It will be very difficult to work with them, especially when it comes to a long work process. High impact plastic is also not the best solution for the handle. Such options are quite durable, but in the event of a breakdown in the forest, it will be impossible to fix them.
• It is advisable to buy wider touring hatchets.
• Don't buy Chinese fixtures. You can't rely on them. Give preference to European and domestic manufacturers offering more reliable and durable tools of high quality. Such products will not let you down at the right moment.

Hunting or tourist, which is better?

There is often debate about which ax is better to take into the forest: a hunting one or a tourist one? Many people do not know that there is no clear division of axes into such categories. An ax that can be used to build a hunting shed or ambush is not suitable for skinning. If you sharpen it to a razor sharpness, chopping logs with it means immediately spoiling the sharpening. If we focus specifically on functionality, then the ax for the hunter should chop the carcass and butcher the meat, and the tourist's ax should be ideal for chopping wood. It should be noted that for an experienced hunter or tourist, the ax is always perfectly sharpened and differs only in the choice of the sharpening angle.

If a hunter plans to cut carcasses and remove skins on each hunt with an ax, then it should be sharpened to the sharpness of a razor, and the blade should be wide. If you like to go hiking for a week without taking a tent with you, then you will need a massive ax, with a long handle and quite heavy.

How to choose a good and inexpensive backpacker knife

You can choose a good knife for a tourist if you are guided by the following rules:

First, determine what kind of work the tool will have to do. If the hike will take place in harsh conditions, accompanied by the extraction of food, last for a long time, you need a larger and more powerful knife than for a picnic, fishing or camping. In the last three cases, on the contrary, it is more important that the tool can quickly and easily cut the food taken with you, cut up medium-sized fish.

And you hardly have to use it for sawing thick branches, digging the earth, that is, a brutal knife is not needed for survival.

• The blade must be strong and at the same time not too thick. The fragile blade cuts soft material quickly and thinly, but can bend or break during rough work. And poorly sharpened, although it increases the strength of the cutting part of the knife, it will be less useful in the forest. The optimum value of the steel hardness of the blade is 58-60 HRC, so that it remains sharp longer and, if necessary, can be easily sharpened.
• The handle should be chosen not too thick, comfortable, according to the size of the hand. It should not slide in the palm of your hand. Plus, if the surface of the part is bright, this will allow you to quickly find the knife in the grass, snow or backpack if necessary.
• If the instrument is not folding, there must be a scabbard. The unused knife should be in the case so that the owner does not cut himself with it when removing from the backpack. And the weapon itself will retain its qualities for a longer time.
• If a tourist rarely visits the forest, a hike is not associated with hunting a large game, it is not necessary to buy a particularly valuable tool for survival, inexpensive tourist knives can also be useful. For example, Avatar, Major from NOKS or Morakniv Companion, Cold Steel Finn, which cost from 900 rubles. up to 3800 p.

Watch this video on how to choose a camping knife: