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Woodworker
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2024
I have been a practicing Forester for a number of years and wouldn’t be caught heading into the woods without this little hatchet. Some of the uses I have found for it are as follows:1. For measuring the diameter of trees2. For chopping through vines on trees, before measuring diameters3. For blazing trees, undergrowth, etc. to mark trails, boundaries, etc.4. To assist in climbing mountains5. To cut down saplings, used to dispatch poisonous snake, to pole vault deep and narrow creeks6. For protection from wild dogs, hogs, etc.7 Various other minor uses, too numerous to mention hereIt goes without saying, if I could have just 1 super light, but very effective item to take with me in the woods for forestry applications, camping, hiking, etc., this would the item and it travels in my right back pants pocket, so I can get to it quickly. Without it, I am as lost and uncomfortable as most people are without their cell phones. The only change I made was to replacing the handle with a 12” hickory handle that gives me the ability to chop more effectively and reach around trees to catch diameter tapes for measurements.
Goku
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2016
It comes dipped in blue paint, and has a very dull edge. If you put some work into it will be a fine mini hatchet, if you want it to be perfect right out of the box do not buy it. This is a tiny backpacking hatchet, like the size of a normal household hammer. If you want a small hatchet you can put in your pocket it might be for you, but you need to put a little work in it for it to be much use.
m. angel
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2016
I am going to be as fair and honest as possible in this review.Firstly, be realistic. An axe of any size in this price range will require work to make a "prized possession" as mine has become.It arrived handle a bit rough and coated in polyurethane, the head painted bright blue and full of casting marks with a somewhat dull bit.(by my standards) now, why am I giving 5 stars?That has more to do with what lies beneath. It is the absolute perfect size for my intended use, taking on back-packing trips to cut firewood. It is very small but has heft enough to chop through 2-3" logs will ease and weighs less than 2 pounds.I decided to make it into something it was never intended by the manufacturer to be. An heirloom quality hatchet to be passed down through the generations and this is exactly what i achieved!I began by stripping the blue paint from the head and using a felt tipped marker to draw the new profile. That of a Hudson Bay axe with its flat top and sharp beard angle. This was completed with an angle grinder with little effort.Next I wanted a smooth mirrored finish which was done by hand with 50 grit sandpaper to remove all casting marks working all the way through 2,500 grit. (50, 80, 200, 400, 600, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 and 2,500) a lot of work yes but well worth it.Then to give it a vintage quality aesthetic I used cold bluing solution, overlapping as I progressed through to the pol. Then coated with gun oil. And it is STUNNING! You'd be amazed what this little hatchet can look like with your efforts.All i did passed this was sand and shape the handle to my liking and coat the bare wood with used motor oil to darken the grain, hand rubbed and coated with finish wax paste. I addressed the bit with a bastard file to cut my own preferred angle a tri-hone ending by stroping and hair will jump off of your arm as you test the edge. Yes. You can shave with it.The end result is spectacular. A fully functional masterpiece. Vaughn's base offering + your effort = amazing hatchet. And that is a five star product if ever there was one.
Michael Oravetz
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2012
I really like the fact that this product is made in the USA. It's really light weight and it makes a good addition to a back packing system when it is paired with a quality fixed or folding blade knife. I also own a Gransfors Bruks small forest axe and let me say that you definitely get what you pay for. The Gransfors Bruks comes razor sharp right out of the box and the Sub-Zero comes very dull. I have tried to sharpen this axe for weeks using several sharpening stones, diamond rods, and sharpening belts but I can never get an edge even remotely as sharp as the Gransfors Bruks. If you have the money to blow and you are really good at sharpening axes, go for it. I think it's better to save your money and spend a little more on a Swedish axe like a Wetterlings or a Gransfors Bruks. I spent $40 to get a custom sheath made for the Sub-Zero and in hind sight, I am kicking myself for not buying a small Wetterlings hatchet.
Brian J. Bacher
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2011
Yes, this is small.Yes, this takes some time to put an edge on.But you knew that purchasing this axe. Once I got the edge on this thing, I have used it and the edge has held nicely. This ax is light enough to through in the pack and use at camp (I don't think I would use it for extended backpacking trips, due to my being weight conscience).The sheath is nice, too.All in all, if you are looking for a small, lightweight ax, this is the one for you.
Jack Frost
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2010
Vaughan axes were originally designed for arborists. The Supersportsman is a small, lightweight version of the larger Vaughan axes that's perfect for your backpack, camping kit or tackle box. The handle is only 10" long and the total weight is only about 1.75 lbs. so the axe will fit almost anywhere. The materials are of excellent quality so you're not likely to break the handle or quickly dull the head with normal activities.My only complaint is that the axe comes completely unsharpened so it takes some time to put a good edge on it that will hold up to heavy use.
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