Lansky Puck<\/a> (link goes to amazon) once you’ve finished the bulk of the work with a nice bastard file.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI’m not using this hatchet every day nor do I plan to in the future. I might use it on the occasional camping trip and perhaps it will find a spot among my hunting supplies. In short, I don’t need this to perform like a $150 hatchet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My guess is that you’re in a similar situation. In this case, the Fiskars X7 works exceedingly well for the price<\/strong>. Sure, you might spend more time getting it razor-sharp but all around, it’s not a bad little hatchet.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDurability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n The durability is definitely one of the main talking points for this review. While the steel Fiskars uses isn’t top-notch, the handle is incredibly strong<\/strong>. Personally, I\u00a0tend to shy away from composite-handled axes because you can’t replace the handle when it breaks. Not only that, I just like the feel of a wooden handle. After using this hatchet, however, I’m beginning to change my mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe first notable feature is just how lightweight<\/strong> the handle is. Fiskars is able to accomplish something which is not easy to do; it places the majority of the weight in the head<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThis helps create better force while swinging. That’s all good and well but the weight pales in comparison to how strong the composite material<\/strong> is.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI decided to do a test for the sake of this review. The test was to run the axe over and see if I could break the handle. Accidentally running over your hatchet isn’t too far-fetched. It’s bound to happen to someone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In most cases, however, it will probably be laying flat on the ground when you run it over. Well, in my test, I slanted the hatchet up against an old piece of cement. Next? Yep, I parked my vehicle on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs you can see in the picture above, I’ve parked the vehicle on the hatchet’s handle. I need not say the handle is bent, that much is obvious. I hope this sheds some light on the overall strength of the composite material. Sure, you can probably break the handle if you really want to. The point is this; you’re probably not going to break the handle unless you’re trying to<\/strong>. Even then, it won’t be an easy task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nAfter finishing the test, I backed the vehicle off the hatchet only to realize it mostly returned to its original shape<\/strong>. There is a slight bend in the handle now but it’s only noticeable upon close inspection. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAlso, the bend is not so severe that it will have a negative impact on its performance. What did this test reveal? It’s simple really. With normal usage and some common sense, you probably won’t break the handle of the Fiskars X7. That’s definitely a selling point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The test above proves the composite handle can withstand the partial weight of a vehicle, which is great. Unfortunately, if you were to place X7 too close to a campfire, I’m sure the results won’t be as favorable. Melting the handle is a possibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then again, a wooden handle won’t withstand a fire either. Anyway, if you’re interested in seeing how well the handle holds up to a campfire, let me know in the comment section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Versatility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Not everyone plans to use this hatchet in the same way. While you might be looking for a cheap camping hatchet, someone else could be looking for a survival hatchet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What you need the Fiskars X7 for is entirely your business but I’m here to help you see the qualities in this tool so you can judge whether or not it’s a good choice for you and your needs. Here are some key points I’ll cover in this section:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s very light – great for transport<\/strong><\/li>Has built-in storage – in the handle<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe first thing I want to address is the weight of the X7. Those of you looking for a lightweight hatchet for camping or hiking, look no further. The overall weight is 1.38 lbs<\/strong>. It will fit nicely in most backpacks and you’ll barely notice the extra weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\nDue to limited space, a hiker or survivalist will usually opt for something with a shorter handle but at 14 inches, it’s not a bad option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As for why the X7 is so lightweight, most of that comes down to the materials in the handle. As mentioned above, Fiskars takes advantage of a super-strong, lightweight composite material that allows for slight stretching and bending. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also has a hollow handle<\/strong>. I suspect the main reason why the handle is hollow is to reduce the overall weight. Whether intentional or not, it works quite well as storage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe hollow handle makes for decent storage space for small items. It’s not a game-changer, mind you, but with a little ingenuity you can craft a loop through the holes to keep whatever you place in the handle from falling out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, by creating a loop on the handle you’re effectively giving yourself a great means of hanging the hatchet where you want it. It’s always good to know exactly where your tool is when you’re not using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it Worth the Money?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Finally, the answer to the question you’ve been waiting for. It’s hard to answer that question without first knowing what you’re using the Fiskars X7 for. So, here goes. I’ll do my best. This hatchet packs quality into a small, lightweight, affordable package. The price is the main selling point and the price is what my answer hinges on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For survivalists, I don’t recommend the Fiskars X7. I know I’ll catch a lot of flak for this but don’t waste your money. In a survival scenario, you want a hatchet you can fix when it breaks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, that composite handle can’t be replaced like a wooden handle. Despite all my criticism, this is a decent hatchet. It made it on my list of the best hatchets for the money<\/a>. Check out that post for more ideas and, also, consider the Husqvarna hatchet<\/a> for a great alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMy problem isn’t with the durability, it’s with the quality. If you’re looking for a cheap camping hatchet, it’s definitely worth the money. It’s a great tool to pack along for the occasional camping trip or even on a hike.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nClick here to see the Fiskars X7 hatchet on Amazon.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Fiskars X7 Hatchet has been around for several years now. Its popularity is growing and as such, I felt it appropriate to do a…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":172,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Fiskars X7 Hatchet Review: Trash or Treasure? - Timber Gadgets<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n