
Whether you call it an axe or a hatchet (which is actually a matter of some debate), if you spend much time in the outdoors, you will find it to be the most versatile tool in your kit. Besides felling trees and chopping wood for fire and shelter, a well-sharpened axe can, in a pinch, skin and clean game. If necessary, the steel axe-head can even be used with a piece of flint to start a fire.
That's why the new SOG Tactical Bushcraft Hatchet is worth a second, and even a third, look. Unlike many camp axes, the SOG Bushcraft Hatchet's handle isn't crafted from wood. Instead, it's made from a substance called micarta. Micarta is a durable, lightweight material made by layering fabric or paper with resin. It's more resistant to impact, moisture, and wear than wood, offering a secure, non-slip grip, even in wet conditions. Micarta is also highly resistant to cracking and can withstand heavy use, making it ideal for outdoor tools.
The Tactical Bushcraft Hatchet's design lets you chop with the cutting edge and then drive nails, and stakes, or perform other tasks with the hammer side. It provides added utility, making it an excellent choice for camping, construction, and general outdoor work. The perfectly balanced, 6.55mm-thick, 4.24" business end is forged from rugged 5Cr15MoV steel. MSRP $99.95; SOGKnives.com.