Russ wrote:
> What is Doug’s advice regarding hatchets specifically? Do you have > a link? Wondering, because I like axes and hatchets depending on > the situation. Is this a safety issue?

If you go to the home page and click on the 'Gear' section in the left hand side links, you can scroll down to 'No Axe to Grind'.
Really I'd advise everyone to read the links on the home page before coming to the forum. Unlike a lot of us: Doug is an expert.

This is the section in full:

'To the horror of many old time traditional outdoorsmen, I tend to avoid recommending hatchets and axes. It is so easy to seriously injure or cripple yourself using these tools that the risks outweigh the benefits, in my opinion. This is especially a problem if you are tired, cold or otherwise not in particularly great shape, not an unlikely possibility for any survivor. An axe or hatchet is not very forgiving of poor or sloppy technique, as many a person, experienced and not, has learned the hard and painful way. For the inexperienced survivor there isn't the time to learn how to safely use these tools, which have been known to bite even those with plenty of years handling them. A saw is simply safer.

An axe will also weigh a good deal more than even a combination of a Short-Kutt and a small hand saw or a tool such as the Leatherman Super-Tool which includes a small saw blade. If you are convinced an axe or hatchet is an absolute necessity, then you are probably experienced enough to select a good one. Without that experience, don't bother.

While some cannot fathom how one might perform many tasks without such tools, the fact is that many of the jobs an axe is well suited for can be done nearly as easily using alternate methods. For example, stripping the branches off a tree for insulation or shelter building can be easily accomplished with a "club" made from a short stout branch. If you slip or miss, the damage done is minimal. Using the old noggin is safer than using an axe or hatchet.' - DR

Personally I regard Kukri's as an even more dangerous hatchet. The handle is a blade.
qjs