#290914 - 10/21/18 10:25 PM
Re: Best use of time, money
[Re: quick_joey_small]
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Geezer in Chief
Geezer
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
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There is something that is probably not a very good use of funds: https://www.campsaver.com/karesuando-stoera-aksu-axe.htmlA mere 200+ dollars for a fairly small hatchet. They also offer an even smaller version for the bargain price of $188. I am really puzzled; I have used Estwing hatchets for years. The handle and head are one solid piece of steel and it is an effective cutting and pounding tool, albeit a tad heavy for routine backpacking. Cost is around $25-30 depending on the outlet and the specific model. The same outfit offers a downsized Pulaski for 135 dollars, while my local big box store features a very sturdy model, full size, for about 35 dollars. Pulaskis are wonderful tools (combination grubbing tool and ax) which I first encountered years ago as a hot shot responding to forest fires. We handled everything with a Pulaski and a shovel. I have one now and they are as useful as ever. But $135 is outrageous.
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#290915 - 10/21/18 10:44 PM
Re: Best use of time, money
[Re: hikermor]
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Geezer
Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 5359
Loc: SOCAL
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I actually like small hatchets for some tasks but when I looked at the specs for the Karesuando Stoera Aksu Axe, what jumped out at me was... wait for it... Blade Material: Stainless Steel Not a named stainless steel that is tough and will actually hold a decent edge. Just “stainless steel”. I will second the “not a very good use of funds” statement. The little hatchet I like a lot is a Gransfors Bruk with 1095 steel — very handy.
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#291373 - 12/12/18 10:18 PM
Re: Best use of time, money
[Re: hikermor]
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 03/11/05
Posts: 2574
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I buy some of my gear used - packs especially - to test them and see if they work for my needs.
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#291384 - 12/13/18 02:57 AM
Re: Best use of time, money
[Re: hikermor]
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Addict
Registered: 11/26/07
Posts: 458
Loc: Northern Canada
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The best use of your time and money is different for everyone I suppose. Some like formal training, and some like figuring stuff out on their own. Combine that with buying the best tools and equipment you can afford and you will have the best bang for your buck. I recently returned from a winter survival course (payed for by the military, not out of my pocket) where I realized I knew as much as the instructor did. After a while, it’s the same old, same old. Fire steels and cotton balls with Vaseline and wearing layers and figure 4 traps and blah, blah, blah. It’s been a good long while since I really did any training where something new was presented. As such, I’ve decided (for me personally) paying for formal training is NOT the best value for my time and money. I’ll take whatever course the Army sends me on for free though. I have arrived at a place where I think my knowledge is sound. Now my extra money goes into upgrading my equipment, range memberships and hunting licenses that ensure I gets my butt in the woods putting that equipment and training to use.
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#291395 - 12/13/18 04:20 AM
Re: Best use of time, money
[Re: chaosmagnet]
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Addict
Registered: 11/26/07
Posts: 458
Loc: Northern Canada
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Now you’re making me want a new hatchet. Wetterlings is very similar to Hultafors but a lot less expensive. It holds an edge like a damned razor too. Used it to gut, quarter and skin a deer once just to see if it could. Think it did better than most knives would have. It’s a great throwing hatchet too.  Not that there’s ANY practical reason to do so, but it sure can be fun.
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#291777 - 02/08/19 07:22 PM
Re: Best use of time, money
[Re: hikermor]
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 03/11/05
Posts: 2574
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I almost never buy the most expensive solution,* mostly because a mid priced item will do the same job well.
Does a $240 knife have four time the utility of a $60 one?
(* I will go full freight on some items, the Garmin InReach, for example.)
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#291829 - 02/26/19 06:55 PM
Re: Best use of time, money
[Re: hikermor]
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Member
Registered: 12/05/06
Posts: 111
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I think the best use of time is physical fitness.
I volunteered as an observer at a search dog training exercise a couple of weeks ago and there were a number of handlers there who got winded just walking a couple of hundred yards up a hill. What are they going to do when they have a hard track over 15 miles of rough terrain?
In a survival situation you need to be fit and healthy and possibly able to construct shelters, swim, travel long distances with minimal provisions, etc. No substitute for being in shape.
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#292042 - 03/24/19 02:51 PM
Re: Best use of time, money
[Re: hikermor]
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Old Hand
Registered: 01/28/10
Posts: 1174
Loc: MN, Land O' Lakes & Rivers ...
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I have a lot of hatchets and axes. Most are vintage American and German made, and I do have a smaller Wetterlings for my pack.
Lately, I have been very impressed with the Fiskars line of hatchets, splitting mauls, and axes for utilitarian use. The hollow carbon fiber handles are lightweight and indestructible, as is the attachment for the head. They will easily withstand multiple overstrikes. The ones I have examined are very sharp and made in Finland, despite the fact that the bulk of the Fiskars line is now made in Asia.
The 14" X7 hatchet with large blade guard sells for about $30 delivered. Walmart has a no-frills, Finland made, 14" all black Fiskars hatchet which is identical to the X7, except for handle color and a cheaper blade guard, for $23.
In my opinion, these are the Mora knives of the hatchet world...
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