Fiskars 14 Inch Hatchet: Full Review by TheGearTester
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ส.ค. 2024
- It appears that the Fiskars X7 hatchet is being fazed out and replaced by the 14 inch hatchet. In this video I test and compare the "Fiskars X7" hatchet against the "Fiskars 14 inch hatchet." From my carful test and evaluation I find the 14 inch hatchet to be of equality quality. I don't think that there is a better "Survival" tool currently out on the market in terms of cost that the 14 inch hatchet from Fiskars. It's lightweight, compact and yet a substantial enough tool to do lots of hard work.
If you would like to see my original review of the Fiskars X7 click this link. • "FISKARS X7 Hatchet: B...
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The X7 is the absolute best multi purpose hatchet/axe I've ever owned. Its amazing how well the chop albeit on really dry and seasoned Australian Hardwood there can be some collateral damage dings and small gouges, but they hone out easily. I love the Fiskars hatchet. I'm looking to buy/try the new XXL long handle axe.
The XXL Splitter Axe? The X27? 36inches long? ....... or are there some new Fiskars Aces out there not just for splitting?!
I got a fiskar chopping axe as a 7 year old boy. We had a wood stove and I loved splitting wood but struggled with my daddys axe but it was to heavy, 20 years later I'm 27 and still use it year around. I loved mine so much when my kobalt hatchet broke immediately wanted a fiskars hatchet. My ex has an orange handle so I kind of wanted one with the orange handled but the price was about $10 cheaper for the black one online so I ended up getting. Immediately fell in love with it and I plan before winter hits to have a full set of fiskars, I'm going to buy a news chopping axe and put my current old chopping axe on the wall above all my tools in memory of my father. And I'm going to buy set the full black ones chopping splitting and a chopping axe and hatchet for my truck
Just got this hatchet. Was definitely skeptical about that plastic handle and steel. But it's solid, splits campire wood in one chop and is super easy to sharpen.
They also have a video where they drive over it with a tank and it wont break. And if it does it has a lifetime warranty so can't lose there.
Ackwell exactly! Main reason I bought one. Can't go wrong with a lifetime warranty.
It’s the best axe there is
It’s not plastic, it’s fiberglass. Stronger than hickory.
I know this is an old vid but I picked up an orange x7 a few days ago at Home Depot for $28... if anyone cares lol.
Me too a week ago
Skinny Moose Nice. I actually picked up another one last week to throw in the trunk lol. The first one was for a camping bag, and I actually bought a kydex for it off of eBay.
Same. Just got one today
GM4UA I hope you enjoy it, I took one of mine out to the woods and beat the hell out of it. No problems so far.
I am here at home depot now and watching this to see if it is any good , I am sold " buying the only one left on the shelf , 28 bucks , only husky brand left and they seem a bit heavier , I like this one better , lighter and with the hole I can hang it off my belt , thanks for the video
God Bless
The local Walmart in September is always a great place for deals as they unload "seasonal" items at reduced prices. Case in point? Last week I paid under $9 for my Fiskars 14" hatchet found on the Clearance aisle, and so far everything good being said about them seems true. Wonderfully lightweight, easy to wield even for an older man (like me) plus easy to restore the edge to a dangerously sharp degree! The new textured handle works great but it feels even better after I added some of the Wilson "Ultra Wrap" tape (for tennis rackets) to the grip area. A great hatchet even at its usual price, enjoyed your review too!
When do they usually unload seasonal items
@@lasercat538 Your best bet would be to check the WalMart in your area, and get friendly with one off the managers in sporting goods or Gardening might be better since they treat it as a Garden tool in vbentory wise. Good luck, I picked up another one for my son in law!
@@SaxManSon I appreciate the advice! Hope you have a good day
😅😂😭 man, everything after you laid the “big piece of pine” down is hilarious! Probably not intentional, but good stuff.
Lots of that's what she said jokes.
I have the new all black hatchet and I'm very happy with it. I'd heard that fiskars steel was too soft, and that it dulled quickly or rolled. I haven't had any problems. The edge has held up fine.
I'm glad to hear that your Fiskars hatchet is working well for you.
Finland steel is one of the very best in the world. That’s one of the reasons why Sako rifles are so good.
It's why everything from Finland is good
@@fiskersproductions - the women are very nice also. 😎
I've got the new one and like it a lot. It's light but cuts far better than I expected. It's my camping favorite!
Got the next gen a few weeks ago.
I was skeptical of it being only $20 at wal mart but that thing has really impressed me.
Its a really good tool. Especially for the amount of money that is costs.
I did the same thing, $20 at Walmart. I always wondered if it was the same as the X7, now I know. Love how light it is and cuts well.
Got two of the X7’s while they’re still being made in Finland. Works great, and I’ve used them as my all-around ax for practically all my cutting jobs. For the exceptionally heavy ones, like the hard, massive tree stumps, I switch to the bigger X11 splitter.
The Fiskars handles are way, way, WAAAYYYYY tougher than wood handle.
Period.
I guarantee a person could purposely overstrike, smash the handle into a tree trunk dozens and dozens of times, and probably not even scratch the fiberglass handle. Try doing that with the best, toughest wood handle money can buy, and you’d be lucky to get 5 strikes in before your axe handle snapped like a toothpick.
These fiberglass handled axes and hatchets are exactly what you want, when you’re out in the wilderness, with even a chance of getting into a survival-type situation, and here’s why:
* They’re lightweight. I’m sure I don’t need to elaborate as to why this is extremely desirable and beneficial.
* They’re tough as hell. Three or four overstrikes with a wood handle (collar, or no collar), and your axe kicks the bucket. But with fiberglass handles, you’ll break, before your axe/hatchet does.
* In the unlikely event that your fiberglass handle breaks, while you are simultaneously in a survival situation, you’ll be thrilled you chose fiberglass over wood. I’ve read, and heard, many people claim the opposite. The idea is that, if your wood handle breaks, you can find suitable wood, shape it and haft an axe, whereas with fiberglass, you cannot.
WRONG! LOL... Seriously, this in completely untrue. People who say the opposite aren’t trying to deceive, they simply haven’t thought it through.
Sure, it’s POSSIBLE to replace a wood handle while out in the wilds, but it is going to be extremely time consuming. But, if a fiberglass handle breaks - again, good luck trying - especially axe/hatchets like Fiskars, where the fiberglass wraps around the head, versus going through the had, as in traditional axes/hatchets. Simply remove all the fiberglass (which will be the most time consuming, irritating part), use sturdy cordage, whether bankline or natural cordage, and use the axe head to fashion an axe, like the stone axes our primitive ancestors made, but with a metal head, instead of stone, and in half the time, maybe less, of trying to create a replacement wood handle.
agreed , Ive over-struck a knotty piece SOo Hard . I couldn’t believe it didnt break. 3 years later my fishgarsss is still putting along fine.
I was a groundsman for an arborist and actually broke my boss's Fiskars axe. Granted I had retard strength. But where it broke it cracked on the side and we were still able to use it a few more times before it had to be replaced. They will take a lot of abuse and they split better than a maul
I just purchased the 14” black handled version for inclusion in my survival gear and I’m satisfied with its performance.
I really like the light weight, cutting and durability.
Great hatchet for the price.
I paid $35 but this was at True Value Hardware, where you get good quality products but there’s no real value to you.
Everything is a bit expensive.
Things cost a little more than elsewhere.
But hey.. it’s only a few dollars more and my store is within two blocks, very convenient.
Nice demonstration.
Thanks. 👍
Target sells this axe for $15 right now.
I just bought an x7. I’m in love with the ergonomics of it. My guess is they are very much the same except the all black newer one takes out a manufacturing step and is cheaper to make at the company. Mine is still a virgin and is strictly for when the SHTF. Until then my cheap Chinese hatchet serves me well enough around my home. X7 is still available at Amazon, November 8 2022.
Agree 100%, I find it comical when Wranglerstar talks bad about this style of tools.
+Michael StJohn
Wranglerstar is a good guy. I like his videos, less now that his channel has turned into a family vacation and lifestyle channel. He simply does not like axes/hatchets with plastic handles. He has the tools, knowledge and skill to re-haft wooden handled tools. However, I think that the vast majority of people would find themselves well served by a quality tool like the 14 inch hatchet from Fiskars at the price point of $25-30. If it breaks its not cost prohibitive to simply go purchase another one. I think that its very unlikely that the X7 or 14 inch hatchet will break. (Its not like wooden handles have never broken before.)
I guess I should have said "He thinks making fun of them is proper" lol. Every time I figure you hung up your camera you make another vid, thank you.
Michael StJohn
Between grad school and life i've been very busy. I also took a break from video making to gain more experience and skills.
To be fair to Wranglerstar, the Fiskars axes that he tested, was the big ones.
And you get a lot more energy into them when you swing them, than on a small hatchet.
So the slightly softer steel will damage easier on a big axe, than on a hatchet.
In fact, I'd say that the Fiskars steel is just about the right hardness for hatchets and small forest axes.
On a sidenote, I'm sad to see the orange handle go away, as it made it easy to spot if you dropped it on the ground.
The all black, is probably to save costs, by omitting the fancy rubber, but I think it was the wrong spot to cut corners.
I thought so at first, too. But, in one video, he clarified his stance. He prefers wooden hand,es for two reasons:
1. Tactilely, they just “feel better.”
I agree. Probably due to having used wooden handles for eons, but they do seem a bit more pleasant to hold.
2. Wooden handles axes/hatchets are great as heirlooms.
I have no idea why. But, when I think of passing down one of my axes and hatchets, I have to admit, fiberglass handles have never come to mind.
He wasn’t thrilled about the steel. The Fiskars heads are a bit softer, hence require the sharpen more frequently than traditional, hardened axe heads. But, unless you’re using it almost daily, I don’t see it being problematic.
The Mora of hatchets. Excellent quality tool at an affordable price. Plastic, yes, but it's very durable. And it's light weight for a backpack.
Another nice thing about these hatchets is they are hollow which allows you to store items inside, like paracord or possibly a few survival items. That hollow handle can also be used as a water container. Catch some rainwater from a tree for a few swallows of water in a survival situation.
Combine this hatchet with a Mora Bushcraft Black knife and a Bacho Laplander folding saw and you have a high quality light weight trio.
Fiber glass not plastic
(Lay the small branches down on the log and split them lengthways - instead of aiming for a small small centre on the top. Much easier matey)
They change the look a bit from time to time and make small adjustments. The newer hatchets all have a black blade and that patterning on the lower handle. You can also get it with orange handle still but also the black one is available. Basically they are both the exactly same hatchet. It was a customers hope that they add the pattern to the handle to improve grip.
Broken Fiskars handles?
How? Did they run it over with a dump truck?
Lay the log on it's side and split it that way. It's a lot safer. And works almost as well.
Good review. I agree, these axes are a great value. I polished mine using jeweler's rouge and can easily do semi to true fine shaving/whittling tasks with it. Very easy geometry (skandi?) to keep sharp, axe is lightweight, always has a space in my pack when I'm out.
I know my x15 has the Scandinavian grind. I imagine they all do.
My granfather was a carpenter and he knew how to work efficiently all day.
Support the branch on the edge of the stomp, keep upright position, hit the branch just a bit on the inside of the stomp. In this way there is no undesirable springing, you achieve proper work angle by moving the axe in the vertical plane and subject your holding hand to no unnecessary stress.
Working at the right pace, giving the blade proper speed/energy in the most economical way, etc. is another subject.
I’m having a hard time visualizing this
Thank you for putting in the work. I decided to go with the 17.5 inch Gerber Freescape Hatchet in black and green. My hope is that the steel used on the Gerber is of better quality. I payed with tax included $51.40 on Amazon.
I have the newer one. The 14 inch not x7. But I believe it’s just as good. My buddy has the x7. I have had mine for four years noI love it never any issues with it. The only thing the x7 is the orange is nice to see when you lay it down. But my buddies x7 orange is coming off and looks rough. With mine the black handle will look good years to come. My next one is going to be the fiskars bush axe. For me it’s fiskars for life.
Today: March 2, 2019. Amazon price for X7: $22 Just bought one a few weeks ago.
In Canada it's $60cdn+tax on Amazon, and at Canadian Tire I bought mine for $30+tax...
I dont know about there but here in Denmark its still the X7 hatchet.
Good for killing or seriously wounding an intruder?
just ordered the 14 inch thanks for the information
You are welcome!
Shorten your reviews by 15 minutes and gain 15k extra followers. Really appreciate your review. I’m planning on getting the 14” after performance of their larger log splitting axe.
Thank you! Most impressive. I surely appreciate the Demo and the Comparison between the two hatchets.
I really enjoyed your video. U made it seem as though, I was the one chopping the wood. I like how u give the ultimate torture test. U give it the no bull trial. 😁👍
Say Heah, Your should of had a face off between the Estwing Sportsman Hatchet and the Fiskar. But I like the Estwing Double Bit Hatchet even better.
Nice review! And yes, without the camera they are spliting so nice! It's never the same with the camera on!
A little under 4 years after this video was made and I can confirm that the 14 inch X7 hatchet with the orange handle is still available but its about $12-$14 more than the black handle 14 inch hatchet for some reason. The only difference I can see between the two is the handle, not gonna spend $12 more for the same thing. In 2020 the Fiskers 14 inch hatchet cost me $24 at wallyworld (the 14 inch X7 Fiskers hatchet was $36) and I cannot find another 14 inch hatchet of the same quality for the same price or less, most other quality hatchets are a LOT more money and the cheapo $10-$15 hatchets are made in china and break on the first or second swing and dangerous as the axe head flies off of the handle
The perfect weapon for a zombie slayer, light and well built 😍
Not sure if there being fazed out, there's plenty here.
Good test and demonstration. I realize the newer model lacks the texturing and finish, but it's not a terribly reduced product in terms of quality or features.
it fiskars not fishkars
Ditto! This guy has made 2 videos on these hatchets over the past 4 years and STILL can't say the word right. FIS-KARS. Sound it out! Wtf. Why don't people actually look at what they're reading?!? It's so annoying to listen to someone REPEATEDLY mispronounce something so simple. It's like Estwing. So many people mispronounce it and say "East-wing". It's EST-WING. LOOK AT WHAT YOU'RE READING!
some other asshat made a video and kept saying Friskars
Somehow before I even scrolled down I knew this was the top comment.
Ohh I see, I thought he was talking about Aquaman with all this mention of "fish cars". I know it's annoying, but he did a nice job and made a good presentation.
@Re nato That's your opinion. Did you correct spindrift 1 Mr. Positive Focus Nazi?
Thanks for the excellent video bro! Just got the X7 as part of our single portage canoe outfit.
I am glad you found my review helpful and interesting!
I didn’t read all your comments, so I don’t know if anyone has told you already. If you peel the label off the all black one it says “X7” on the handle. I bought mine at Lowe’s and thought the same as you. I thought the X7 was gone, but as soon as I peeled off the label, there it was, a big “X7” staring me in the face.
I've done the same with some Snap-on tools, and was disappointed was was behind the label.
March 2018 x7 is 24.97 and that's not a sale price. Getting one today. Home Depot BTW.
I just ordered the orange one this morning
Excellent video.
Those Fiskars hatchet are excellent tools to have.
They won't let you down.
Easy to make razor sharp also.
Well the black one I found to be stocked at home Depot. The orange handle one I find it to be stocked at Lowe's.. I Carrie a fiskars with me when I go hiking and I carry the steel will roamer clip point fixed blade in 9cr stainless steel. Works great for me
I have the All Black version. Bu it said Fiskarsx7 on the sticker when i bought mine several years back now.
My friend used to have this cheap ass like 8 dollar ozark trail hatchet, one day he was chopping wood and a piece of metal from the fucking blade flew off and hit him in the eye, fortunately he didnt lose vision in that eye but that taught him not to use cheap ass tools lmao, or just wear safety glasses lol but he was stubborn and refused to wear them. Not only that he's gotten chips of wood in his eyes multiple times, not the hatchets fault that was because he wasnt wearing eye protection lol
Great work on video mate greetings from Spain
my Gerber's polymer handle broke yesterday after 12 years of use. I was doing very light kindling and handle just snapped. I wonder if the polymer just dries out over time. Anyone know? Anyway, I'll probably get a Fiskars for kindling work.
Wranglestar says the head cannot be re-handled. I beg to differ. Stone Age tools did not have an eye through the stone. You could probably use the same idea to lash your Fiskars head to a forked handle.
Thanks for the video! Just got an x7 today!
the x7 is 70 dollars CAD at amazon atm (54 us) and that's not including shipping. cant find the x7 anywhere near me or online for cheaper. Just the 14 inch, hope its actually equal quality
Love my X7, I personally prefer the safety orange rubber overmolding or whatever it is, I can lay it down in camp and never really worry about not finding it again, that black certainly looks sharp, but I would be very concerned about seeing it (especially at night) and losing it...I know they are very affordable, but I don't like throwing money away because of a style choice
You can easily put an orange handkerchief or Paracord on the end of it through the loop, no reason that it would get in the way
Yeah i see people modding these with camo tape, seems absurd if you ask me haha
I just got this. Definitely happy with my purchase.
Thanks for this. Both are available locally to me and I was curious what the difference was.
Ive been using Fiskars hatchets since before the X7 excisted and even my original hatchet is still going strong. The new all black hatchet is just a cheaper version of the X7, the handle design is easier to mold, the tough teflon coating of the X7 is replaced by cheap black paint. I own it and two X7s as well and although the new one is a good tool it is not the same quality.
TurtleWolf Pack liar!
I bought and used it here in New England where the real men play outside!
The metal is junk once the temps hit freezing.
You are a liar and a fake!
Joe
A real user
So, you would say that the orange handle X7 is the better quality?
@@medeiros3610 you sir are full of shite!!!
Joe I’m a 100% sure that you got a broken Fiskar or a bootleg
azmildman Both are a fiberglass composite. The only difference is the X7 has the grippy orange overmold and the other has textured grooves molded into the handle.
Once it gets in to about 1/3 - 1/2 you should life the whole hatchet in log and slam it down. It saves energy that is wasted from trying to pull it out.
Im sorry but that log worked you pretty good, huh? Lol 😆 😆 😆 I run a landscape crew down here in Florida, I could hear you breathing heavy and by the way you slowed down in the end, you probably wanted to stop but you were filming so you got stuck pushing rhrough it...lol 😆 😆 😆 I have beem there so many times, just without the camera brother.....lol Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I'm glad that you found the video amusing. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the video, Great review.
: )Tyler
This axe is $15 at Target right now.
I think the 14 inch is just the no frills walmart version. Here in Oz ,,, no walmart and the X7 is still stocked at Bunnings.
Impressed! That is one badass hatchett
Where are they made though?
Fishkars?
I daily carry my x7 have been for 5 months now
It cuts the quickest of all my hatchets but the down side is I had to reprofile the edge on my x7 hatchet because it kept rolling, turns out there is much harder metal under the factory ground edge my guess is the machines used to sharpen the axe is not water cooled so the heat put into the edge detempers the metal a bit.
After I reprofiled the bit then no longer have had to resharpen it
I enjoy all four of my fiskars axes/hatchets.
But a saw and a knife will do all of this with much less sweating and much more efficiency/safety imo. Cheers!
I don't know what this dudes reviewing but its certainly not fisHKars
great review
+Dubglock23
Thanks!
I also would imagine if you cut the V shape less than the width of the tree the V shape would converge before you reach the other side
Is there a warning pic above the handle that forbids the X7 to be struck with a sledge from the back side?
great review well shown
i didnt realize it was pronounced "Fish Kurs" until he said it
I'm scared to strike with an axe. You seem very bold with your hits.
I have had a lot of practice. I'm also cutting on the stumps. If I miss my intended target the blade with stick into the stump. You will see that I have chosen to kneel down. This also increases my safety.
I tried to split some small logs and I was sweating like a pig and had to stop because getting tired made my strikes go all over the place. I don't know how you can hit powerfully over and over again. It must take getting use to and a build up of stamina. Definitely not for weaklings like me.
Demonstratively concise. Excellent review.
So the all black model is newer but less expensive?
I noticed your video was posted on George Washington's birthday. It is a fitting reminder that Washington's act of chopping down a cherry tree contributed to his character for honesty and hard work.
I got one for 16 bucks at lowes gonna tie it to my pack give it a good test this summer.
The original x7 is back at my local home Depot
Fishkers??
I watched a large size guy whack a fisker's axe on the throat against a tree 100 shots and he still couldn't break it finally he took a shotgun and it took two shots to break the handle first shot he just grazed it.
Thank you
Bonjour So which one is the best ?
Are the dimensions on the head the exact same? I have a black one and can't find a sheath anywhere. Wondering if I can just buy an x7 sheath and use that? Help
They have the same dimensions, no difference. What fits the X7 fits the "Black X7".
Bro. Hold the end of the fuckin handle when you're chopping. What is with people using hammers and hatchets with their hand halfway up the handle... I didn't think it was necessary to teach people how to hold a hatchet or a hammer
The problem with the x7 is it costs $35 and the x15 cost $40. The x15 can do just about anything except maybe carve but I don’t do that away.
A backpacker has more use of the X7 , it is smaller, more compact, lighter, and it will take down everything you need to take down or chop with it.
A hiker doesn't have much use of carrying the relative heavy X15 although a great tool ofcourse.
Hence he named the X7 in another video the backpacker's chainsaw 😉.
It's wonderful.
@@Ve-suvius I hear what you’re saying but the x15 weighs only 2 lbs more than the x7 and it’s so effective. Try it. I have a have a hatchet too but it hasn’t seen much use since I got the x15.
@@MrWhoevr
I have had several. The X7 the X10 the X17 (same size as the X15).
I kept the X7 and A6 (all black version ).
What do you want to take down.
Build a log cabin? Even then.. that's a lot of work .
Most people don't need a large axe. Large axes are for big chopping or big splitting work. Then if so, an even larger one than the X15 is the better choice. X21, X25, X27 etc. Even more power .
And when hiking many miles weight does make a difference.
I find the X7 very effective.
No need to carry the X15 being nearly 3 times heavier.
Though if you're happy with it, all good ofcourse. Different strokes for different folks.
😉 I'm fine with the X7.
@@Ve-suvius How is the x 17? I have the x27 and it's a good splitter
@@MrWhoevr
It's excellent. It has the splitting profile.
But it can chop pretty good too. If you like that X15 size. Get the X17 too. You'll like it.
Their website explains the differences.
Is the black one, the Friskars A6 ?
Why are you batoning a hatchet.
Can you do WorkPro with Saw in the handle...
I think it'd saw smaller shorter logs then split them those are to long it's prolonging the agony
It is pronounced Fiskars. Not "Fishgars" There is no h & g in the name. In a previous video you mispronounced it as well. It's just a little irksome. Especially because you said the name about 300 times & mispronounced it every time. Otherwise, good review on a good little axe.
On a side note; I would strongly recommend watching some videos on proper axe use & technique. Ray Mears has a good video on safe, proper axe use. You are using your axe very carelessly with very poor technique & as a result, just an accident waiting to happen. It would be much easier to watch some good videos on this subject than me trying to explain what you are doing wrong & proper use. Please, for your sake & your loved ones, get some training & tips in safe use. Cheers.
Imightberiding i agree he is kinda anxious to chop , he should be a little more spread out with his chops, but once again you have to remember axes are slightly different than hatchets and a hatchet is kind of funky to hold and swing like you would a full size axe.
Ditto to everything you said regarding mispronouncing the name Fiskars! So irritating.
@@Lars1540 Eye donut no wit yore tacking abut. Wierds con bee shed meany weighs.
yep
Are these hatchets good for cutting threw meat?
@John Doe These Fiskars are cheap enough that you can use a fresh one on each body.
You should ask Tony Soprano and his boys when they need to use Satriale's Pork Store :)
"Fishkars"?
whats with the all black handle one...is it a knock off?
Sheesh I'm tired just watching need a nap
Pity. If Gerber buys them there will be no more quality Fiskars products anymore.
Peel that sticker off. It says x7 under it.
I can shave with mine.
Literally who has this kind of energy though? I would rather just watch TV
Well.......sometimes it is fun to get outside and do something.
x5 does more than any knife and smaller.
You should try a granfors bruks
Why?
@@paulbro9377
There's a comparisonon the internet between the Gansfors hatchet and the X7.
Stick to the X7.
People focus sometimes on 'lovely' wooden handles. Doesn't mean they perform better.