TBS Grizedale Forest Hatchet
-63731-p.jpg?v=2F8D7374-B92C-4194-8887-7AC027281342)
-63731-p.jpg?v=DE4D4FB9-D100-40DD-8969-571F08B40B35)
-63731-p.jpg?v=C1A23648-6CD8-4D35-AEF3-98E73CAA04B9)
-63731-p.jpg?v=C30E1A06-99D9-4B9E-8044-D1BF437678C4)
-63731-p.png?v=D89E0579-C1F6-4098-ABF9-2B919ED1808D)
The TBS Grizedale Forest Hatchet is a Doozy!
The TBS Sherwood Small Forest Axe has been a phenomenal success and it was natural to think about producing other models in the range. A hatchet is a natural progression but, being a TBS product, we have done things a little differently.
I have always found that a lot of hatchets have too heavy a head to cope with a shorter handle so we have changed that. By making the head slightly lighter an the handle slightly longer it changes the point of balance and it makes the tool easier and more controllable to wield for longer periods of time.
The TBS Grizedale Hatchet has taken all the best aspects of the Sherwood Small Forest Axe and shrunk them to have a 500g head and a 40cm handle. Most hatchets have only a 30-35cm handle which, in my opinion, is too short. Having the extra length extends you reach and the power you can get through the hatchet making a more wieldable tool.
The head is made from a Carbon Steel that is differentially heat treated. The main body of the head is hardened to 48HRC which gives a great balance of shock absorbance and strength. The edge is quenched to 55HRC which gives an excellent balance of strength and edge retention.
I know some axe manufacturers have made the head much harder but I have found that this just results in a constant edge chipping problem and, in some cases, shearing off the entire heel off the axe head....
I am sure you will love this hatchet and the experience I have gained in using and building quality outdoor tools over the past 30 years meant that this just came naturally. Just combine high quality materials, high quality design and high quality construction and you end up with a great product that will last you for many years to come and, more importantly, perform!
Specifications:
- 500g (21.1oz) Carbon Steel Forged Head
- 40cm (16") Oiled American Hickory Handle
- 800g (32oz) total weight
- Edge Quenched to 55HRC
- Head quench to 48HRC
- Quality leatherwork
- European Made
Solid design rationale
Spent 5 days processing seasoned wood from a long-falled tree and green wood from a freshly felled tree into firewood over the next few winters with a friend. We were both impressed with the Grizedale, which was fresh from the box.
The mentality of a lighter head with a longer shaft holds true, we found the hatchet easier to handle than most and, typical for TBS, wickedly sharp. Although currently sold without a leather overstrike guard, my plans to make one out of paracord might take a backseat, such was the ease of handling.
I won't get too much into better/worse than large chopping knives or mid-sized trekking axes; we used several examples of both alongside the Grizedale for various tasks and found each to have their niche. I will say though, that for what we were doing, the Grizedale was more often in hand than not. I won't be needing another hatchet.
Great quality and balance
Well made a fast light weight axe ideal for a back pack !
long handle makes it more useful for me
Great for splitting logs and chopping
I brought the axe for bushcraft, and its well made and beautifully balanced.
Could do with a thicker coat of varnish
