Hatchet/'Hawk recommendation for 10 yo

[The Norseman]

My son wants a hatchet or 'hawk for Xmas.

I'm inclined toward an Estwing, Fiskars or Wetterlings hatchet. The Estwing and Wetterlings I would consider lifetime tools. 'Hawks I'm not so sure of.

Any other suggestions?

Bad idea altogether? Will I have a 9 fingered son soon after Christmas?

Norseman

[ray1970]

Bad idea altogether? Will I have a 9 fingered son soon after Christmas?

It's possible. I would never tell anyone how to raise their kid but I would personally recommend that if you get him something like this that you only allow him to play with it under adult supervision until he gets a bit older.

I'm sorry I don't have a recommendation as far as which one to get. I would suggest a hatchet over a tomahawk. In my opinion a tomahawk is more of a weapon and a hatchet is more of a tool.

I had a tomahawk for a short while but sold it because I was afraid I was going to hurt myself playing around with it.

Best of luck. I hope whatever you choose makes your son's Christmas extra special this year.

[van7559]

Don't expect lifetime with anything you get him. That bitch is gonna be thrown, hurled, chop through rock and dirt. I was a ten year old boy and so were you... nothing can withstand it!

[van7559]

I am in favor of the estwing. Good all around camp axe. Probably the most durable too. I believe dog has one that may fit the bill too!

[smchop]

I would agree with Ray that its not our place to tell you what is right for your boy, only you really know his maturity and how much you trust his respect for either weapon or tool. But at the same time, my son is 7 and I let him use my SOG axe when we camp, with my supervision, and he does really well with it. I definitely agree with van also, we were all boys, not much made it through with me to adulthood! I know Bowers sells those SOG axes for under $50 I believe.

**How many adults have you heard of that still end up missing digits because of a momentary lapse in thought**

[Irving]

Is there anything that a 10 year-old doesn't want for Christmas? There are lots of things my kid wants that she won't be getting.

[SA Friday]

SOG Fasthawk, smaller version of SOG's standard hatchet and damn near indestructible. $20 at Walmart...

[The Norseman]

Thanks all for the input.

I agree that I have to supervise and feel comfortable with him and a sharp tool in his hands. He is actually very responsible with dangerous stuff ( .22's, bows, etc).

Local hardware store has the Estwing for something like $35. I could see it lasting a long time. Wetterlings nearly $100 locally, maybe I'll wait on that one.

Just have to prepare a "you can hand this down to your kid if you treat it right" talk.

Norseman

[Ah Pook]

My 0.02 pesos.

A hatchet will be more useful then a tomahawk. Yes, hawks are fun. From the list you mentioned, I'd go with an Estwing. For a hawk I'd go with a Cold Steel for about $20.

Have you considered a boys axe? They are usually about a 2-2 1/2 pound head and a 24"-28" handle. I'd go with a Council or Husqvarna.

FWIW, I was using hatchets, axes and saws a ten with and without supervision. Times do change.

[The Norseman]

Pook,

He was specific about a hatchet or hawk. I like the boys axe too, but one dangerous thing at a time

At ten I was also into a bunch of shit without supervision....times do change I guess.

Norseman