Prandi German Style Hatchet - PRA0308TH

This hatchet weighs about half a pound more than a standard 20 ounce hatchet sold in the United States, weighing 800 grams (28 oz). br>br>Mine had a small gap at the back of the handle slot, as described and illustrated in other reviews. The head remains firmly in place. I'm only using it for camping and cutting firewood for my smoker, so I don't expect any issues in the future. br>br>I needed to sharpen the blade. The overall condition was satisfactory. I worked with a whet stone for about an hour to get it just right. br>br>I sanded the varnish off the handle and replaced it with linseed oil. I cleaned it up to my liking with 180 grit, then gave the main grip area a quick rub down with 60 grit. That, in my opinion, improves the grip. The grip was a little drier than it should have been. I applied three coats of standard mixed linseed oil to the surface. I eventually gave in and applied two coats of straight oil with a little stain mixed in to darken the wood, which was quite light. Finally, the oil soaked in completely. br>br>Overall, I think this will be a good investment, especially for the price; I expected to have to clean up the edge and refinish the handle at this price. I docked a star because of the gap in the handle's fit; I've found cheaper hatchets with a better fit handle at department stores. br>br>I realize this is a lengthy review, so if you've made it this far, I hope my excess of words has been helpful.

Lilah Mathis

| May 02, 2021

I chose this budget-friendly hatchet for my bushcraft and camping activities after conducting extensive research, reading numerous reviews, and watching YouTube videos. It has a "bearded" axe head that I can choke up on to do fine shaving and detail work. The sheath is adequate, though I would have preferred a different design. The handle grain is sturdy and runs in the right direction for strength. It's important to note that the axe head is varnished. It was reasonably sharp right out of the box, but not quite sharp enough for my tastes. My stone has a knife-like edge now that I've used it. Overall, it is well worth the money spent, and I am satisfied. To give it some "cool" factor, I made a leather handle guard for it. In addition, I'd like to share something I've learned. When not in use, always hang your axe up and never lean it against a wall, as this will cause the handle to bow over time, especially in damp and humid climates. Good luck on your journey.

Ariana Liu

| Apr 12, 2021

This is worth a shot just because of the price. Because of my job, I have more muscle than most women, but I think this is a great weight. It's heavy enough to support a swing, but not so much that it becomes exhausting. The comfort with which I could grip the handle lower down for swinging and choking the head for precision work surprised me. During the first use, the Prandi decal on the axe head started to peel away. Despite the fact that it is a lovely mark, I was not particularly attached to it, so it didn't bother me. br>br>At the time of purchase, the blade was reasonably sharp (usable!). If you want to use this for carving, you'll need to pay attention to it. I didn't take off for it because I see it as a safety precaution for shipping. Plus, if you're going to use it, you'd better get used to sharpening your own tools, right? br>br>For the money, this is an excellent hatchet. I don't think it's a bad idea. The head is held in place with a strong grip. I bought the sheath and grip separately for the sake of aesthetics. Except for the sheath, I don't believe they're strictly necessary; if it's of comparable quality to the hatchet, you could buy the one that comes with the Prandi. This is fantastic!.

Elliott Gibson

| Jul 12, 2021

REVIEW WAS UPDATED: I've left my original comments below, but I'm changing the rating from four to five stars. This axe/hatchet/whatever you want to call it is fantastic. It digs its claws into the wood as if it's starving. It's a good thrower, and if I do my part, it'll bury itself when it lands. I just placed my third order. br>br>The first one I received was returned due to a manufacturing defect in the blade, which is why I gave it four stars. That sort of thing happens. It was, however, extremely well-made and razor-sharp. I took the replacement to Urban Axes to see how well it worked. I've never seen an axe (hatchet) that is so simple to throw well. The handle's shape is *ideal* for throwing, and the head simply disappears into the wood. There will be no regrets with this purchase. This book comes highly recommended.

Alaiya Gross

| Jan 31, 2021

I purchased it primarily out of curiosity. I'm looking for a good wood-handled hatchet to add to my collection. I have a Gransfors and Wetterling that dates back at least 25 years. They're far too nice to be beaten up on. I checked out the Husqvarna, Condor, Marbles, and a few other brands. What I got was a pleasant surprise, with a blade sharp enough to sever the wrapping. The grain of the handle is straight up and down. At this point, I don't see any flaws. I scraped the varnish off and used lindseed oil to seal the wood. It's taking a while to sink in. I believe that if you take these steps to prepare your tools, you will be able to avoid future problems, and I am excited to put it to use.

Collins Mooney

| Oct 04, 2021

I own a variety of axes, but I wanted one specifically for bushcrafting. This is a good one. It came with a sheath, was reasonably sharp right out of the box, and is extremely well constructed. The size, design, and weight are ideal for stowing in a backpack or on your person, and this small axe also has an edge. This product and company come highly recommended from me. If I ever need another axe, Prandi will be my first choice.

Callen Elliott

| Feb 15, 2021

I couldn't wait. When you held the edge straight, the grain in the handle was perfect, and the weight felt good, but the face was at an angle to the handle of at least 5 degrees, with the handle angled to the left. Replacement had a crooked face as well, though not to the same extent as Replacement. The edge of the handle was pointing outward. Once more, the grain on the handle was perfect. However, it is not properly hung. One strike into the end grain of a log causes the head to come loose. An examination of the handle and the eye reveals large gaps between them. br>br>It's a disappointment. This hatchet had my heart set on liking it.

Kiana Werner

| Nov 22, 2021