OutdoorHub
OHUB Review: James Brand Hatchet
Growing up in Southeast Louisiana, there were two tools I used on a weekly basis: my machete and my hatchet. These tools were vital for survival in my world of cutting paths through the woods, building tree houses, and constructing duck blinds. Unfortunately, the hatchet I owned for over a decade wasn’t of the best quality. The metal handle was loose, and the blade was dull from years of use, making it barely more useful than an oversized butter knife.
Now that I’m older, I’ve learned to invest in better tools. While my days of building tree houses are far behind me, I still need a quality hatchet.
I recently had the chance to try out the new James Brand Hatchet. JBH has teamed up with Adler, who has been making high-quality tools since 1919. Adler is known for their ergonomic hickory handles coated with non-slip paint, but the new James Brand Hatchet has an entirely different look, with the handle painted in black non-slip paint and a green dividing stripe between the handle and the throat.
I recently put the tool to the test as I cut a path through the woods near my home. My goal was to clear a narrow path to my fishing hole, just wide enough to walk through. The area stretched about 30 feet from the road to the water and was overgrown with vines, shrubs, and young trees.
Keep in mind that I had never tried out the James Brand Hatchet until my path-clearing quest, so my entire review is based on a brand-new hatchet (which comes in a very classy wooden carrying case). Here are a few takeaways from my path-clearing quest:
Sharpness: The James Brand Hatchet was brand new when I used it, so it was no surprise to see that it was exceptionally sharp. The head shape is what they call a classic German “Rheinland” design, making for a larger, curved cutting surface. The head weighs 1.35 pounds and features a 14-inch handle. The hatchet made quick work of the shrubs and young trees in my way. While the lasting sharpness is still a question, I can honestly say that the blade never dulled after a half-day’s work cutting through the woods.
Build: The James Brand Hatchet is made from US-sourced hickory with a 14-inch handle. The head is forged from C60 steel and offers a large curved cutting surface. After my day in the woods, I can report that there was no flex in the hatchet, and the head remained firmly attached to the handle.
Grip: I was really impressed with the grip. The bottom 4.5 inches is coated with a non-slip water-based lacquer in TJB’s signature black and lime hues, with the EDC brand’s classic JAMES° logo etched into one side of the handle’s shaft and Adler’s logo on the other.
Look: This is a beautiful tool, and it is handmade, which is quite refreshing with everything being mass-produced. The blade comes with a leather strap-on cover that fastens with two separate buttons, making it easy to put on and take off. The hatchet comes in a beautiful wooden box, which makes for an amazing gift.
In the end, the TJB got the job done, and my path was cleared. Since putting it to the test in the woods, I’ve used the hatchet for chopping firewood and trimming low branches on a few trees in my backyard. The James Brand Hatchet looks to be a lifetime tool for me and my family. I’d highly recommend it for those looking for a quality hatchet, and it makes for a classy gift with the beautiful wooden carrying case.
The post OHUB Review: James Brand Hatchet appeared first on OutdoorHub.
