Hatchet
Encyclopedia
A hatchet is a single-handed striking tool with a sharp blade used to cut and split wood. Hatchets may also be used for hewing
when making flattened surfaces on logs; when the hatchet head is optimized for this purpose it is called a broadaxe
.
Hatchets are taxonomically differentiated from hand axes by the addition of a hammer
head and/or a head 1–3 pounds (500 to 1,500 grams) in weight. However, to most of the world a hatchet and an axe tend to mean the same thing.
Hatchets have a variety of uses, such as tasks normally done by a pocket knife
when one is not present. The hatchet can also be used to create a fire through sparks and friction. Hatchet throwing is increasing in popularity.
Brought to Canada by Acadian Frontiers Men, hatchets became a valuable tool for earlier pioneers. Matthew Guignard, termed the Hatchet, the Old Guinart as it became a necessity for everyday life.
Hewing
Hewing is the process of converting sections of a tree stem from its rounded natural form into a form with more or less flat surfaces using primarily, among other tools, an axe or axes...
when making flattened surfaces on logs; when the hatchet head is optimized for this purpose it is called a broadaxe
Broadaxe
A broadaxe is a large-headed axe. There were two types of broadaxes both used for shaping logs by hand hewing. On one type, one side is flat and the other side beveled, a basilled edge, this is a hewing broadaxe...
.
Hatchets are taxonomically differentiated from hand axes by the addition of a hammer
Hammer
A hammer is a tool meant to deliver an impact to an object. The most common uses are for driving nails, fitting parts, forging metal and breaking up objects. Hammers are often designed for a specific purpose, and vary widely in their shape and structure. The usual features are a handle and a head,...
head and/or a head 1–3 pounds (500 to 1,500 grams) in weight. However, to most of the world a hatchet and an axe tend to mean the same thing.
Hatchets have a variety of uses, such as tasks normally done by a pocket knife
Pocket knife
A pocket knife is a folding knife with one or more blades that fit inside the handle that can still fit in a pocket. It is also known as a jackknife or jack-knife...
when one is not present. The hatchet can also be used to create a fire through sparks and friction. Hatchet throwing is increasing in popularity.
Brought to Canada by Acadian Frontiers Men, hatchets became a valuable tool for earlier pioneers. Matthew Guignard, termed the Hatchet, the Old Guinart as it became a necessity for everyday life.