Harbor Freight's 8$ Axe: Pittsburgh Hatchet Inside-Out
Spoiler alert! It's worth buying one. You don't have to be afraid to use it. This hatchet is dirt-cheap. And it works. Well.
Topics in this video include: grinding, filing, and sharpening of the head; shaping, sanding, and modification of the handle; plastic welding, axe throwing, handle strength testing, and comparison between models. You may also want to pay attention to the ways that I use the hatchet to split, chop, and throw, since I am optimizing its shape for those purposes.
Of course, a person could sit here and tell you every little way they believe it could be better- or a person could shut up and do some work with it. Let's be honest: tons of you are buying this thing, because it's what is both available and affordable. And to those of you who do, this video might help you get the most out of this little hand axe.
Remember, mankind suffered a stone age in tool development for hundreds of thousands of years. It was only a few thousand years ago that we learned to use iron at all, and Harbor Freight's "1-1/4 Lb. Axe with Fiberglass Handle" exceeds every single hand tool crafted by humans up until that advancement. So its steel is good enough for you to chop kindling with, ya prima donna. Or to hike with, and to trust your comfort on, for that matter. You won't break it.
There are still a few pretty wooden hatchets out there that I have my eye on. In the long term, comfort is undoubtedly an asset in tool design. But style is a fool's indulgence, and its pursuit is only a tax paid to the ego. I can do without such insecurity. So in the meantime, I'm going to establish exactly what it is that makes the tool effective before I condemn every other design out there. It also tends to be cheaper to learn what works for yourself, rather than by taking the advice from somebody out there who's selling you something. And for that reason alone, don't listen to anything I've said; my impartiality has already been claimed by the click market. Try your own experiments. At least this is a cheap one! Hope you enjoy the video, and find it useful.
*****
This video was a pretty big project. Please enjoy it.
every minute of it :) now the biggest question for me is: where can I get one for that price in Europe... hahaha. Cheapest one I found was $6.50... Seeing how well they throw, it makes me want to get back into throwing stuff... Used to be much into knife throwing (hence my current channel banner), but axe throwing has a certain appeal to it too. Tried it a couple of times back in the day, but didn't have one that I wanted to risk to learn the trade... A cheap one like this would be the solution :))
If memory serves those old axe-heads had higher carbon steel inserts forged in at the blade. Besides cost savings, weren't they inserted to give the axe a sharp edge and the low-carbon steel (or iron) head was there to give toughness? No real bearing on the video really; just an interesting side topic. Either way, happy chopping.
That's exactly how I understand it. It would seem logical to have softer iron on the back, so that it would mushroom as it's struck, rather than crack or fragment.
@@pocket83squared oh Pocket, you're such a troll! X'DD _(responding to "It would seem logical to have softer iron on the back, so that it would mushroom as it's struck, rather than crack or fragment.")_
@@Rouverius welding an insert would make the axe head more expensive than it is. In this video, there's a certain shot (7:32) showing a close-up where you can actually see a second curved line parallel to the obvious one about an inch further into the metal. This looks very much like the curves I get when hardening chisles (?) indicating a different cooling speed, which is exactly how you can make one side hard while keeping the other side softer, indeed to increase toughness... (I'll be uploading a video about those curves in the next month or so, because I don't know the full truth about it, and I'd like to ask the viewers to enlighten me)
I like that you took the time to really use it, and also abused it to breaking.. that is a real test.
*THANK YOU!* It's nice to have that noticed. I also spent quite a few bucks on cheap hatchets. If it weren't for the video, I would only have bought two.
@@pocket83squared This is why I love your channels. Whenever I'm looking for a knife or other tool to purchase, the first thing I do is look for torture tests. Even though I'm probably never going to use the tool in that extreme manner, it's always good to see how it will fail and when.
I appreciate how thoughtful you and your videos are, and how they are strangely calm and easy going they are. Your channel has become my favorite. Thank you.
I enjoyed the alternate ending. Took me a few tries to pause it just right, but it was worth it for the chuckle.
There's only one way this can end! LOL
A little subliminal messaging there.....
Genuinely enjoyed this video. You can see the amount of work and time spent in getting the hatchet to fit your needs. When I see someone customize a hand tool it’s evident that they put in the time and effort to give a fair and concise review.
The way of cutting the handles, testing the strength of handles by throughing the wooden blocks on them, are just amazing !!!
You have single handedly made the greatest advertisement possible for Harbor Freight's Hatchet and they should be quite pleased. I was actually mesmerized by what you showed evident with many tests conducted in a manner that can't be disputed unless a person is blind to the truth. You live in a beautiful place and understand your surroundings also. I learned much and thanks for all your hard work to put this out there.
Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this! I just began my journey into axes and have been trying to figure how to begin to smartly get a few to cover the different functions. Your videos are terrific for someone like me. Well done!
Wow what a awesome video!!!! I recently purchased my first home and have some small fallen trees in the backyard. I knew I need an axe but not an expensive one because I wasn’t going to use it much, only about five small trees were down. So I purchased this axe from Harbor Freight and it was dull. So I looked on KZhead for “how to sharpen a harbor freight axe” and ran into your video. Thanks to you, I now know what I have to do and how to do it. Your video is very much appreciated and thank you.
It's beautiful to see how nicely that hatchet bites into the wood at 10:40, just amazing. Thank you for taking the time to do this video.
Thanks! I also liked that scene. "Bite" is satisfying. It also hurts the arm way less than the recoil from dead hits.
@@pocket83squared totally agree there with you, sharp tools are a joy to use. Specially if you have had a hand in the sharpening process like you did with these. Or at least it's that way for me whenever I witness the performance of knives that I've sharpened.
A really well done video. Lots of tips throughout. Thank you.
Welcome back to the axe channel! Kidding. Looking forward to the next one pocket ;)
Wonderful video. I lose stress watching your videos and I love hearing your thoughts.
So enjoyable to hear you articulate on the finer details of an implement most take for granted, yet played such a role in our history. As a fan of west coast logging history, my favorite images are of those tougher-than-nails fellers standing on springboards, swinging double bits making a face cut in a 10 foot diameter giant. Knowing that once that's done, they move to the back cut with good old "Misery whip" ! What must that scene have been like?
Top notch video made by a guy that really understands his stuff. Keep em coming!
You went from throwing hatchets at wood to throwing wood at hatchets. SCIENCE! I thought this was a rad little video
I did enjoy the video, i found it interesting and informative. Thank you for all your efforts in testing and producing the video.
I found a few of these at harbor freight, but they also had them with American Hickory handles....so I got one with the hickory handle, I put a good grind on it and it's a damn good little hatchet....very pleased with it, it's a beast, it even has good grain orientation running through the handle, very impressed with it
Not sure how I ended up here but I’m glad I did. This video was both enjoyable and informative. THANKS
Yep. Great review and test. I really like fine tools, and I really, REALLY, like good budget tools. I'm getting one of these tomorrow.
Awesome video! Thanks so much for posting! I looked at this axe today.
I bought the yellow HF hatchet and axe 8 years ago or so because they were dirt cheap. They were very sharp & to my surprise they have kept their edge well ! They've been used hard !
Kudos to your editing, Pocket. The rain sound+fire sound+chopping sound with voiceover was very pleasant. Switching between voiceover and live commentary was nice.
Thanks for noticing. That was some pretty tricky work there for my old-school (free) software.
Every video of you is a treat!
Thank you so much for being sensible. There are so many people who put a price tag on functionality. I don't have a problem with good quality stuff and I understand that longevity is sometimes directly related to quality. But practicality doesn't necessarily follow price. Good job.
I like your way of doing things with them and testing them out! : ) Thank you very much for making this videos, it truly is helpful!
Great. Happy to help. Thanks!
Very good content and a common sense approach. Thanks for your efforts on this comprehensive video.
Thanks jay hatchet you got with the two metals is awesome. A carbon bit forge welded into the mild steel. It will hold a super good edge while saving cost. I’m a blacksmith and I love forge welding. That’s how I did my first axe
I purchased the HF 61510 after watching your video on the Grip and proceeded to reprofile the edge as you showed us in that video. I was able to get it razor sharp. Hopefully I'll be able to go camping soon to test it out. Thank you for making these videos!
i have one these old sager falling axes and yes you can see the lines where the steel is different .
That handle-breaking demo is quite impressive.
Funny how you use it at the end. I recently found I had an easier time carving with my camp hatchet than with my knife 😆
the end with multiple throws of the log is hilarious
Been beating red hot steel into axe heads for 45 years.spent hours making and hanging the handles. I bought one of these HF Hatchet yesterday 8$, dang, little dressing up more dang.
I've had one of these for a while now. Its stayed outside in the elements since new. I use it alot on stumps around the house.
Don’t listen I was at the axe people, The hatchets you get suit your needs. Great video, I just subscribed to your channel
Amazing video! It was detailed and thorough. I think you just convinced me to get one. Thanks for the quality content! 👍
Thumbs-up for the tennis ball trick.. great vid.
Great file handle! 4:32 Great axe sheath 10:47 Omg! Now I have to watch the full video wondering what else will I found!
EXCELLENT!!! LOVE YOUR VIDS! THX FOR SHOWING FILE HANDLE GOLF BALL...
JEDI REFLEXES!
26:49 funny coincidence how the bird would call out every time you threw a log
The last few times where the bird did it prematurely, Pocket83 was actually juking it. LOL
Just recently found out about how fantastic flap disks are for sharpening lawn mower blades. 10/10 would recommend. Also paint mixing sticks + spray adhesive + sandpaper make fantastic portable/disposable sharpening implements for tools that don't need a razor edge
I've been a knife and axe smith for 33years. I have my own forge and make my own knives and axes. You guys are Harbor Frieght's best advertising.
Who guys? I'm not sure I understand your point. Mass produced tools are bound to get reviewed. That's the way it works.
@@pocket83squared no offence but "you guys" I was referring to the 10 or so people reviewing the same axe. Yours however was the better of them all..
Excellent video. Got to check out your sharpening technique
Excellent info. Thanks for the effort.
The old axe head you picked up from flea market is a Good Stuff as it should be a kind of alloy in which the edge / blade portion is much harder than the body that means the edge / blade is very durable and not easy to wear off !
Now I've heard everything. The sheer concept of a disposable hatchet is just so alien to me.
It shouldn't be. Over the vast majority of human existence, our tools were made of rock, stick, clay, and bone; at some point, to Man, the concept of a tool's life exceeding its owner's must've been as impractical as it was foreign. The tools we use now are quite often over-corrections. Have you not noticed the marketing, the shiny? You think you could outlast 'soft' steel? The belief is cultural. But let's be more realistic here. My nicer hatchets are in the garage, where they won't blend in with muddy leaves. Cheapy hatchets are great for abusive outside work, and it's nice to have them sitting around everywhere. Two days ago, I used a come-along to expose a massive Cherry stump. Before I could get it to lift, a few of its minor roots needed to get the axe. After it had lifted, more roots had to be severed. Another nearby stump, this one a punky Pine, was then burned down, and its the above-ground remains were split off. Consider these tasks in light of my ATV's on-board inventory: chainsaw, hatchet, cheap hatchet. Which would _you_ choose? If you've now stopped rolling your eyes, it's reasonable to point out that you must _not_ have heard everything.
Excellent production value, superb editing, useful tips and perfect commentary. 100% A+ work. Thank you!
Absolutely great review. Ive been skeptical about these HF axes, thinking that they seem too good to be true at the price point. From this video, I've seen that with a little work, these are pretty decent tools. I've got an angle grinder and a belt sander and a file, i figure i oughta get a few of these to practice my grinding and axe throwing with 😁
On one hand, it’s not the world’s best hatchet. On the other hand, it’s $8, and you can chop wood with it.
Honestly, if I spent $150 on a Swedish hatchet, I would be reluctant to use it hard. But if a hatchet costs $10 in Harbor Freight, I don’t mind pushing it hard. And I have a few products from them that have really surprised me with how tough they are and I actually love using.
The 'F' clamps are a must. So are the yellow lashing straps. The bench plane was also pretty good for abuse. I've warmed up to some of HF's gems.
I wish more ppl would do videos on gear like that. Stuff that you can get for cheap enough to be disposable/replaceable but good enough that you won't have to. Got into backpack camping the last few years, and all the gear being reviewed is stupid expensive. After some experimentation (and wasted money) I found some gear that could nearly stand up to some of the best gear, but at 20% the cost. Stuff you're not afraid to use to the fullest
@@blackoak4978 At that point, you know when you are getting your money's worth. :)
@@blackoak4978 Agreed! and hopefully more of that will be generated on KZhead by users such as us in the near future. So much has changed in the past 10 years as far as sharing knowledge and its availability. As far as I wish someone would do it statements those are all go but as they say... be the change you want to see! ;)
150 for a hatchet is a lot. I have a $40 adn $80 hatchet both from council tool. both are amazing, and i hard use both.
Really enjoyed this video. I have my father's hatchet, but I might pick up one of these to use and abuse. Thank you for the in depth video.
Thanks, man. I've seen a few of your vids. You are growing a great channel.
Just wanted to let you know that my brother and I used your workbench design for my workshop in my new house! We move in on the 21st, and thought you might be happy to know that they turned out great!
Awesome. Congrats on the new place. I hope it lets you spread your wings a bit. A new shop is pure confusion at first, but it starts to get better and better from the very beginning.
bought this friday for a camp trip. solely to hammer split kindling. $8 works for me.
Nice relaxing video. Thank you.
Usually, when you clean up a rusty old axe with an overnight vinegar soak, you WILL clearly see the temper line. On some fine old axes, like the Sager Chemical, you can see the temper lines on an axe that’s in daily use.
Very informative video!
I really liked this video, great job!
Thank you.
On my way to Harbor Freight!..one of my favorite places to shop by the way..
I'm on my way to Harbor Freight! Thanks for the info.
Fantastic video
Gary Paulsen would be proud.
I love the book hatchet
I bought a plastic handled hatchet from Home Depot when I was looking for one for my big out bag. It was decently priced and decent enough quality for the money. I do not remember the brand off the top of my head, but it also has a yellow plastic handle. The grind on it was pretty good, but it was in no way sharp. I spent about 3 hours with stones sharpening the edge, and now it’s literally the sharpest tool in my bag. I haven’t had the opportunity to use it yet, but I know it will do a fine job because it does have a considerable amount of hardness on the cutting edge. Harbor Freight was going to be my next stop when I ran across the one I bought. As far as I’m concerned a budget hatchet can’t be beat. It’ll do the same works as a hatchet that costs considerable more, for just as long, as long as you take care of your tools and not abuse them. Good luck bud. Great review
I never really thought about a hatchet that much until watching this video... but my reason to watch it was to decide should I get one for removing mortar off of fireplace bricks for recycling.... looks like Harbor Freight wins.... I think after a little bit of sharpening and reconditioning it will still be good for it's intended use outside of the purpose in which I intend to use it... oh and great video...
That's a really original way to use one. I'd bet it will end up working pretty well. Beats using a cold chisel! Good luck.
Plus the life time warranty. That’s a yes from me boss.
Awesome video 👍
Beautiful video, thanks
Thank you!
The axe head you purchased at the flea market for $3.00 is an Emerson Stevens axe head and sell online for $200.00 + dollars. Great Find.
This was a great video. I subscribed
IMO, which you choose very much depends on what your purpose for the axe is. For splitting knotty, soft wood, a disposable hatchet is a fantastic option. For a little more of an all-around option, something with a harder steel bit isn't a bad idea - the steel is almost certainly heat treated for appropriate hardness and toughness to hold its edge in some more chopping applications as opposed to splitting. For me, I choose an older head.
I hate to see a good tool cut up like that but it did show how well made it is. I just wish they had sharpened the edge better. The one I have hurt my wrist it was so dull from the factory. I am speaking of the Harbor freight hatchet. Cheers mate.
I could smell that fire burning here in Australia and as it's winter here it looked nice and warm.
Great video! Keep it up!!
Did you grind one of the yellow axes for your "alternate ending"? Btw, great videos (I saw 3 from you on these axes). A very good job! Congrats
The tip of your Axe Head seems to have been Oil Hardened - which most people turn the metal cherry red then put it in regular motor oil you clean of the black to where it is shiny then apply just enough heat back to the metal where it starts to turn blue. That way it is hard and turning it blue tempers it where it is not brittle like glass.
This is the hatchet you buy to chop at roots and not worry about the rocks you will likely hit.
Ive got a few of the harbor freight axe heads. If you want the heads to get a little harder, just do another heat treat on it. Makes it harder, as long as its not that garbage 1080A3 steel. Put a different handle on it. Ive got an 18 inch mahogany handle that i used, made it into a bearded axe. Works better than it did before.
excellent video
Hey pocket go to Walmart in the lawn and garden section and the are hyper tough hatchet that are similar to those but i don't know what is in the handle there is a rubber coating on it also
Cool video man
The darker metal on that axe head is caused from the heat treat/temper, aka the temper line & appears when you soak in vinegar.
It's amazing how fast you are with that hacksaw and sand paper. Hahaha just kidding awesome video I really enjoyed it.
The flea market ax head is built the old school way. Lower carbon steel body/ poll and a high carbon cutting bit forge welded to the poll.
Carving the plastic looks satisf
Great job
Good video 👍
Hey man a quick hack for some grips cut an inner tube from a bike in half and twist it on if it's really difficult break out the baby powder
very nice video
You should buy my hatchet. I made it myself. The head is made of wood. In fact, it's not so much a hatchet as it is a stick I found that kind of looks like one.
Eric Staples I’ll take 10
Bought this hatchet. Works great
Do they come already edged now? The flyer makes it appear nice & sharp.
@@pocket83squared they all do but I did not like it so I ended up putting about 20 min worth of sharpening to my liking. For the price, worth it.
i like your show friend - i got three axes - nice - cheap - cheaper camping section - which is the good one to buy
Good tool review. I have been using the ax on the left for several years. Holding up well, no complaints. I also have a video "File Handle Using A Golf Ball" on my channel. Stay safe, Joe Z
i love your videos your yhe one who touhght me how to sharpen axes so thx
I can only imagine Mrs. Pocket watching you throw a round at the hatchet from the front porch, haha.
Someone may have already mentioned this, but it was/is common practice to put a hardened piece of steel in an axe head as the cutting edge, and the rest would be softer steel so it wasn't as brittle and could hold up to a beating. The newer/cheaper ones are probably all one softness and would just not hold their edge as long.
The metal is fine, and the handle is replaceable. Not bad all around. I would prefer to case harden it once it gets the profile you would like. Just heat it as hot as you can with a torch, bury it in the powder (I have tons of the stuff in cans). It hardens the outside couple thousandths of an inch, and you can wear through it with excessive sharpening/use, but I rarely have to sharpen mine when do harden them.
Great video. What was the product # that you prefer from HF? Thanks
aha, the harbor freight video at last! do you have any "before and after" footage of the areas you've been working on?
Not exactly, but I'm going to build a simple structure in the back for firewood, and it'll be multiple parts. I filmed the 'site survey' (part one) video last month, and I'll probably start building it soon.
I have a harbor frieght hatchet an I've done allfull terrible things to it but it held all the abuse .I liked the video cheers
I’ve had an Estwing hatchet for decades; I got it as a Boy Scout years ago. I taught it was great as it was indestructible given the metal handle. I’ve used numerous axes, hatchets, and mauls and must say until recently years I’ve never played the brand game and frankly never thought of brands, an axe was an axe. I’ve since gotten a Gerber as I’ve gotten older and wanted something a little lighter, plus a saw in the handle was a nice benefit. Frankly get whatever you want; nearly any axe will hold an edge well enough for any home owner or weekend warrior and frankly while I still have an axe that’s been in our family for over 100 years, that’s had a lot of handles over the years, I don’t think it’s that much greater than something bought today, other than the sentimentality. I still keep a hatchet in the car as a be prepared item and while I haven’t needed an axe in years would consider a Harbor Freight axe as it would be good enough. I have broken my Gerber hatchet handle before and their customer service is great, I contacted them and they didn’t even have me send it back, just sent photos and within 2 weeks a new hatchet was at my door. I’ll add growing up I split a lot of wood and rarely used an axe; I always had better luck with a splitting maul or a wedge and sledge.
It's still understandable how people develop a fondness for something over time. For the most part, you're right. Any steel will do. Personally, I've developed a preference for a simple wooden hatchet handle. I also prefer the steel to be shorter and thicker than the Harbor Freight's. But I have no brand, or even particular hatchet, loyalty. As for splitting, I use a heavy axe. Abuse has given my axe a unique geometry over time; its mushroomed eye helps it to spread an opening quickly and then pivot out of being stuck. To assist with opening up the tough splits, I also use cured Maple or Beech wedges and a hatchet.
It definitely is worth having one. And the lifetime warranty is a plus. HFT will literally replace it no mater what the damage is
They use two steels for an important reason. One is hardenable steel, the other is not hardenable. By making the back side not hardenable, it means the hatchet is less likely to break when you use the back side as a hammer. The edge being hardened means you have to sharpen it less. At least the make the whole hatchet out of not hardenable steel, it is better for it to go dull easy than shatter like glass if you use it like a hammer.