Pros and cons of the bushcraft hatchet v saw. What one would you choose? Check out Girl Outdoors - / @girloutdoors Follow me on Instagram - / bushwacker_man
Although I agree that the saw is more efficient for processing wood and thereofore saving calories and reducing sweating, I would choose the hatchet. It has much more versatility, although slower, it will still process wood. It will also, as Becky states, make feather sticks, baton/split wood, cut/carve, act as a hammer. It can also be utilised to process game, self defence, strike a ferro rod (using blade if necessary or simply mod by filing a 90 degree edge somewhere on the head), if you have one made of carbon steel you can get sparks from striking with flint. I also think it is fairly easy to restore the edge by finding a suitable rock, resharpening the saw teeth wouldn't be as simple. The hatchet is also more durable and less likely to break and if the handle goes, use the head to carve another. Great debate to have and I'm sure there are more uses for both which I've either missed or forgotten, but talking and sharing ideas is how we learn! :) Thanks for sharing. Atb Shaun
The saw cuts thick timber more efficiently (and cleanly) that the hatchet, but the hatchet can knock off 1 inch branches with just a swing (although you could snap it with your foot, which takes longer). If I did not have a knife, I'd take a hatchet easily. If I had a knife, I might choose a saw.
Without a knife, I'd choose the hatchet. With a knife then I take the saw because it makes life in the woods a lot easier. All about smoothing it in camp life!
I would rather have a hatchet over a saw if I had to choose but it's nice to have both. The hatchet can do much more and can be maintained with natural items such as smooth stone for sharpening or wood for a handle.
If you use the blade of the axe it will throw sparks.. you can sharpen an axe... you can slice with an axe etc etc. I love my saw and rarely use a hatchet but if it's one tool I would take the hatchet no question. Thanks for sharing my friend, Cheers!
Fun video. I choose hatchet over saw for it's versatile uses. With that said, i feel batoning in most fire building is not a necessary task to making a fire. I've built a lot of camp fires and never once needed to baton. But if the need arises I'm glad i know the skill. Knowledge is your greatest tool. I appreciate you both for getting the knowledge out there. Thanks Dean and Becky.
Well done. I like both tools. Hard to choose between them as they are both so useful. I love it when you and Becky go back and forth. It makes for the best bushcraft reviews on youtube!!
Long term (3 months or more) i would choose a hatchet or axe because it could be sharpened easily with a stone or basic tools and the axe or hatchet can be repaired if handle broke. Short term (3 months or less) i would choose saw cause its more efficient and can process wood quicker and with more precise cuts it would be better for more sufficient crafting, but cannot be sharpened easily without proper tools and if broke would be harder to repair and i don't believe would be a good choice for long term. But with where my location is i would choose a machete over a axe/hatchet or a saw for short or long term.
The saws more convenient but the hatchet is more versatile. The saws teeth can also break in a SHTF situation, but the hatchet will last through the storm.
Thanks for the vid guys, great to see a father and daughter sharing a hobby. High on birch sugar! But why would you only carry one tool into the woods? The saw is so light it's hardly a burden. If you have both, take both! In a real shtf situation you won't have either. One thing though, when people imagine splitting a log to make dry kindling they imagine a saw cut log with a flat top and bottom, a log cut with a hatchet has pointed ends so it won't stand up and you're hitting a pointed top with a hatchet which is much more risky. Also, a ferro rod with no striker? For shame! ;)
Dean, I gotta agree with BASHA Dweller. Besides ....I think that you are stacking the deck bringing the ferro rod into it. It is actually a tool also. Haha! They are both awesome tools so hopefully you won't ever be stuck with the choice of grabbing just one. This video was very fun to watch. It gets a person thinking too. Loved it brother!
Your daughter is a fine sportswoman already! You really took the tiger by the tail in defending the folding saw against her in this video. Your interactions made for a fine feature! The short ax wins every time if I can only 'have one.' Zachary Fowler, host of his own CZcams channel and winner of the USA series 4 'ALONE" makes a very good case for a Cold Steel entrenching shovel' appropriately sharpened as one of only ten items he was allowed to bring into the woods. He even carves a holiday turkey with one! His point: too many bush whackers underestimate the value of digging the soil for longer-term survival. Back to your debate: I can sharpen an ax out in the woods...and I can't sharpen my various saw blades at home without a special jig tool. Girl Outdoors covered just about everything else...except that some ax grinds also slice and dice very well. For home butchering of large cuts, I need a stout cleaver as much as a saw to get things done efficiently, but hunting in the woods, I could make do with the ax, given a bit more time. We Bush whackers LOVE to debate the 'fine points' of equipment. You BOTH have given me a very pleasant few minutes today. Thank you both.
Point goes to Becky. Hatchet is far more versatile: processing wood, more durable, handle can be replaced if it breaks, potentially be used as weapon/defense, can hammer with it, with a bit of work using a suitable rock the back of the hatchet can be squared so that it could strike a ferro rod. The saw is more efficient only at sawing wood. The blade is likely to break after long-term heavy use, blade can separate from handle, difficult to impossible to repair, difficult to sharpen in field. PLUS you can kill zombies with the hatchet ;)
Choice is based on: Preference &/or SKILL SET, Saw for some, Ax for others. At first, the hatchet wins, because it slices & splits "easier" + better weapon. But!, Anything the hatchet can do, can "kinda" be made in the wild - wedge, weapon, etc. Can't make a decent saw in the wild. Sharpen saw spine, make shift knife, now you have 2 tools in 1.
I think since the question is one tool only then we have to assume that both tools are of equal hi quality. I carry a small forest axe or in your case a hatchet. Here in northern Ontario Canada I have cut wood, hammered pegs, feather sticks , strike flint, or for Me quarts for fire. In addition I have cleaned fish and game , peeled bark for cordage, split logs and in extreme cases it could be used as a weapon. The hatchet is also almost unbreakable and if the handle broke the head could be used to manufacture another handle. It is impossible to pick 1 perfect tool but I have found the axe to be more robust and more versatile in the bush here. So my opinion is for the hatchet in an emergency situation. atb Paul
Both are great tools. I would take a hatchet over the hand saw. The saw although more efficient at processing wood. Given only one tool to take I would taje the hatchet. It can be used to process wood, as a hammer, used as a wedge, self defense. The saw is quite useful. One additional note in some sort of extreme situation it can be used for amputation of a limb. However most of the tasks you are listing are those for which it is not designed. Using equipment for what it was not intended typically shortens the lifespan of that tool. The hatchet head will last longer than the saw. It is sustainable. The saw if it breaks is pretty much non repairable without special tools and skill.
Hands down the hatchet, no matter Ild have to likely use the edge of it on a ferrocium rod. Although in that wieght class Ill take one of my tomahawks most likely, or possibly my Nepalese Khukuri.
I think you both make valid points. But the main reason I eliminated the ax from my pack is the safety factor. Risk vs reward isn’t worth taken the chance. But I did add the Ontario sp53 for wood processing. And I took your challenge and quit drinking pop. 4 weeks strong 👍. That was tough to do.
I just learning to use both tools. There is jobs that both exceed at and jobs you can get by with either one. Personally I want a hacker. Better sooted for making defensive weapons, and is a weapon itself.
I think you both should test it out 1 vid each only useing the tool in question then test out eachothers tool to see if you could of done it better 🤔 i would pick the hatchet as it can used more like entry into building and self protection in a SHTF situation
Gotta go with your girl on this one dude lol...you taught her too well 😉😂 Stones can sharpen the axe...and stones here are abundant...so the axe edge can still be used with a ferro rod...plus you can always use flint etc for a ferro rod...but with all the points Becky has made...I'd take my axe over a saw anyday...love my little Hultafors. Let the games begin and may the odds be forever in your favour 😂
I believe I would pick the hatchet, because the hatchet could be used as a weapon. But lets say you don't have a knife or fire rod, I'm thinking to make a fire it would be easier to make a bow drill set with the hatchet
Good video Dean... we're with you... and would choose the saw... mainly for safety sake, when out alone in the bush, one slip of the axe and it could be major trouble. Saw is safer... or at least has less risk of injury yet still gets the job done. Glenn & Maureen in the Canadian wilderness. P.S. if you did a fire making challenge with these two tools, it would be an interesting watch. cheers... and be safe out there.
Sounds like a fun range behind You. Ya know that is anhrs question. Hatchet or saw. They both have such good qualities. I am going with the hatchet just because I am that kind of guy. With the sound of behind you I would take a gun!
I love both of ya folks, but as a US Marine, gone thru survival school, the hatchet is far Superior to the saw. Even the Marine Corps agrees lol. They both have their places. The hatchet is a tool, n a war hammer. Sorry brother ya lost. Good job Becky. God Bless
You can't sharpen the saw also those saws are prone to breaking. A hatchet is more durable, you can replace the handle in the field, use rocks to sharpen the blade in the field. In the hands of a craftsman both tools are effective but the hatchet has the edge in longevity.
I would have to take the saw depending on how long your out as well, saw will save time calories although hatchet can do more where it has a blade, mind changed it be the hatchet, check out my channel and subscribe I’ll do the same.
Although I agree that the saw is more efficient for processing wood and thereofore saving calories and reducing sweating, I would choose the hatchet. It has much more versatility, although slower, it will still process wood. It will also, as Becky states, make feather sticks, baton/split wood, cut/carve, act as a hammer. It can also be utilised to process game, self defence, strike a ferro rod (using blade if necessary or simply mod by filing a 90 degree edge somewhere on the head), if you have one made of carbon steel you can get sparks from striking with flint. I also think it is fairly easy to restore the edge by finding a suitable rock, resharpening the saw teeth wouldn't be as simple. The hatchet is also more durable and less likely to break and if the handle goes, use the head to carve another. Great debate to have and I'm sure there are more uses for both which I've either missed or forgotten, but talking and sharing ideas is how we learn! :) Thanks for sharing. Atb Shaun
very good points in favour of the hatchet ... as long as one is proficient in it's use and is very safety conscious.
Good points of view, great comments thanks for watching Shaun.👍
The saw cuts thick timber more efficiently (and cleanly) that the hatchet, but the hatchet can knock off 1 inch branches with just a swing (although you could snap it with your foot, which takes longer). If I did not have a knife, I'd take a hatchet easily. If I had a knife, I might choose a saw.
Without a knife, I'd choose the hatchet. With a knife then I take the saw because it makes life in the woods a lot easier. All about smoothing it in camp life!
I would rather have a hatchet over a saw if I had to choose but it's nice to have both. The hatchet can do much more and can be maintained with natural items such as smooth stone for sharpening or wood for a handle.
If you use the blade of the axe it will throw sparks.. you can sharpen an axe... you can slice with an axe etc etc. I love my saw and rarely use a hatchet but if it's one tool I would take the hatchet no question.
Thanks for sharing my friend,
Cheers!
Fun video. I choose hatchet over saw for it's versatile uses. With that said, i feel batoning in most fire building is not a necessary task to making a fire. I've built a lot of camp fires and never once needed to baton. But if the need arises I'm glad i know the skill. Knowledge is your greatest tool. I appreciate you both for getting the knowledge out there. Thanks Dean and Becky.
Cheers man, thanks for watching, enjoyed reading your comment 👍
Well done. I like both tools. Hard to choose between them as they are both so useful. I love it when you and Becky go back and forth. It makes for the best bushcraft reviews on youtube!!
Many more to come, If you have any ideas for a debate then us know. 👍
Long term (3 months or more) i would choose a hatchet or axe because it could be sharpened easily with a stone or basic tools and the axe or hatchet can be repaired if handle broke. Short term (3 months or less) i would choose saw cause its more efficient and can process wood quicker and with more precise cuts it would be better for more sufficient crafting, but cannot be sharpened easily without proper tools and if broke would be harder to repair and i don't believe would be a good choice for long term. But with where my location is i would choose a machete over a axe/hatchet or a saw for short or long term.
Great comment, love it👍👍
The saws more convenient but the hatchet is more versatile. The saws teeth can also break in a SHTF situation, but the hatchet will last through the storm.
I think dad's right but Becky is righter, I know there's no such word but you know what I mean! lol. Another great video, thanks guys.Take care.Steve.
Right on bro - righter is always righter.
Cheers for the comment Steve👍
The silky saw , any day of the week 🍀💚🌳
Thanks for the vid guys, great to see a father and daughter sharing a hobby. High on birch sugar! But why would you only carry one tool into the woods? The saw is so light it's hardly a burden. If you have both, take both! In a real shtf situation you won't have either. One thing though, when people imagine splitting a log to make dry kindling they imagine a saw cut log with a flat top and bottom, a log cut with a hatchet has pointed ends so it won't stand up and you're hitting a pointed top with a hatchet which is much more risky. Also, a ferro rod with no striker? For shame! ;)
Hatchet over saw anyday
Dean, I gotta agree with BASHA Dweller. Besides ....I think that you are stacking the deck bringing the ferro rod into it. It is actually a tool also. Haha! They are both awesome tools so hopefully you won't ever be stuck with the choice of grabbing just one. This video was very fun to watch. It gets a person thinking too. Loved it brother!
Cheers Casey. Glad you enjoyed it, Becky and I must do some more chats👍
👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍You are an awesome team!!!!
Both, that's what I carry , love and prayers , from Indiana, U.S.A.
Cheers Tina 👍👍
Your daughter is a fine sportswoman already! You really took the tiger by the tail in defending the folding saw against her in this video. Your interactions made for a fine feature! The short ax wins every time if I can only 'have one.' Zachary Fowler, host of his own CZcams channel and winner of the USA series 4 'ALONE" makes a very good case for a Cold Steel entrenching shovel' appropriately sharpened as one of only ten items he was allowed to bring into the woods. He even carves a holiday turkey with one! His point: too many bush whackers underestimate the value of digging the soil for longer-term survival.
Back to your debate: I can sharpen an ax out in the woods...and I can't sharpen my various saw blades at home without a special jig tool. Girl Outdoors covered just about everything else...except that some ax grinds also slice and dice very well. For home butchering of large cuts, I need a stout cleaver as much as a saw to get things done efficiently, but hunting in the woods, I could make do with the ax, given a bit more time. We Bush whackers LOVE to debate the 'fine points' of equipment. You BOTH have given me a very pleasant few minutes today. Thank you both.
I could make a primitive axe and have the best of both worlds,cheers for watching, dont mess with Becky👍👍👍👍👍👍
Point goes to Becky. Hatchet is far more versatile: processing wood, more durable, handle can be replaced if it breaks, potentially be used as weapon/defense, can hammer with it, with a bit of work using a suitable rock the back of the hatchet can be squared so that it could strike a ferro rod. The saw is more efficient only at sawing wood. The blade is likely to break after long-term heavy use, blade can separate from handle, difficult to impossible to repair, difficult to sharpen in field. PLUS you can kill zombies with the hatchet ;)
I think you've covered it all, especially as a zombie slayer 👍👍
If I could only pick one ,then I`m with Becky and go with the hatchet to me just more versatile.
Choice is based on: Preference &/or SKILL SET, Saw for some, Ax for others. At first, the hatchet wins, because it slices & splits "easier" + better weapon. But!, Anything the hatchet can do, can "kinda" be made in the wild - wedge, weapon, etc. Can't make a decent saw in the wild. Sharpen saw spine, make shift knife, now you have 2 tools in 1.
Great points, I enjoyed reading your comment 👍
Please do more videos like this, love to watch you both. Or you need to only have one channel and call it Daughter and Father bushcraft!!!!
Cheers my friend👍👍👍
I think since the question is one tool only then we have to assume that both tools are of equal hi quality. I carry a small forest axe or in your case a hatchet. Here in northern Ontario Canada I have cut wood, hammered pegs, feather sticks , strike flint, or for Me quarts for fire. In addition I have cleaned fish and game , peeled bark for cordage, split logs and in extreme cases it could be used as a weapon. The hatchet is also almost unbreakable and if the handle broke the head could be used to manufacture another handle. It is impossible to pick 1 perfect tool but I have found the axe to be more robust and more versatile in the bush here. So my opinion is for the hatchet in an emergency situation. atb Paul
good comment, thanks for watching 👍
What a great duo! 👍
Cheers mate👍
Have you guys tried the schrade large survival axe? Cr13 steel is easy to sharpen in the field, comes with ferro rod.
No I haven't- i will have to check that out. 👍
HATCHET AS YOU CAN USE IT AS A WEDGE AS WELL
Good comment 👍
Both are great tools.
I would take a hatchet over the hand saw.
The saw although more efficient at processing wood.
Given only one tool
to take I would taje the hatchet. It can be used to process wood, as a hammer,
used as a wedge, self defense.
The saw is quite useful. One additional note in some sort of extreme situation it can be used for amputation of a limb. However most of the tasks you are listing are those for which it is not designed. Using equipment for what it was not intended typically shortens the lifespan of that tool.
The hatchet head will last longer than the saw. It is sustainable. The saw if it breaks is pretty much non repairable without special tools and skill.
Great comments and great advice, cheers mate. Very informative - I will get Becky to read this 👍
Hands down the hatchet, no matter Ild have to likely use the edge of it on a ferrocium rod. Although in that wieght class Ill take one of my tomahawks most likely, or possibly my Nepalese Khukuri.
Thanks for a great comment, I love the khukuri, its on my ever growing Christmas list.
Bushwacker Man I actually got my first and second ones for Christmas! I now own three of different lengths and they are my go to big knives.
Both have their advantages obviously but saw is quiet compared to the hatchet. Huge plus in my opinion...
I think you both make valid points. But the main reason I eliminated the ax from my pack is the safety factor. Risk vs reward isn’t worth taken the chance. But I did add the Ontario sp53 for wood processing. And I took your challenge and quit drinking pop. 4 weeks strong 👍. That was tough to do.
nice to see you both in a good mood! 👍🏻👍🏻😃 greetings from 🇩🇪
I just learning to use both tools. There is jobs that both exceed at and jobs you can get by with either one. Personally I want a hacker. Better sooted for making defensive weapons, and is a weapon itself.
Good points, Glad to hear that you practicing with both tools. 👍👍
The saw for sure..has mor uses than a hatchet.im with u bushwaker
Love the comment 👍
I think you both should test it out 1 vid each only useing the tool in question then test out eachothers tool to see if you could of done it better 🤔 i would pick the hatchet as it can used more like entry into building and self protection in a SHTF situation
Thanks for watching, great idea👍👍
Gotta go with your girl on this one dude lol...you taught her too well 😉😂
Stones can sharpen the axe...and stones here are abundant...so the axe edge can still be used with a ferro rod...plus you can always use flint etc for a ferro rod...but with all the points Becky has made...I'd take my axe over a saw anyday...love my little Hultafors. Let the games begin and may the odds be forever in your favour 😂
Cheers for the comment👍
I believe I would pick the hatchet, because the hatchet could be used as a weapon. But lets say you don't have a knife or fire rod, I'm thinking to make a fire it would be easier to make a bow drill set with the hatchet
Good point although primitive man can make an axe in the wild but could not make a saw.👍👍
i choose both . a saw has low weight so i bring it as well
Really interesting video guys, thanks! What make hatchet and saw do you have? Looking to pick up both as they're both really handy.
Cheers mate Silky Excel saw, wetterlings small forest axe 👍
Hatchet. Hard to kill a zombie with a saw. Haha
Great video in my opinion i would take both the saw and the hatchet if i have both i have coverd the most tasks i would probably do at the camp.
Both are purpose driven tools. Neither is superior to the other.
witch one can you dig with? better that is. in joy
Interesting question I would take the hatchet Becky you will have to do some hatchet cooking for bushwacker use the hatchet to process your food
Good video Dean... we're with you... and would choose the saw... mainly for safety sake, when out alone in the bush, one slip of the axe and it could be major trouble. Saw is safer... or at least has less risk of injury yet still gets the job done. Glenn & Maureen in the Canadian wilderness. P.S. if you did a fire making challenge with these two tools, it would be an interesting watch. cheers... and be safe out there.
Good point, yes the challenge would be good 👍
I'm with Becky on the hatchet
Cheers mate👍
Hi. Axe and saw are like a brother and sister, like Bonnie and Clyde. They are created for each other and do not need to separate them :)
Hatchet, all day long, but great video. Made me think.
Thanks for your comment 👍
Both is good
Hatchet 💯 you tell him Becks
The hatchet is also a hammer and hunting tool.
witch one can process game better? in joy
As far as messing up the blade when using it on a ferrol rod, just pick a small area to use.
Hello Becky's dad, lol..! Hatchet for me always over a saw.
Good choice 👍
Sounds like a fun range behind You. Ya know that is anhrs question. Hatchet or saw. They both have such good qualities. I am going with the hatchet just because I am that kind of guy. With the sound of behind you I would take a gun!
Great comment👍
You can use a hatchet as a self defence weapon becky 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Good point👍
I have a saw, a hatchet, and a heavy blade all in my kit. I believe in redundancy.
Now you need a dog like Buster!"!👍
I'm with your young lady sorry , Hatchet as you can do loads more with it :)
is Buster's channel busteroutdoor ? in joy
I would take hatchet over the saw so many uses for the hatchet limited use for the saw
I have to go with Becky. If you were in the survival situation you could use the hatchet like a knife to process fish or small game.
I choose hatchet
Lol..I think you won that one Bushwacker man
Cheers my friend👍
I would have to say the saw on this debate .....Mark....
hatchet. also good for defence. in shtf.
Great point. Happy Xmas 👍👍
The hatchet is also a good weapon.?
Cheers i agree👍👍
I want to see you sharpen the saw...
Cant be done👍
Buster!!
Daughter 1 Father 0, The Hatchet is more versatile that is my opinion.
Loved the debate. I would take Buster 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶
Very wise👍thanks for watching👍
Love it, i see someone trying to talk Dad into a better hatchet LOL
can you cook with both ? in joy
With Becky on this one , sorry Bushwaker Man
saw!!
I love both of ya folks, but as a US Marine, gone thru survival school, the hatchet is far Superior to the saw. Even the Marine Corps agrees lol. They both have their places. The hatchet is a tool, n a war hammer. Sorry brother ya lost. Good job Becky. God Bless
Thanks for watching good points.👍
nice
Would love to see a challenge between you's both one night only and the tool is what you have chosen no knifes see how you get on atb jimmy 😎😎
We will make it happen, thanks for watching Jimmy👍
Before I even watch this video the hatchet every day 😎😎
Becky’s right.
You can't sharpen the saw also those saws are prone to breaking. A hatchet is more durable, you can replace the handle in the field, use rocks to sharpen the blade in the field. In the hands of a craftsman both tools are effective but the hatchet has the edge in longevity.
Great advise cheers👍👍
Why is her hatchet handle on backwards
Old hatchet 👍👍
You have to carry a knife. My knife is permanently attached to me.
hatchet
I would take what both of you need Buster :) LoL (saw)
Buster is the key to good survival situation👍👍
Where can I buy your two tools?
A good outdoor store or the internet 👍👍
Bushwacker Man : I am in Vietnam, can you give me the website of that store?
What firing range are you camping in lol?
I can't debate this one. Can I have a machete and a knife?
sry: i forgot buster . greetings to him and 🍖🍖🍖
Buster says hello👍
I would have to take the saw depending on how long your out as well, saw will save time calories although hatchet can do more where it has a blade, mind changed it be the hatchet, check out my channel and subscribe I’ll do the same.
Cheers mate👍
Becky sure looks highdrated.....
Hatchet
Hatchet.
You didn't expect to beat Becky did you . She's a women. plus she very snart
Next time maybe just maybe👍👍
hatchet
Hatchet