Last Updated on 19/06/2023
Fiskars X7 Hatchet Review
The Fiskars X7 Chopping Axe is perhaps one of the best composite handle hatchets on the market for the money and is ideal for processing firewood, shelter building and all kinds of bushcraft tasks. If you are dubious about using an axe that does not have a wooden handle, then you really need to give the X7 a go. The FiberComp handle has a really balanced feel to it and is actually stronger than steel with better shock absorption too. Keep reading this Fiskars X7 Hatchet Review for more details.
Features
- Overall Length: 354 mm
- Head Weight: 640 g
- Head Material: hardened forged carbon steel
- Handle Material: FiberComp
- Grind Type: Scandinavian
First Impression
I bought this ax almost a year ago with no intention of writing a Fiskars X7 Hatchet Review, so I am going off of memory here. The first thing you have to do is release the axe from its composite sheath by flicking the orange lock. The ax comes out in a sort of two-part motion where you tilt and remove it from the protective case. Once out, it feels really solid, with a lovely swinging action and safe grip. Chopping into the first few pieces of timber is like a knife through butter as the blade comes pre-sharpened.
Blade Geometry
The thin > wide edge on the X7 Hatchet is designed to cut, chop, and split the wood of all sizes and densities. Tasks around camp don’t take long, whether it is making clean cuts, felling small trees, or processing kindling/tinder. The blade holds an edge very well, and even after chopping into elm, the edge never rolls – although it does need sharpening after. Overall it makes nice deep cuts in thicker branches and is excellent for splitting smaller wood.
Handle and Grip
The FiberComp handle is strong and lightweight despite being completely hollow. Some people might worry about being too heavy-handed with a handle like this but let me tell you, it is stronger than steel and as good if not better than any wooden handled ax I own. The length is perfect to get rapid swings without much wind-up. The lip at the base of the handle really helps to keep a good grip on the hatchet enabling you to feel more comfortable when hard at work. There is also a lanyard loop for extra safety.
Size and Weight
The size for me is perfect, which is why I chose this model in the first place. It is large enough to take down mature saplings, which is ideal for shelter building as well as processing endless amounts of firewood and materials. You can fit it inside most backpacks or use the plastic holster to clip in on your belt if you want. At just 354 mm long and weighing 640 grams, you don’t feel burdened by it at all and might be surprised about what this small Fiskars hatchet is capable of.
Durability
Because the composite handle is molded around the head to secure it in place, the same people who might question the integrity of the handle will no doubt question its durability. I can only speak from experience, but I have never had a problem with mine. I have chopped wood far bigger than recommended and am very heavy-handed when splitting hardwood. There are some superficial scratches on the molded head but I have never felt I had to be gentle with it.
Performance
Truth be told, I haven’t done a side-by-side test for this Fiskars X7 Hatchet Review, but it will chop through all kinds of wood very efficiently. The weight, grip, and edge geometry make this hatchet a very high performer and a favorable choice for camping trips. It is lightweight enough to pack without hesitation but heavy enough to perform its job without sacrifice. I can’t fault the Fiskars X7 camping hatchet on performance at all.
Quality/Value
The quality of the X7 camping ax is very good regardless of the price, although it certainly hasn’t had the same love and attention that some forged axes have. It looks very machine-made and modern, but not in a bad way, and the value is actually pretty incredible. It is a great piece of outdoor gear that is well worth the money and will make fire-starting about 10 times easier than without a hatchet.
Conclusion
The final verdict for this Fiskars X7 Hatchet Review is obviously a good one as I have had nothing but an easy time with it. If anything bad had happened over the last year, I would certainly have mentioned it, but I can’t think of a time it has let me down. The edge is easy to sharpen and maintains its sharpness for a decent period, making easy work of smaller wood and taking on anything bigger without hesitation.
The orange handle makes it easy to spot on the ground and harder to lose, and the innovative plastic holster makes transportation very safe and easy. Overall I would recommend this hatchet for bushcraft, and to anyone who isn’t put off by any ax that doesn’t have a wooden handle; it is a workhorse.
Where to buy?
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