Looking at purchasing a hatchet; I was just on a trip and splitting small rounds was very helpful in keeping the fire going. Currently debating between the Hults Bruk Almike and Gränsfors Wildlife Hatchet.

Any pros or cons between the two?

I have heard only raving reviews about the Gränsfors products, but liked the feel of a Hults Bruk I handled in the store. I have not had any hands on experience with the Wildlife model from Gränsfors.

Addendum: I own a nice folding saw, and have used that alone for years. I have been trained to use a hatchet, and have technique that minimizes risk for injury. Not asking for a lecture on the why I don't need this type of cutting tool.

We have been bringing 14-20 men up each fall (in 3 groups) for 15 years. Never brought an axe or hatchet. We bring folding saws. They are far faster on preparing firewood and far safer to use. There are far more serious injuries from axes and hatchets then anything else in areas like the BWCA

I just use a Gerber camping. Too many rock around for an expensive one for me.

ockycamper: "...There are far more serious injuries from axes and hatchets then anything else in areas like the BWCA"

Yeah. But it's way cooler to be chopped in the calf with a Gränsfors hatchet than with a $19.99 Coghlan's from Wal-mart.

Best for the weight is the GB Outdoor axe.
Best overall splitter for the money is the CT Hudson Bay.
Hudson Bay is on the left, not the best for cutting, but an excellent splitter with the wedge shape.

I can only speak to the Gränsfors Wildlife Hatchet. I received one as a gift about 10 years ago, and it is a great tool. That said, I rarely used it when I did bring it in, so I have not packed it in for at least 5 years.

All you need is a small folding saw and optionally a full tang hunting knife for splitting. There are lots of videos online that demonstrate how to spit smaller pieces of firewood. Axes and hatchets are dangerous. Don't ask me how I know :-)

I have a Hults Bruk and I like it a lot. It's a fine piece of equipment. You have obviously already thought about whether you want a hatchet or not and I am sure you know what not to do with it. I really like mine.

Second the GB Outdoor axe. Much wedgier head and much better at splitting. Never go camping without it.

Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe because using two hands is safer and more efficient. It's only slightly heavier than their hatchets as well.

ryanstewart: "Looking at purchasing a hatchet; I was just on a trip and splitting small rounds was very helpful in keeping the fire going. Currently debating between the Hults Bruk Almike and Gränsfors Wildlife Hatchet.

Any pros or cons between the two?

I have heard only raving reviews about the Gränsfors products, but liked the feel of a Hults Bruk I handled in the store. I have not had any hands on experience with the Wildlife model from Gränsfors.

Addendum: I own a nice folding saw, and have used that alone for years. I have been trained to use a hatchet, and have technique that minimizes risk for injury. Not asking for a lecture on the why I don't need this type of cutting tool."

I love the GB Outdoor Axe

It's small, light, has a bit more of a wedge head than the wildlife hatchet, so for me, it's a bit better at splitting small rounds and breaking wood down into kindling.

Another axe I have is the Brant and Cochran Dirigo Belt Axe (with a custom 20" handle).

BnC Tools - Dirigo Belt Axe

Standard Dirigo Belt axes has a 17" handle, and is only a few inches longer than the GB Outdoor Axe—if you want something smaller than a 20-24" axe. The head is heavier than the GB Outdoor Axe, but it's great for splitting a bit bigger rounds. I love the true wedge shaped head. Just know, you're not going to split big rounds with this thing.

It's stupid sharp, and it's fantastic for making wood shavings, tinder and kindling.

With a smaller axe/hatchet, you really have to practice safe handling. Get on the ground, kneel down, and work on a log or stump, where the head will either embed in the wood or the ground if you miss. Don't swing these little axes while you're standing up. ...maybe some light limbing, where you can slide the axe down the side of the small dead tree or larger dead branch.

A good saw and a full tang outdoor knife will be solid combo. I love my AA Forge Mutt (I worked with Adam designing the shape of that knife based on one of his custom one-off blades, and the 4" Hiker handle). It's now one of his favorite knife designs. That thing is a tank. Using that knife with my Silky Saw, and I can break down wood like nobody's business. Axes haven't been used at home or in camp for quite a while.

This and a small file to touch up the edge. For the cost, and for the functionality, this will work well. And you won't cry when you accidentally hit a rock. For me, a camping hatchet is like the beater chisel I used to carry in my tool belt. It is meant to be used, and used hard without regard to what happens to the tool. Touch it up on the grinder every now and then and you are off to the races once again.

I have a Fiskars. Not expensive, has a handle that I like. Works for me. I also have the Fiskars small splitting axe. I prefer the axe, I think it's safer. I also don't swing either, I use a small log to pound them in to whatever I'm splitting.

Unas10: " This and a small file to touch up the edge. For the cost, and for the functionality, this will work well. And you won't cry when you accidentally hit a rock. For me, a camping hatchet is like the beater chisel I used to carry in my tool belt. It is meant to be used, and used hard without regard to what happens to the tool. Touch it up on the grinder every now and then and you are off to the races once again."

+1

Unas10: " This and a small file to touch up the edge. For the cost, and for the functionality, this will work well. And you won't cry when you accidentally hit a rock. For me, a camping hatchet is like the beater chisel I used to carry in my tool belt. It is meant to be used, and used hard without regard to what happens to the tool. Touch it up on the grinder every now and then and you are off to the races once again."

I like this idea and your rationale!

MidwestFirecraft: "Best for the weight is the GB Outdoor axe.
Best overall splitter for the money is the CT Hudson Bay.
Hudson Bay is on the left, not the best for cutting, but an excellent splitter with the wedge shape.
"

+1 on this. The Gransfors Bruk Outdoor Axe is the way to go!

I've got a HB Aneby and a GB small splitting axe.

The extra pound and few inches for the GB is worth it if you're only splitting.

unshavenman: " Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe because using two hands is safer and more efficient. It's only slightly heavier than their hatchets as well."

My fav too…I can just look at it and feel good :)