Thread: Tuatahi axe project - small axe / hatchet for hunting, tramping, fishing etc

hi guys, the latest iteration of the small axe is on the way to me now, will update next week. Must be pretty close to production spec by now, they want me to give it a good test. Apparently there will be 2 different handle sizes....

Hurry up, I think I want one.

yeah same here, hopefully they'll start taking orders early next year. I'm going to test it hard, the only issue I had with the previous version was the handle was too small. But it was clearly a prototype. I think the one I'm getting next week is going to be pretty close to the finished version.

OK, the new axe arrived today....This is clearly the finished version, stamped with the Tuatahi logo as per their production models, and the model name. They are on hols currently, so I won't post pics yet, or the model name, I'm sure they will want to do this first themselves.
But it looks perfect to me, I'm really happy and it fits the bill perfectly for what I requested.
Here are the stats:
19" overall length
1.076 kg
cutting edge is 4.25" measuring in a straight line from top to bottom, so it'll be a bit more on the curve.
That's a full inch more than GB's small forest axe, thanks to the bearded design.
There is space enough to choke up behind the head without risking cutting yourself, so I think a big improvement on "standard" axe heads for this type of tool.
Small and light enough to carry in a backpack, and a flattened poll for hammering.
The handle is like a slimmed down version of the camp axe, long enough to use with one or two hands comfortably, with a good sized knob so you don't lose your grip one-handed.
The head has a matt grey finish of some kind for rustproofing, except for about 1/2" back from the cutting edge which is bright.
I'll get more details from Tuatahi when they get back to work in the new year, by which time I will have given it a thorough test.
I did manage to take some chips out of the cutting edge on the original prototype, a fault which has apparently been fixed on this one (edge too brittle apparently).
Overall, this axe looks like the holy grail of small multi-purpose survival / backpacking / camp axes, and might just knock the GB Small forest axe off its perch!
I'll post pics etc as soon as Tuatahi gives me the go-ahead, but I expect that to be only after they return to work in the new year.
Don't know pricing yet, but anyone who is potentially keen just PM or reply to this post, and maybe we can get a group buy going...

Sounds pretty good so I'm keen to see some pics in the new year. I wouldn't be buying one without seeing it but it sounds like it might fit the multifunction requirements

I must have one of these. I have their bigger axe but it is a danger to me and anyone near by if I use it so will sell that for this small axe.
@MSL will be along soon.

Gruffie

Place me in the line for one.

Count me in

Myself as well..

Originally Posted by Tikka7mm08

I must have one of these. I have their bigger axe but it is a danger to me and anyone near by if I use it so will sell that for this small axe.
@MSL will be along soon.

You have the work axe right? I’ll take it off your hands if so.


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Yep...it seems to struggle to work though (could be operator error).

Hey I am also keen to grab one thanks.

cheers guys, I am keeping a list of potential / confirmed buyers, pretty close to 10 now. I've had a chance to use the axe, and it chops way better than the prototype. Handle is longer and a bit heavier, so it's better balanced now. It is of course razor (shaving) sharp, and I am genuinely shocked at how well such a small axe, weighing only 1kg, chops. I need to make a sheath for it though, it would cut you up badly if you accidentally touched the blade

any idea of a ballpark price?

The camp axe set me back about $400 for what that is worth