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

Hi all, I have been on the look out for a small "forest" axe, something like Granfors Bruk small forest axe, or hunter's axe. This type of axe is quite common overseas, but there don't seem to be any NZ made options.

I discovered Tuatahi (a fantastic NZ manufacturer of specialty racing and work axes) has recently come out with what they call their "camp axe":

https://www.tuatahiaxes.com/copy-of-work-axes

I put my name on the list to buy one, everything is made from scratch and it takes about 2-3 months, and offered them a few suggestions about how I think it could be improved to suit hunters, fisherman, trampers etc.

At 2kg and 23" long it's really a bit too big and heavy to carry in a day pack, and is a bit overkill for small jobs around a camp or building emergency shelter if the weather packs it in and you need to doss down away from main camp.

the head is 1.5kg which is enough for pretty serious firewood processing / splitting etc around the house, but at 23" I think the handle is a bit short, somewhere around 26" - 28" would suit most people better I think.

So, I asked whether they can make me the camp axe with a slightly longer handle, and while they're at it why not make a small version which really does suit use in the bush in a day pack?

Expecting them just to say "thanks, we'll consider it" then just ignore me completely, I was blown away to get a return email saying, "OK, send us a drawing for the kind of axe you want".

So, I have taken it upon myself to get together a design brief for what I will call the Tuatahi Bush Axe, and would love to hear some feedback from the clver folk on this fine site who would use such an item.

Here are my thoughts which I have already sent to Tuatahi, would welcome any feedback I can pass onto them.
And if they can make something to suit, maybe we can set up a group buy? If we can get together 10 buyers I'm sure they would make it work, and we'd have the world's best bush axe...

This type of axe is quite common overseas, but there don't seem to be any NZ made options.

I have done a lot of thinking about this topic, and over the weekend did a lot of reading which backed up my original thoughts.
BTW, the Finnish and Japanese designs are closest to my way of thinking...

The basic brief would be:

A light, accurate tool with the emphasis on balance rather than heavy chopping power.

Uses: cutting dead wood (ie manuka, pine etc) for making fires.
Splitting small wood for fire making.
Felling small live trees less than about 6" diameter
Cutting saplings for trail clearing, campsite clearing, limbing branches from larger dead trees for firewood, making stakes to be used in shelter building.

This axe would be of interest to people who take a day pack for hunting, fishing or tramping, but the weather closes in and it's necessary to quickly make camp. It's light and handy enough to carry in a day pack, and means a large knife does not need to be carried also.
In this "survival" scenario it is used to cut small trees and branches to make shelter, split firewood etc. With the bearded shape you can hold it behind the head and use it like a big knife to cut rope or large flax etc for shelter building.

Skinning and game processing:
For small game it can be used to cut off rabbits' feet and head before skinning etc.
Could also be used for helping to skin larger game like deer and goats, breaking bones, cartilage, sinews etc, and those heavier jobs normally done with a large knife.

Axe head:

head weight 700- 1000g max

The head has a bearded shape, deep notched to allow the axe to be held right behind the head and used for smaller tasks such as whittling points on stakes, small carving jobs, stripping bark off stakes etc.

Cutting edge approx 5" , fairly straight edge.
This axe can double up and take over some of the duties of a large knife when held right behind the head.
The poll is tempered, and squared off for small hammering duties, like knocking in tent pegs or small stakes for shelter building.

handle length 19" (mainly for single handed use, but long enough for two handed use occasionally for felling a larger tree or cutting firewood) This length allows it to be put into a day pack, or strapped to the outside. Light enough to carry tramping, hunting, fishing etc (I would also suggest offering this same axe head with a shorter (14") handle, as a hatchet, for people who really want to keep it light and portable.

Handle has a prominent end knob for good grip.
Handle just below head has enough thickness to provide strength against twisting (ie when splitting tough wood you can twist and wiggle the head and it won't snap)
But not so thick you can't wrap your hand around it, for using when doing finer work holding the axe right behind the head.
Some subtle knurling just behind the head to improve grip when hands are wet and slippery.
Handle is fairly straight for more accurate cutting.

These are just my brief thoughts, but I think you could find a very good market both in NZ and overseas for an axe like this.
Using Tuatahi's great reputation for racing and work axes, and combining in some features to suit the outdoors people (and there are lots of those in NZ) these type of products would open up a whole new market for you I think.
After all, every good kiwi bloke man should have a reliable small axe than can turn it's hand to many jobs, small enough to carry on a tramp or a hunt.Attachment 167869Attachment 167868

I’d be up for one, closer to the Finnish style, no knurling on handle? I’ve had two of their work axes, the handles are excellent.


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@MSL
I will be hopefully be bringing in some of these D - with next Tent import from Siberia (Spring arrival)
Our mate on the Coast got his name on one already

Attachment 167871

Attachment 167872

Attachment 167873

I’ll take one like the 1st photo. I’d still like a tuatahi one aswell though


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Yeah, like that first one Sarvo. Any indication of price point?

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Originally Posted by ubique

Yeah, like that first one Sarvo. Any indication of price point?

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Not cheap and no quick ETA
He makes all to order so he told my wife and wont be pushed
I will get back on here when have something more concrete to show.

I'd be on for a Tuatahi or 2 potentially... I think you are right about a slightly longer hander for the camp axe and a shorter lighter package for a genuine carry axe. Would prefer more traditional shape rather than excessive bearding.. but I have seen some that I really like... the second one of Sarvos from the top is not bad. I would contour out the inside notch closest to the handle I reckon..

Might be on for one of yours too Sarvo..

I have a bit of a thing for axes, and knives and rifles and bows and bikes and boats...... ah shit...

Ok thanks everyone, I'll pass the feedback onto Tuatahi. The axes that Sarvo showed are the kind of thing I want. I think the Japanese beard is a bit too much, the Finnish / Siberian design is more what I'm looking for. This is a very common design in Finland, Russia, and other places in the frozen north. The Finns never really used saws at all in their logging (except for cross cutting) so they were masters in axe design and axe work. They had dozens of axe types for different roles, but every man had his own general purpose axe.

there is a seller on trade me from nelson who sells smaller axes .... and I believe they are locally made ... and example in the link , check his other listings for other options .

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...5?bof=6guJaJdB

look like excellent quality and could probably make to suit whatever is required .

Have you had a look at the Dragonhawk by Black Dragon Forge?

@Gruffle you have any idea of price if you get 10 buyers?


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I think the Norwegian Kvisteøks is what you are looking for.
Bearded Axes look neat but unless you are hewing beams,the beard is pointless.

A Kvisteøks literally (branch-axe) is for limbing a fallen tree ,felling small trees and chopping out face cuts.It has enough weight to be useful and chops well above its weight.I use one for driving felling wedges at work and it's perfect.

The Grunsfors forest axe is a bit light as a general purpose axe. Here is a GB side by side with a Kvisteøks, both are the same lengte but have a different shaped head.

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Great project and I think your specs are pretty much on the mark.

Follows is a picture of a tomahawk I carried for over 30 years of "armed tramping" . It weights 1120gms complete, and the handle measures 600mm - which is a bit longer than desirable, but allows it to cut like a bigger axe. I reckon this wee chap saved our lives one very difficult afternoon in deep Fiordland when all three of us in a party got hypothermic - somehow we realised (mostly you don't, which is why hypothermia gets so many people) what was happening and were able to warm our way out of it with a big fire provided by the wee tomahawk.

Attachment 167880

I meant to mention that this tomahawk has been in my possession for about 50 years (I do recall the day I'd saved enough pocket money to buy it) It must be on at least its 5th ot 6th handle, and this illustrates a point that the handle must be able to be either obtained or made long after the initial sale.

Also, yes I can see the point of a bearded type, but the thickness and temper of the blade then needs a lot more consideration than is normal in an "off the shelf" tool.

If you can stay close to the original brief and at the heavier end of your scale, count me in. Thanks

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Originally Posted by Ftx325

there is a seller on trade me from nelson who sells smaller axes .... and I believe they are locally made ... and example in the link , check his other listings for other options .

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...5?bof=6guJaJdB

look like excellent quality and could probably make to suit whatever is required .

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That looks good buying
The ones I looking at would be 100$ up on that at least and long timeframe to secure
But prob a bigger variety (I wont put up more pics as might not get off the ground like the Gaiters :-(

Had their work axe for a while now and just come back from a trip (it showed up just in time!!) Using their smaller camp axe.

The smaller camp axe savaged through dead manuka 4-6 hits to get through 25yr old manuka (yes it was definitely dead being on doc land)

It has a small 'beard' enough to catch the back of your fingers if you holding the handle under the head and let the backs of your finger touch it, it will draw blood (even without you noticinf) and as with the big boy, it came sharp enough to shave and shiny enough to use as a mirror

When I ordered k8ne I mentioned putting a longer handle on it, they didn't seem that keen. Quite glad actually as it fits inside my bag nicely as it is

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Originally Posted by 223nut

Had their work axe for a while now and just come back from a trip (it showed up just in time!!) Using their smaller camp axe.

The smaller camp axe savaged through dead manuka 4-6 hits to get through 25yr old manuka (yes it was definitely dead being on doc land)

It has a small 'beard' enough to catch the back of your fingers if you holding the handle under the head and let the backs of your finger touch it, it will draw blood (even without you noticinf) and as with the big boy, it came sharp enough to shave and shiny enough to use as a mirror

When I ordered k8ne I mentioned putting a longer handle on it, they didn't seem that keen. Quite glad actually as it fits inside my bag nicely as it is

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Who's Axe @223nut ??

Great story Tentman, exactly why I think people out in the bush should carry a small axe, it might save your life one day....And always good to see quality stuff getting used well and not being chucked out when it breaks. 5 decades for an axe is nice going! I like to buy stuff that's good quality, repairable, and will see me out.
I think overall weight of around 1.1 - 1.2kg max is suitable for this type of axe. Any heavier and you don't want to carry it. Plus a 1kg head is way too heavy for a handle of 14- 18". So I think the head is going to have to come in around 600g max, which leaves about 600 for the handle. Has to be balanced and not stress your wrist with a too heavy head when using one handed

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Originally Posted by mimms2

I would be interested to know if tutahi cast their own heads or what...

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Yes they make them from scratch

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Originally Posted by berg243

just bought a eastwing tomahawk for possuming , would have been better if it had a hammer piece instead of the spike but will be taking it on overnight hunting trips for firewood gathering as its fairly light.

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...6e6367c057.jpg
I used one of these when trapping, very handy


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Perfect for setting traps into the ground


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Originally Posted by terryf

Have you had a look at the Dragonhawk by Black Dragon Forge?

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That is a wicked looking weapon, I'd be afraid of stabbing myself in the face on the backswing....

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Originally Posted by Ftx325

there is a seller on trade me from nelson who sells smaller axes .... and I believe they are locally made ... and example in the link , check his other listings for other options .

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...5?bof=6guJaJdB

look like excellent quality and could probably make to suit whatever is required .

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Yeah I have seen these, they look pretty close to what I want Tuatahi to make. At 1.7kg and 23" handle I think maybe a bit heavy though. I like the head shape though. I'd want something with a bit shorter handle, and a lighter head, all up weight not more than about 1.2kg. Because he is regrinding axe heads from probably old school felling axes, they are pretty chunky to start with. But he does a nice job and it looks like a sweet little axe

These guys have nice quality little axes too ;

https://piranhatools.co.nz/collections/handsaws

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Originally Posted by Gruffle

That is a wicked looking weapon, I'd be afraid of stabbing myself in the face on the backswing....

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at only 600 grams its surprisingly easy to control.

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Originally Posted by Buzo

These guys have nice quality little axes too ;

https://piranhatools.co.nz/collections/handsaws

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Hi Buzo, yep the Hultafors hunting axe: https://piranhatools.co.nz/collectio...-axe-hultafors is pretty much what I am looking for from Tuatahi. The handle length and weight is about right, I'd like a bit more beard so that the cutting edge can be longer and still keep the weight down so the head is around 600g. Then total weight about 1-1.1kg

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Originally Posted by kukuwai

@Gruffle you have any idea of price if you get 10 buyers?


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I first need to get them to make a prototype or 2 - if they will do it. If they do, I'll post pics and specs of the proposed item and then we can all have a look and see who's keen...

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Originally Posted by norsk

I think the Norwegian Kvisteøks is what you are looking for.
Bearded Axes look neat but unless you are hewing beams,the beard is pointless.

A Kvisteøks literally (branch-axe) is for limbing a fallen tree ,felling small trees and chopping out face cuts.It has enough weight to be useful and chops well above its weight.I use one for driving felling wedges at work and it's perfect.

The Grunsfors forest axe is a bit light as a general purpose axe. Here is a GB side by side with a Kvisteøks, both are the same lengte but have a different shaped head.

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I googled Kvisteøks but it just came back with a translation "twig axe"....But I can see what you mean, it's a very typical style of axe in that part of the world. For a general purpose axe it's great, but I think it's going to be too heavy for something you can chuck in a day pack or for a couple night's camp where you need a small axe / hatchet just to make a fire or build quick emergency shelter. I reckon there is a great opportunity for Tuatahi to make at least 2 or 3 different axes.
1. Small axe, 48-50cm handle, total weight 1.2kg max, light enough to carry but chops well enough to make short work of wrist / arm thickness dead wood for fires or live wood for shelter. Can double up on some large knife duties
2. Using the same head, a hatchet with about 35-40cm handle, for those who really want to reduce weight, less than 1kg.
3. a general purpose "forest axe" like your Kvisteøks. This one would need a larger, heavier head of around 1 kg. Handle 58-63cm. Can be used around the house / property for firewood processing, limbing, or to be taken on camp when there is only a short walk or drive in. Something similar to their existing "camp axe" but maybe a bit lighter head. What weight is your Kvisteøks And handle length? Looks like about 58- 60cm?

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Originally Posted by 223nut

Had their work axe for a while now and just come back from a trip (it showed up just in time!!) Using their smaller camp axe.

The smaller camp axe savaged through dead manuka 4-6 hits to get through 25yr old manuka (yes it was definitely dead being on doc land)

It has a small 'beard' enough to catch the back of your fingers if you holding the handle under the head and let the backs of your finger touch it, it will draw blood (even without you noticinf) and as with the big boy, it came sharp enough to shave and shiny enough to use as a mirror

When I ordered k8ne I mentioned putting a longer handle on it, they didn't seem that keen. Quite glad actually as it fits inside my bag nicely as it is

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Haha, yeah they are sharp buggers alright, and by all accounts cut like a laser. Hands as well as wood....Which is why I'd like a bit of a beard or notch so you can hold it right behind the head and not risk losing a digit

Just heard back from Tuatahi, apparently the team is looking into it. I will try and get someone there to sign up on this forum, then they can answer any questions direct. But they are pretty busy making axes, so we'll just see what happens. I am totally happy to relay any feedback from here.
Also just wanted to clarify, the main purpose (IMO) for the bearded shape is to reduce weight but still retain a decent cutting edge length.
From my research, it seems that the original point of the beard was that when they first started making iron (and probably bronze before that) axes 1000s of years ago, was to reduce the amount of metal needed and keep the larger cutting edge.
Because iron and metals then were so incredibly precious, it made sense to use as little as possible. The bearded shape allows much less use of metal.
And it has the happy side effect of reducing weight, and lowering the centre of gravity lower down the haft, for improved cutting efficiency.

If we remember our 5th form physics, a lighter object moving faster has more momentum or force than a heavier object moving slower, or something like that...

For all these reasons, bearded axes appear to have greater cutting efficiency than the standard basic wedge shape axe design that we are used to, which is more like the American felling axe.
As usual, traditional designs honed over 1000s of years that have passed the test of time have survived for a reason.
Nowadays, steel is cheap, so you can just make a big ole heavy axe head. As long as you don't need to walk around for days carrying it, that's fine. But if you need to carry it, I want the best cutting performance with the lowest weight

Never thought I would have learned so much about axes...

This is mine. Not much of an axe.Attachment 167987 It came with me from Africa and must be over a century old now.

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Originally Posted by Gruffle

Hi Buzo, yep the Hultafors hunting axe: https://piranhatools.co.nz/collectio...-axe-hultafors is pretty much what I am looking for from Tuatahi. The handle length and weight is about right, I'd like a bit more beard so that the cutting edge can be longer and still keep the weight down so the head is around 600g. Then total weight about 1-1.1kg

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You guys may not know that Hultafors / Hults Bruk apparently make the wood-handled Husqvarna axes as well. Look at the 'Carpenter Axe' and 'Limbing Axe' here: https://www.husqvarna.com/nz/parts-a...st-tools-axes/ Pretty good pricing when they come with the Husqvarna name! Might suit some here - I'd get one myself except that I don't have enough use for the axe I already have.

I have exactly those two.. The carpenters is 510mm load and weighs 1320gram. Little heavy for a carry axe but a good length. The limbing axe is lighter by 100grams but a bit long at 65cm.

Attachment 167988

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Originally Posted by Sidney

I have exactly those two.. The carpenters is 510mm load and weighs 1320gram. Little heavy for a carry axe but a good length. The limbing axe is lighter by 100grams but a bit long at 65cm.

Attachment 167988

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An hour tidying up the profile of the cutting edge
And sand down the handles a bit and refinish with boiled linseed oil and the Husqvarna axes are great value for money

Yes the limbing axe is the one to carry in the bush
But the carpenters axe is very handy on remote building sites and around the farm

Pick out the axe with the most vertical grain in the handle through the head
Avoid ones with cross grain through the head

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Originally Posted by Sidney

I'd be on for a Tuatahi or 2 potentially... I think you are right about a slightly longer hander for the camp axe and a shorter lighter package for a genuine carry axe. Would prefer more traditional shape rather than excessive bearding.. but I have seen some that I really like... the second one of Sarvos from the top is not bad. I would contour out the inside notch closest to the handle I reckon..

Might be on for one of yours too Sarvo..

I have a bit of a thing for axes, and knives and rifles and bows and bikes and boats...... ah shit...

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Sidney, you have caught "The affliction ". Don't expect a Dr to be able to resolve this issue for you. And do expect a bunch of mates to come around, hoping to catch it off you:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by PaulNZ

You guys may not know that Hultafors / Hults Bruk apparently make the wood-handled Husqvarna axes as well. Look at the 'Carpenter Axe' and 'Limbing Axe' here: https://www.husqvarna.com/nz/parts-a...st-tools-axes/ Pretty good pricing when they come with the Husqvarna name! Might suit some here - I'd get one myself except that I don't have enough use for the axe I already have.

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yep I have heard that too. The huskies are pretty good apparently, just need a bit of finishing of the handles maybe and the hanging may not always be spot on

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Originally Posted by Sidney

I have exactly those two.. The carpenters is 510mm load and weighs 1320gram. Little heavy for a carry axe but a good length. The limbing axe is lighter by 100grams but a bit long at 65cm.

Attachment 167988

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yep, 1 would like to have the handle no longer than 48-50cm, overall weight 1.1kg max for carrying in a day pack. After all, if it's too heavy you don't want to carry it. The best tool is the one you have....

Tuatahi have just released a new Camp Axe..... Looks good too!

https://www.tuatahiaxes.com/copy-of-work-axes

I found an Old smaller axe head in the old blacksmiths workshop. Cleaned, hammered,filed and polished it up. fitted a new $40.00 Hickory handle and Voila.
There it was 1 head 1 handle "Great Grandads Axe"....