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

Thanks for the update and perseverance Gruffle

It'll be worth the wait!

If you guys are looking for small custom axes, check out the Soloblacksmith.com. Auckland based blacksmith that does hand forged axes. The website has a few green woodworking axes that meets the original authors specs. Or can be made custom

Excited for this and look forward to them being available. Hopefully soon.

Yeah I hope not too long. I have no complaints at all with mine, but it really needs a cover. It is so sharp it'll tear up the inside of your back pack, or hands if you make a wrong move. Hopefully they'll have covers sourced soon. It'll be sold together with cover.

Could be wrong but I believe they out source the current cover making

Originally Posted by 223nut

Could be wrong but I believe they out source the current cover making

They do. I interacted directly with them when I bought my Working axe from them to get a slightly modified cover.

Originally Posted by 223nut

Could be wrong but I believe they out source the current cover making

yep definitely outsourced. I guess they'll ask their existing outfit but have not discussed this with them in any detail. I had a look on aliexpress to see if I could buy a cheapie in the interim, but they look like total crap, PU shite. I buy a bit of stuff off aliexpress, some of it's great value, some not. If cheap enough it's worth a spin of the roulette wheel

OK, so Tuatahi told me today they're launching the small axe in June. Just in time for winter

Nearly 2 years in the making and still no pics you axe guys are special all right

Don’t worry about it, everyone got hypothermia waiting and won’t require an axe now.

Originally Posted by Gruffle

OK, so Tuatahi told me today they're launching the small axe in June. Just in time for winter

Im reminded of the episode of two n a half men..charlie writing ditty,gets imput from young un...and the buyer goes with origonal crap version alan liked that sucked....
one hopes they have listened to feed back and produce something good and not cheapest to make....
June...but which June???

Yeah it's been a while alright

OK folks here it is, 2 years later....
The Tuatahi Trapper.

It's not on their website yet, but they have the axes in stock and ready to go.
I did ask about a group buy, but they said they can't lower the price, and apparently it's the expense of the hickory handles which is the reason for this.
If anyone has a source of wood that's good for axe handles they're keen to know about it.
But anyway, here's the details:
We have two handle lengths, normal length is 49cm total length including the axe head, and the longer version is 60cm total length including the axe head.

They both come standard with an axe cover and are prices as follows (Excluding 15% GST):

1 x Trapper axe with 49cm hickory handle + axe cover = $385.00 + Delivery + 15% GST

1 x Trapper axe with 60cm hickory handle + axe cover = $385.00 + Delivery + 15% GST

The version I have is the 49cm one, and I find it ideal for fitting into a back pack but still long enough for two-handed chopping when required.
The weight of mine is just a tad over 1kg, and with it's relatively long blade due to the bearded design, the chopping power is impressive.
I compared it with a small cheapo (but sharp) axe I have of the same weight, and there's no comparison.
The bearded design gives a much bigger blade area without adding weight, and I can easily choke up on the handle right behind the blade with no fear of cutting fingers.
So there you have it, if you want to buy one just send them an email, because it's not been added to their shopping cart yet: tuatahi.axes@actrix.co.nz
BTW I don't know how many they have in stock, first in first served I guess....
I'll post some more pics of my own axe tomorrow when it's daylight, and if anyone has questions just fire away

Whats the dark line circled in red ? Could this be a potential weak point ? No hate genuinely curious what has caused this blemish in what is otherwise a very nicely finished and well thought out axe.