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

Pinning won't stop the head working loose, it will stop it flying off if it does come loose though. But, if it's loose you shouldn't be using the thing so... It's a little different with a race axe and swinging the thing with passion in front of a stand of spectators - you need the safety factor in that instance and only using top grade wood in the handles that costs as much as the head etc etc.

The pinning is an option on the full size axes, I'd say if you ordered one you could get it pinned no problem and then you won't have to worry.

On the subject of handles, who has a decent stop of the good ones - like the imported Columbia brand from the states? They have a decent size to the haft so they can actually be shaped down enough to fit a full size head like a Plumb, Kelly or Hytest... I used to get them from the local emporium store but they've run out, and the local hardware shops like Mitre10 seem to just have the locally made ones that are 90cm handles with a haft that fits a hatchet head. It's a bit ridiculous, I have never seen an axe head with an eye that small (45mm by 16mm) even the imported stuff. The outfit that makes them has shaped them way too much, should have left them a straight oval rather than taking them down to the tiny oval they are now. Not that bad as handles in terms of timber grain too...

Originally Posted by NZ32

Mine is not pinned, assuming it a production model. Would not be hard to do it you were worried about it, thinking of doing mine but see how it goes

Interesting, seems like that's the only change from my prototype. Pinning is probably overkill on an axe like this. More of a last ditch safety to stop the head flying off. Highly unlikely that would happen on such a small axe where the chopping shock is magnitudes lower than a heavy race or work axe.

Well in a fit of internet fuelled hysteria I ordered myself one too. Looking forward to trying it out.

Also for those who also want a saw, these are 113g. Good for the backpack to cut a sneaky sniping spot.
https://www.gubba.co.nz/cutting-tools/moku-folding-saw/

Originally Posted by No.3

Pinning won't stop the head working loose, it will stop it flying off if it does come loose though. But, if it's loose you shouldn't be using the thing so... It's a little different with a race axe and swinging the thing with passion in front of a stand of spectators - you need the safety factor in that instance and only using top grade wood in the handles that costs as much as the head etc etc.

The pinning is an option on the full size axes, I'd say if you ordered one you could get it pinned no problem and then you won't have to worry.

On the subject of handles, who has a decent stop of the good ones - like the imported Columbia brand from the states? They have a decent size to the haft so they can actually be shaped down enough to fit a full size head like a Plumb, Kelly or Hytest... I used to get them from the local emporium store but they've run out, and the local hardware shops like Mitre10 seem to just have the locally made ones that are 90cm handles with a haft that fits a hatchet head. It's a bit ridiculous, I have never seen an axe head with an eye that small (45mm by 16mm) even the imported stuff. The outfit that makes them has shaped them way too much, should have left them a straight oval rather than taking them down to the tiny oval they are now. Not that bad as handles in terms of timber grain too...

@No.3 check out Leech Wood Products in Christchurch
Email or ring the guy, contact details on the website. I got ten 32” handles off them. Better than any thing I’ve seen for a while.
Unsure if they do 36” handles or not. Good imported hickory.
Think I paid about $30 plus gst each
Could probably send you one if you like.

He sells them to a few hardware stores in the South Island.

Originally Posted by McNotty

@No.3 check out Leech Wood Products in Christchurch
Email or ring the guy, contact details on the website. I got ten 32” handles off them. Better than any thing I’ve seen for a while.
Unsure if they do 36” handles or not. Good imported hickory.
Think I paid about $30 plus gst each
Could probably send you one if you like.

He sells them to a few hardware stores in the South Island.

Attachment 226211

Cheers, I've forwarded Leech Wood Products to Tuatahi, perhaps they can sharpen their pricing with better priced handles

Originally Posted by McNotty

@No.3 check out Leech Wood Products in Christchurch
Email or ring the guy, contact details on the website. I got ten 32” handles off them. Better than any thing I’ve seen for a while.
Unsure if they do 36” handles or not. Good imported hickory.
Think I paid about $30 plus gst each
Could probably send you one if you like.

He sells them to a few hardware stores in the South Island.

Attachment 226211

@McNotty, can you measure the haft of your handles where it fits the eye of the axe head? I need 65x22mm oval basically... Cheers!

Originally Posted by No.3

@McNotty, can you measure the haft of your handles where it fits the eye of the axe head? I need 65x22mm oval basically... Cheers!

@No.3 I’ve fitted these on Kelly’s, Hytest, Plumb, GBA. Plenty of meat on them. They’re a proper full size handle.

Originally Posted by Gruffle

I have no idea, didn't even notice it myself. There is certainly nothing like that on my axe, and I think extremely unlikely they'd release a product with an obvious flaw. In my experience with them I've never had an issue with quality, they seem to be very fastidious. Not fast, but fastidious...

I think you will find that the line is the transition in the heat treatment (ie a quench line). The eye will be softer than the edge for improved toughness.

Tuatahi have just launched the Trapper. It's much lighter and more portable than the Camp and Work axes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eHZW4ndV1I&t=5s It's a stunning-looking axe!

I purchased one a few weeks ago and must say it is a quality wee axe. The communication from the team at Tuatahi is excellent as well

more photos needed...

Originally Posted by Kaz

Tuatahi have just launched the Trapper. It's much lighter and more portable than the Camp and Work axes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eHZW4ndV1I&t=5s It's a stunning-looking axe!

You work there?


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I've done a few hours as a contractor and fallen in love with their axes. I've even been axe throwing and will certainly be going again. I'm just trying to decide which axe to buy for myself.

Originally Posted by McNotty

@No.3 check out Leech Wood Products in Christchurch
Email or ring the guy, contact details on the website. I got ten 32” handles off them. Better than any thing I’ve seen for a while.
Unsure if they do 36” handles or not. Good imported hickory.
Think I paid about $30 plus gst each
Could probably send you one if you like.

He sells them to a few hardware stores in the South Island.

Attachment 226211

Ended up getting one of their handles, it's a little on the p grain wise but acceptable all the same. Passed the strength test, I used my 12t press to snug the handle home after a slight trim and when I got it to the right position fully home the handle pinged and the thing took a 30deg bend to the side! Good time to remember that I forgot to fit the support before I pressed it...