This is an initial review\first impression of Helko of Germany's Camping Hatchet from their Classic Line. If you're not familiar with Helko, please check our recent review of their Vario 2000 Convertible Axe, which also explains more about their company history.
Specifications
Drop Forged C45 Steel, RC 55-56
Ash Handle
Advertised head weight- 1.1lbs (actual weight about 1.4lbs)
Advertised Length- 13.8 inches (this one measured in at 14.25 inches)
Weight without sheath- 25.6 ounces (as measured on a digital postal scale)
Weight with sheath- 26.7 ounces
Price- $47.30
Warranty- 5 years
Country of Origin- Made in Germany
Ash Handle
Advertised head weight- 1.1lbs (actual weight about 1.4lbs)
Advertised Length- 13.8 inches (this one measured in at 14.25 inches)
Weight without sheath- 25.6 ounces (as measured on a digital postal scale)
Weight with sheath- 26.7 ounces
Price- $47.30
Warranty- 5 years
Country of Origin- Made in Germany
The hatchet comes with a thin, riveted leather sheath along with a small foldout brochure which explains Helko's history, type of steel, and the 5 year warranty.
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The sheath has two belt loop slits 1.5 inches wide. I did try it on a thinner belt and it held the hatchet fairly secure, though only field testing will tell if it actually stays put when brushing against tree limbs and bushes, etc.
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Rear view of the sheath:
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The head comes highly polished, which is very unusual for a hatchet in this price range.
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Handle/Grain
The handle is made from Ash and the grain is definitely less than optimal, but not the worst I've seen either. On hatchets, grain direction is generally not as much of a problem as compared to axes, since they aren't subjected to as much force during the swing. The handle is also covered with a thin lacquer.
Alignment
The alignment on this hatchet is almost perfect, though the end of the handle was milled slightly uneven.
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A better shot of the alignment vs the end of the handle:
The head is pinned to the haft with a traditional wooden wedge and reinforced with a round metal wedge. There is a small gap at the front of the eye, but overall it seems to be held together securely.
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Size Comparison between other hatchets
Here's the Helko next to a rebranded Wetterlings Wildlife Hatchet. The Helko is 14.25" long compared to the Wetterlings which is 12.5". Helko lists the head as weighing 1.1lbs, but I think the weight is actually 1.4lbs, since it's 3 ounces heavier than the 1.25lb Wetterlings.
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The Camp hatchet next to Helko's Vario 2000 Convertible Hatchet:
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Edge Profile
The edge profile is slightly thicker than the Wetterlings, but not too bad either. Before field testing it, I plan to hit it with a file and sharpening stone to thin it out slightly.
(Helko is on the left)
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The overall profile looks good for splitting as well.
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Conclusion
Helko's Camp Hatchet looks very promising for the price. A highly polished head, German quality and a 5 year warranty all for under $50 bucks. No, the sheath isn't that great, but for this price, most traditional hatchets don't even come with a sheath. Also, the handle is varnished, but luckily, it's thin and should come off with only 5 minutes worth of scraping with a knife (or sanding it off with sandpaper) if you want to put linseed oil on it instead. The edge will need some work to make it razor sharp, but the overall profile is good so it shouldn't take too long to bring it up to par.
About the author
Jason Schwartz is the founder and senior editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is a former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and has taught bushcraft and wilderness survival techniques to the Boy Scouts of America, interned with the US Forest Service, and studied wilderness survival, forestry and wildland firefighting at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville, Colorado. Jason has also written for magazines such as The New Pioneer and Backpacker, including writing the "Tinder Finder" portion of Backpacker's "Complete Guide to Fire," which won a 2015 National Magazine Award (NMA). Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)
Jason Schwartz is the founder and senior editor of Rocky Mountain Bushcraft. He is a former Red Cross certified Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor, and has taught bushcraft and wilderness survival techniques to the Boy Scouts of America, interned with the US Forest Service, and studied wilderness survival, forestry and wildland firefighting at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville, Colorado. Jason has also written for magazines such as The New Pioneer and Backpacker, including writing the "Tinder Finder" portion of Backpacker's "Complete Guide to Fire," which won a 2015 National Magazine Award (NMA). Email him at rockymountainbushcraft @ hotmail.com (without spaces)