Gransfors Bruks Mini Hatchet 410

A Mini Hatchet for Mini Big Jobs

The small stature of this hatchet does everything the big boys do but in miniature. And that just happens to be many camp chores and daily outdoor tasks where one might draw their knife and wish it were bigger.

Chopping wood with a 90 degree weighted head is much nicer than a fixed blade knife where the heft of the blade is distributed throughout the tool rather than mostly on the business end that does the work.

In fact, it is quite shocking just how well the GB Mini chops through wood. A combination of factors seem to have intersected at this form factor giving this Mini a chopping prowess well above its pay grade. By focusing the force of the chop on a small area with a similar dimensionality as the highly proven larger GB hatchets and axes, the Mini motors through a tree quite quickly but at a smaller profile.

I've gutted fish with the Mini and it works just fine for the task. Shaping wood? The Mini does it in its sleep. Kindling? All day long! But if you want to quarter some rounds, um, that too would be all day long, but not in a good way.

Ahh, the price. Yes, ouch. But for less than the price of an average Benchmade, you can buy one snow tire, rent a truck for a day, get a cheap rifle scope for your kid, or buy a family heirloom Mini axe that will go everywhere with you.

My only issue with this GB Mini Hatchet is that it retains the same combination bit cover/belt loop except being the mini, the loop made by the leather strap that encircles the bit only fits narrow thin belts. Larger hatchets, larger belts. But this guy only grabs belts under an inch wide.

GB also eliminated the lanyard hole common to their other small (and large) hatchets. I guess they don't think the Mini is big enough to fly away.

I carried the Mini almost every day of hunting season, and found it valuable in ways I wouldn't have thought of. Like quietly chopping the ice off the log in one of my natural blinds. Or stripping a pesky branch of little twigs that impaired my sight or were too close to my face. And then there is the rib cage splitting and quartering. If your hands are freezing, chopping is much easier than sawing.

The 3/4 lb total weight and diminutive size makes tossing the Mini in your pack every time for everywhere an absolute no brainier. For the weight of a single can of beer (or Coke if you are under age), you can have a world-class chopping machine with a rediciously high resale value.

So if I lost my Mini would I buy another one? Absolutely, but since they rarely seem available, I might just by the next one I see, you know, just in case.

Cute as a button

I know that is not a way to describe an axe but that was the first thing that came to my mind. It is hard to tell the size from the pictures. After owning the wild life I had to buy this one. I carry it around with me all over my yard. It will handle pretty anything I use it for except for the large trunks. Again sharpness from the manufacturer is unsurpassed. Highly recommended.