The lowest cost hatchet Ive ever seen (and then I improved it)

Over the weekend I bought the lowest priced hatchet Ive seen in a long time. But boy was it dull. So I sharpened it and made a sheath.

Im attaching a video a video of the before and after sharpness.

















This is how the sharpening improved the edge. (Click link below)

sharness video

Then I made a leather sheath.









I dont know how well it will hold an edge but for now its at least sharper than when I started.

That's great. I'd love to hear about how the edge holds up after some use.

Did you get any wood cut that day?
Amazing to see it not even sharpened at the start.

On the topic of selling an unsharpened hatchet

I can't swear an oath with right hand atop a copy of Horace Kepharts Woodcraft,,,,,,,,, but my PawPaw told me these are best used for splitting,  not for cutting, and the blunt edge is intentionally provided

That was almost 60 years ago. Anyone else with facts, as a contrast to my folklore?

Nice job!

And definitely worth the price!




Eric

I don't get the sheath part.
Does that stay attached?
If not, how is it removed?

You have been a bad influence.  I just bought one.   I need a new handle on my old one. Of course, this is cheaper than the handle.  Besides, I can carve a wood one from hickory.

Very cool, congrats!

The sharpness video is hilarious! Never seen that kind of improvement...

I have a friend from Bolivia and one of his most vivid childhood memories is his grandfather creating a knife from a broken piece of an automotive leaf spring!

Your sheath choice is interesting and non-intuitive.

Can you elaborate on your choice (obv based on experience) and maybe a short vid on the unsheathing process?

Thanks!
JP