JF-00023 · filed under the-hoard. One find a week; this was the week's.
Why I kept it
I kept it for the single-piece head-and-handle and the grip that actually looks hand-finished, not a rubber sleeve.
The catch, up front
It is a short hatchet for kindling and camp chores, not a full splitting axe for big rounds.
The numbers
- Size — 12 in overall
- Cutting edge — 2-3/4 in (tempered)
- Material — One-piece American steel, leather grip
- In the box — Ballistic nylon sheath with belt loop
- Origin — Made in USA (Rockford, IL)
Questions people actually ask
Is this a full-size splitting axe?
No. It is a 12-inch hatchet meant for kindling, trimming, and light camp work, not big rounds.
Does the sheath stay on during carry?
It is a snug nylon sheath with a belt loop; check the snap or retention before you hike with it on your belt.
Do I need to sharpen it out of the box?
It arrives hand-sharpened per the listing, but you should hone it before hard use and touch it up as the edge dulls.
Why are Color and Size both listed as 12 inches?
The listing mislabels length as Color; there is only one configuration in this listing.
The verdict
Kept. $66, free US shipping in the price, and the catch above is real — if it puts you off, this is not your find. See JF-00023 in the shop.