A Remarkable Tool

At first sight the hatchet does not look like the most useful tool ever made, but upon a closer look it is an extraordinary asset that can prove useful in a great many fields. Most people think that the hatchet is just a miniature axe and that it’s only purpose is to split a few pieces of kindling, but the hatchet can be used to build shelters, crack ice, and even cut down good sized trees. Hatchets have been used for hundreds of years and to this day they remain a favorite backwoodsmen tool. I received my hatchet on my birthday and still it remains one of my favorite gifts. I have used it on a great many occasions. Every year at Christmas time, my family and I make it our tradition to use our hatchets to cut down the tree and although it may not be as quick as using an electric saw, there is no better thrill than swinging that beautiful blade and digging it into the wood of that special tree. I like hatchets even better than axes because they are not as heavy, they are portable and easy to use, however, axes do have certain advantages, they are larger and heavier than hatchets, meaning that they can handle more substantial logs and trees. In contrast though, hatchets can be thrown because of their shape and light weight and can be carried easily. Most hatchets have blunt ends that can act as hammers, however they are not used nearly as much as the blade. Once dull, a Hatchet can be sharpened just like a knife, and after being sharpened they are just as, if not more sharp. Once, my Dad and I were working on sharpening my hatchet and I thought that the blade was dull and cut my thumb deeply, I learned that you never want to underestimate a blade, dull as it may seem. The hatchet is a truly unique tool that has potential far beyond what meets the eye, although my favorite thing about it is that it lasts if you take care of it, and can be passed down for many generations.