Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang Hatchet Review

The Schrade company dates back to 1904 but was sold around 20 years ago, and now it belongs to Taylor Brands LLC. These days, Schrade provides an array of outdoor equipment, knives, and axes. One, in particular, is the Scaxe10 Full Tang hatchet, which we’ll be taking an in-depth look at today. It’s been on my wishlist for a while during my search for the perfect backpacking hatchet. The specifications are:

• Item dimensions: ‎12.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches
• Country of origin: China
• Item weight: 1.5lbs
• Handle material: TPR rubber
• Axe head material: Stainless steel

What We Like

When opening the package, several things are apparent. The first is how sharp the stainless steel blade is. The cutting edge is ready to go immediately without any sharpening. The second thing I noticed is how well-balanced it is. The powder-coated steel tang blade is ideal for chopping firewood, and the hammer pommel is great for campers to use for hammering tent stakes.  One of the biggest benefits to the Schrade full-tang hatchet is its simplicity, and it’s uncomplicated with no unnecessary parts that could need replacing.

Whether splitting wood, felling small branches, or cutting meat, the hatchet is easy to grip. I found  the ergonomic black TPR rubber grip provides excellent grip.  The powder-coated blade prevents this small axe from being stuck; overall, it is easy to wield, and if you want an extra razor-sharp edge, you can spend a few minutes sharpening it with a whetstone, but this is certainly one of the sharper blades before you even do anything with it.

The overall length of the Schrade Scaxe10 is just 11 inches, and it weighs around a pound and a half, meaning you’ll barely notice it in your kit bag.  Its small size makes it perfect as a camp axe or even a survival hatchet for your bug-out bag.

This is a nice little hatchet with a high-quality full tang design. Additionally, you’ll also have a convenient black thermoplastic belt sheath to attach the hatchet to your backpack, or you can use the durable lanyard cord. What surprised me is how affordable it is without sacrificing quality. You can expect to pay just $25, but the axe head is made of reliable 3cr13 stainless steel and the handle is rubber wrapped. It is one of the best hatchets you’ll find in this price range.

What We Wish Was Different

While I can only praise functionality,  this isn’t a very comfortable tool to use, especially if you intend on using it for a prolonged period.  It’s solid, and you can chop plenty of wood with it, but it’s not the most pleasant of experiences.

If you’re only using it in short bursts, it shouldn’t be a problem. If you need to chop log after log repeatedly, you should rethink your purchasing decision. It’s also so lightweight that it’s not really ideal for heavy-duty tasks.

What Other Customers Think

 ‘‘It works… it cuts wood. It sure does hurt the hand after a while.  The rubber grip is NOTHING like the grip on an Estwing hatchet. So don’t go expecting the same cushioning during use. I’ve used this thing one time, and my hand hurt so badly afterward (just used to split some pieces of dried hardwood for a campfire and to shave off some pieces for kindling) that I’m going to just buy an Estwing and chuck this thing in the box of forgotten tools. It feels off-balance which probably contributes to the issues with cramping hands and sore arms from all the impact shock while trying to use this thing.

But I’ll give it 3 stars because it is solid and has some weight behind it.’’ Jeffrey L

‘‘What can I say? I camp out maybe 40-50 days per year, 3 seasons. I had been using a SOG Machete around camp for the last 2 years. Splitting some wood was difficult so I purchased this Scaxe. I used this last week in DeathValley on my first of the year camp out. I brought a bundle of store-bought wood and a bag of cut-up 1×2 stake lumber. The Scaxe was able to cut any of this with no problem.  This is small lightweight and sharp! It’s inexpensive and should last forever if not abused or lost.  Don’t overanalyze an ax with no moving parts!’’ FJester. 

‘‘This is a hatchet. It’s a single piece of steel with a grip over the end your hand hangs on to. Similar to an Estwing design, and I almost bought an Estwing instead, but this is a little more compact, a little more heavy-duty, a bit better for splitting kindling.  If you want a hatchet that will never need the handle or head replaced, with a poll you can use as a hammer, here you go. 

The blade cover/belt loop is heavy-duty plastic, with a heavy-duty snap, and it’s not bad, although ours arrived bent and doesn’t close fully, so it wouldn’t keep the rain off the blade, say. I may replace it with a leather cover, or I might not bother. We’ve used this hatchet, and it does what a hatchet should. It’s not a small axe; you won’t want to chop down trees with it. And it’s not the kind of hatchet that impresses certain kinds of people if you have it hanging on the wall as a decoration. It’s not the lightest backpacking hatchet around, and it doesn’t come with a knife or saw.

But. You know. It’s a nearly indestructible hatchet. Takes an edge, holds it pretty well, chops wood. Today, tomorrow, ten years from now.’’ Mark W.

Wrapping Up

The Schrade SCAXE10 Full Tang hatchet was listed as the best full tang hatchet in our list of the best bushcraft axes

 If you’re looking for a nice little camping hatchet that avoids overcomplicating things and can be used reliably in short bursts, then the Scaxe10 Full Tang Hatchet is a great choice.  It offers high-quality materials and good functionality at a low price. However, if you’re looking for a real workhorse that you can use for hours, you should look at other axes and hatchets for something more heavy-duty.