Prandi German Style Hatchet - PRA0308TH

After doing a lot of research and reading tons of reviews and watching utube videos, i settled on this budget friendly hatchet for my bushcraft and camping activities. It has the "bearded" axe head which allows me to choke up on it to do fine shaving or detail work. The sheath is decent although i wish it was a different design. The handle grain runs in the correct direction for strength and is sturdy. The axe head is coated with varnish so be aware of that. It was kind of sharp out of the box but not sharp enough for me. After using my stone, it has an edge like a knife now. Overall, its worth the money paid and im happy. I made a leather handle guard for it to add "cool" factor. Also, something i learned and would like to pass along... always hang up your axe when not in use, never lean it against the wall because it will get a bow in the handle over time, esspecially in damp and humid climates. Happy trails!

I chose this hatchet above others of similar price because of the heavier head weight. This one, at 800 grams (28 oz), is about a half pound heavier than a standard 20 ounce hatchet found here in the USA.As mentioned and pictured in other reviews, mine had a small gap at the back of the handle slot. The head is still solidly mounted. I'm using it for camping and cutting firewood for my smoker, not throwing, so I don't forsee any problems in the future.I had to clean up the cutting edge. The general shape was good. I spent about one hour with a whet stone to get it to my liking.I sanded the varnish off of the handle to use linseed oil instead. I used 180 grit to clean it up to my liking, then a quick rub down with 60 grit in the main grip area. I think that gives a better grip. The handle was pretty dry- I did 3 coats of standard mixed linseed oil. I finally gave in and did 2 coats of strait oil with a bit of stain mixed in to darken the wood, since it was pretty light colored. That got the oil soaked in thoroughly, at last.Over all, I think this will be a good investment, especially for the price. At this price, I expected to have to clean up te edge and refinish the handle. I left a star off for the gap in fitting the handle, I have found cheaper hatchets with a better fit handle at department stores.I know this is a long review, so if you made it here then I hope I have been helpful with my excess of words.

For the price alone you should give this a try. I have more muscle than most woman due to my job but I believe this to be a fantastic weight. It’s heavy enough to carry a bit of a swing but light enough not to tire you out too much. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the handle was to grip both lower down for swinging and choking the head for precision work. The Prandi decal on the axe head began to rub off during the first use. Although it is a beautiful mark, I wasn’t terribly attached to it so it didn’t bother me.The blade was decently sharp on arrival (useable!) but will definitely require some attention if you choose to use this for carving. I see it as a safety measure for shipping so I didn’t take off for it. Plus, if you are going to be using it you should get comfortable sharpening your own tools, anyhow, right?For the price, this is a fantastic hatchet. I have no argument with it. The head is secure and tight. I bought the sheath and grip separate just for aesthetic reasons. I do not believe they are strictly necessary, except the sheath and if it is of the same quality as the hatchet then you could purchase the one that is offered with the Prandi. I love this thing!

UPDATED REVIEW: I left my original comments below, but I have to change the rating from 4 stars to 5. This is a great axe/hatchet/thing. It digs into the wood like it's hungry. It throws well, and if I do my part, it will bury itself when it hits. I just ordered my 3rd one.The first I received is being sent back because the blade had a manufacturing flaw in it which is why this received 4 stars from me. Things like that happen. But it was very well made and very sharp. The replacement came and I took it to Urban Axes to see how it would do. This is positively the easiest axe (hatchet) to throw well I have ever seen. The shape of the handle is *perfect* for throwing, and the head just buries itself in the wood. No regrets with this one. Highly recommended.

I bought this mainly because I was curious. Looking for a decent wood handled hatchet to put in my kit. I do have a Gransfors and Wetterling from at least 25 years ago. They are too nice to beat around with. Looked at the Husqvarna, Condor, Marbles and couple others. What I received is a nice surprise. Sharp enough to cut out of the wrap. Handle grain is vertical. I don’t see any flaws at this point. Scraped the varnish off and applied lindseed oil. It’s still soaking in. My thoughts are that if you take these steps to prepare your tools you will prevent future issues. Looking forward to putting it to use.

I am a life long outdoors man and bushcrafter. I have several styles and types of axes but wanted one especially for bushcraft. This one fits the bill. It came with a sheath, was fairly sharp out of the box, and is very well made. The size, design and weight are perfect for carrying on a backpack or on your side. This little axe holds an edge as well. I totally recommend this product and manufacturer. If by chance I need another axe Prandi will be my go to.

I was excited. The grain in the handle was perfect, the weight felt good, but the face was at an angle to the handle by 5 degrees or more with the handle angled to the left when you held the edge straight.Replacement also had crooked face, but not to the same degree. Edge pointed to outside edge of handle. The handle had perfect grain again.... but it's not hung right. Head is loose on one strike into the end grain of a log. Futher examination shows large gaps between the handle and the eye.It's a bummer. I really wanted to like this hatchet.