Hatchet

See Hatchet (novel) for the young adult novel.

See Hatchet (movie) for the horror film.

Hatchet from the old French 'hachette' a diminutive form of the word 'hache' or axe. The hatchet is a single handed striking tool with a sharp blade used to cut and split wood.

Types of Hatchets

Lathing hatchet - Blade flat along the top to facilitate use in corners and close to ceilings. The poll is a hammer head (often checkered) and there is a notch in the underside of the blade for pulling nails.Used to apply wooden lath in preparation for the application of plaster.

Shingling Hatchet - Round shouldered blade with hammer head, sometimes with a claw or a notch in the blade for pulling nails.

Carpenter's Hatchet - Kent pattern head, general purpose or bench tool.

Broad or Side Hatchet - Kent pattern head sharpened on one side. Used in hewing as a broad axe.

Hatchets are taxonomically differentiated from hand axes by some using one or more of the following characteristics;

the addition of a hammer head.

A head less 1-3 pounds (500 to 1,500 grams) in weight

References

Dictionary of Woodworking Tools - Salaman, R.A. 1975 and 1989, ISBN 0942391519

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