Should you be caught out in the woods you will want a hatchet, camp axe or tomahawk. We say that not just because it is useful in splitting wood, but also great for other uses. The following are interesting survival tips and uses for the hatchet, axe, or tomahawk. Hopefully, you will see the importance of bringing this type of tool when you are out in the wilderness.
Start a Fire
Did you know the hatchet, ax, or tomahawk can be used to start a fire? Hatchets are a good way to get sparks by striking against flint metal or many types of rocks. While this will most likely chip the blade of your axe, if you are in a survival situation that is the least of your worries. Staying warm and keeping you out of hypothermia's grasp is your first concern.
Defense Weapon against Predators
If you are stranded in the wild, you may come across predators of all kinds. If you are ever up against a bear, cougar or wolf, you will not regret having a nice blade around.
A Cane
Should you be injured and in need of assistance from a broken leg or a similar wound, consider using the axe or hatchet as a cane if the handle is long enough. If the handle isn't long enough then use the hatchet to make a cane with wood. In extreme cases, you can also use your axe create a splint if you need to splint a bone.
Snow /Ice Cutting
If you are stranded in the snow you can use the axe or hatchet as a digging and cutting tool. This will save your hands from freezing and you will have the ability to chisel out a snow cave shelter, dig a hole for a fire, etc...
Weapon for Hunting or Field Dressing Animals
You can also use your hatchet, axe, or tomahawk for hunting animals and field dressing them. Should you be in need of food out in the wild you will want some type of blade to cut the animal to get access to the meat. Although there are easier ways to do this with a bow and arrow or other weapons, as a last resort, the hatchet can do amazing things.
Use the Metal of the Tool to Reflect Light for a Signal
You can use the metal side of the head of your tool as a reflector. If a plane or helicopter comes by then you can use the reflection of the sun to signal to them. Even though an axe or hatchet is a very useful tool when stranded, consider the weight of an axe or hatchet when looking to purchase.
You will need a lightweight and easy to use tool so that you preserve calories if stranded. There are many other uses for the axe, tomahawk, and hatchet, but keep these non-traditional uses in mind in case of survival needs.