The hatchet is one of humanity’s oldest and most useful tools. In fact, primitive sharpened-rock hand axes were used by our ape-like ancestors before homo-sapiens ever walked the earth.

Today, the hatchet remains an essential bushcraft and survival tool — a small piece of metal insurance promising shelter, fire, and a good night's sleep outdoors. 

Apparently, the Swiss government bought a warehouse full of these things and never used them. We just so happen to know a guy who bought that warehouse, and...

Well, we thought we'd give them a try.

Notes From The Warehouse:

From what we can tell, these hatchets are good to go, but here's a few things to note:

• They come unsharpened for safety while transporting
  • Visit a local knife/tool sharpener and they'll get this bad boy ready to go. If you try and cut with a dull edge you may cause damage to the handle!
  • Maintaining an edge is easy with a "puck" sharpener, also called a honing puck. 
• Once sharpened, get a sheath so you can carry it on your kit or in your pack without worry. 
  
• Don't be afraid to sand/refinish the handle if the texture isn't to your liking! 

Specs

• Genuine Swiss Military Surplus
  
• 3.5" polished axe head blade, Unsharpened.
  
• 16" ash hardwood handle