The Kestrel Forest Hatchet is a hand-forged bearded axe crafted by the Somerset-based blacksmith collective, Thorn Wood Forge.

This superior, lifelong axe excels in every aspect of its design and execution, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a higher finish than Gransfors or Hultafors forest axes. Comparable in size and weight to the Gransfors Wildlife Hatchet, the Kestrel is a versatile, lightweight forest axe, perfect for general camping and bushcraft tasks. Ideal for small-scale snedding and kindling preparation, its well-proportioned beard allows for close-up work. Small and light enough to easily attach to a backpack or belt, yet built for hard work, this axe packs a much greater punch than its size suggests. The Kestrel comes beautifully presented in a presentation box with a corresponding guarantee booklet matching the head's stamp.

The axes are made from EN9 steel, which contains 0.5-0.6% carbon. This composition makes the steel hard enough to hold a great cutting edge and tough enough to withstand hard use. High-quality steel stock is used to ensure consistent results, and it is sourced from Sheffield, England.

The forging process begins with a 20x40x95mm block of EN9 steel. A hole is punched and the eye is drifted to 50%, followed by forging down the cheeks. The blade is then forged out, and the eye is finished. The piece is profile ground to refine its shape, and the corners are 'broken' by chamfering with a hammer.

Each axe is individually number stamped, and the polls undergo an additional temper (differential temper) to ensure they can be struck or used to hammer wooden pegs.

The axes are normalised, hardened, and tempered in a digitally controlled kiln. The poll and eye are torch tempered to decrease hardness and increase toughness; this differential tempering approach makes the poll and the eye slightly softer and springy so you can use the poll to hammer wood, whilst retaining the sharpness and toughness of the cutting edge. Each axe features a high convex grind with a well-supported edge and a narrow blade profile for effective cutting.

The leather used is sourced from J & FJ Baker, the last Oak Bark Tannery in the UK. Oak Bark tanned leather is much tougher than vegetable-tanned leather and is made using local hides and local bark for tanning. The leather is finished with beeswax and is bevelled, burnished, and stitched entirely by hand using traditional saddle stitch techniques.

The handles are made from European Ash, a traditional wood for handles in Europe and the UK. This wood is known for its springiness, toughness, and durability, and it also features an attractive grain aesthetic. Handles are copy lathed by the English firm Richard Carter Ltd. They are then hand finished and sanded to 400 grit, laser etched with the logo, and soaked in boiled linseed oil. The kerf is cut, and handles are shaped and fitted to the heads. Handmade wedges are fitted to the axes, and each end is finish sanded and oiled.

Product Details:

• Steel: Sheffield sourced EN9, 0.5-0.6% carbon
• Approx weight: 620g (without sheath)
• Cutting edge: 85mm
• Handle length: 360mm
• Grind: high convex grind

Please note sizes are within a hand crafted tolerance so may vary +/-3mm

About Thorn Wood Forge:

Thorn Wood Forge is nestled in the heart of Hinton St George, surrounded by rich English woodland. The forge aspires to produce the highest quality tools for use in the home and for adventures in the great outdoors.

Joe Garnett, the founder and head blacksmith of Thorn Wood Forge, has a lifelong passion for making things. He began leather working at the age of 15, driven by a relentless pursuit of perfection, creating the best possible items from the finest materials he could access. His love for crafting and the outdoors led him to bushcraft, where he developed a deep fascination with our relationship with nature and the skills (and tools!) required for outdoor living.

This journey into bushcraft introduced Joe to blacksmithing. In his parent’s garage, using a simple gas forge, he crafted his first knife, marking the beginning of a new passion for making cutting tools. Over the past decade, Joe has honed his skills working for other smiths as a general blacksmith, applying his expertise to his true calling: tool making.

Joe's mission is straightforward: "Create the best products possible by combining traditional techniques with contemporary materials, crafting companions that can be passed down from one generation to another."

The team at Thorn Wood Forge is passionate and ambitious, driven solely by the goal of making the world's best possible tools using the best possible materials. We’ve worked with them over the past six months to refine their axes, and we are 100% confident these will be axes you love to use for many lifetimes. We are absolutely delighted to be the first UK retailer of their fantastic tools.