Amazon's 12$ GRIP Camping Axe: Inside-Out
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 18 фев 2019
- This is not a sponsored video. It's a thorough review of the GRIP 1.25 lb fiberglass Camping Axe, with modifications made to it along the way. Long story short: it's a great little hatchet after sharpening it. For the money, I don't think you will do much better. Sometimes I want a hatchet that I can just totally abuse, and this one fits the bill. Pick one up on Amazon, or at one of those giant box sporting goods centers (like DICK'S or Field & Stream). You could also visit the 'Grip On Tools' site. No matter where you buy it, it shouldn't cost more than 14 bucks, worst case scenario. Hope you enjoy the video!
Хобби
I've now watched ~8 videos on hatchets... I own no property with trees. I don't have a wood burner, fireplace, or outdoor fire pit. Yet, here I am, thoroughly entertained for 35 more minutes on a subject I have no interest in. This is why I keep coming back.
I appreciate it!
You are not kidding! I have watched these hatchet videos in full- zero interest yet fascinated at the same time. You know you have a certain quality when you can make any subject entertaining. Kind of like the old military MRE eating guy on you tube. Fascinating.
you can still put one under the seat of your car, you never know when you have to clear the road of fallen trees or obnoxious carjackers... And in both cases you'll want the first hit to cut deep =))
Buy a Condor Michigan Double Bit Axe. instant lumberjack
Eric crow
Or any double bit axe with a wooden handle...
Someone told me the proverb "give a wise man 6 hours to cut down a tree, and he'll spend 4 hours sharpening his axe."
I would love to get a decent hatchet and turn it into a good one. Might even make my own hatchet from scratch one day...
Harshhaze . Explain the proverb please.
@@MrImThatGuy101 give a smart boi 6 hour cut tree he sharp axe for 4 hours because he is preparing | *science side of youtube*
@@MrImThatGuy101 Someone already explained the jist of it, but as you saw in the video, a blunt or horribly shaped axe will just bounce off wood. This will take days to complete tasks like chopping down a tree. Compared to a blade that has been sharpened, reshaped, and refined, you'll be chopping about 20x better than before, if not more
@@Harshhaze This is accurate. I've cut down smallish trees with factory edges and it takes an hour or so and you can't really control the fall of the tree. I have a nice boys axe now with an edge I put on and the same sized tree goes down in a minute.
@@MrImThatGuy101 Preparing for a task properly is more efficient than just attempting it blindly.
Pocket, ever since you moved (and well before, but I'd like to focus on post-move) you've given me a lot of knowledge and entertainment. I think my favorite bits are when you talk next to the fires you are making. You are an extremely knowledgeable person, but also have a great understanding of how you came to gain that knowledge, and know it is not absolute. You know what you do based on experience, and give that to us in droves. Thank you
Please upload more videos. I finished all your others.
Jeez. Thanks. Well, this one is over ½ an hour, so enjoy ;)
think someone has a man crush....
Zach hey it’s 2020
The Freight store has the same thing in yellow for $6.
And comes from the same Indian factory.
Yep. They used to carry a bunch of Slavadorian machetes and hatchets that took really good edges and were cheap but they stopped carrying those years ago@@DaveSmith-cp5kj
Living in Florida, I've never had much use for a hatchet. Indeed, the last time I used one was when I was camping as a teenager, and I remember cutting wood with one being a very arduous task. Watching this one struggle at the beginning made me realize that the hatchets I've used have all been either very dull, or never sharpened more than factory.
Loppers are easy to use for stuff smaller than 1" diameter, but they start to get tough to use after that. However, a hatchet uses less energy to cut a 1.5" branch, and it still allows one hand to remain free. I'm really glad you caught the point here: a functional, well-prepared (and appropriate) tool is nice to use.
I don't value a "hard day's work" for work's sake; I prefer to measure my day in terms of its productivity, satisfaction, and my amount of evening pain ;)
Enjoy the weather down there. Paradise is still two months away for me.
Months later and I'm still loving this rabbit hole you've dug with axes. Thank you and I can't wait to see what's next (Axe or not)
i really enjoy listening to you ramble about stuff. It is like my mind just purchased a speaker.
Thank you for your always interesting and honest videos!
I bought a Husqvarna hatchet for $20 on amazon, I believe I had to pay for shipping though. Hand forged in Sweden, hickory handle, comes with a leather sheath. Couldn't recommend it enough.
All I’d say is to really thin down the handle
Thanks, Pocket. Good solid info, and not just for hatchet modding.
Thanks for the tip on using dish soap! Great idea. I've never seen anyone else do that.
With the stock grind I don’t think you can call it chopping. More like beating the limb into submission. 🔨
I can’t help but wonder how many people buy tools like these expecting them to work perfectly out of the box, and being frustrated when they don’t. Or how many people even realize that it is possible to make it better.
Bro. Gr8 stuff! Harbor freight has the same axe in YELLOW, plus with a lifetime (Pittsburg brand) you break it, you get a NEW one (Yes better than SEARS now) and the kicker is $7 out the door after ur 20% off coupon. I left the blunt edge after an arkansas stone session buy am now ready to slim that edge down a bit! thx!!!
I use 3 different hatchets for general cutting and delimbing of trees the reasons for each are the first has a concave cutting profile which is really nice for cutting and splitting wet/funky wood (it doesn't get stuck in the wood as much) the second has a convex edge which I use when working in the rockier areas of my property as when I accidentally drop it on a rock it is much more likely to hold its edge (but it's not half as blunt as most factory edges) and the last has around a 30-35 degree feathered edge(similar to what you sharpened yours too which is a good all around edge and also splits drier wood better than the other 2)... I like your video formatting, pace, and soothing way you describe what you are doing its kinda relaxing (I may actually try one of those cheap hatchets myself as the heads on mine are starting to show their age by the way (they're on their 5th 6th and 7th handles each and all are over 40 yrs old and have been resharpened many many times) keep up the great unbiased videos they're great and it's refreshing to see a different way of how someone else does their edge sharpening (I like to profile edges on a bench grinder with a fine stone to start while keeping from overheating the edges (a trick for this is placing some clay on the very edge as it soaks away the heat and redistributes it along the entire edge while grinding) followed by a single cut metal file that's then followed by fine emery cloth rubber cemented to a steel bar and or ceramic sharpening stone when I sharpen hatchets/axes for friends and family). And to make the honing/fileing effectively more visible on camera you could use a contrasting sharpie or machinest dye (my only dislike of the whole video although you do describe it well is it isn't very easy to see).
oh, beech has awesome nuts! they are tiny, but the taste is marvellous... And it makes for probably the best fire wood, and awesome for furniture too. the short-fibered core wood makes it great for carving too. Not usable for tool handles or other stick applications (due to the same property of short fibres). Careful with the larger trees though, as they only root very superficially making them easy prey for unbroken wind. Also, they don't like direct sunlight on the trunk's bark, so if you cut down a tree next to the beech, check if direct sunlight is introduced and if necessary cover the trunk with woven jute. (I really don't understand why you say that beech is not a pleasant tree, but I'm sure you can tell that it's one of my very favorite ones, hahaha)
Oh, and it makes for awesome smoke flavour, both as a general smell when burning it, as for smoke grilling meat and veggies. If you pick up the nuts for consumption, you won't have any saplings stand in the way anymore either XD
Well said. Beech gets a bad wrap as its' grain is non decorative, doesn't take stain evenly, and isn't durable outdoors. However as you say its an excellent and stable furniture carcassing wood, impact resistant, glues well, and burns hot. The tree and its saplings support a lot of wildlife, old beech woodland is a thing of beauty.
Excellent video, thanks for sharing! I hope you do a follow-up with the modifications on the original camping axe, as well as a new wood handle on the prototype.
I was taught an old trick in the Services to mark the edge with a sharpie and that way figure out what area you're honing.
looks like a functional little hatchet which is all one could ask for. thanks for the great review love the modifications
--Rick
A dull blade of any kind is far more dangerous than a sharp one. Good job.
Yeah, I can imagine someone taking a swing with it, when the dull edge sends it flying into their leg... Ouch! Sharp tools are safe tools :)
Thanks, interesting video. I've not seen plastic welding conducted so, but as you say, a useful skill, and I'm always interested in accumulating more of those. Cheers buddy!
Thanks for the analysis Pocket.
Beautiful furnace. It looks wonderfully toasty.
Excellent video Sir. I learned a lot about shaping the correct profile for a hatchet.
You have a new subscriber.
That clamp trick is very useful. Thank you
Most in-depth 12$ something review I've ever seen👍
I can really notice how your cinematography skills have improved over the years. Makes the videos really compelling to watch. Keep it up !
Wranglerstar wants to know your location
Torax H I think I heard wranglerstar laughing when his hand was hurting from the vibrations of a plastic handle lol
I would arm-wrestle him any day ;)
@@pocket83squared I left a comment regarding your Go board. I have French Polish technique and can help you out regarding the board too. Let me know if you get this.
I don’t get it
no offense to wrangler, he makes good content and seems like a good person all around, but he seems like the type of guy who'd start crying if you shouted at him loud enough.
This is actually a really interesting, well-presented video
I love what you did to the vice to hold handles. I'm going to copy that for sure! Great video. I think I'll get one of these hatchets. Like I need another project! 😂🤣
Very helpful...I love my tools Nd take care of them but I still had trouble sharpening my axes and hatchets ...now I know the way to sharpen them appropriately....thank u sir...gr8 video.
After viewing only a couple of moments, of what would turn into an all night binge watching event, I came to the conclusion that, 10 year old me, watched the entirety of Inspector Gadget, for nothing much more than to see the face of Dr. Claw. Mystery is enticing. Your numerous charms aside, I find myself intrigued by your way of thinking. I am taken aback by your gentle articulation of ideas, which flow effortlessly into philosophical ramblings. You are a gem in a sea of pride and arrogance that has regrettably become commonplace here on the interwebs. Thank you for sharing your time with us. I can not speak for the rest of your viewers, but, here on my little screen, you are greatly appreciated and your process is fully respected.
Awesome video. Very informative and educational. You seem to be really good at this. Keep up the great videos.
really liked the double clamp the heatgun to get a stand
What about Fiskar? I have a Fiskar X7 that I sharpened and its an absolute joy to use. And the fiberglass handle is nearly indestructible. I don't have much experience splitting with it, but it's a great chopper for when Im camping.
It's twice the price and can't be re-handled. Not saying that it's bad overall, but that's why I wouldn't buy it. Also, it's massively popular, so an honest video review of it would become a divisive fling-fest in the comments.
I've used them before. I don't like them for splitting. They stick to bad. 6 pound Collins maul is my favorite.
thanks much for your time and hard work !!! this was a real help. blessings !!
Just spend 3x more on a Fiskars and you wont have to spend 2 hours modifying it just so that it works at all. My Fiskars youth axe I found in the woods and it works absolutely great. Never had to sharpen it yet, and the design is really comfortable. Not to mention it won't break.
Good video. You had me laughing at your comments when you were hacking away at the tree and branches before you re-profiled it. Good stuff.
I liked, that you also gave perspective on why you are doing this :D
I have a vaughan 22 oz half hatchet and although it needed some modifications I am pleased with the result. I think you might find it to be significantly closer to finished at a higher but still reasonable price. (plus it can drive a nail like nothing else)
You forgot the 3rd and 4th uses for a hatchet, injuring ones self and injuring ones enemies....Great video man. Its all about knowledge and skill. Thanks for sharing.
Recently got into being more active and away from my computer, got into gardening, first step was buying an axe and a hatchet to tackle the trees growing through. I knew about sharpening an axe before use (This is the UK, surprised I didn't need a licence to even buy the thing) but I was ignorant to the 'sweet spot', basically I just took a file and gave it a sharp edge, it's chopping well enough, but tomorrow i'll go reshape that edge using your video, thanks!
Thank you Pocket. For those of us that wish we had your problems, it was enjoyable. Also,
I'm glad you were in a good mood and that the comments didn't seem to wind you up.
Ha! Somebody always winds me up. I exploded once yesterday, and the guy took his comment down. I kind feel bad over it, though. Some people are so nice, and others so inconsiderate. It's a wild disparity.
I’m really digging your videos in your new location. You seem to really connect with that environment. I was always entertained but that factor just increases.
Sharpest knife i own i found in the dirt when i was 12 . Was a blade off a broken small chefs type knife, cut a groove in a stick and glued it in, wrapping it in string for support and gluing the string. Drilled 2 holes in a board with hole saws, made a continous wood ring for the handle, attached it the same way. Then took a big screw, let it wait on the railroad tracks. It was not threaded the entire way, so it made a serrated edge and a straight section naturallty. But it was double sided so i cut it in half with a dremel. Then i sharpened it a bit and polished it, cut a groove in the wood ring and added it as a sort of brass knuckes blade type deal. I got the blade good enough to shave with, kept it that way ever since, favorite blade i own.
I love chopping wood, did that during some of my summer vaccations when i was young before age 12, also collecting sheep from the mountains aswell as hunting birds and hare at the same time
the edge that little thingy came with looks like a young apprentice went at it with a dull beaver.....or was it a dull apprentice....
I think it was done with a machine. The grind looks like a perfect radius. Besides, a dull beaver will leave chatter marks on the edge.
@@pocket83squared a sharp beaver is a safe beaver.
@gizanked: Not without a shoulder strap. I've seen guys using one without a strap, and they're lucky they don't get a leg chewed off.
AvE?
@ZACHARY MIKKO oh yeah, that's a staple in the AvE insult arsenal.
love the belt hook up, I needed that.
I have this hatchet and after sharpening the blade a bit I just use it for splitting kindling which it does very well and is basically what it is made for. I have used it for splitting some smaller logs using another small piece of log as a baton and it works well for that also. As far as taking it out and chopping wood with it that thought never crossed my mind as I have a nice camp saw that will do the work in half the time with half the effort.
A new ax almost never comes with an actual "cutting" edge on it. I think it's a liability issue, especially if it is sold in a local store (not internet), so they manufacture them with a very steep, dull edge.
good review I happen to have very large hands and I use dip it for making the handle a little larger or change the contour. you can buy it anywhere, I even put it on some fishing rod handles,or just pliers and screwdriver handles and color choices too.thanks
At least it makes a lovely echo in the woods. On a real note I've found that placing the edge on the wood then tapping the back with a hand sized branch as a hammer works wonders without damage to the axe/hatchet head.
EXCELLENT VID, BROTHER!
THANKS!
LOVE THE 4-LEAF CLOVER LOGO 83 ON YOUR TABLE!!!
NICE SYMMETRY, REVERSIBLE!
Best hand axe I ever had was a HF wood handle. Sharpened it with occasionally with 180 sand paper on a drill, too hard to file. The 180 would make it shave. Held an edge great, the profile was perfect and pretty aggressive. The heat treat was perfect, you could see the right color gradient out of the box.
came across this because my youtube was on auto play and i didnt pay enough attention to click to anything else. in fact, i already know all this stuff; been sharpening my own knives and axes since i was a kid (ruined a lot of knives during the learning process lol). the reason i stuck around was because i absolutely loved listening to you talk. it was actually really soothing if that makes sense lol
When you drew on the handle with the pencil it reminded me of blues clues when Steve is drawing in the notebook. "Just like that. There. A rounded corner."
Fantastic, & oh-so THOROUGH of a video. - Thank you
I learned to sharpen real young ....great video
Great video! Informative and entertaining! I learned quite a bit. I've recently started an interest in small hatchets and processing wood for a small fire pit. I just obtained a few big logs I'm using for a cutting chopping surface. I'm a suburbanite dweller and believe it or not, it was a great feeling to finally aquire my tree stumps. Cutting that wood for kindling as you did in end was really fascinating. You said making toothpicks. I can see the logic in cutting many sizes of kindling to help start the fire. It will also be an enjoyable task. Probably even satisfying and calming. Thanks for your video. I subscribed based on this one video.
Hey bud if you want to skip a lot of the uncomfortable feel of pretty much any handle on anything, add athletic tape. Effort amazing feel. I just it on my fiskars hatchet and out of the 4 years I’ve had it I’ve only had to change the tape once. Super easy to do. Thanks for the review. I love finding beaters for all sort of jobs.
When grinding an edge with power tools I put a wet sponge on the metal near the edge so the temper is not affected so much. Sometimes I cut a strip of sponge to do this.
A spray bottle of water can also keep the metal cool.
I've got a very similar Pittsburgh hatchet from Harbor Freight that I modified with a longer handle. Cold chisel and a BFH will clear out the eye with a quickness. The polypropylene or whatever doesn't go very far into the eye, just the fiberglass core. It's turned into one of my favorite hatchets. I think I'll pick up one of the newer ones like yours with the super blunt edges. For $6 why not? Also I started using soap on my stone recently, thought it was just me 🤣
It's a cool hammer.
That looks pretty cool for a bug out bag. It is small and more concealable.
I just wanted to say how much i appreciate the fact that there isn't an amazon affiliate link in the description.
Bitter about ppl making smart money? Cuz u too dumb to do it
@@doctorcrumb Affiliate links in review videos make it extremely hard to take a review at face value because it incentives creating a positive review so that people use your link. But otherwise, I think that affiliate links are fine. Example, I have no issue with having a "My Gear" section in a video description with links to all the equipment they use.
The bright green handle prevents use as a boot tomahawk for when I go into MS-13 Isis Crip biker bars to take scalps. I would replace the handle.
Great demonstration, thx!
Man you make the most quality videos. I love each and everyone of them.
Thanks!
I'd like to ask you, for someone who really has no experience using hatchets or axes regularly but carries one in their vehicle as a safety precaution (I would be capable of using it to split small amounts of wood in an emergency situation) would you recommend this and if not is there another hatchet or smaller axe you'd suggest instead. I get you're no expert but I really just need something inexpensive that can be tossed in a toolbox as a precautionary tool, no major amazing Gran Force Brooks axe/hatchet or anything fascinating. Just a simple hatchet for emergencies
Sure, why not? It's cheap, and pretty tough. It's going to be resistant to water, and you can leave it banging around in the back without worrying about it. This is as low investment and low-maintenance as it gets. And if you really have no experience, it's also a great way to learn/practice sharpening.
Just be sure to make a sheath if it's going to be under your seat ;)
Great Video!!!! Thanks for posting
This video is amazing. I had no idea that 34 minutes had passed.
You should try using an iron ( like the one you iron clothes with) on the therm. plastic handle. I use that trick to help get scratches smoothed out on some of my kayaks, it should still help
hi. great info and good vid. i own an older husky fiberglass core axe. i also had to do all the same mods to my axe as you have shown here. one thing im not sure if you are aware of, but that epoxy plug in the head of your hatchet will fracture and the head WILL come off. that being said when the time comes , either now or after it breaks, i would definitely recommend using a wood and steel wedge set to replace the head. you may want to reshape the inside of your head to exaggerate the the spread of the neck and drive the full wedge in and both steel. after i did this my axe handles better now than when it was new. < this may be due to my personal bias :))
So what do you have so much wood for? Fireplace/ wood stove?
Man, I saw that golf ball as your file handle that's frickin genius
I can't take credit for that one; I learned that old trick from a machinist a long time ago.
chopping morning wood with AxPorn! You guys are tough. lol keep on scratchen
Love the Zombie Handle. Nice video, very informative. Turned out to be a decent hatchet for the money.
I've become a big fan of a smaller, solid metal axe. I at least like a metal handle. I know its heavier than wood but to me it's worth it for a hatchet that I just cant snap.
I have snapped two hatchets while camping. Do I need to be easier on my hatchets? Probably lol. But I tend to abuse the crap out of my camping tools. In willing to take some extra weight (and I take a smaller hatchet).
I really hate the hollow handle hatchets though. Hollow metal is the worst of both worlds to me.
It's all preference though. You just have to find your own personal balance. As long as you aren't throwing axe heads at your friends though
Agreed, after snapping 2 wood handles and seeing some damage on the 3rd axe I've started packing the solid metal axe and it seems indestructible. I know the wood handles broke because my buddies and I abused them, but not having to worry about the axe just gives me some peace of mind.
After seeing this, I'm pretty sure I'll put a new edge on it though. Haven't put much work into it yet because I, like most people, assumed they come ready to use from the store.
Great video, I like your focus and direct style (sub'ed). I've dealt with trees that produce the annoying saplings, and I prefer a machete. I like to saw the curved part at the end off and have a straight edge. I have an old plumb axe for firewood.
Loved the video pocket, keep em coming
I've started referring to this as "The Observer Effect". It is especially pronounced when someone is watching you type. Even when you are not nervous or self conscious it will hit. I've been using Linux professionally for over 20 years, as soon as someone is looking over my shoulder I will mess up typing "ls".
its only been out for like 18 years
@@RicoDuroska Linux has definitely been out longer than 18 years...
I don't know what material the magpul pmags are made of butt in Canada we have rivets and hers and I've won that have no internals I want to fill in the rivet hole, I have some welding plastic from eBay, how would you suggest I composed the hole? I was thinking some wood inside and use a soldering iron to melt then fuse, any tips?
Thanks a lot that was very good information.
Great video. The flap discs are ok but they generate so much heat in the workpiece.. really got to keep the workpiece as cool as possible to avoid destroying the temper. Using a file like you do is a great way of doing it,slow and cool the way to go!
Agreed. I go really slow. It's easier when it's so cold outside! In the summer, metal never seems to cool down. Then it gets tough to be patient.
Hockey tape for the bit of the grip that annoys you..works for me. Awesome video, thanks.
I keep coming in hope of another reading video.
I'm going to start filming footage soon for a voiceover reading of the second-to-last chapter of Russell's _Conquest of Happiness._ The title/topic is "Work." How does that sound?
@@pocket83squared Sounds like a plan!!
Thanks for the feedback. I didn't think there was any interest for that stuff.
@@pocket83squared it's always interesting. In all honesty it's the mood you set up. Pennsylvania seems quite pastoral.
Everyone like that kind of stuff! xD
I really like your denim... Is it a sand-bag? I had one full of rice but it wasn't nearly as well put-together and has since been eaten... So, I'd definitely enjoy a video on that!
It's a leg from an old pair of jeans. The numbers on the side are the weight of the sand that's inside.
Beech is a superb wood for furniture making.
Great review and mods 👏👏👏👌🏽💯
Harbor freight has a similar hatchet. I did not care for the handle on it. I was wondering if it could be replaced with a wood handle. what would it be like.
I bought a short Gerber hatchet for the camper. It probably has the same issue yours came with . I didn't think it chopped well when doing camp fire wood. I didn't want to bring it to the local lawn mower blade sharpening butcher. Could I send it to you to have you clean it up like yours?
Oh! That seems friendly- but the level of entitlement contained in your comment is staggering. No, I will absolutely *not* restore your hatchet for you. Learn how to file it yourself. That's why I make these videos.
You have no excuse, unless you have no arms-in which case, you have no need of a hatchet. Now add your dislike to the pile, and please keep the swearing in your reply to a minimum.
At what temperature it is to hot that you can not make it so Sharp if you wannet to have it?
Hultafors are definitely king for budget axes. Come with a very serviceable edge
You earned a like! You're a Legend man!
Good info, Thanks!
Thank you for considering our ears when using the angle grinder! I hope you wore earpro.
I love where you live btw. I'm in the UK and have a similar hatchet ours is in yellow lol I'm pleased with it but I'm going to treat it to a sharpen thank you for an interesting video
At 23:00 I am glad you stopped hitting the log with the back of the hatchet. The handle is about the same size and shape of your radius. One of the two bones in your forearm. The handle of the hatchet can be seen as an extension of your radius. More hits with that handle may well have produced cracks in your radius just like the observable cracks in the handle. Good job on quitting. The periosteum is a membrane filled with nerve endings over the radius. The pain to the periosteum told you the hard nerveless structure (radius) was about to break. Good job.
Sounds legitimate. I think I can take your word for it. A bit of a truism, though! It seems reasonable to stop doing things when they start to cause discomfort. Lucky for me, my ancestors were selected for their tendency to have an avoidance of pain. Strange thing though, and think about this. There was no such thing as speed on the great Savannah, so far as we understood. We had not even domesticated the horse yet. But we arboreals sure developed a cautious regard of heights! Those of us who would fearlessly swing through the air with the greatest of ease might have impressed the ladies, but they didn't get to 'celebrate' as often at the after event. The net result, in this (modern) post fall-danger environment, is that now people will cringe and tense up on escalator and elevator rides, yet drive home with the reckless abandon of drunken chimpanzees. Now my physics edge has become a bit rusty, but it seems to me that a 50-mph car accident should be roughly equivalent to a face-first swan dive from at least 100 feet up. As such, your point is noted; I do not place too much trust in my intuitive sense.
Still, you've caused me to wonder if bone is comparable to fiberglass in its characteristics. There are some biological structures that selection has sculpted to rival those of even the most skilled and deliberate engineers. As is, wonder which would break first, density comparisons notwithstanding.
Raise the wood with the hatchet when you split small kindling. Keep you from unintentionally removing a finger.
Good review of the hatchet.
It might be easier to work the plastic using a spin welding technique. A rod of thermal plastic spins at high RPM, generates friction and melts both pieces of plastic. More commonly used with ABS, but might work with what you have there as well.
That's a really interesting idea. Thanks.