>>1957387So in regards to making firewood, I'm assuming he'll want it to be able to chop and split? The main thing to look at will be the top-down profile. There are a few pics in this thread detailing this but I searched up this pic as a comparison. The one on the right would be ideal due to its wedged profile making it a better splitter than the one on the left, which would be more prone to sticking and being frustrating to split with overall. Im not too experienced with newer hatchets but council still makes quality axes and they have a double bit (they call it their saddle axe) that is ground to split with on one bit and chop with on the other. They also have one under $40 called the flying fox that is designed to be used as a throwing hatchet, but it has a hardened poll for pounding tent stakes and while I'm sure it could handle firewood tasks, I've never seen one in person so I can't say for sure. They'll also come with a varnished handle that should be scraped off and treated with linseed oil. Alternatively I would check out antique stores because you'll find quality pieces well under your price point that just need a few hours of work to be on par with any of the high dollar offerings on the market today, if not better.
