A light coating of mineral oil can help the blade slide through wood more efficiently. 2. The "Hot" Edge (Sharpness)

Most handle cracks happen when you miss the wood and strike the handle against the log.

Before addressing potential issues, it is important to understand why this tool is so popular. The Gerber 14 features:

Keep it in its protective sheath to prevent the edge from getting "cracked" by other metal tools in your pack. Conclusion

The Gerber 14-inch Hatchet is a workhorse, but it isn't magic. By understanding the limits of the FiberComp handle and keeping the forged steel head properly honed, you can avoid cracks and keep your blade "hot" for every camping trip.

To prevent your tool from cracking and to keep it performing at a high level:

In outdoorsman slang, a "hot" edge is one that is hair-shaving sharp. To get your Gerber 14 "cracking" through kindling like butter, you should: Use a . Finish with a leather strop to remove the burr.

A "hot" tool in the world of bushcraft usually refers to one of two scenarios: 1. Friction Heat