I hear ya snubbie. I have a Forest Axe, gifted by my dad. It is always in my snow machine toboggan and gets a work out to feed the wall tent stove. It is also along on every moose hunt by canoe. It isn't backpack material.
After this thread, dang if I don't think a small forest axe will fill this niche better and save some weight...and it's "only" $120!
On another note, I've been debating the hatchet while backpacking decision. We are trying to do a 3-4 night ski trip with packs this spring using a roll up stove and tarp shelter. It sure would be nice to have the hatchet along, but it sure looks heavy sitting there on my floor. The sawvivor is a given.
