Cudeman Yuka 167-L: the olive wood hunting hatchet that pays tribute to a Brittany Spaniel
The Cudeman Yuka is one of the most emotionally charged pieces in the Albacete maker's catalogue. Its name pays tribute to Yuka, the Brittany Spaniel belonging to Cudeman's manager, whose skill at hunting rabbit inspired this tool. The hatchet carries that spirit into the field: lightness, efficiency and reliability. It is a design with traditional roots into which modern technical solutions have been built, aimed at the hunter who prefers the classic look without giving up performance.
Behind its timeless axe appearance lies a full tang construction of remarkable versatility. More than a simple cutting tool, it is a companion conceived to last for years, combining the nobility of olive wood with the strength of steel forged in Albacete. The Yuka strikes the right balance for anyone who needs power behind the blow but also wants to skin game thanks to its hybrid approach.
Reasons to choose this Yuka
- Dual function: alongside its cutting power, it features a skinner set into the upper section of the blade, so you can dress your catch without reaching for a second tool.
- Efficient striking: it has a removable weight built into the blade that shifts the centre of gravity towards the tip, so every impact is more decisive and demands less effort.
- Character and heritage: the satin-finished natural olive wood scales offer warmth and an organic feel that recalls true hunting days, and they only improve as the years pass.
- One-piece build: being a full tang construction, its lateral strength and service life surpass those of axes with an assembled handle.
Steel and cutting performance
The blade of the Cudeman Yuka is made from molybdenum vanadium steel tempered to 54/56 HRc. This alloy is regarded as the benchmark for hard-use tools in Spain thanks to its excellent toughness and good resistance to rust. The grind and satin finish promote a clean, free cut, and its formulation makes it easy to bring the edge back to life, a key detail when you need to restore cutting power out in the field, far from any workshop.
Construction and strength
At 4.8 mm thick with a 10.5 cm wide head, the hatchet has an especially solid structure. The assembly stays compact and firm thanks to flat aluminium rivets that secure the olive wood scales to the steel, which cancels out the annoying vibrations felt at the moment of impact. Its full tang nature avoids any weak zones in the transition between head and handle, making it a tool you can fully trust for the most demanding use.
Handle and control in real use
The satin-finished natural olive wood scales are designed to manage the 600 grams of the piece with precision. Olive wood is a dense timber that offers a secure grip even with cold or wet hands. For added safety while working, it includes a lanyard hole that lets you tie the hatchet to your wrist and keep it from flying off during heavy chopping.
Sheath and carry
True to the brand's style, the sheath is designed and made entirely in Cudeman's workshops. Crafted from high-quality brown leather, it protects the edge securely. Its sturdy build makes it easy to carry comfortably on the belt, ensuring this piece of cutlery always travels protected and ready for action.
Recommended uses
- Large and small game hunting: an essential, versatile tool for preparing the hunting stand, working your way through the undergrowth or skinning thanks to the skinner hook housed in the blade itself.
- Classic bushcraft: well suited to splitting small and medium firewood and to building wooden shelters with a traditional cutting tool.
- Collecting and memory: for its backstory and the beauty of the natural olive wood, it is an object full of symbolism for lovers of Spanish hunting tradition.
Care and maintenance
- Because of its natural olive wood scales, the hatchet should be kept in a dry place and the wood should never be wetted.
- Clean the blade after every day's use, especially if the skinner has been used, to remove any organic residue that could damage the steel.
- Before returning it to its leather sheath, dry it thoroughly to prevent moisture from condensation.
- Every now and then you can apply a cloth with a very small amount of mineral oil to keep the olive wood hydrated.
- Sharpen the striking edge and the skinner hook separately to preserve both functions of the tool.
The Cudeman Yuka (167-L) brings together memory, artisan craftsmanship and efficiency in a classic, reliable hatchet with a character all its own, made in Albacete.
