Bryan Robesson was 13 in the book "Hatchet"
a normal hatchet
No Brian does not loose the hatchet. He drops it in the pond, but is able to retrieve it after diving for it a few times.
he used the hatchet for making the fire (Hitting the hatchet against the wall) and making the Spear (too make it sharper) And for protection! Also it is used to get a survival pack in the crashed air...
Make a shelter Defend him self and mostly Protection from animal because it is dangerous in the wilderness