I personally think that the hatchet that Brian's mother had gifted him before the accident is the most symbolic, as many might question why the book was named ' Hatchet ' "yes, he had a hatchet ... but was it that big of a deal?" Is what people might argue.
However, I like to think the hatchet was much more than a tool the author, Gary Paulsen, had placed into Brian's story. I think the Hatchet, as it takes care of Brian in multiple ways, almost takes the place of his parents, now...don' t send me to the mad house yet, let me explain, It was gifted by his mother, Gary Paulsen could of have had Brian find it in the woods, but he didn't. He had Brian's mother give it to him. Later on in the text, Brian states that the hatchet had reminded of