A friend of mine brought up a fantastic question that I cant answer and if anyone can, please post it here. Where did axe shapes get their name? Michigan, Hudson Bay, Dayton, Rockaway, Humboldt, Swamping, Wedge, or Zeek for examples. Some are named after states but some named after shapes or uses? Why?
Well, it does not comprehensively answer the broader question which is actually a multi-part question with numerous answers, however; Wiki actually has a surprisingly solid write up about Axes found here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axe
How does anything get a name, why do we say, "table" when we refer to a flat object with three or more legs? People make stuff up, and other people repeat it! I'd like to know too, especially the Rockaway pattern, have family in those regions.
I was always told they were often named for the state or region they were heavily used or the blacksmith (think pre1890s) that came up with the pattern. Then you have something like a Hudson's Bay pattern that is named after the Hudson's Bay Trading Company that had them made and imported them into North America. Keep in mind that names change over time though.
I am so glad to see someone pointing out the importance of chopping at an angle! Great video and thanks. I have watched so many videos where a person is chopping at a 90 degree angle to the project. They are wasting so much energy and not getting very far. The resistance going straight across the fibers is much greater than the resistance cutting at an angle. A 45 degree angle is about as far as you want to go. If you go beyond 45 degrees you are getting closer to splitting.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Very well sated, angle chopping to me is more like severing the fibers as a 90 degree chop has to sever and displace the fibers. Thanks for watching
You are a natural movie maker. The reason why I know this is because you create your own sound effects. Grunt grunt. Good show, my son. Science is everywhere.
One of your best videos in the past year. Wide variety of blades, with lots of chopping while explaining various techniques. The quick explanations of the grinds really helped me understand how the wood responds to the chops, and how the blades can stick or lift. Sever/Compress, Sever/Lift. I shall strive to remember that while chopping. I never knew why the rounded axes were like that. I didn't believe what you said about being able to roll the log--until you proved it on camera.
Thanks Tom, I'm glad you liked it that much! Understanding chip removal can save a lot of energy and swings. I knew no one would believe about that log roll, it had to be shown on video! Thanks for watching
Comprehensive, educational and fun. Another great Vid, David. It's just comfortable listening to your content, and your truth's come through loud and clear.
I don't know how many You Tube ax videos I've seen where the 'operator' was totally clueless regarding the techniques you just demonstrated. Good job, Dave. These techniques are normally overlooked which just boggles the mind. Keep up the good work, buddy.
Thanks Van. I know exactly what you mean brother. Anyone can just hack away and get through a log. Doing it with little energy is where its at! Thanks for watching
Hey Dave, Great video! My Dad was a tree Feller out here In Oregon, him and his partner would always use a double bit axe to make the notches, then they would drop the tree with a two man buck saw! Some of the trees were 6 to 8 foot through, and over 200 ft. tall! The days of those kind of trees are pretty much done now. My dad said that a woodsman should always know how to properly chop a chip, as it was the bases for everything you did with an axe! You have been the only one I have ever seen who has explained, properly how to create a correct chip, congrats to you Sir! My dad also kept two different profiles on his axe. One for cutting, and for flipping the chip, and he would rotate the axe in his hand as he chopped. Its great to see the knowledge of woodsmanship being passed on for those who know to those who seek to know! J.T. from Oregon
Thanks J.T., I'm glad you liked it. Your Dad sounds like one of the last breed of old school woodsmen. I bet youre right too, they absolutely do not cut trees that big any more in that manner! Thanks for watching
The ax I was first taught to use ( 11 or 12 years of age) was a double bit. Never knew about rolling a log with it until now! Thanks for sharing and thank you for being h u amble enough to put yourself out there when things don't exactly according to plan. You just record it and roll with it! That's integrity!
I have so much love for you, for making these informational videos. I use youtube heavily for learning about products before I purchase. The extensive information you share in your videos, helps me immensely. Knowledge is power. Please never stop what your doing! Love you bud.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 hopefully one day ill have someone teach me the ways of youtube in order to do the same. Albeit my area of expertise is antiquity and philosophy. That said. The knowledge you share is truly valuable. I am bias in my opinion, for; I find you to be funny as well as informational. Keep up the good work bud. God bless.
Dayum dude.....at the 28:00 mark you rolled that beast and chopped it. So impressed. Not sure I can handle all I'm learning here but I am indeed grateful!! Much woodcraft respect pal!!
BIG thumbs up!!! I've never seen a video dedicated to this subject. Fascinating....as it all makes sense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So here you empower us to really look at our edged tools......and begin to understand them. Thanks for that Amigo. AMB from Arizona!!!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it that much Charles! Yep, as far as I know, no one has ever brought up the importance of what happens with each chop. Or what should happen, lol. Thanks for watching
Well Amigo, I agree with Ulrica.......waaaaay up there in Sweden.....we are both blessed to have her as a friend.....but, I digress, I agree with her, you are probably the most innovative outdoor YT host, period. I'm 67 and been at the back country game all my life. Yet, you have taught this old S.O.B. some pretty cool stuff! So, good on me as well....still not too old to learn! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! >:-)
Good instruction, excellent description of the chop and science behind it, and good demonstration of chip removal by the shape of the cutting edge! A great video on teaching what kind of grinds for what kind of expectations!
I haven't forgotten about this video, It was on my ''watch later'' list. I had to wait for the perfect time to watch this undisturbed.. Day off for me, wife's at work and the little girl is at daycare doing what little girls do! Thanks David ATB from Yellowknife, The Ice and snow is about 50 % melted off the lakes
What I know about Axes and Machetes could be written on the head of a pin...now, Dave, this makes you look like an Axe and machete genius. I'm still at the stage where I have difficulty sharpening knives successfully. Your superb video opened my eyes and made me just a little wiser, but did nothing for my prowess in knife sharpening at all...Nope! There is very little hope for me at my time of life, but I do enjoy watching others who know more than me. Take care...
I'm happy you learned from this video John! Give the techniques a try and keep on trying methods of sharpening. Before you know it, you will have it all down pat! Thanks for watching
Hi it me that guy from the UK I enjoyed your video on SCL sever compress lift ( Axe and Machete Efficient Chopping and Removal) As I look through you tube I came across Bertram -Craft and Wilderness . And he did a video on cutting a big tree with a axe watching yours 1st I was able to see his skill in the way he went about felling the free thank you for the education you pass on though your videos
Great timing for this video. I'm getting ready to go out into the woods and was just thinking about what things I wanted to focus on. I recently purchased a new machete with a serrated saw on the opposite side, and am going to be purchasing a Marbles 18"dual bit pack axe. I plan to reshape the one edge like yours. We are also going to build the tarp bunk and tarp hut. I am so excited to go out there. Thanks again for all of the fantastic tutorials. They are a great help to me.
Sounds great Michael! You got plenty of cool stuff to do now in the woods. Ive seen that Marbles axe before, its good quality for the price! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Dave, just love your video's dont care where you make them really enjoy watching them. You put a happy smile on my face every time you upload a new video.
Excellent video! Your background as a machinist shows you understand tool angles and what they do. Try to have that conversation with a person that tells you don't use a knife for batoning. You ask them about edge geometry, cutting angles, force vectors, the physics behind cutting, chopping, splitting and you realize the reason they tell you "don't do it" is because someone once told them not to do it and "it was not made" to be used that way... People like you make other people think! Good job!
Thanks John, I'm glad you liked it. Yep, not only was I a machinist but also a Tool and Diemaker. I really learned a lot about grinding, heat treating and what angles shear chop or cut in making dies. The worst knowledge is when a person reads something and does it with out knowing why! Thanks for the comments and Thanks for watching
Wow. Real-life skills for choppers. Very masterful, Dave---Well done! This video should be a keeper in everyone's woods-lore file. These are tips you usually get only from old-timers in the woods industry...thanks very much. You Rock! :)
another great video. Im slowly getting things so i maybe can start going out in the woods. but when the time comes because of your vids, ill have a leg up
Whoo Hoo! A great video! Good point on safety! Good points on the machete and finesse ! And good points on the the two different Axes! You a preaching to us all as a special choir! Nice one! Bring it all on! Bravo! Ross The Santa Fe Man..!
Great video my friend ! I was just talking yesterday about the importance of using efficient strokes of your cutting tool .I was talking about saws.I have seen supposedly skilled Folks attack wood like they're mad at it ! Seems like a lot of wasted effort .As a woman, I don't have the upper body strength of most men, So it's very important to me to use good body technique . I appreciate you explaining the science behind the chop . I think it was a good point about practicing with one machete to hone your skill. Thanks Dave for another excellent video!
Thanks Cheri, I'm glad you liked it. Oh yes, its all about technique. One of my old mentors could delimb a tree and chop it into firewood out in the woods and never get out of breath. Every other swing landed perfectly and took out a hug chip! I learned this by watching him.Thanks for watching
Finally took me a while but I have watched every one of your vids at least once. Thanks for the sharing your knowledge. I love the tarp/hammock shelters and your outside the box inventions.
Most Excellent Tutorial. It was an eye opener in many respects. I want to write some more on this one but I can't right now. For me, this Tutorial took tutorials to a different level. Maybe chopping has been an undiscovered passion in me. Could be. Sign of a great vid, it makes you think. Cheers Dave.
Thanks Allan! I'm glad you liked it that much brother. Fantastic it made you think. Most everyone never thinks twice about chopping, they just do it. Thinking about it will help develop a good chopping technique. Stop back by anytime brother
Hi Dave !! Thanks for taking us out in the backyard with you. I'm going to try your tips and techniques next time I'm in the woods. Never really paid that much attention to my chopping habits. I'm going to next time out !!! That machete you made is great !!! It looks beefy enough to be 1/2 " material but I know it's not !!!!!! Thanks for taking the time to make another video. Its always a treat !!! :)
You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it Ellis. Give this stuff a try. You wont believe how much less energy it takes to chop when you use technique. That beast is 1/4 inch thick. Thanks for watching
Another really good video David, looks a good way to work off some stress when the boss has been on my back all week! Keep em coming my friend, best wishes from England
Finally someone explains the science of grinds and their intended uses. People buy the wrong knives and use them the wrong way, then complain that they're a crap knife. Learn how to correctly sharpen each grind too for best performance. Very easy to ruin a good convex edge on a whetstone.
Awesome demonstration. That red oak is some strong wood. Daddy used to build furniture with it. It has a very tight, compact grain and is highly durable and tough. You showed skill in getting through it. Good job. This, of course, said by someone for whom chopping is a spectator sport. Lol.
Thanks Lisa, I'm glad you liked it. Oh yes, Rd oak is a beast! Its the toughest stuff that laying around here! Get otu and chop a little. LOL. Thanks for watching
Hey man! Another great video, I'm opening up to using big blades over hatchets because they add so much versatility for crafting things. I do most of my camping on a fat bike so its always a compromise when packing the bike. When bikepacking, you can end up pretty much anywhere so versatility is key. Big blades fit the bill, especially if they are sturdy enough to be batoned through logs. Right now I have a Condor Dundee strapped to the seat tube.
Thank you Dave for another awesome information filled video! My favorite machete I I use an S.O.G. Kukri machete when I have a machete chopping chore to be done and I have that problem of either the blade sinking in and getting stuck, or sometimes the blade will literally just bounce off the wood without removing anything. After watching this video, I went out to the 'sacred wood pile' in the 'wilds of my backyard', LOL, and did a bit of experimenting with your techniques and discovered if I chop at the right (correct) angle (I had to reduce mine) I started getting chips with every blow. Same with my camp hatchet. Also, I discovered that the power ya use makes a huge difference, if ya really lay into the log, the blade (both) will either sink in too deep or bounce off (again, depends on the angle). A medium strength chop seems to work best. Thank you again for the information, and giving me the ides to get out and try doing it differently. I learned yet, another skill. See ya in the next one.~ Vinny
You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it Vin. Yep, Ive seen them SOG Kukris and they are flat grind thin and sharp. After you sharpen it a few times and kinda convex that edge it will get better. And youre right, a medium chop is always the way to go. Thanks for watching
Man that was a very informative video especially on the different grinds I also love the guard log for safety. I never seen that done before and makes perfect sense. Thanks again ReallyBigMonkey.
Hells bells, I have the SP-53, Village parang, RTAK 2, and SP-8. The only one I didn't modify the grind is the SP-53. I modified the 3 others by putting a high convex edge or bevel. With the Villager I had to use a file to thin before sharpening. They all chop better now. One side of a double bit axe can also be dedicated to cutting roots in the dirt. Thanx for the awesome vid!
I enjoy your backyard videos. The cordless mic is excellent! As always, learned a lot. At the very end of the video, after you've chopped everything in sight, you hear someone using a chain saw...Awesome timing. I appreciate the video.....I use a machete but I guess it's time to get a pack ax.
Thanks Alex, I'm glad you like em. Im overjoyed at how well that mic works! LOL, that was pretty funny when the neighbor got out his chainsaw. Of all the days to do so! Thanks for watching
Thanks Danny, I'm glad you liked it and I'm always happy to share. I'll do anything to help make my friends camp life a lot easier! Thanks for watching
Excellent and detailed knowledge which I've never seen explained elsewhere! You are great teacher who is able to share your wealth of information in an understandable and friendly way!! Thank you for spending the time to produce these videos! 👍 👍
Thanks John, I'm glad you liked it. I try my best to show and cover things that no one else is showing. Gotta keep it new and interesting! Thanks for watching
Love it, to see you working with blades, David. Especially with your selfmade Machete. The beast. I like it a lot. Wish I could make such a monster on my own. Atb, Christian
thanks - great information - i never realized about the chop and flip to clear out the chip - i always just hit it hard to try and let the second chop pass the first
Hi, just recently found your channel. Its honestly one of the best I've ever found. Your accent is so cool, we don't get anything as good here in the UK. Peace ✌
What accent? This is Standard English! (BTW, as far as I know, Southern dialect is the only accent that has rhythm - it can be spoken to a metronome, When I taught English as a Second Language in Japan, I would actually use a metronome in class. My students excelled in having a minimum of accent when they spoke rhythmically.)
Nice informative video with a great selection of tools and instruction concerning technique. I learned some things that will help me with my selection of a machete. I have watched several of your presentations and have enjoyed them all. As you're talking, in my mind, I'm seeing James Best, aka Rosco P Coltrane. That's a good thing. He was a great character actor. Please keep up the good work. I did subscribe.
@ David Thank you David, that you finally put your machete into action - which has something archaic, something so powerful - I love this machete! In addition, I admired your beautiful old wooden pale fence, I think your ancestors were very natural, just like you! And as always, your video was very educational!
Thanks again, Dave, for your entertaining and fact-filled vids. Much appreciated, man. Somewhere I think you or somebody else mention the width of the cut in chopping logs--narrower for thinner logs and wider for fatter logs. I don't think you mentioned it in this vid. One would think that a narrower cut would mean your blade would be entering the wood more straight up and down and penetrating deeper, and the resulting chip might be harder to pop out. Vicey-versey, in a wider cut the blade would be entering the wood at more of a sloped angle and therefore the chip would be relatively thinner and perhaps easier to pop out. It may not make much difference over the course of a few minutes chopping, but over the course of an hour say, a person might be less pooped removing thinner chips. It might take longer to do the work, but a philosophical chopper getting into the zen of the experience would end up being less tired and enjoy the chopping experience more. Like you say, nothing beats choppin' in the woods. Well, almost nothin'. lol
Thanks man, I'm glad you liked it. I did forget to mention width. The basic rule of thumb is cut each side the width of half the diameter of the log. Thats a general rule for larger logs, just a guideline for smaller logs. I usually dont mess with huge logs unless its an open fire heating a lousy lean to and it has to last all night.Thanks for watching
Great video Dave never had chopping technique explained before,i was one of those mad choppers just relied on brute strength and luck to cut the log. i will try this next time i am out in the woods many thanks for taking the time to make this great tutorial god bless
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Be sure and give this a try and make it a habit. You just wont believe how much less energy it will take to chop! Thanks for watching
Love your vids Dave, I look forward to them every week or so. Wish you did more, but I know we all need to work to keep a roof over head and feed our selves.
Thank Gil, I'm glad you like em. Believe me, I would love to make more vids but just dont have the time. Thats probably why my views havent grow like some of the others have. Thanks for watching
Thanks for posting this video. It was really cool to see your technique up close and explained so well. Helped me out at work the other day when I used your technique to cut through a large root that was in my way. It worked great. Thank You!
great show! when I was a kid my dad taught me to chop like this. I didn't really think about it much other than when I taught someone else to cut down a tree or process it. I really like the convex edge for any chopping tool.
Yeah he was a wildfire fireman and Forrester for 30 years it good to be getting your videos again the UA-cam had unsubscribed me and I was one of your first subscribers lol
For de-limbing I find alternating hit sides is difficult close to the trunk, so I keep hitting within the same cut. This is where Full Flat Grinds work because they are thin enough to slide in and hit the bottom of a single cut. Full Flat Grinds do stick on thicker wood, which is why I like Sabre Hollow Grinds, and just going around/breaking for medium size limbs (3-4”). Sabre Hollow Grinds as thin as 0.020”, like Randall (RMK) does them, also reduce shock to the hand. When Full Flat Grinds are that thin the wood pinching can warp them slightly. (It will not on Sabre Hollow Grinds, because the pinching takes place in much thicker steel higher up.)
"Hellooooo Everybody!" That always makes me laugh out loud :) Good to see you Dave! Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. I always enjoy your videos and look forward to the next. We're off on a 2 week fishing/camping trip to northwest South Dakota. Hope to see a new video when we get back!! Have a great summer buddy!!
Ahh, it's like going to the buffet for a second helping of Really Big Monkey Grub (mental edition). Your explanation on the chopping and compressing of fibers made the little light bulb go on in my brain. I never really looked at it that way. Grub like that is good eatin', BrotherMan. :) Seriously, I love the fact that I was actually planning on asking you some machete tidbits, and here you are going over those exact queries today. Nice timing and I'm liking your mixed location approach that you seem to be doing more of.
Thanks Brother Chris, I'm glad you liked it. Man this is all you need to know to be an efficient chopper. Just make all these movements a habit and you will never get wore out from chopping! Thanks for watching and see ya in the next one brother.
Great video there Dave! I worked the logwoods for a while an a older gent explained the same method to me back then! He could almost beat a chainsaw in a tree fell! Thanks for takin' the time. ZZ.
Some very good tips and tricks. I try to place a log or something under the one I am chopping so my blade will hit it and not hit the ground. Because if there is a rock within 100 miles of me it will be under what I am chopping and ding my edge, LOL. Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.
LOL, man I hear ya! I often times seem to find rocks too. I once ruined a brand spanking new Kabar machete on a hidden rock. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
So true a flat blade machete makes the job of chopping a pain. SCL👍 Good to see you doing another vid. The Ontario,your favourite ,appears the most energy efficient. The Shovaxe is great, have you thought about halving it and connecting in the middle with 2 strong bolts to make it shorter for packing? Or will that compromise its structure? Thanks for sharing Dave, see you on the next one👌🏻
Im pretty sure halving the Shovaxe would ruin the strength of it. Its a solid beast like it is. I usually use it on short hikes or maybe car camping. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Hello, No negative intended and i agree with all you have said in this vid. I however have set my own rule for conservation of energy is as follows. If the wood is thicker than my blade (knife, machete) is tall i go to a saw. With an axe, can i get through half of it in 4 chops(8 swings) if not go to a larger tool or saw. Exception of course you have use what you have on hand. Great vid as usual. :-)
Sounds like a good rule. I myself love saws and carry one often. Most of the firewood I deal with can be chopped fast with 4 to 6 swings of an axe if the blows are properly landed. Logs bigger than 6 inch usually get left behind unless its a long log fire. Thanks for watching
Say Heah Dave, After a couple of years now. The O. K. C. Gen2 SP-53 is still one of my Fav's Choppers. I still team it with my Ranger T. F. I. (Tactical Force Infidel) both are robust but I use them mostly in colder weather when wood is needed to stay warm and carving is not as needed. But I do like teaming my Rodent 5 with my 17" Hultafors Bruks Agdor Hatchet which I really like because of tge 1 3/4 lbs. Head. and it's still compact that I can wear it in my Axe Holster. With a nice Saw I could have a great Afternoon Delight. I find taking my Victorinox Delemont Collection Ranger 78 is all I need with my basic Trio. This way I can get by with just my Haversack In warm weather my Lite Trio works great. My Mora 2000 with my Mora Hatchet and my Bacho Laplander with my Victorinox Delemont Collection Ranger 78 .,,. p
Reallybigmonkey1 I still Thanx You for suggesting the SP-53 over the SP-52 which I almost got because it was lighter. You set me straight in that. Thanx You, Dave.,,. p
Good tutorial video. I cant say that I could accomplish the same things you did as I am more of a "toothpick" kinda chopper. I never hit the same place twice and my chips quickly become toothpicks lol. Thanks for another good one man.
I was down in South Carolina in October and seen a yard that looked remarkably like yours . I was stying in Blythwood but drove all over .By the way I really like that bolo , that sure is a mighty nice handle . I love the Condor Amalgam and the Becker / Reinhardt Kukri is a monster chopper . I also know a place that still has the SP 45 for sale and the hard to find Onterio Bushcraft Woodsman.
I've been to Greeneville and Spartanburg many a times and it does look a lot like Georgia. I never used those machetes you've mentioned but I've seen them. Thanks for watching
I think your shovax as machete out chopped the rest, except the axes. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Now I am going to go back and watch the other one again.
That Shovaxe does chop like a beast! I was surprised after making it how well it worked. I'm glad you liked it and I'm always happy to share. Thanks for watching
What's up Dave & Nick thanks for the call back I got a cheap camillus carnivore x Mac 20.00 its pretty good. And folding saw Ozark trail 20.00 Walmart works in pinch. Money's been tight I watch your Friend Blackie he says use what you have . You guys are good people. I am like you don't have quite the collection but I have a chest full of knives & macs . I have a list as long as my arm and sleep on it every night. Love you guys. Latet
really nice video,the thing i do when using thin blades who wish to stick is i hold the stick up to get a sharper degree on the cut and i twist the blade outwards a little with every chop to compensate for the blade not doing it for me.
Not my fault being late this time... No notice, and not listed in my sub videos... I didn't know this video was out until I got the e-mail just now - 3 days later... Excellent advice on chopping efficiently... Enjoyed ! Peace brother...
For what it's worth - I'll agree on the thicker vs tall / thin blade... If you get to where that "Flick" is second nature, you come to appreciate the stiff spine of a thicker blade... JMHO
Ah better late than ever! Wow, three days late? Something must be seriouslt messed up. This video have gotten less views than any of my vids so the notifications system must be screwed up. Thanks for watching Brother
I certainly don't think it was the video quality affecting views. It might not have been your a-typical "fun in the woods" video, but I thought it was an excellent follow-up to the ax video - and on a subject not regularly addressed - which was it's "stated" purpose. I think this one lands squarely on UA-cam. You might even consider contacting them, as a "machete guy" in case it got red flagged for "machete / chopping" given some of the machete related violence in Africa and their crackdown on weapons videos. Who knows... UA-cam makes very little sense to me....
Absolutely... No comparison in leverage AND the risk of bending (especially flicking on the 2nd cut every time flicking / flexing the same direction every flick)... Certainly the potential to develop a warp in a thinner blade...
WOW thanks a ton Dave, i didn't have any idea you could turn the log as you cut, ill have to try that with my collins double bit when i get home. Guess im going to have to work with my tomahawk some more to and see if im getting chips like you were saying.
Youre very welcome brother. Yep, check and see what good youre doing. A lot of folks just chop chop chop and never pay attention to the chips. I know its fun but ya gotta get somewhere fast when chopping.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge my friend. Interesting stuff. This is the first time I have heard that a curved axe blade makes the log roll over. - Martin
You are very welcome and I am always happy to share. Sometime when you get a log with no limbs give that trick a try. With some practice you can roll that log every time! Thanks for watching Martin
A friend of mine brought up a fantastic question that I cant answer and if anyone can, please post it here. Where did axe shapes get their name? Michigan, Hudson Bay, Dayton, Rockaway, Humboldt, Swamping, Wedge, or Zeek for examples. Some are named after states but some named after shapes or uses? Why?
Well, it does not comprehensively answer the broader question which is actually a multi-part question with numerous answers, however; Wiki actually has a surprisingly solid write up about Axes found here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axe
How does anything get a name, why do we say, "table" when we refer to a flat object with three or more legs? People make stuff up, and other people repeat it! I'd like to know too, especially the Rockaway pattern, have family in those regions.
I was always told they were often named for the state or region they were heavily used or the blacksmith (think pre1890s) that came up with the pattern. Then you have something like a Hudson's Bay pattern that is named after the Hudson's Bay Trading Company that had them made and imported them into North America. Keep in mind that names change over time though.
I wuz gonna say " they got they name from they grammaw .
🤔 I'm 90% certain the Rockaway was named after the famous Ramones song Rockaway beach🤣
I am so glad to see someone pointing out the importance of chopping at an angle! Great video and thanks. I have watched so many videos where a person is chopping at a 90 degree angle to the project. They are wasting so much energy and not getting very far. The resistance going straight across the fibers is much greater than the resistance cutting at an angle. A 45 degree angle is about as far as you want to go. If you go beyond 45 degrees you are getting closer to splitting.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Very well sated, angle chopping to me is more like severing the fibers as a 90 degree chop has to sever and displace the fibers. Thanks for watching
You are a natural movie maker. The reason why I know this is because you create your own sound effects. Grunt grunt. Good show, my son. Science is everywhere.
Thanks Momma, I'm glad you like the way I do things. Im old and tired so I grunt when I chop. LOL. Thanks for watching
You realize your true calling. At heart, you are a teacher. A wonderful gift.
Thank you Randal! I absolutely love showing what all I've learned. Thanks for watching brother
One of your best videos in the past year. Wide variety of blades, with lots of chopping while explaining various techniques. The quick explanations of the grinds really helped me understand how the wood responds to the chops, and how the blades can stick or lift. Sever/Compress, Sever/Lift. I shall strive to remember that while chopping.
I never knew why the rounded axes were like that. I didn't believe what you said about being able to roll the log--until you proved it on camera.
Thanks Tom, I'm glad you liked it that much! Understanding chip removal can save a lot of energy and swings. I knew no one would believe about that log roll, it had to be shown on video! Thanks for watching
"Fun In The Backyard"! The fun never ends.
Everyone could use these techniques!!!
Your homemade machete is the winner!
Thanks, Dave,
Clark
I have fun anywhere Im at! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Clark
Comprehensive, educational and fun. Another great Vid, David. It's just comfortable listening to your content, and your truth's come through loud and clear.
Thank you my friend! I try and tell it like I see it.
I don't know how many You Tube ax videos I've seen where the 'operator' was totally clueless regarding the techniques you just demonstrated. Good job, Dave. These techniques are normally overlooked which just boggles the mind. Keep up the good work, buddy.
Thanks Van. I know exactly what you mean brother. Anyone can just hack away and get through a log. Doing it with little energy is where its at! Thanks for watching
Hey Dave, Great video! My Dad was a tree Feller out here In Oregon, him and his partner would always use a double bit axe to make the notches, then they would drop the tree with a two man buck saw! Some of the trees were 6 to 8 foot through, and over 200 ft. tall! The days of those kind of trees are pretty much done now. My dad said that a woodsman should always know how to properly chop a chip, as it was the bases for everything you did with an axe! You have been the only one I have ever seen who has explained, properly how to create a correct chip, congrats to you Sir! My dad also kept two different profiles on his axe. One for cutting, and for flipping the chip, and he would rotate the axe in his hand as he chopped. Its great to see the knowledge of woodsmanship being passed on for those who know to those who seek to know! J.T. from Oregon
Thanks J.T., I'm glad you liked it. Your Dad sounds like one of the last breed of old school woodsmen. I bet youre right too, they absolutely do not cut trees that big any more in that manner! Thanks for watching
The ax I was first taught to use ( 11 or 12 years of age) was a double bit. Never knew about rolling a log with it until now! Thanks for sharing and thank you for being h u amble enough to put yourself out there when things don't exactly according to plan. You just record it and roll with it!
That's integrity!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. I gotta show it like it happens, good or bad!
I have so much love for you, for making these informational videos. I use youtube heavily for learning about products before I purchase. The extensive information you share in your videos, helps me immensely. Knowledge is power. Please never stop what your doing! Love you bud.
Fantastic to hear that my friend! I plan on making these videos as long as I can!
@@Reallybigmonkey1 hopefully one day ill have someone teach me the ways of youtube in order to do the same. Albeit my area of expertise is antiquity and philosophy. That said. The knowledge you share is truly valuable. I am bias in my opinion, for; I find you to be funny as well as informational. Keep up the good work bud. God bless.
Dayum dude.....at the 28:00 mark you rolled that beast and chopped it. So impressed. Not sure I can handle all I'm learning here but I am indeed grateful!! Much woodcraft respect pal!!
Thanks Scott! Ah play with an ax long enough and you make it look easy! Thanks for watching
Only just got my machete a few weeks back, watching this has given me some good techniques to try out. Cheers Dave.
Sounds great Pete! Use this technique with that machete and make all these movements a habit.
BIG thumbs up!!! I've never seen a video dedicated to this subject. Fascinating....as it all makes sense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So here you empower us to really look at our edged tools......and begin to understand them. Thanks for that Amigo. AMB from Arizona!!!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it that much Charles! Yep, as far as I know, no one has ever brought up the importance of what happens with each chop. Or what should happen, lol. Thanks for watching
Well Amigo, I agree with Ulrica.......waaaaay up there in Sweden.....we are both blessed to have her as a friend.....but, I digress, I agree with her, you are probably the most innovative outdoor YT host, period. I'm 67 and been at the back country game all my life. Yet, you have taught this old S.O.B. some pretty cool stuff! So, good on me as well....still not too old to learn! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! >:-)
Fantastic video on a subject that is not covered much. Appreciate your time in helping others.
Thanks David, I'm glad you liked it.
Good instruction, excellent description of the chop and science behind it, and good demonstration of chip removal by the shape of the cutting edge! A great video on teaching what kind of grinds for what kind of expectations!
Thanks Tom, I'm glad you liked it that much brother! Thanks for watching
I haven't forgotten about this video, It was on my ''watch later'' list. I had to wait for the perfect time to watch this undisturbed.. Day off for me, wife's at work and the little girl is at daycare doing what little girls do! Thanks David ATB from Yellowknife, The Ice and snow is about 50 % melted off the lakes
Sounds good Eric, Im glad you finally got to watch it. I'm glad you liked it and lets hope the snow is gone soon! Thanks for watching
What I know about Axes and Machetes could be written on the head of a pin...now, Dave, this makes you look like an Axe and machete genius. I'm still at the stage where I have difficulty sharpening knives successfully. Your superb video opened my eyes and made me just a little wiser, but did nothing for my prowess in knife sharpening at all...Nope! There is very little hope for me at my time of life, but I do enjoy watching others who know more than me. Take care...
I'm happy you learned from this video John! Give the techniques a try and keep on trying methods of sharpening. Before you know it, you will have it all down pat! Thanks for watching
Awesome teaching of SCLing logs! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I've learned something new already this morning thanks to you.
You are very welcome and I am always happy to share. Thanks for watching my friend!
Loved the nugget making technique for small wood stove, never seen that before, Thanks once again Dave, always look forward to your vids. regards Matt
Thanks Matt, I'm glad you liked it. As far as I know, I havent seen that trick any where else on youtube either. Its a handy one! Thanks for watching
AWESOME. I watched the video when you made the machete . This was the first time seeing it in action. Your videos our the best.
Thanks!
Hi it me that guy from the UK
I enjoyed your video on SCL sever compress lift ( Axe and Machete Efficient Chopping and Removal)
As I look through you tube I came across Bertram -Craft and Wilderness . And he did a video on cutting a big tree with a axe watching yours 1st I was able to see his skill in the way he went about felling the free thank you for the education you pass on though your videos
Hello Nicholas and I'm glad you liked it! I've seen that Bertram guy and he is definitely highly skilled!
Great timing for this video. I'm getting ready to go out into the woods and was just thinking about what things I wanted to focus on. I recently purchased a new machete with a serrated saw on the opposite side, and am going to be purchasing a Marbles 18"dual bit pack axe. I plan to reshape the one edge like yours. We are also going to build the tarp bunk and tarp hut. I am so excited to go out there. Thanks again for all of the fantastic tutorials. They are a great help to me.
Sounds great Michael! You got plenty of cool stuff to do now in the woods. Ive seen that Marbles axe before, its good quality for the price! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Dave, just love your video's dont care where you make them really enjoy watching them. You put a happy smile on my face every time you upload a new video.
Always great to hear that and I'm happy you like them so much. Thanks for watching
Excellent video! Your background as a machinist shows you understand tool angles and what they do. Try to have that conversation with a person that tells you don't use a knife for batoning. You ask them about edge geometry, cutting angles, force vectors, the physics behind cutting, chopping, splitting and you realize the reason they tell you "don't do it" is because someone once told them not to do it and "it was not made" to be used that way...
People like you make other people think! Good job!
Thanks John, I'm glad you liked it. Yep, not only was I a machinist but also a Tool and Diemaker. I really learned a lot about grinding, heat treating and what angles shear chop or cut in making dies. The worst knowledge is when a person reads something and does it with out knowing why! Thanks for the comments and Thanks for watching
Wow. Real-life skills for choppers. Very masterful, Dave---Well done! This video should be a keeper in everyone's woods-lore file. These are tips you usually get only from old-timers in the woods industry...thanks very much. You Rock! :)
Thanks Brother, I'm glad you liked it all. A lot of this was shown to me by two old timers! Thanks for watching
Your backyard is epic! Like a zen paradise with the bamboo🙏
Lol, thanks!
another great video. Im slowly getting things so i maybe can start going out in the woods. but when the time comes because of your vids, ill have a leg up
Sounds great Nathan. Use your gear, enjoy it and stay safe brother
Damn - you're just a chip off the old block. We need to start calling you Professor Dave !!! I so love you videos, Tx Dave
LOL, Thanks Dr. Ron!
Whoo Hoo! A great video!
Good point on safety!
Good points on the machete and finesse !
And good points on the the two different Axes!
You a preaching to us all as a special choir!
Nice one!
Bring it all on!
Bravo!
Ross
The Santa Fe Man..!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it all Ross! Thanks for watching
Great video my friend ! I was just talking yesterday about the importance of using efficient strokes of your cutting tool .I was talking about saws.I have seen supposedly skilled Folks attack wood like they're mad at it ! Seems like a lot of wasted effort .As a woman, I don't have the upper body strength of most men, So it's very important to me to use good body technique . I appreciate you explaining the science behind the chop . I think it was a good point about practicing with one machete to hone your skill. Thanks Dave for another excellent video!
Thanks Cheri, I'm glad you liked it. Oh yes, its all about technique. One of my old mentors could delimb a tree and chop it into firewood out in the woods and never get out of breath. Every other swing landed perfectly and took out a hug chip! I learned this by watching him.Thanks for watching
Nice video, nice self-made machete too. Really like how you always share what you've figured out from your own experience.
Thanks C.M., I'm glad you liked em both. Thanks for watching
Finally took me a while but I have watched every one of your vids at least once. Thanks for the sharing your knowledge. I love the tarp/hammock shelters and your outside the box inventions.
Fantastic to hear that my friend! Im glad you like my ideas and videos brother.
Most Excellent Tutorial. It was an eye opener in many respects.
I want to write some more on this one but I can't right now.
For me, this Tutorial took tutorials to a different level. Maybe chopping has been an undiscovered passion in me. Could be. Sign of a great vid, it makes you think. Cheers Dave.
Thanks Allan! I'm glad you liked it that much brother. Fantastic it made you think. Most everyone never thinks twice about chopping, they just do it. Thinking about it will help develop a good chopping technique. Stop back by anytime brother
Hi Dave !! Thanks for taking us out in the backyard with you. I'm going to try your tips and techniques next time I'm in the woods. Never really paid that much attention to my chopping habits. I'm going to next time out !!! That machete you made is great !!! It looks beefy enough to be 1/2 " material but I know it's not !!!!!! Thanks for taking the time to make another video. Its always a treat !!! :)
You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it Ellis. Give this stuff a try. You wont believe how much less energy it takes to chop when you use technique. That beast is 1/4 inch thick. Thanks for watching
Another lesson learned! I always enjoy watching your vids! Thanks again!
Always great to hear that and I'm happy you liked it. Thanks for watching Gary
Hi Dave, nice video. It's nice to see the science behind the task in order to improve our technique.
atb, Ben.
Thanks Ben, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching and keep a chopping brother
Another really good video David, looks a good way to work off some stress when the boss has been on my back all week! Keep em coming my friend, best wishes from England
Thanks Eddie, I'm glad you liked it. LOL, man aint that the truth! Just go home and chop some to relieve stress from work!Thanks for watching
As always a superior, clear, instructional vid. You are the best Bro !!
Thanks Julius, I'm glad you liked it that much! Thanks for watching
Finally someone explains the science of grinds and their intended uses. People buy the wrong knives and use them the wrong way, then complain that they're a crap knife.
Learn how to correctly sharpen each grind too for best performance. Very easy to ruin a good convex edge on a whetstone.
Very well said Mack!
Awesome demonstration. That red oak is some strong wood. Daddy used to build furniture with it. It has a very tight, compact grain and is highly durable and tough. You showed skill in getting through it. Good job. This, of course, said by someone for whom chopping is a spectator sport. Lol.
Thanks Lisa, I'm glad you liked it. Oh yes, Rd oak is a beast! Its the toughest stuff that laying around here! Get otu and chop a little. LOL. Thanks for watching
I love your channel! I just bought 3 acres of woods, this info will help me a lot!!
Thanks, I'm glad you like it so much. 3 Acres is the perfect size! Thanks for watching
Hey man! Another great video, I'm opening up to using big blades over hatchets because they add so much versatility for crafting things. I do most of my camping on a fat bike so its always a compromise when packing the bike. When bikepacking, you can end up pretty much anywhere so versatility is key. Big blades fit the bill, especially if they are sturdy enough to be batoned through logs. Right now I have a Condor Dundee strapped to the seat tube.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Very cool youre thinking big blades! They are also quite safer than an axe in a lot of situations.
I always learn something from your movies, I appreciate your work !!!
Always great to hear that Jack!
Thank you Dave for another awesome information filled video! My favorite machete I I use an S.O.G. Kukri machete when I have a machete chopping chore to be done and I have that problem of either the blade sinking in and getting stuck, or sometimes the blade will literally just bounce off the wood without removing anything. After watching this video, I went out to the 'sacred wood pile' in the 'wilds of my backyard', LOL, and did a bit of experimenting with your techniques and discovered if I chop at the right (correct) angle (I had to reduce mine) I started getting chips with every blow. Same with my camp hatchet. Also, I discovered that the power ya use makes a huge difference, if ya really lay into the log, the blade (both) will either sink in too deep or bounce off (again, depends on the angle). A medium strength chop seems to work best. Thank you again for the information, and giving me the ides to get out and try doing it differently. I learned yet, another skill. See ya in the next one.~ Vinny
You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it Vin. Yep, Ive seen them SOG Kukris and they are flat grind thin and sharp. After you sharpen it a few times and kinda convex that edge it will get better. And youre right, a medium chop is always the way to go. Thanks for watching
Man that was a very informative video especially on the different grinds I also love the guard log for safety. I never seen that done before and makes perfect sense. Thanks again ReallyBigMonkey.
Thanks Jack, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Hells bells, I have the SP-53, Village parang, RTAK 2, and SP-8. The only one I didn't modify the grind is the SP-53. I modified the 3 others by putting a high convex edge or bevel. With the Villager I had to use a file to thin before sharpening. They all chop better now. One side of a double bit axe can also be dedicated to cutting roots in the dirt. Thanx for the awesome vid!
Thats cool you have all them blades, even cooler you liked the SP-53 just as it is! I'm glad you liked the video
I enjoy your backyard videos. The cordless mic is excellent! As always, learned a lot. At the very end of the video, after you've chopped everything in sight, you hear someone using a chain saw...Awesome timing. I appreciate the video.....I use a machete but I guess it's time to get a pack ax.
Thanks Alex, I'm glad you like em. Im overjoyed at how well that mic works! LOL, that was pretty funny when the neighbor got out his chainsaw. Of all the days to do so! Thanks for watching
Thanks Dave for your knowledge and showing all of us the Right Way to do it. I enjoyed the video A Lot.
Thanks Danny, I'm glad you liked it and I'm always happy to share. I'll do anything to help make my friends camp life a lot easier!
Thanks for watching
Awesome beginning. Great Video, very interesting & informative. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Roy, I'm glad you liked it all. Thanks for watching
I never once put any thought into that. I bet my chopping will be much more efficient next time. Thanks my friend.
Pay attention and you will be surprised at how better you will chop with less effort
Thanks. I'm in the process of tiding up a cheap machete, learnt some interesting ideas.
Sounds great! Convex that edge with a stone for better chopping!
Excellent and detailed knowledge which I've never seen explained elsewhere! You are great teacher who is able to share your wealth of information in an understandable and friendly way!! Thank you for spending the time to produce these videos! 👍 👍
Thanks John, I'm glad you liked it. I try my best to show and cover things that no one else is showing. Gotta keep it new and interesting! Thanks for watching
Another great lesson Dave. Thanks for the videos. See you on the next one my brother.
I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Brother!
Love it, to see you working with blades, David. Especially with your selfmade Machete. The beast. I like it a lot. Wish I could make such a monster on my own. Atb, Christian
Thanks Christian, I'm glad you liked it. I LOVE chopping with that beast! Thanks for watching
great too see ya David... glad too see ya lookin healthy an happy
Great hearing from ya Ty! Im always happy brother!
As always, thoughtful, informative, clear, and helpful. Thank you for the excellent content!
I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Charles
thanks - great information - i never realized about the chop and flip to clear out the chip - i always just hit it hard to try and let the second chop pass the first
Im glad you liked it my friend!
Hi, just recently found your channel. Its honestly one of the best I've ever found.
Your accent is so cool, we don't get anything as good here in the UK.
Peace ✌
Thanks Samuel, I'm glad you like my channel so much. Thanks for the sub and Thanks for watching
What accent? This is Standard English! (BTW, as far as I know, Southern dialect is the only accent that has rhythm - it can be spoken to a metronome, When I taught English as a Second Language in Japan, I would actually use a metronome in class. My students excelled in having a minimum of accent when they spoke rhythmically.)
Nice informative video with a great selection of tools and instruction concerning technique. I learned some things that will help me with my selection of a machete. I have watched several of your presentations and have enjoyed them all. As you're talking, in my mind, I'm seeing James Best, aka Rosco P Coltrane. That's a good thing. He was a great character actor. Please keep up the good work. I did subscribe.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and its helped your choices. Thanks for the sub and Thanks for watching
Awesome work brother, love your work. The science is something I had never considered.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it brother!
@ David
Thank
you David, that you finally put your machete into action - which has
something archaic, something so powerful - I love this machete!
In addition, I admired your beautiful old wooden pale fence, I think your ancestors were very natural, just like you!
And as always, your video was very educational!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it all. From time to time I love getting out the ole chopping beast! Thanks for watching
Thanks again, Dave, for your entertaining and fact-filled vids. Much appreciated, man. Somewhere I think you or somebody else mention the width of the cut in chopping logs--narrower for thinner logs and wider for fatter logs. I don't think you mentioned it in this vid. One would think that a narrower cut would mean your blade would be entering the wood more straight up and down and penetrating deeper, and the resulting chip might be harder to pop out. Vicey-versey, in a wider cut the blade would be entering the wood at more of a sloped angle and therefore the chip would be relatively thinner and perhaps easier to pop out. It may not make much difference over the course of a few minutes chopping, but over the course of an hour say, a person might be less pooped removing thinner chips. It might take longer to do the work, but a philosophical chopper getting into the zen of the experience would end up being less tired and enjoy the chopping experience more. Like you say, nothing beats choppin' in the woods. Well, almost nothin'. lol
Thanks man, I'm glad you liked it. I did forget to mention width. The basic rule of thumb is cut each side the width of half the diameter of the log. Thats a general rule for larger logs, just a guideline for smaller logs. I usually dont mess with huge logs unless its an open fire heating a lousy lean to and it has to last all night.Thanks for watching
Great video Dave never had chopping technique explained before,i was one of those mad choppers just relied on brute strength and luck to cut the log. i will try this next time i am out in the woods many thanks for taking the time to make this great tutorial god bless
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Be sure and give this a try and make it a habit. You just wont believe how much less energy it will take to chop! Thanks for watching
Love your vids Dave, I look forward to them every week or so. Wish you did more, but I know we all need to work to keep a roof over head and feed our selves.
Thank Gil, I'm glad you like em. Believe me, I would love to make more vids but just dont have the time. Thats probably why my views havent grow like some of the others have. Thanks for watching
Quality over quanity,
Awesome video and I learned a few things. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!
Always good to hear that Ronni and Im happy you liked it and learned from it.
Thanks for watching and see ya in the next one
bought the sp53 last fall on your recommendation and really like it. sharpens well enough to shave hair.
Great to hear that Steven! Aint it a beast?
The Mors Kochanski of the Machetes! Learned a lot from this Channel!
Thank you John! Man I love Mr. Kochanski.
Another good video there Dave,enjoyed it very much,all the best to you.
Thanks Brother Tom, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Nice video to watch on the way to work! Awesome stuff as usual!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Alberto
Thanks for posting this video. It was really cool to see your technique up close and explained so well. Helped me out at work the other day when I used your technique to cut through a large root that was in my way. It worked great. Thank You!
Sounds great! Im glad to hear it helped.
great show! when I was a kid my dad taught me to chop like this. I didn't really think about it much other than when I taught someone else to cut down a tree or process it. I really like the convex edge for any chopping tool.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Man your Dad absolutely knew his chopping skills then! Thanks for watching
Yeah he was a wildfire fireman and Forrester for 30 years it good to be getting your videos again the UA-cam had unsubscribed me and I was one of your first subscribers lol
For de-limbing I find alternating hit sides is difficult close to the trunk, so I keep hitting within the same cut. This is where Full Flat Grinds work because they are thin enough to slide in and hit the bottom of a single cut. Full Flat Grinds do stick on thicker wood, which is why I like Sabre Hollow Grinds, and just going around/breaking for medium size limbs (3-4”). Sabre Hollow Grinds as thin as 0.020”, like Randall (RMK) does them, also reduce shock to the hand. When Full Flat Grinds are that thin the wood pinching can warp them slightly. (It will not on Sabre Hollow Grinds, because the pinching takes place in much thicker steel higher up.)
Thanks for the info and thanks for watching
Good job explaining the different grinds... Myself i like a Saber grind for most of the work i do out in the forest...
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Norman. For me, the saber grind is my number one pick for chopping. The scandi is my pick for craving.
"Hellooooo Everybody!" That always makes me laugh out loud :) Good to see you Dave! Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. I always enjoy your videos and look forward to the next. We're off on a 2 week fishing/camping trip to northwest South Dakota. Hope to see a new video when we get back!! Have a great summer buddy!!
LOL! Great seeing you man and I'm glad you liked it. I hope you have a fantastic trip and watch out for bears! Thanks for watching see ya in 2 weeks
Ahh, it's like going to the buffet for a second helping of Really Big Monkey Grub (mental edition). Your explanation on the chopping and compressing of fibers made the little light bulb go on in my brain. I never really looked at it that way. Grub like that is good eatin', BrotherMan. :) Seriously, I love the fact that I was actually planning on asking you some machete tidbits, and here you are going over those exact queries today. Nice timing and I'm liking your mixed location approach that you seem to be doing more of.
Thanks Brother Chris, I'm glad you liked it. Man this is all you need to know to be an efficient chopper. Just make all these movements a habit and you will never get wore out from chopping! Thanks for watching and see ya in the next one brother.
You would make a good prepper you have show me a lot on your videos that I had had and have not seen and remind me a lot of things that I used to do
Thanks John. I may not be a prepper but Im usually either prepared for anything or can just wing it to make the best of a bad situation.
Again another very helpful & educational. Thanks again RBM1
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful Stevie. Thanks for watching
Great video there Dave! I worked the logwoods for a while an a older gent explained the same method to me back then! He could almost beat a chainsaw in a tree fell! Thanks for takin' the time. ZZ.
Thanks ZZ, I'm glad you liked it. Always great to hear clarification on a method I have shown! Thanks for watching
Some very good tips and tricks. I try to place a log or something under the one I am chopping so my blade will hit it and not hit the ground. Because if there is a rock within 100 miles of me it will be under what I am chopping and ding my edge, LOL. Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.
LOL, man I hear ya! I often times seem to find rocks too. I once ruined a brand spanking new Kabar machete on a hidden rock. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
So true a flat blade machete makes the job of chopping a pain. SCL👍 Good to see you doing another vid. The Ontario,your favourite ,appears the most energy efficient. The Shovaxe is great, have you thought about halving it and connecting in the middle with 2 strong bolts to make it shorter for packing? Or will that compromise its structure?
Thanks for sharing Dave, see you on the next one👌🏻
Im pretty sure halving the Shovaxe would ruin the strength of it. Its a solid beast like it is. I usually use it on short hikes or maybe car camping. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Makes sense, great invention my friend take care see ya on the next.
Hello, No negative intended and i agree with all you have said in this vid. I however have set my own rule for conservation of energy is as follows. If the wood is thicker than my blade (knife, machete) is tall i go to a saw. With an axe, can i get through half of it in 4 chops(8 swings) if not go to a larger tool or saw. Exception of course you have use what you have on hand. Great vid as usual. :-)
Sounds like a good rule. I myself love saws and carry one often. Most of the firewood I deal with can be chopped fast with 4 to 6 swings of an axe if the blows are properly landed. Logs bigger than 6 inch usually get left behind unless its a long log fire. Thanks for watching
Say Heah Dave, After a couple of years now. The O. K. C. Gen2 SP-53 is still one of my Fav's Choppers. I still team it with my Ranger T. F. I. (Tactical Force Infidel) both are robust but I use them mostly in colder weather when wood is needed to stay warm and carving is not as needed. But I do like teaming my Rodent 5 with my 17" Hultafors Bruks Agdor Hatchet which I really like because of tge 1 3/4 lbs. Head. and it's still compact that I can wear it in my Axe Holster. With a nice Saw I could have a great Afternoon Delight. I find taking my Victorinox Delemont Collection Ranger 78 is all I need with my basic Trio. This way I can get by with just my Haversack In warm weather my Lite Trio works great. My Mora 2000 with my Mora Hatchet and my Bacho Laplander with my Victorinox Delemont Collection Ranger 78 .,,. p
Same here brother. No machete yet can top mu opinion of the SP-53!
Reallybigmonkey1 I still Thanx You for suggesting the SP-53 over the SP-52 which I almost got because it was lighter. You set me straight in that. Thanx You, Dave.,,. p
great talk Dave
the rolling technic,would only work on certain logs,i going to give it a try next time
thanks for showing
Thanks Steve, I'm glad you liked it. It pretty much works on any log with out limbs or nubs. Give it a try. Thanks for watching
Good tools and tips as usual! Nice yard. Take care friend.
Thanks you Brother Sepp! I'm glad you liked it. Always great to hear from you and Thanks for watching
Dave that was a very informative video, it help me. And that machete you made is a Beast.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful. Thanks for watching
Brother Dave if I had half your energy! Excellent video and information. Thanks for your time and sharing of your knowledge! Thumb's up buddy~John
LOL, Thanks John! I'm glad you liked it. Ah I get tired too ya know. Thanks for watching
Great demonstration with all your tools on wood.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Ronald
Good tutorial video. I cant say that I could accomplish the same things you did as I am more of a "toothpick" kinda chopper. I never hit the same place twice and my chips quickly become toothpicks lol. Thanks for another good one man.
Thanks Scott, I'm glad you liked it. LOL, Ah man just chop as often as you can and the aim will grow perfect! Thanks for watching
I was down in South Carolina in October and seen a yard that looked remarkably like yours . I was stying in Blythwood but drove all over .By the way I really like that bolo , that sure is a mighty nice handle . I love the Condor Amalgam and the Becker / Reinhardt Kukri is a monster chopper . I also know a place that still has the SP 45 for sale and the hard to find Onterio Bushcraft Woodsman.
I've been to Greeneville and Spartanburg many a times and it does look a lot like Georgia. I never used those machetes you've mentioned but I've seen them. Thanks for watching
I think your shovax as machete out chopped the rest, except the axes. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Now I am going to go back and watch the other one again.
That Shovaxe does chop like a beast! I was surprised after making it how well it worked. I'm glad you liked it and I'm always happy to share.
Thanks for watching
Hey a wonderful video as always and keep them coming.
Thanks Thomas, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Thanks for taking the time to teach us something new. I learnt some good stuff from this video.
Great to hear that and I'm always happy to share. Thanks for watching Annette
What's up Dave & Nick thanks for the call back I got a cheap camillus carnivore x Mac 20.00 its pretty good. And folding saw Ozark trail 20.00 Walmart works in pinch. Money's been tight I watch your Friend Blackie he says use what you have . You guys are good people. I am like you don't have quite the collection but I have a chest full of knives & macs . I have a list as long as my arm and sleep on it every night. Love you guys. Latet
Sometimes cheap works just as good as the high dollar stuff
Excellent video brother! Great tips and info!
Thanks Bro, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
really nice video,the thing i do when using thin blades who wish to stick is i hold the stick up to get a sharper degree on the cut and i twist the blade outwards a little with every chop to compensate for the blade not doing it for me.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Sounds like a good idea with the smaller wood. With larger logs its tough to do that. Thanks for watching
That shearing trick is brilliant!!!!
I'm glad you liked that!
Not my fault being late this time... No notice, and not listed in my sub videos... I didn't know this video was out until I got the e-mail just now - 3 days later... Excellent advice on chopping efficiently... Enjoyed ! Peace brother...
For what it's worth - I'll agree on the thicker vs tall / thin blade... If you get to where that "Flick" is second nature, you come to appreciate the stiff spine of a thicker blade... JMHO
Ah better late than ever! Wow, three days late? Something must be seriouslt messed up. This video have gotten less views than any of my vids so the notifications system must be screwed up. Thanks for watching Brother
Oh I agree, and that flick technique can sometimes bend a tall thin blade.
I certainly don't think it was the video quality affecting views. It might not have been your a-typical "fun in the woods" video, but I thought it was an excellent follow-up to the ax video - and on a subject not regularly addressed - which was it's "stated" purpose. I think this one lands squarely on UA-cam. You might even consider contacting them, as a "machete guy" in case it got red flagged for "machete / chopping" given some of the machete related violence in Africa and their crackdown on weapons videos. Who knows... UA-cam makes very little sense to me....
Absolutely... No comparison in leverage AND the risk of bending (especially flicking on the 2nd cut every time flicking / flexing the same direction every flick)... Certainly the potential to develop a warp in a thinner blade...
WOW thanks a ton Dave, i didn't have any idea you could turn the log as you cut, ill have to try that with my collins double bit when i get home. Guess im going to have to work with my tomahawk some more to and see if im getting chips like you were saying.
Youre very welcome brother. Yep, check and see what good youre doing. A lot of folks just chop chop chop and never pay attention to the chips. I know its fun but ya gotta get somewhere fast when chopping.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge my friend. Interesting stuff. This is the first time I have heard that a curved axe blade makes the log roll over.
- Martin
You are very welcome and I am always happy to share. Sometime when you get a log with no limbs give that trick a try. With some practice you can roll that log every time! Thanks for watching Martin