HOW TO CHOOSE AN AXE - Why you need one
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- Опубліковано 22 жов 2016
- In short, this video is based on MY experience and opinion. I think the best suited bushcraft/ hiking axe is approximately 19-22 inches long, with a head weighing between 1 and 2 pounds. Excellent quality steel is preferable, and cheeks that are not too thin, to allow for good splitting of wood.
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Agree, I use a Hultafors Agdor 20" axe for general camping duties as it will split Australian hardwood into kindling when working up close to the head. My Gransfors Scandinavian forest axe with it's fine blade needs a full swing to split.
Nice, I appreciate the considered nature of what you have to say here. I basically divide packable axes into those intended for comfortable one handed use (weight and length) which I would call a hatchet, those intended for comfortable and efficient two handed use like a light boys axe size, but still useable with one hand for shorter periods of time carving and stuff, and the compromises in between that people call packing axes or trekking axes etc... Below about 24 or 25 inches I find axes awkward to the point of annoyance. That of course depends too on how much you have to use them. A long handle buys you so much for the hassle of carrying it. You can do all sorts of stuff with a shorter axe, but at a certain point it's competence for a variety of more challenging work steps up a lot when you can use it's leverage to advantage in a more natural and upright posture.. On hatchets I like longish handles compared to what most have. I want 16 inches, maybe up to 17, but beyond that is getting into small axe zone. Even my smallest baby hatchet has a 16 inch handle. it never really gets in the way much of travel and packing and offers much advantage over the typical 15 inch and down handles that are almost universal. With all of them, user skill can make up for a lot of shortcomings and spending time with them doing real work is important to gaining that. I think that is very important to remember.
Thanks so much for sharing your opinions my friend! I agree with almost everything you said; especially the last sentiments about experience largely dictating the capabilities of an axe, and that its hard to decide without having significant amounts of time with each. I carried larger axes for a long time. 28". I know use the system I showed here. Whatever works man!! Thanks for watching and chatting :-)
This is so helpful! I’m thankful 🙏🏽
Good stuff. Very helpful. Thanks Kyle!
Great video, glad I saw this before buying and not knowing
ALWAYS a help! I do love looking at the pretty axes too though! 😆😆 Great video!
haha yeah.. I love em' as well! (ooo shiny!) Thanks for watching PG! Glad you enjoyed.
Nice description there. I learned a lot of good tips
Nice collection, thanks for the video!
Thanks so much buddy!
Been thinking about adding another axe to my collection lately (Agdor Montreal pattern) but I have two axes that seem to be the ones I reach for most often. A Hulatfors Forest Classic and a Garant 21" Hunters Hatchet that I modded a bit. After watching your video I think I will stay with I have for now. Thanks for sharing
Yes i like seeing the pretty axes!!! Great vid.
Excellent Review!
Always something to share that is worth learning
I just use an estwing camp axe; all I need is to break down junk wood for pit fires.
Great work on video
Well that was a delight!!! Truly enjoyed hearing your thoughts. Agreed with most of it. 😉
And I await my very own Weiderfan mid size axe. You have my addy. Chop chop!
😬
Be well my friend
Craig
VERY surprised you agreed with most of it! haha You were actually in my mind during filming. I was like, Craig won't like my saying this. haha Curious on what you DIDN'T agree with?
I'm really getting into your videos and this is another good one. I, too, love axes. You do have a good collection. How do you like your Garants? I know you said they are good, but the ones I see in many stores are your basic hardware store axe. I am not sure of that kind of quality. Anyway, I think you need a Husqvarna. I bought a Carpenter's axe a while ago and it is among the best quality that I've seen yet.
I couldn't find the Wetterlings large hunter's hatchet so I bought an Outdoor axe (which is similar with a 19 1/4" handle). I cut off the excess handle protruding from the bit to prevent chipping and deep runs, ground the pommel to a smooth finish and rounded the edges for beating off hides, then took some small files and rounded the bottom edges for a more comfortable grip when choking up on it, took a 220 grit sand paper and sanded the handle to get rid of the natural candy-cane pattern (not sure what it is or why it's there, but I see it in many axe handles almost like it was turned on a lathe), smoothed out the marks left behind on the bottom of the grip from the hydraulic press and then coated it with boiled linseed oil. It truly is a thing of beauty. I can't wait to take it on one of my mountain hunting trips.
Sorry to hear about your accident. That's brutal. It is a good reminder to us all, however to maintain vigilant when it comes to safety. Wranglerstar once said, " A sharp axe is a safe axe." but it can also be very dangerous. Thanks for the good videos and keep up the good work.
Nice video, some great Info!
+Outdoorsmen 101 thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed!
Good job brother. Some great tips there.
thank you Sir!
Great video. I enjoyed hearing your opinions and seeing your collection. I have used many different Camp axes over the past 10 years and have posted several Camp axe videos on my channel, modern tent camping. I agree with you about the small hatchets and longer boys axes but prefer a shorter handle than you. Have you tried any Helko axes? I really like them.
Very nice selection, Weiderfan... ;-)
Thank you Sir!
Axes are just awesome!
agreed
Great video. I've been looking at the 19-24" range lately. This gives me something more to consider. I have a vintage 2 1/2 lb HB on a 25" handle, and though it chops like a machine, it doesn't split very well, and it's the shape of the head. I find it just a tad heavy for most walk-abouts, but excellent if my truck is close by.
Thanks so much for watching Lorne! What you said is EXACTLY what I was getting at. Even just 1/2 a pound heavier, and only a few inches longer, makes it an axe that nobody wants to lug around in the woods... The geometry of the cheeks also makes a huge impact, as you mentioned. I'd highly recommend trying out something closer to what my preference is! I think you'll love it!
Also the best store buy axe I have is a Truper boys axe, I bought it at tractor supply, for $16.
I like my OxHead axe for chopping, kinda ok for splitting. Great throwing axe too. I have a fiskars as a pack sack axe -hatchet really, and an Eastwing mounted on my quad.
Axe heaven. And I think your spot on with axe size
Enjoyed seeing the axe pile did ya? ;-) Thanks for watching buddy!
I have a similar taste in axes. I have the Council Tool Velvicut Hudson Bay and the Wetterlings Les Stroud Bushman that fall into that category. I also have a boy's axe, but axes with a 20-22 inch handle feel more natural to me. I recently ordered the Wetterlings Large Hunter's axe because there are only a few left out there and I figured it's now or never.
hi kyle.. thanks for the video. Im quite new in understanding axe. what is the standard weight for axe head? and what weight (axe head) is suitable for which length of the handle?..
Thanks for a nice video. I wonder if you could tell us where you got your makers Mark made? It really makes your axis look very nice and customized
Thanks Ross! I had it custom made at a shop!
Enjoyable video, re5slly nice axes..I,ll add my preference for a pack axe is an 1/3/4 - 21/2 lb head, 22-26" handle, total weight 3lbs or less...the longer handle provides a safer, more effective 2- handed chopping/ splitting action, light weight lends itself to finer detail work.Most of the older Swedish axes have a good temper out at the edge( Amera/ Canuk ones, not necessarily).Big wood, big axe is the rule as you mentioned..made my living as a shake block cutter in the 80,s as a path to being a faller- the cedars were 4-12 ft in diameter- 100+ cc powersaws, 5lb head Arvika axes and plastic wedges for the stubborn splits.. beautiful trees, kinda a pity.
Lovely axes, at my height and arm length I do like the 20 inch plus handles
Thanks CBG! glad you enjoyed. I understand the differences in length! What do you use your axes for?
Don't forget driving in to the woods and coming up to a fallen tree across the road. A "bushcraft" knife won't be any good. Those short handled axes (18" or so) can be dangerous if you're not careful. A real leg chopper. Nice job!
One?
I need only one?
What the heck, if I only had known this earlier ...
😄
love the mirror finish work on the Ardex too bad more people don't sharpen their equipment that way for work
Nice video. I'm starting my own axe restoration on a Norlund Tomahawk axe. I won't have a video but I'll post the pics if possible to your facebook page when completed.
Thanks Texas Newf! Please do post those pictures! I know i'd love to see them, and i'm sure some of the folks that follow will as well!
Where do you recommend purchasing an axe?
And what weight would be good for a woman beginning these types of pursuits?
I was a believer in my big 12 inch Kukri but after using a 70 year old axe that I found in the basement with a 27” inch handle, i’ve found true religion. Carved a Yule log for the dinner table, flattened top for candles etc. I broke out the Kukri and put it back down after a minute
an axe for camp and a hatchet for out and about in the bush
I like that you called an 8 inch log big. I fallen 20 inch trees with a 28 inch axe
Good video!
One question: ¿What knife is it? That you shows at first.
Thanks!
Thanks! It's the DSKW Boreal. ATS34 steel. Micarta scales. FFG
I love it!!
I'm 6'4" , and yes I want the big axe
I almost agree with you about the length. I'd prefer a 22 to 24 inch handle myself. Maybe I missed it but I don't think you gave the weights of the axes.
Yep, I respect your difference of opinion my friend! 22-24 is a little too large for a pack axe (for me), but like I said, it depends on the use and the person. With the forest in my area, a 24" axe is way larger than needed to harvest camp wood and such, and adds extra weight. Please tell me, why is it you prefer the slightly larger axe? I'm curious!
I didn't mention the head weights in the video. I should have. I wrote it in the description box below, between 1 and 2 pounds. My thoughts were that any axe of 19-21" length will automatically have a 1-2lb head, 99% of the time.
I appreciate you watching, and I like a good discussion!
+Weiderfan I'm not a lot taller than you but I'm 5' 11" and find I can get a better swing with a 24 inch handle. Especially when splitting. The extra length in my opinion doesn't add much more weight. Whenever I'm felling I clear the area first so that's not an issue. I have no problem single handing up to a 2.5 pound head safely and when single handing I usually chock up to about the 3/4 length of the handle. I also carry my axe down the side of my pack so the extra length doesn't get in the way to much walking through thick brush. But it's all according to your own personal preference. It took many years using many different axe handle lengths to find the right size for me. I'd also like to hear what your other viewers prefer for the length of a camp axe. ATB Dick
Excellent response Mr. Cornish. This is the type of discussion I like to see beneath my videos. The sharing of ideas instead of just me spitting stuff out. Interesting to hear your opinion. Like you said, a lot of preference in the mix. My smaller pack axe preference is my favorite, but it definitely has some drawbacks in certain settings. For example, i'd never begin to actual split wood on a block at home with it. Way too small! Thanks for the input my friend! I hope some more people share their opinions!
You haven't seen a thin profile head until you've owned a Rinaldi. Love my 1500gram felling axe!
118 wetterlings perfect camp axe!
Is that knife set for sale
I am 6 ' 2" and use a hatchet to cut big trees
You gonna spend lots of time chopping and splitting with those camper's hatchets LOL
Exactly. gransfors small forest axe or bigger, honestly. A knife will never accomplish what a good axe can do.
Summary is depending on your neeeds
My collection I have posted on UA-cam is nowhere near the collection you have. Nice
There are some nice ones in your collection though! I especially like the TT double bit! Thanks for watching!
The tt double bit? What's that?
why do so many confuse a hatchet as an axe
A knife will never compare to what an axe can accomplish.
ThT goeS tHe SmE wItH ThE axE..
Does the last 3 axes have a name.
name knife...
This sounds that I would be a Fiskars sales agent but everybody chooses that type of tools what will fit to your hand and work. I have on my open boat a older model of Fiskars X7 hatchet which is 14 in long and weights total 1,65 lbs. That fulfill my needs when I am fishing or hunting on Gulf of Finlands archipelago. On home I have Fiskars X25 splitting axe and brush axe when I am making firewoods to my fireplace. One what I´m going to buy is Hukari knife made by Taiter Oy. That is some combo of small axe and sword. Quite robust type of broken brush axe and the handle is made of some semi soft polyurethane. That isn´t slippy when it is wet. I put few link to those what I use. www.fiskars.ca/Products/Yard-and-Garden/Axes-and-Striking/X7-Hatchet-35.6-cm-14-in www.fiskars.ca/Products/Yard-and-Garden/Axes-and-Striking/X25-Splitting-Axe-71.1cm-28-in www.fiskars.ca/Products/Yard-and-Garden/Axes-and-Striking/Brush-Axe www.taiter.fi/hukariknife.html
you must be a tiny guy if you can barely 02:40 hold a 2.25# axe.