Ray Mears - Choosing and using an axe, Bushcraft Survival

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  • Опубліковано 17 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 519

  • @glynnt54
    @glynnt54 11 років тому +361

    This guy possesses the perfect combination of conservationist, naturalist, survivalist, bushcraftsman, and educator. He's the best one out there.

    • @northernembersoutdoors1045
      @northernembersoutdoors1045 4 роки тому +10

      100% agree with this fine statement.

    • @leofonte
      @leofonte 3 роки тому +6

      The best by far!!!

    • @speakeasydoorman4966
      @speakeasydoorman4966 3 роки тому +3

      He could talk the panties off a nun
      The English can sound so convincing

    • @cumorahwatson1967
      @cumorahwatson1967 3 роки тому

      l totally agree 👋

    • @jaytee7279
      @jaytee7279 3 роки тому +6

      I listened to lofty wiseman slagging him and bear grylls during a conference, pretty sad really when people become so far up their own arse,

  • @cabelas1987
    @cabelas1987 6 років тому +107

    I've been splitting wood for the past 22 years but 5 minutes watching Ray has taught me something new. Such a fantastic teacher and underrated presenter IMO

  • @SniffBackBetter
    @SniffBackBetter 2 роки тому +14

    Ray Mears is amazing. I wish he was still all over TV.

  • @synclavier123
    @synclavier123 10 років тому +278

    There are lots of videos on the internet about bushcraft these days. I keep coming back to Rays' videos for 2 good reasons : He knows his craft, and he has a talent for teaching it to anyone in a straight-forward, yet non-condescending manner. Plus, listening to his relaxed RP is a welcome counterpoint to the drawl of the UA-cam bubbas.

    • @michaelzlab
      @michaelzlab 6 років тому +2

      Well said... I agree..

    • @Tyrfingr
      @Tyrfingr 6 років тому +3

      Received Pronunciation, it is a distinct English accent.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley 6 років тому +2

      I think I fall under that category of UA-cam channel 😂

    • @ne_one
      @ne_one 6 років тому +11

      Completely agree. Ray has a talent for teaching bushcraft and it’s not glamorised or reared for entertainment (looking at you Bear Grylls), but rather for education and information.
      Whilst his voice is soothing, I disagree with one thing here though... Ray doesn’t speak with Received Pronunciation. The Queen speaks with RP. It’s actually very rare dialect nowadays. Ray doesn’t even speak with a standard British dialect (which is actually general regarded as the dialect as spoken in and around Oxford), but for those who can identify such things, he speaks with a slight Kentish English dialect (although he has ‘poshed’ it up slightly).

    • @paulhoy
      @paulhoy 6 років тому +6

      Agree. Nor is he a poser, whom I feel a few are. He's the real thing. Integrity.

  • @brianfoley4328
    @brianfoley4328 3 роки тому +3

    Clear and concise, excellent description, well demonstrated with exactly the right amount of commentary without superfluous and unnecessary banter...and extremely useful with the perfect amount of safety thrown in....absolutely brilliant. Well done Sir, well done indeed.

  • @nickcrosby9875
    @nickcrosby9875 3 роки тому +17

    Ray is a genius, a national treasure. Always leaning from him, total respect

  • @westernhunter38
    @westernhunter38 11 років тому +3

    This is some real common sense and safe techniques for preparing firewood. I wish more videos on Bushcraft were true to the skill. I see too many videos out there, put out by over enthusiastic novices that show unsafe techniques and the wrong tools for the job....using a knife for things that an axe/hatchet should be used for and using a hatchet/axe for things a knife should be used for. Nice to see someone advocating proper splitting techniques with the right tools. Great job!

  • @sikatmorten9532
    @sikatmorten9532 11 років тому +48

    In such a short video you get so many information in such a clear and direct way plus basic safety instructions. No useless info or anything like that.
    - and at the end you can have a practical view of theoritical music - duration lesson !
    He is just great!

    • @jakubbalog8610
      @jakubbalog8610 10 років тому +2

      he is like a teacher

    • @akashmehta1637
      @akashmehta1637 6 років тому +2

      And no nonsense extra talks . He is just amazing and informative.

  • @zapzeus988
    @zapzeus988 10 років тому +29

    Love the way you split the wood by holding them together! Never thought of that.

    • @iainclark8695
      @iainclark8695 10 років тому +6

      It's only about the most handy technique ever. I remember watching this vid years ago. These days I can carve with an axe.

  • @Gogogonebai
    @Gogogonebai 8 років тому +19

    Ray mears was my childhood hero now am only getting into bushcraft sustainable living as an adult thanks for the knowledge Ray.

  • @MrTangent
    @MrTangent 4 роки тому +31

    The boy scouts call his two-handed kindling splitting method “contact method”, but I’ve called it the “Ray Mears method” for years because of this fantastic video.

    • @TheTrooper115
      @TheTrooper115 3 роки тому +2

      You aren't the only one who calls it that, it was taught to me as the "Ray Mears method" while I was in the Scouts some years back.

  • @adamtier3263
    @adamtier3263 3 роки тому +3

    I could watch Ray all the day long, the man has a wealth of knowledge and is happy to share 👍

  • @monsterbear4858
    @monsterbear4858 12 років тому +5

    I learned a great deal from this video. I use the larger axe one handed and you have helped me tremendously. I especially benefited from the technique of using the wood and axe coming down on a fallen log simultaneously.
    ~ Texas

  • @Nativesurvival
    @Nativesurvival 13 років тому +25

    Great Instruction, especially like the wrist flick to keep the edge from getting blunt on the stump when splitting...
    -Mitch
    (New England)

    • @ethanwykes9607
      @ethanwykes9607 3 роки тому

      I can believe it would probably be good to use on Nice, dry rounds, but for chunky trunks i can imagine a slam with a splitter is a good option

    • @codyrivenburgh2926
      @codyrivenburgh2926 3 роки тому

      Just think of the physics of what he said.....like lets really think about the hole thing real quick...here we go....we have a sharp axe...we are gonna use it to split wood.....but we dont want are axe to get dull so we do a wrist flick so the sharp bit dont hit the chopping block making it dull .......uhmmmmmm the wood we are splitting is wood....then chopping block we are trying nkt to hit is also effin wood.... So why is it perfectly fine to hit one wood but not another??..........it makes zero sense at all......in fact the only time it does make any sence to do a lol wrist flick to protect are axe from getting dull is if yoir splitting wood without a chopping block and dont wanna hit the ground and chip ur bit up on rocks.....like say if you wood is on the ground and ur to lazy to put it on a chopping block.......alot of us real axe guys splitting cords upon cords of wood a year with axes dont use chopping blocks and try not to handle the wood wasting time and energy to grab a lof and set it in a block and blah blah....so we will leave the log on the ground and sometimes may do a flick to not hit the ground and rocks......but if ur using a chopping block and ur fancy ass axe like cant hit the wood chopping block without dulling u better go buy a new axe cuze the one u got is a junk steal

    • @falowdeer
      @falowdeer 3 роки тому

      @@codyrivenburgh2926 Hitting two bits of wood per split, your axe is doing twice the work and therefor dulling twice as fast, ‘real axe guys’ aren’t the brightest sparks it seems

    • @sabercat2178
      @sabercat2178 3 роки тому

      Hey Mitch, loved you on Alone. You did an amazing job.

    • @codyrivenburgh2926
      @codyrivenburgh2926 3 роки тому

      @@falowdeer no see ..u make a point that 2 peaces of wood will dull ur axe twice as fast as one.....but the fact is....hitting one and trying not to hit another is honeslty just wasting energy that doesnt need to be wasted.... I mean sure if ur using a little 1 3/4 lb to 2 1/4 lb basicly long handled hatchet. Ur not waating that much energy....but in the real world of full size axes in the 3 and half to 7 lb range that wrist flick wastes alot of unneeded energy.......and to be honest...alot of axe guys that use axes daily for more then just the( lets go camping and pertend to survive thing).. We have more then one axe....normaly a smaller lighter 2 and half to 3 and half lb axe just for chopping it normaly has a very keen edge we are very carful to protect..... Then we have a heavier 3 amd half to 6 lb axe for splitting....that has very blunt angles that wont dull or chip easily so we can abuse them alittle more.....amd then a beater axe....normaly an old ugly beat up double bit....that we dont give a fuck about that we can beat the shit out of chopping roots outta the ground, limbing trees and do whatever without feer of dulling or chipping it......yea i get it u guys wanna camp and wanna pay an ridiculous price for an axe that really doesnt chop or splitt as efficently as a properlly sharpened axe with proper bevals anyway....i mean come on u granfors brucks fan boys love them 130 ish dollar axes that have poor bevals and handles I have to shave nd file attleast 1/3 of the handles wood off of just to thin it enough to feel somewhat tuned properly for efficent use......come on now..just admit your camping and pertending survive axes amd half ass axe knowledge is not what you think is

  • @DecideOutside
    @DecideOutside 5 років тому +7

    Thanks for the safety precautions. I can't believe I've never seen someone use the method you use of moving the wood you are trying to split with the axe. That makes so much sense! Thanks for sharing.

  • @RickyRayFitz
    @RickyRayFitz 3 роки тому +2

    It’s amazing how he makes even the hardest job easy, and explains everything perfectly. You can never stop learning ,Every day’s a school day

  • @MrBleedk
    @MrBleedk 2 роки тому +1

    Knight that guy.. The one and only, the legend, the best... Ray Mears!

    • @MichaelB2L
      @MichaelB2L Рік тому

      Nope. Nasty evil creatures get knighted. Ray is certainly does not fit into that category.

  • @danno1800
    @danno1800 3 роки тому +1

    Unbelievable how much good information you can teach in such a short time. Thanks- much appreciated- I have subscribed!

  • @wanna-be-cowboy
    @wanna-be-cowboy 4 роки тому +2

    I never knew this gem of a man even had a UA-cam channel. Instantaneous sub and will be patching the wife for the next week while I watch all the videos twice each

  • @pete777able
    @pete777able 10 років тому +10

    It's a great video. Always nice to see how people do stuff. Just one comment for any novices out there: don't get upset if you aren't getting instant splits and flying quarters like Ray. Some wood's gnarly sticky. It's just the way things go...

  • @albertreed966
    @albertreed966 10 місяців тому

    Excellent Video! Not quite what My GrandFather would have done, exactly but VERY CLOSE! He was a professional lumberjack and it was amazing to watch and listen to him describe the right and wrong ways to use an axe. THANK YOU for this post!

  • @thebeatnomad1119
    @thebeatnomad1119 7 років тому +4

    Ray Mears is a legend, such a good role model

  • @littlemouse7066
    @littlemouse7066 6 років тому +23

    someone who knows what he's doing without the gung-ho attitude of so many people who make similar videos. Never seen anyone chopping wood with that technique.

  • @RichardBuckerCodes
    @RichardBuckerCodes 8 років тому +16

    this was excellent and should be on the top of everyone's list who ever wants to know how to swing an ax. Some months ago I watched a noted bushcrafter use his foot as a brace while he was splitting logs. nothing happened but it could have been bad news. I misused an ax once and nearly lost a finger. Watching ALONE a contestant nearly lost a hand.

  • @kevinrowe3936
    @kevinrowe3936 3 роки тому +1

    Tnx,I have used an axe for decades but a safety refresher given in a refreshing manner is always fun. 😀

  • @steveschofield9243
    @steveschofield9243 2 роки тому

    Ray the master followed you for years absolute gentleman 👏

  • @steadmanuhlich6734
    @steadmanuhlich6734 10 років тому +6

    Very good instructional video that shows things most people might not know despite many years with camping. Well done.

  • @BomJai
    @BomJai 12 років тому +7

    Ray Mears is the best teacher. I wish there were more HQ videos of him on youtube or on TV

    • @peebeedee6757
      @peebeedee6757 3 роки тому

      More than a little late and you might not get to see this but click on his title above "Rick Mears and Woodlore Ltd', then 'Videos', for a load more.

  • @theplayer2286
    @theplayer2286 5 років тому +2

    What a knowledgeable chap Ray Mears is. When you consider the time spent and the knowledge learned, the man is a phenomenon. No fannying about telling you his life story. Just gets to the point. Ego? Left back in the woods somewhere.
    We can always learn something from someone who clearly knows their trade.
    One other thing. Survival knife videos are obsessed with the art of using knives to split wood. Why bother? Why not bring an axe. Do the job properly and save weight be caring a much smaller knife.

  • @1stcSOLDIER
    @1stcSOLDIER 6 років тому +9

    My favourite expert in his natural domain.

  • @watermain48
    @watermain48 8 років тому +8

    A true axe master. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  • @charlesbatkin8722
    @charlesbatkin8722 6 років тому +2

    It’s cool to see how years of being dumb in the woods as a kid, I arrive at very similar ways and means, as well as observations as someone like Mr. Mears.

  • @sthengr
    @sthengr 10 років тому +4

    Excellent, one of the best I've seen on the topic!

  • @williamprendergast6510
    @williamprendergast6510 6 років тому

    Excellent video my friend,Ray is the best bushcraft teacher.

  • @ScottMitchell2
    @ScottMitchell2 3 роки тому

    I always heard about your amazing knives (of which I'm apparently too humble to own) but now I have a feel that your general character has the same top notch quality. Thanks for the video sir 🙏🏼

  • @irishcherokee8884
    @irishcherokee8884 4 роки тому

    I've watch this video many times over the years. It times like these a quite R.M. talk is good.

  • @lecturer09
    @lecturer09 12 років тому +1

    Thanks Ray for some really good, safe axe instruction.

  • @lrh411
    @lrh411 6 років тому +2

    Tumbled upon this video, nicely done Ray.

  • @X_explorer
    @X_explorer 7 років тому +1

    Great channel! I love observing nature, discover and meditate...

  • @Geotubest
    @Geotubest 4 роки тому

    I just ordered a small forest axe as I need something for firewood. That trick of splitting the wood whilst it's under the axe is something I"m going to adopt for sure.

  • @michalurbanful
    @michalurbanful 3 роки тому

    Even after more than 10 years, this is great stuff!

    • @Jedtumble
      @Jedtumble 10 місяців тому

      This primal knowledge is time tested. As good now as it was 100 years ago or as good as it’ll be in 500

  • @TheRadioactiveFX
    @TheRadioactiveFX 10 років тому +211

    I like my wood split into 1024ths.

    • @essotibbs6497
      @essotibbs6497 10 років тому +19

      Damn is there anything better than axing wood? I wanna run my hands up and down that smooth shaft. Feel the cold rugged wood shaftl in my hands. Then swing with the force of a hairy Viking into decrepit wood.

    • @dreem1walker
      @dreem1walker 10 років тому +2

      Yeah ... that last bit was just way to ridiculous to really be worth having in this video. It's like saying "when I draw a line with a pencil I can either draw it from right to left, left to right, top to bottom or bottom to top .. but I can also .. " .. or are there anybody out there stupid enough to really need instructions how you can split a piece of log?

    • @essotibbs6497
      @essotibbs6497 10 років тому +1

      cuts up bodies like nothing

    • @essotibbs6497
      @essotibbs6497 10 років тому

      martini carbine You betcha baby boy

    • @dreem1walker
      @dreem1walker 10 років тому

      martini carbine
      Did I say anything bad about the axes? No .. so what did your reply add to the discussion?

  • @ReelCoast79
    @ReelCoast79 12 років тому

    Even tho I don't get in the bush as often as I like JUST knowing by watching Ray's videos will probably save my life some day! And I'm being serious.....

  • @Mark-nm1oj
    @Mark-nm1oj 6 років тому +2

    This is one damn fine video! Everything is so clear

  • @PingoCE
    @PingoCE 11 років тому

    I agree with you here and that other comment you made about damp conditions. I was in a wet situation about 2 months ago when me and a friend had to split a large piece in to very small pieces, just to make it catch. We used magnesium and flint, hate the stuff personally.

  • @EnigmaHood
    @EnigmaHood 12 років тому +5

    In a post apocalyptic environment where I would have to live off of the land, and I was only allowed one tool, I would choose Ray Mears.

  • @RipMK747
    @RipMK747 9 років тому

    Ray Mears is the best!! We need more videos of his!!

  • @sirstratocaster
    @sirstratocaster 10 років тому +19

    Ray Mears is great quality stuff

    • @Sam-mj9vj
      @Sam-mj9vj 7 років тому +2

      Ray Mears is the man.

  • @rayshynn9672
    @rayshynn9672 4 роки тому

    Phenomenally helpful. Very straightforward and easy to understand. Thank you!

  • @maurolimaok
    @maurolimaok Рік тому

    Nice video. I never knew we could have such a knowledge about axes.

  • @jeffchan67
    @jeffchan67 6 років тому

    This is brilliant! I was a Boy Scout for years, but never learned a single thing from this video

  • @max_fjellstorm
    @max_fjellstorm 3 роки тому

    Man this stuff never gets old

  • @cambellschunky704
    @cambellschunky704 12 років тому

    Ray Mears is a boss. Cheers from your cousin across the pond.

  • @normanmallory2055
    @normanmallory2055 7 років тому

    For splitting small stuff , this is the method i was speaking about.. It's really easy to do.. I just thought about that one time when i was splitting small wood, so i tried it and it worked great ... Lots of different methods out there that work and keep you safe from cutting yourself...

  • @hanikaram9687
    @hanikaram9687 9 років тому

    great thanks to you chief it is you and your people that brought this ample knowledge and craft to the world , wish I could learn from you many great thanks RAY keep radiating

  • @arsalanwasti8709
    @arsalanwasti8709 2 роки тому

    Well one of the finest bushcrafting expert

  • @bendotwood
    @bendotwood 13 років тому

    @hempseed57
    In the jungle there are lots of thin springy plants, that are hard to chop with an axe. In northern climates there aren't as many vines and the undergrowth tends to be less dense.
    Also in northern climates you will probably want to split wood, which is easier with an axe.

  • @bubba45357dan
    @bubba45357dan 12 років тому +2

    Thank you Ray, you are a wealth of information !!

  • @MichaelJones-nn7my
    @MichaelJones-nn7my 7 років тому

    People can say what they want about ray mears but he knows what he is doing.

  • @Maddawwg45
    @Maddawwg45 13 років тому

    @OtiumBorealis all the fires i ever made when i was a kid was mainly for warmth first time ive ever seen ray mears hes the real deal for sure wish he had a show we chould watch in america

  • @DLGMusic
    @DLGMusic 3 роки тому

    Ray Mears came to my scout camp and taught us loads

  • @Myrmecia
    @Myrmecia 12 років тому +1

    Viewing from Australia, I can say that none of the wood I have chopped over here has been anything like as well-behaved as yours. Splitting one block, for example, I used a total of 5 steel wedges and 100 sledge hammer blows to split it into just two pieces. But, great video for your compliant environment.

    • @RFC-3514
      @RFC-3514 3 роки тому +2

      Well, with _Australian_ wood you're lucky if it doesn't give you a poisonous bite.

  • @coexistdance11
    @coexistdance11 10 років тому

    Awesome quick little video. Thanks!

  • @codystewart1014
    @codystewart1014 3 роки тому

    It's funny with his splitting technique it looks like "bonking" the wood in half 😂 awesome vid!

  • @Fitter-u8f
    @Fitter-u8f 3 роки тому

    When ray talks we listen great video 👌

  • @barnaclebill1615
    @barnaclebill1615 3 роки тому

    Excellent tips! Thanks Ray! 😁👍👍🇺🇸

  • @rafalotreba6824
    @rafalotreba6824 4 роки тому

    I remember when my grandfather was teaching me all of these technics🤝🙂 Thank you🤝

  • @captainpegs07
    @captainpegs07 11 років тому

    I like the Council Tool boy's axe, Council Tool Hudson Bay, and Husqvarna hatchet. All very well made and great cost savings. If you're interested in impressing other 'dudes' though . . .

  • @brendanpayne115
    @brendanpayne115 2 роки тому +1

    I love the "obsessive" comment at the end!

  • @RFC-3514
    @RFC-3514 3 роки тому +1

    5:07 - And you could split it further if you were a computer programmer and didn't want to waste the last bit of that byte.

  • @henrytheeightheist8091
    @henrytheeightheist8091 3 роки тому

    I watched a program with (if i remember correctly) this guy giving advice on surviving after an avalanche / heavy snowfall in the wilderness.He started to build a shelter using blocks of dense snow that he was busy cutting with,yes you guessed it....a handsaw.
    Just the sort of item everyone carries in their backpack.

    • @cleebe823
      @cleebe823 3 роки тому

      Seems like it probably should be if you're in avalanche territory

  • @1977JohnBoy
    @1977JohnBoy 10 років тому +94

    bet ray was cutting 256ths off camera

    • @MontyCantsin5
      @MontyCantsin5 7 років тому +3

      Of course. They're ideal for bringing billy tea to the boil.

    • @MAD_DOG-MUDHOUND
      @MAD_DOG-MUDHOUND 4 роки тому +2

      Using nothing but his spork

  • @Lean540
    @Lean540 12 років тому

    Have a look at the Wetterlings Large Hunting Axe, which come's in at 18.5", and about a pound and a half, I think.
    You cannot beat it for the price, if you are looking at a boutique axe such as these.
    I personally feel it to be well worth the money, and will last you a life time if you care for it properly.

  • @Shannon_Lacey
    @Shannon_Lacey 12 років тому

    Excellent video.

  • @discfoods
    @discfoods 13 років тому

    @OtiumBorealis I think Ray's DVDs are well worth their price. On matter of principle I would buy the DVDs, I think what he is doing is something that should be supported in every way possible.

  • @handemooor984
    @handemooor984 8 років тому

    Thank you so much. Nice, simply and very interesting lesson

  • @whitedobie
    @whitedobie 4 роки тому +1

    What type of axes, Gränsfors Bruk I’m guessing, and what were the lengths and weights of each?

  • @LJS01
    @LJS01 3 роки тому

    Good to see Norman Pace doing axe reviews

  • @davidravo6247
    @davidravo6247 4 роки тому

    Appreciate the hatchet methods and safety

  • @X_explorer
    @X_explorer 4 роки тому

    Good clip!

  • @jamespalmer2689
    @jamespalmer2689 Рік тому

    What are the axe brands here? What a showman

  • @0y0chang0
    @0y0chang0 12 років тому

    learned more about axes and splitting wood in this short video than all the other "survival" shows combined.

  • @tamalpias
    @tamalpias 6 років тому

    Apparently this video was made before his grandsfors bruks wilderness axe came out. I bought the wilderness axe and it is awesome

  • @etherealshinobi11
    @etherealshinobi11 12 років тому

    Ray Mears made some of the survival experts here on YT look dumb when it comes to wood splitting technique..what a guy.

  • @covingtonrace1
    @covingtonrace1 2 роки тому

    Ray kept it real unlike the forest of fake you tubers using click bate to get paid, fake injuries, fake dangerous situations etc.....

  • @Kautsky1000
    @Kautsky1000 11 років тому +15

    Gränsfors Bruks axes from Sweden!

  • @jthepickle7
    @jthepickle7 2 роки тому

    Place the wood to be split on the back of the block - best advice ever!

  • @zoodidwa
    @zoodidwa 4 роки тому

    2020...still excellent.

  • @NaeMuckle
    @NaeMuckle 4 роки тому +1

    Every modern UA-cam bushcraft expert uses Rays advice then adds a twig toggle 🤣

  • @Lars1540
    @Lars1540 11 років тому +1

    Hey Ray, how about a video on how to make a proper felling notch huh?

  • @honestmcgyver
    @honestmcgyver 3 роки тому

    How do you hold it after 16ths? Useful video would have saved me some arm ache if I’d watched this before last 2 winters :)

  • @MikeStubbsRace
    @MikeStubbsRace 3 роки тому +1

    Ray is a National Treasure! Its about time he was given a Knighthood.

  • @dedipurwanto921
    @dedipurwanto921 4 роки тому

    Thank you...for new understanding 🙏⛏️

  • @sigmabushcraft2637
    @sigmabushcraft2637 2 роки тому

    4:24
    Ray : beyond 128th if obsessed
    Me : splits to the 345677754322678876555ths

  • @blackwolfzakaria
    @blackwolfzakaria 4 роки тому

    Very well explaining, nice video thanks

  • @kejatz
    @kejatz 12 років тому

    Dear Lord, I though chopping required hitting wood with axe. This is science! Awesome video!

  • @paulhealey2984
    @paulhealey2984 7 місяців тому

    When are you coming back to bbc2??

  • @usbsol
    @usbsol Рік тому

    What length axe is the forrest axe and what weight for the head?
    Cheers 🤙

  • @alanspurlock
    @alanspurlock 11 років тому

    great video ray, thanks for the tips!

  • @NorThenX047
    @NorThenX047 2 роки тому

    3:58 what was that little windup chop . came within 2 inches of your leg and with an axe this sharp it would have done damage