That's GREAT ! Good video ! I have always had the same issue with holding an axe. I've chopped left handed since 69. But I'm right handed and right eye dominant. However, I had to learn how to drive Fallin wedges either hand equally well. Holding my axe wrong really messed me up when amature chopping at timber shows. But, I still did it. Still won plaques also. I still can't buck comfortably with a correct right hand grip. It just feels Weird !!!!! But falling, I use the correct right hand grip for the face cut , or the backcut. As I always chop from the high side of the tree. I'm very glad you came upon your grip situation, it will make you a much more efficient chopper !!!
Good technique, it's good to see here how you take your time. Every close call i have had with an axe happened because i was rushing and without presence of mind. Also great to see how quickly that axe cuts through wood.
Sure tone up the muscles! Your grandad would be so proud! The sound of an axe is preferable to the ear shattering sound of a chainsaw in a lovely tranquil woodland.
Re-train yourself with only an axe handle to begin with. You can swing in open air kind of like shadow boxing an imaginary tree. After a bit of that, move onto a lighter axe into some wood. Obviously overtime you'll gain confidence and skill
Yes, the husky is still on the stock handle so definitely needs thinning out. These Tui axes are fantastic but I need some more practice to be able to swing it properly for sure!
G'day mate good to see you out having a swing. I did notice with the husky at the start you were swinging "correctly" and then switched over... but you still got the job done! I agree with the other guys advice, I guess if you can train yourself to simply handle the axe generally, while walking around etc, with your left hand trailing (on the palm swell) you'll be 90% there. On approaching a felling cut, you'll then naturally put your left foot towards the tree, left hand and palm swell on left hip, and get that longer swing. For bucking practice, if there's any way you can take even some small logs home to chop say 10 mins a day it may help break the habit
Thanks mate, some good tips there. I am usually quite right hand dominant so I have no idea why I have always used an axe with a left hand grip. It's not been a problem until I tried to fell but then it very quickly became an issue. Are you managing to get out into the bush much?
@@bundufundi no worries! Not as much as I'd like, but I did get out and scout a new area day before yesterday. We'll be moving off this property soonish (this was partly why I bit the bullet and did some filming this year) so I'm hoping to get a bit more footage happening before we leave. I might not get another Rick done, but the Tui camp axe is in the mail 🥳 so fingers crossed!
If I may, if you tilt the angle of the head at just a little more of an angle you’ll get much more penetration. Note the difference in the second tree on your strong side as opposed to the left side. It’s little to do with power and a lot to do with the angle of the cut. Also, my dad is right handed and swings like a lefty as well. Do what feels natural, but if you’re going to train the other way be sure and go slow and record yourself. Your swing should ideally look and feel the same from either side.
Ive found the tuatahi style of axes really sucks at cutting knotty softwoods, the fat cheeks that work so well in green hardwoods hinder the axe penetration in knotty dead softwood. Looking good though and you did really well to get through it
@@bundufundi as long as your having fun and enjoying it is the main thing. You chop far more efficiently than almost all of the bushcrafters out there with far more subscribers, id say you can be very proud of how you are progressing
My god that's a beast of an axe, I have used chainsaws that weigh less than that. I didn't know wich way round you were supposed to hold an axe. Thankfully I think I have been doing it right all these years. Glad I didn't play much cricket when I was you😂 it might have been different.
Maybe this might help you out. In my opinion you bought the wrong Tuatahi axe for bucking. The axe you bought is their “work axe”. It will Lomb a downed trunk ok and you can Buck with it even, however where it excels is in splitting. The Tuatahi work axe has a 22 degree wedge angle on its ground / sharpened faces. That makes it more suited to splitting than cross cutting. Their Tuatahi racing axes are sharpened to between 12 - 15 degrees wedge angle. They are designed for cross grain chopping (bucking) wood. The racing axe for competition cross grain chopping like competitions & the work axe for splitting sawn rounds into blocks for firewood. Here is the same Tuatahi work axe - splitting hardwood rounds in Western Australia. Species Western Australia Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) hardness 8.5 on the Janka scale. ua-cam.com/video/x-LamxAh3FY/v-deo.htmlsi=UuVeF57YPHbqh1aH In a perfect world Tuatahi would forge a double bit axe with one bit sharpened 12-15 degrees for cross grain chopping & the opposite side bit sharpened like the work axe as 22 degrees for splitting. Then you would have the perfect axe. I did ask them (Tuatahi) about making a double bit - however they said it’s a good idea & they might do it one day but not just yet, they have other projects first. So for now you need to buy their racing axe for your bucking & split with the work axe. 👍 Who doesn’t need an excuse to buy another Tuatahi axe? 🤷♂️😜😂😂👍🇦🇺
@@bundufundi Great info. on proper hand placement! Got me wondering if I'm going at it properly, lol! 🤪 My Tui's are (unfortunately) resting in their box, still! I hear them, frequently, hollering, to let them out to play! Being a grandparent has gotten most of my free time, as of late! I will still give handles a proper "treatment", prior to usage. I have found, so far, the BEST finish I've done for axe handles is B.L.O., turpentine & beeswax mix, that I make! It gives a NICE polymerization finish that is totally moisture resistant! I rub on the paste, then warm/melt it with a hair dryer and continue to massage it into the grain. Within a short time, it polymerizes & looks beautiful! The bush you were in looks alot like Oregon, USA 🇺🇸 🌲🌲
@@bundufundi The correct mixture is 1/3 raw (or boiled) linseed oil, 1/3 beeswax and 1/3 turpentine. Use a DOUBLE BOILER, as the ingredients are (obviously) flammable! I pour mixture in small Altoid, or other tin or cans and let cool/set to a paste. If it's too firm, you can adjust & use a little less beeswax...It can be easily packed in bushcraft pack, etc... It can be used, also, for waxing/waterproofing canvas bags, tarps, tents, leather projects & for protecting metal, ie: tools & axe heads! The formula has been a long-held blacksmiths friend! In forging, it can be applied to hot metal, for a nice DARK patina!
That's GREAT ! Good video !
I have always had the same issue with holding an axe. I've chopped left handed since 69. But I'm right handed and right eye dominant.
However, I had to learn how to drive Fallin wedges either hand equally well.
Holding my axe wrong really messed me up when amature chopping at timber shows. But, I still did it. Still won plaques also.
I still can't buck comfortably with a correct right hand grip. It just feels Weird !!!!!
But falling, I use the correct right hand grip for the face cut , or the backcut. As I always chop from the high side of the tree.
I'm very glad you came upon your grip situation, it will make you a much more efficient chopper !!!
Thanks for your comment, I still have to override my instinct to chop in a 'left handed' way. It takes a long time to correct old habits.
What a great way to spend a day, chopping in the woods. Great video, please make more !
Thanks Joey, I need a lot more practice so there will definitely be more coming up.
Good technique, it's good to see here how you take your time. Every close call i have had with an axe happened because i was rushing and without presence of mind. Also great to see how quickly that axe cuts through wood.
@@Christopher-ws5ub it’s a total beast of an axe, work of art almost, but takes some practice to use that’s for sure!
Sure tone up the muscles! Your grandad would be so proud! The sound of an axe is preferable to the ear shattering sound of a chainsaw in a lovely tranquil woodland.
Good effort Trev and lots of useful stuff in the comments as well.
Thanks Brett, yes the axe community here on YT is one of the nicest bunch for sure. Always willing to give helpful advice.
Thanks for the review.
Re-train yourself with only an axe handle to begin with. You can swing in open air kind of like shadow boxing an imaginary tree. After a bit of that, move onto a lighter axe into some wood. Obviously overtime you'll gain confidence and skill
Thanks, that’s a really good idea!
I'd recommend slimming down that handle of the Husqvarna. The tui looks a bit of a beast.
Yes, the husky is still on the stock handle so definitely needs thinning out. These Tui axes are fantastic but I need some more practice to be able to swing it properly for sure!
Thx for your video mister , tuatahi are a beast axe ! Can't wait to try my camp axe in the wood 🙂
Enjoy, they sure are fun to handle.
Good Information!! Thank you
G'day mate good to see you out having a swing. I did notice with the husky at the start you were swinging "correctly" and then switched over... but you still got the job done! I agree with the other guys advice, I guess if you can train yourself to simply handle the axe generally, while walking around etc, with your left hand trailing (on the palm swell) you'll be 90% there. On approaching a felling cut, you'll then naturally put your left foot towards the tree, left hand and palm swell on left hip, and get that longer swing. For bucking practice, if there's any way you can take even some small logs home to chop say 10 mins a day it may help break the habit
Thanks mate, some good tips there. I am usually quite right hand dominant so I have no idea why I have always used an axe with a left hand grip. It's not been a problem until I tried to fell but then it very quickly became an issue. Are you managing to get out into the bush much?
@@bundufundi no worries! Not as much as I'd like, but I did get out and scout a new area day before yesterday. We'll be moving off this property soonish (this was partly why I bit the bullet and did some filming this year) so I'm hoping to get a bit more footage happening before we leave. I might not get another Rick done, but the Tui camp axe is in the mail 🥳 so fingers crossed!
@@kurts64 Happy days with the Tuatahi! Good luck with the move mate.
@@bundufundi cheers mate 👍
Lekker video! Hello vanuit Australië. Ons geniet jou kanaal!
Baie dankie! Welkom!
If I may, if you tilt the angle of the head at just a little more of an angle you’ll get much more penetration. Note the difference in the second tree on your strong side as opposed to the left side. It’s little to do with power and a lot to do with the angle of the cut. Also, my dad is right handed and swings like a lefty as well. Do what feels natural, but if you’re going to train the other way be sure and go slow and record yourself. Your swing should ideally look and feel the same from either side.
Thanks Kevin, that’s some good advice. I was hoping you guys would point me in the right direction.
Ive found the tuatahi style of axes really sucks at cutting knotty softwoods, the fat cheeks that work so well in green hardwoods hinder the axe penetration in knotty dead softwood. Looking good though and you did really well to get through it
Thanks Ben, a lot more practice needed I think!
@@bundufundi as long as your having fun and enjoying it is the main thing. You chop far more efficiently than almost all of the bushcrafters out there with far more subscribers, id say you can be very proud of how you are progressing
@@benscottwoodchopper Cheers Ben, very kind of you!
Video đẹp....chúc bạn luôn thành công💝💝👍👍👍
Thank you, cảm ơn!
My god that's a beast of an axe, I have used chainsaws that weigh less than that. I didn't know wich way round you were supposed to hold an axe. Thankfully I think I have been doing it right all these years. Glad I didn't play much cricket when I was you😂 it might have been different.
It’s a heavyweight for sure! It’s a pain having to relearn but probably worth it in the long run.
@@bundufundi
Oh yes, definitely worth the effort !
Historically, most axemen were ambidextrous with an axe. Had to be !
Maybe this might help you out.
In my opinion you bought the wrong Tuatahi axe for bucking.
The axe you bought is their “work axe”.
It will Lomb a downed trunk ok and you can Buck with it even, however where it excels is in splitting.
The Tuatahi work axe has a 22 degree wedge angle on its ground / sharpened faces.
That makes it more suited to splitting than cross cutting.
Their Tuatahi racing axes are sharpened to between 12 - 15 degrees wedge angle.
They are designed for cross grain chopping (bucking) wood.
The racing axe for competition cross grain chopping like competitions & the work axe for splitting sawn rounds into blocks for firewood.
Here is the same Tuatahi work axe - splitting hardwood rounds in Western Australia.
Species Western Australia Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) hardness 8.5 on the Janka scale.
ua-cam.com/video/x-LamxAh3FY/v-deo.htmlsi=UuVeF57YPHbqh1aH
In a perfect world Tuatahi would forge a double bit axe with one bit sharpened 12-15 degrees for cross grain chopping & the opposite side bit sharpened like the work axe as 22 degrees for splitting.
Then you would have the perfect axe.
I did ask them (Tuatahi) about making a double bit - however they said it’s a good idea & they might do it one day but not just yet, they have other projects first.
So for now you need to buy their racing axe for your bucking & split with the work axe. 👍
Who doesn’t need an excuse to buy another Tuatahi axe? 🤷♂️😜😂😂👍🇦🇺
You can chop the way you are used, just go to the other side of the tree. Let the tree be right of you.
Hey Trev! 🌲🪓🌲🪓🌲🪓🌲🪓
Hi Mike, it was great to practice swinging a heavy axe again. How are you enjoying the Tuatahi?
@@bundufundi Great info. on proper hand placement! Got me wondering if I'm going at it properly, lol! 🤪
My Tui's are (unfortunately) resting in their box, still! I hear them, frequently, hollering, to let them out to play! Being a grandparent has gotten most of my free time, as of late! I will still give handles a proper "treatment", prior to usage. I have found, so far, the BEST finish I've done for axe handles is B.L.O., turpentine & beeswax mix, that I make! It gives a NICE polymerization finish that is totally moisture resistant! I rub on the paste, then warm/melt it with a hair dryer and continue to massage it into the grain. Within a short time, it polymerizes & looks beautiful!
The bush you were in looks alot like Oregon, USA 🇺🇸 🌲🌲
@@axemanmike4390 That sounds like a really nice method for the handles. I might try a version myself.
@@bundufundi The correct mixture is 1/3 raw (or boiled) linseed oil, 1/3 beeswax and 1/3 turpentine. Use a DOUBLE BOILER, as the ingredients are (obviously) flammable! I pour mixture in small Altoid, or other tin or cans and let cool/set to a paste. If it's too firm, you can adjust & use a little less beeswax...It can be easily packed in bushcraft pack, etc... It can be used, also, for waxing/waterproofing canvas bags, tarps, tents, leather projects & for protecting metal, ie: tools & axe heads!
The formula has been a long-held blacksmiths friend! In forging, it can be applied to hot metal, for a nice DARK patina!
@@axemanmike4390 Awesome, thanks Mike! Congrats on being a grandfather by the way.
Why should anyone exert such effort with an axe when a chainsaw takes seconds? Even a saw would be less effort.