An Axe for trail clearing while hiking and Backpacking

[wildmanh]

I want an Axe for trail clearing while hiking and backpacking. What style and weight do you guys think is good for this?

Edited to add - The Axe will be called apone to chop up 9" to 15" Aspens and the occasional Pine. Hope thats helps.

 

[Alberta Ed]

Snow & Neally Hudson's Bay 3/4 bit.

 

[wildmanh]

Snow & Neally Hudson's Bay 3/4 bit.

I can't find a 3/4 bit listed on their site, are you talking about model 012S? I've been eyeing the Council Tool version model 175HB28. What do you like about the Hudson Bay pattern and size? Thanks!

 

[tabeeb762]

Wetterlings SAW20C is just about right for me. I can easily work it one handed, or two.
And it rides well on the side of my pack. The fact that it sails through decent sized wood like nothing helps too.

 

[wildmanh]

Wetterlings SAW20C is just about right for me. I can easily work it one handed, or two.
And it rides well on the side of my pack. The fact that it sails through decent sized wood like nothing helps too.

Thats a nifty little blade! How do you think it would handle dead and dry Aspens that are 9" to 15" thick? Thats the size stuff I mostly have to deal with.

 

[tabeeb762]

Thats a nifty little blade! How do you think it would handle dead and dry Aspens that are 9" to 15" thick? Thats the size stuff I mostly have to deal with.

It can certainly get the job done with little effort, and will take down 9" all day.
The edge is kind of short for the big stuff so you will need to get in two good swings one above the other inorder for it to throw good chips.
Good news is its pretty accurate when used two handed too. Goes right where you want it.

If you're planning to tackle a lot of the big stuff I'd go for a larger axe. For the occasional trail clearing it is more than up to the job.

 

[pullrich]

Going to be brushing, too? Wonder if a kukri might fit if that is the case.

 

[wildmanh]

It can certainly get the job done with little effort, and will take down 9" all day.
The edge is kind of short for the big stuff so you will need to get in two good swings one above the other inorder for it to throw good chips.
Good news is its pretty accurate when used two handed too. Goes right where you want it.

If you're planning to tackle a lot of the big stuff I'd go for a larger axe. For the occasional trail clearing it is more than up to the job.

Thanks for taking the time to tell me about good tecnique. Will probably come in handy, especially considering that my skill with an axe is lacking somewhat. :thumbup:

Going to be brushing, too? Wonder if a kukri might fit if that is the case.

Thanks for your post. I have a 20" Sirupati style Khukri thats great for brush work and some chopping. There is a good chance that it will get paired up with the Axe, when I figure out which one I want.

 

[pullrich]

That might make sense. So much depends upon what needs clearing. I live in the pacific northwest and if I were to take on some trail clearing I would probably go in with a saw for larger trees complimented by some sort of chopper or light machete that would quickly mow down the tall weeds, brush, and briars that grow over our trails, but could also do some light chopping.

 

[wildmanh]

That might make sense. So much depends upon what needs clearing. I live in the pacific northwest and if I were to take on some trail clearing I would probably go in with a saw for larger trees complimented by some sort of chopper or light machete that would quickly mow down the tall weeds, brush, and briars that grow over our trails, but could also do some light chopping.

What kind of Saw would you go with? My mom has a 21" Bow saw that I can borrow and have been considering it. Probably pairing it with an Axe and machete or Khukri. That combo is assuming that I plan to do lots of trail clearing.

 

[Shotgun]

How much clearing are you doing? Is it 1 or 2 trees every couple of months or is it 5 trees a trip?

 

[Shotgun]

I can't find a 3/4 bit listed on their site, are you talking about model 012S? I've been eyeing the Council Tool version model 175HB28. What do you like about the Hudson Bay pattern and size? Thanks!

As far as I know the 3/4 is a size range. It's the in between of a full axe and a hatchet. Think of a bit 1.5 to 2.5 pounds with a handle in the 24-28 inch area.

 

[Alberta Ed]

I can't find a 3/4 bit listed on their site, are you talking about model 012S? I've been eyeing the Council Tool version model 175HB28. What do you like about the Hudson Bay pattern and size? Thanks!

Yes, that's the one. The design evolved over a couple of centuries in northern US and Canada. It's reasonably light to pack, but big enough for serious chopping. Mine has an 18" handle though; maybe they don't offer that any more. You could find one and fit it after you wear out the 24".

 

[wildmanh]

How much clearing are you doing? Is it 1 or 2 trees every couple of months or is it 5 trees a trip?

You're looking at 1 to 2 trees a trip and a ton in the spring when the Trails are first opened/accessible. Looked like the larger trees hadn't been cleared off the Nebo trail in a few years. Might head up there in the Spring to clear the trails if the Forest Service doesn't.

Yes, that's the one. The design evolved over a couple of centuries in northern US and Canada. It's reasonably light to pack, but big enough for serious chopping. Mine has an 18" handle though; maybe they don't offer that any more. You could find one and fit it after you wear out the 24".

Cool, thanks for the information. I have a Hawk with a 1lbs head and 18" Haft. Been looking for something like it but bigger and a 1.75lbs Hudson bay with a 24"Ish handle might just be the ticket, especially after hearing more about them.

 

[1066vik]

I love the 3/4 size Hudson Bay pattern.
light enough to carry all day, big enough to do some pretty serious work.
the blade shape cuts seriously deep for the mass, as well.
Truper also makes a decent one (I'm pretty sure it's a rebadged Council)
Snow & Neally now imports their axe heads for assembly here in the states, so it's not worth it to me to pay the premium for one of theirs.
try this link for a picture: http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=15888&catID=10344

 

[wildmanh]

I love the 3/4 size Hudson Bay pattern.
light enough to carry all day, big enough to do some pretty serious work.
the blade shape cuts seriously deep for the mass, as well.
Truper also makes a decent one (I'm pretty sure it's a rebadged Council)
Snow & Neally now imports their axe heads for assembly here in the states, so it's not worth it to me to pay the premium for one of theirs.
try this link for a picture: http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=15888&catID=10344

Thank you for the information. I'm leaning more and more towards a Hudson Bay Axe from either Truper or Council.

By the way I looked in to Truper and it apears to be a Mexican company. Still made in America, just south of Our border. They seem to make good products from what I can tell. :thumbup: You know, if I can find a good deal on a Council Hudson Bay, I might just get both.