Axe and knife?

KNIFEABILITY

KNIFEABILITY

Joined
Mar 17, 2010
Messages
399
I was considering an axe but hence user name do not have experience. How many of you guys pair an axe with your ESEE knives or use a hatchet for smaller work. When I get done buying all the ESEE knives I might open up my skill base in using axes and would like any input.
 
I've found that in addition to a good, stout fixed blade knife a folding saw serves me very well in everything woods-craft related I do while I'm out.

...

Which mostly consists of making fires. ;)

I carry a Kershaw folding saw. It's light, versatile and eats wood like a chainsaw!

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I would like to pick up a good Wetterlings Hunting axe some day, however.
 
I do carry the bahco laplander with my 6 no matter what, they are permanent partners and for what you get the weight is nothing. If I were to take only two tools those would be it everytime.
 
There you go! :thumbup:

I was watching Ray Mears (on Youtube) recently build a shelter and it made me want an axe. :o
 
Fiskars Woodzig folding saw. Condor Golok. Condor C&S axe. HI M-43 khukri. I highly recommend all of these fine tools. Definitely give Condor's axes a shot. Estwing makes a good inexpensive one also. For more high dollar offerings, try Gransfors Bruks and Wetterlings. Council Tool is another good one.
 
Axes simply do what they are made for. Honestly you can take down a tree with an Izula, at least in theory, but having a dedicated tool is better.
I say go for it. Try 'em, and if you like them you'll also be able to do wonders with 'em. Honestly I think all of us need to expand a bit and get more versatile with more than just one tool
 
If weight doesn`t matter I combine my Rc-3 or Rc-4 with my Gränsfors Axe. For me that is the pertfect combination. If I want to take only one tool with me, I take my Rc-6.
 
For me I've combined the best of both world's.

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I'm just no good with a hatchet, and would not trust myself with one out in the bush.. Nowadays I'm trying to think safety first, its become part of my FAK...
 
yep and its my fav... my only gripe would be although its full tang to the butt, I'd like the tang to be exposed through the scales..

very nice chopper for sure, and its companion knife is really sweet !! about the size of an esee 3 but not as wide.....
 
Every time Yangdu produces one of those for a DOTD I can't afford it or, if I can afford it, someone sharks it before I can. Dammit. Anyway, back on topic. Knifeability, any of the above tools will prove themselves worth their weight in gold in the woods. In your area, I'd go with a hatchet or heavy bladed knife like the aforementioned khukris or a golok/parang.
 
Start with a tomahawk. I find most hatchet sized axes unwieldly and relatively inefficient when it comes to chopping-too heavy a head, too short a haft. A tomahawk takes the best of both worlds-a long 19 inch haft that absorbs shock, and a lighter, thinner, deeper biting and much more controllable (and easier packing) head. HB Forge Shawnee should be your first stop. Hand forged in Ohio-awesome allaround hawk for bushcrafting. They sell a superb buffalo leather sheath for 20 bucks as well... and replacement hafts are extremely reasonable.
 
Get the axe. The only regret you'll have is not buying one sooner. I have a GB Small Forest Axe and it's one of the best investments I've made. It's a great all around tool at the house, camp or in the woods. Its size and weight make it comfortable to use with one hand or two and you won't mind packing it. If you can use and maintain a knife you should have no problems with an axe. I've used saws, machetes and hawks in the woods and have no complaints with them; I'm just biased towards a good axe.
 
I will have to retract post #8, as I've just done a review using 2 knives, machete, that khukuri, and a folding saw...

I was extremely surprised in the outcome, I will make a thread in GK forum later..
 
The folding saw won hands down, right? I have done some head to head myself and the saw was faster and cleaner 2 to 1. I can't wait to hear your results.
 
Great tips guys, I am willing to try any tool and carry system at least once. Keeps things fresh and new. The picks on that test were great and I can't see leaving the folding saw at home even with an axe or large machete/knife, it really is worth it's weight in gold.
 
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