Axe for a modern day "Nessmuk Trio"?

afishhunter

afishhunter

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I'm considering the Estwing EDBA 38 ounce double bit axe, with leather grip, for my Nessmuk Trio.
Is this a good choice? Is there a better choice at the same price point?

I want good steel, and a reasonably sized cutting edge. Hatchets and tomahawks are a little short on cutting edges. This will not be used as a throwing axe.

Thanks in advance.
 
If you intend on it being your small splitting tool it is not the best choice. It head is far to thin.
 
Because you asked for alternatives, the two hawks trapper hatchet comes to mind. I would personally go to every hardware store in your area and get some hands on.
 
pinecraft said:
If you intend on it being your small splitting tool it is not the best choice. It head is far to thin.
Click to expand...

I agree. The thinner profile of the blade, while making it nice and light to carry, makes it less than stellar for doing the actual job.


@afishhunter...

For the same price point, you might want to consider the Marbles. Has 14.5" overall, 5 1/2" 1045 high carbon steel head with 2 1/2" cutting edges. American hickory handle with enlarged lanyard hole. shipping weight is listed at 2.1 lbs. but other listings of this axe put it at 1.75 lbs

http://www.amazon.com/Marbles-Doubl...57&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=double+bit+hatchet

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or for slightly more, the Condor. 22 x 9.5 x 3 inches ; actual weight is 1.8 pounds

http://www.amazon.com/Condor-1-75-P...atcorr&keywords=Double+Bit+Michigan+by+condor

31Qi2DjhqRL.jpg




You can rehandle them with smaller/shorter if desired but I think these are probably the optimum handle length to accomplish the Nessmuk goal
 
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I did a review on one of those smaller Marbles double bit hatchets. Not impressed with how light it is (the total weight with handle was only 15 ounces), because it took a lot of swings to slowly get the work done. And I now think that a rearward facing bit on a hatchet-length handle is a bad idea, because of the hazardous backswing (when chopping from the left side, using my right hand). YMMV.


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/980916-New-design-Marbles-Double-Bit-Hatchet
 
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Thanks, that Condor looks pretty good. I noticed they also make a Nessmuk pattern fixed blade ... might have to change my plans on that, was going to go with a Green River "Buffalo Skinner" for my fixed blade.
 
"Modern" use may include driving tent stakes. For that you need a pole (butt) on your axe.

Second pinecraft's observation on wood-splitting. Convex is best. Concave is worst.
 
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Steve Tall said:
I did a review on one of those smaller Marbles double bit hatchets. Not impressed with how light it is (the total weight with handle was only 15 ounces), because it took a lot of swings to slowly get the work done. And I now think that a rearward facing bit on a hatchet-length handle is a bad idea, because of the hazardous backswing (when chopping from the left side, using my right hand). YMMV.


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/980916-New-design-Marbles-Double-Bit-Hatchet
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Well, it's always a good idea to cover the unused bit [the one facing you] with a simple edge cover. On this I'd probably use 10 oz leather, heavy sinew or bank line for the stitching and solid copper rivets on/at the edge's stitch line to prevent cut-through. Or just use .080 or .093 Kydex if you don't care about traditional leather sheaths...


afishhunter said:
Thanks, that Condor looks pretty good. I noticed they also make a Nessmuk pattern fixed blade ... might have to change my plans on that, was going to go with a Green River "Buffalo Skinner" for my fixed blade.
Click to expand...


Yer welcome. Did it ever cross your mind to get a tomahawk instead? No, it wouldn't be a "true Nessmuk" type of trio but might be suitable for your needs...how about this one?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I04Q7LO...UTF8&colid=RADZSECS4Z3A&coliid=I17QALCJZ6WT63

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It boasts a similar weight to a hatchet [about 34 oz] but gives you a longer handle, a hammer poll and just looks freaking cool as well.......:D

My next non-knife, edged tool is going to be this one for my muzzle loading hunting load out...
 
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Depending on intended use and how much you want to spend, the 2Hawks double bit may be worth a look.

 
druid189 said:
Yer welcome. Did it ever cross your mind to get a tomahawk instead? No, it wouldn't be a "true Nessmuk" type of trio but might be suitable for your needs...how about this one?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I04Q7LO...UTF8&colid=RADZSECS4Z3A&coliid=I17QALCJZ6WT63

711%2BJiA-Q5L._SL1500_.jpg


81oDskhuFeL._SL1500_.jpg


It boasts a similar weight to a hatchet [about 34 oz] but gives you a longer handle, a hammer poll and just looks freaking cool as well.......:D

My next non-knife, edged tool is going to be this one for my muzzle loading hunting load out...
Click to expand...

Looks a lot more refined than the hand forged throwing hawk I traded for at a rendezvous back in the 80's. Sure wish I knew what happened to it. I think the brother of the girl friend I had at the time stole it. He was just that kind of thing, a worthless thief.

I have thought about getting another hawk.

All I "need" is for axes, hatchets, and hawks to be as addictive as vintage bicycles, vintage fishing gear, traditional knives, coffee, Mtn Dew (soda) and chewing tobacco. :)
 
afishhunter said:
Looks a lot more refined than the hand forged throwing hawk I traded for at a rendezvous back in the 80's. Sure wish I knew what happened to it. I think the brother of the girl friend I had at the time stole it. He was just that kind of thing, a worthless thief.

I have thought about getting another hawk.

All I "need" is for axes, hatchets, and hawks to be as addictive as vintage bicycles, vintage fishing gear, traditional knives, coffee, Mtn Dew (soda) and chewing tobacco. :)
Click to expand...

According to the CRKT website, the description in part says:

http://www.crkt.com/woods-chogan-thawk-axe-2730

The design for this T-Hawk evolved from the popular and original tactical tomahawk series. But it's built for battle with a few old Doug Firs. The Woods Chogan™ is made from a solid chunk of 1055 carbon steel that is hot forged into a rock-solid head that features a hammer finish. With primary and secondary edge bevels that are flat ground, it cuts through timber like a beaver. A hammerhead is useful for pounding in nails and stakes for the tent you'll put by your roaring fire.

Also from the same webpage:

Dimensions
Open Overall Length 19.13 inches
Weight 2 lbs. 1.4 ounces

Blade
Length 4.21 inches
Thickness 0.52 inches
Material 1055 Carbon Steel
Blade-HRC 50-55
Finish Hammer Finish
Grind Flat
Style Front: Axe Back: Hammer

Handle
Material Tennessee Hickory


Take that, throw in a three-finger lipper of Skoal or a fresh plug of RJ Gold or Levi Garret in and head out to your favorite woods - can't think of anything more calming to the soul...
 
no bow do I have yet. Must get recurve or longbow, I have a hereditary bone disfunction, leaving me with a short draw length. 60 pound draw at 28 inches will give me between a 45 to 50 pound draw, which is minimum for hunting. Spear cost a lot less than bow ... I hope ... Cold Steel Bushman knife/spear head, don't know what for spear shaft yet.
Didn't Nessmuk and some of his contemporaries advocate a spear, too? No? bummer.
 
I would think any handle for a rake, or similar would work just fine for a spear handle with the bushman, or just go out into the woods and find a solid straight sapping.
 
I'd feel good about a Condor product, but probably the Greenland pattern or Woodworker. I guess I wouldn't want an "axe" that only weights a pound with the handle included. I mean, I realize the Nessmuk is supposed to be a DB, but I think the choice is yours particularly with the extra utility of the poll in a trio of like 27 blades or however many that comes to when you add them all up. :) However, the Condor DB Michigan, I presume, is the modern production answer to the popularity of the Nessmuk Trio - the head is 1-3/4lbs.
 
I always loved my Lee Reeves which has served me extremely well over the years. However his website says he's retiring. My Reeves is 12" OAL and 20 oz.

The "Ft Meigs Nessmuk" Ragnar used to sell, also pictured is cool too. However it is a narrower bit.

hollowdweller_hatchet.jpg


nessmukians.jpg


stripey.jpg


hollowdweller_ness3.jpg
 
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