Axe for splitting for backpacking?

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first alchemy

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I have a Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian forest Axe. Its a great chopper but digs too deep to be a good splitter. Are there any good splitting axes light enough for backpacking? We tried a Fiakers X11. Wasn't impressed. Steel dulls to easy and chips.
 
You are a fusspot! Unless you're willing to search out $5 garage sale and flea market finds for 'golden oldies' you might be forced to ask a custom maker to help you out. Good luck with this!
 
I'd also recommend basically any axe from Oakland, as the Maine Pattern is typically a wedge or half-wedge.
 
Guys, he called me Sir! I was indeed referring to a pattern of axe to come out of Maine, their wedge profile makes them prolific splitters, but chop just as well. The typical weight on them is about 2.5 to 4 lbs.
 
I think that it's a good question. Backpackers do not need to split heavy lumber, as they are not carrying firewood or processing trees. Usually it will cut deadfall into shorter lengths and split for kindling and small ller than firewood pieces.

I'm assuming that for backpacking that the size limit will be 18-20" and 2.25lbs total weight. In a concave pattern, I don't know of any like that currently made that are inexpensive. I'll look and repost if I find one. The alternative is to find an older USA made one on eBay. Large camp hatchet or vintage large hatchet is what you would probably search for. Usually a 1.75lb or so Dayton head on a 19"-ish handle.
 
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I guess I would have to get a custom Axe made with a Oakland Maine head design or... Is there a production Axe with that design?
 
Well this might sound unorthodox, but the best splitter I have for backpacking is a 2 1/4 lb Collins head on a 20" Wetterlings Broad Axe handle. It splits camping sized firewood like butter. I have not found anything better.
 
Council tools boys axe or council tools miners axe. One is a longer shaft w/ lighter head (2.25lbs). The other is a shorter shaft with a heavier head (5lbs I think). Their not going to split like a maul but u can carry them, they will split, their made in the good ole USofA, and are reasonably priced. Just my suggestion. I have split plenty with my boys axe. You just need to learn how to target the corners and allow the axe head to turn to the side at the right moment.
 
A boy's might be the ticket. Those can be had new if that is necessary.

You can always find an older Maine pattern and hang it on a handle in your choice of length.
 
first alchemy said:
I have a Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian forest Axe. Its a great chopper but digs too deep to be a good splitter. Are there any good splitting axes light enough for backpacking? We tried a Fiakers X11. Wasn't impressed. Steel dulls to easy and chips.
Click to expand...

I just thought about this. How does the Fiskars do both? Usually the steel is too soft or too hard.
 
GB makes a small splitting hatchet that is pretty nice. I have the one that's a step larger, the small splitting axe
 
I'm assuming you want to split stuff larger than kindling. The smallest axe that has any decent splitting ability is a boys axe. Or you might try batoning a hatchet.
 
I think you should persevere with the Fiskars axe you might be surprised
Or learn to batton with the GB
 
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Roselli axe is what you need. It weights 1 pound 12 ounces, it's very handy and the geometry is perfect for your needs.

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