Axe Misinformation - do something?

D

dogstar

Joined
Jan 23, 2011
Messages
4,399
I've been reading a lot of misconceptions about axe (and hatchet) use in these forums. I think some of them have been spread by popular youtube reviewers who shall remain unnamed. Here are some, I'm sure there are more.

1. Axes are too dangerous.
2. You need a high level of skill to use an axe.
3. Axes are too heavy to be worth carrying.
4. You need perfectly sawn logs and a chopping block to use axes.
5. Axes are just a one-dimensional tool to be swung.

So, we can keep the status quo. I think all of us try to inform on some level; some write blogs and make informative videos independently. Is there something we can do as a forum? Maybe the forum is not the right place for it, but I like that it is collective. I was thinking of a thread just for instructional pictures, videos, links, but it would be a bear to load if you have a slow connection. What do you guys think?
 
One thing for sure, there are a ton of self proclaimed experts on utube who are full of crap.

Regards

Robin
 
To be perfectly honest numbers 1-3 are totally subjective. 4 and 5 are utter crap. I say you correct people in the threads you find these comments in rather then putting a sticky in this area where the majority already know the answers. Plus, I just hate stickies all together. :D
 
There are also other videos that show proper axe use. Btw, in the last video by nutnf... er... I mean our unnamed reviewer, he and his buddy had a Gransfors and it was kind of dawning on them that an axe is indeed better for some chores than even the biggest survival knife. They were still clumsy and inefficient (working against inertia instead of utilising it; awkward techniques when splitting smaller branches) in their handling of the axe, though.

I think even the 56K crowd is willing to wait a little if there is useful information.


Ookami
 
I think most people realize that an axe is better for processing wood than a huge knife.
But the huge knife is better than a hatchet.:)
 
It's true, axes are only for those of us with brains plenty of testosterone. Couchcrafters should avoid the danger.
 
Elvgren%20Axe%20Woman.jpg


Testosterone is optional
 
dogstar said:
3. Axes are too heavy to be worth carrying.
Click to expand...
God knows how much I love axes, how many I have, how many I still want to get and how much I love using them.
But to be honest, when it comes to serious hiking, I still indecisive about this one. I mean IMHO axes are far more efficient than knives for most uses, it is just that often, they are overkill.
 
Ravaillac said:
God knows how much I love axes, how many I have, how many I still want to get and how much I love using them.
But to be honest, when it comes to serious hiking, I still indecisive about this one. I mean IMHO axes are far more efficient than knives for most uses, it is just that often, they are overkill.
Click to expand...

Thanks for getting back on topic. I agree with you; I would only take one if I knew I was processing wood for a fire. But, the same could be said for a big chopper.
 
Well, Dogstar, I've about beat my brains out before explaining in detail why those points aren't true, and you know what? The guys that believe them just keep on believing them. Just like some guys, no matter how much it's explained to them, still think tomahawks are only weapons and have no use as a woods tool. It's because it's what they want to believe.

Now as to whether it's too heavy depends on what you are doing. A hiker saying it's too heavy because they don't chop wood is like me saying that a pitchfork is too heavy to carry when I'm digging post holes for a fence. If you don't have the use for the tool, then there's no reason to carry it, but that doesn't mean it's not a superior tool, just that you are going to do what it's superior at.
 
dogstar said:
I've been reading a lot of misconceptions about axe (and hatchet) use in these forums. I think some of them have been spread by popular youtube reviewers who shall remain unnamed. Here are some, I'm sure there are more.

1. Axes are too dangerous.
2. You need a high level of skill to use an axe.
3. Axes are too heavy to be worth carrying.
4. You need perfectly sawn logs and a chopping block to use axes.
5. Axes are just a one-dimensional tool to be swung.

So, we can keep the status quo. I think all of us try to inform on some level; some write blogs and make informative videos independently. Is there something we can do as a forum? Maybe the forum is not the right place for it, but I like that it is collective. I was thinking of a thread just for instructional pictures, videos, links, but it would be a bear to load if you have a slow connection. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

I am baffled at what to say to this, so I guess I will just shut my yapper.
 
Well, Everything can be dangerous. it isd the human that gives what you are using the smarts. Axe, Hatchet, Knife, Car, Truck, Sticks and Stones. Got to be careful with waht ever you are doing.
 
To this I say

"There is a reason they have been used for hundreds and hundreds of years for processing wood from felling to stripping to hewing planks to splitting wood. Any tool that you may have with you can become a weapon...and if it is well made and sharp and the wit and skill of the person wielding it...then it will be a devastating weapon as well."B.Roe.

A weapon you have with you is the one you will turn to when you need it. If it is a good tool, you are more likely to carry it. Imagine getting hit with an Estwing framing hammer in the head- waffle hammer face, good grip, average of 26 ounces with a handle of 16 inches or more. All steel construction. As a carpenter building stick framing you need it less with auto nailers but.....there are times nothing works better. You have it with you...you can defend yourself pretty good with it. A devastating blow.

I can do many things without an axe by using the baton method of cutting branches...cutting down a tree while surviving in the woods? That is too much work. Not that I am lazy but...well okay, I AM lazy when it comes to survival. Too many expended calories cutting down a tree...I would rather use an axe, or better yet a flexible pull saw or a chainsaw! A small axe or tomahawk would be better than a large knife. Less effort. When I fast travel in South America I use a 3/16" thick short machete I made with a canvas micarta handle and a kydex sheath. I don't plan on doing any wood cutting and I find I can do a lot in the shelter and survival mode by going this route. Plus it is a good weapon that is not as large or heavy as the normal machetes.

Like this:

camp1p.jpg
[/URL] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

I use an axe when I want or need an axe....Usually I don't carry them when camping or hiking...tomahawk maybe.
 
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