Axe Selection advise wanted

L

Latticino

Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
73
After splitting some firewood at a scout campout with both an old hatchet and a Penknife/baton combination I have come to several conclusions:
  1. The Penknife will split the wood, but the baton method is just too slow.
  2. I really enjoy that "one swing=one split" motion
  3. I've got to get a hatchet and/or axe for home and campsite use (though I suppose I should make a stab for campsite use with my 16.5" Chiwura AK first, as that has better mass for splitting)
Done some research and am looking at Gransfors Bruks, Wetterling, and the "Siberian Lumberjack" axes and hatchets as a source of hand forged axes. Read as many reviews as I could online, but couldn't find any independant ones for the last manufacturer. Wondered if you knowledgable types had any advise.

Also trying to decide between axe styles. Considering a small splitter with a 24" handle for home use (I already have a maul and some old wedges for large rounds) and possibly a compact lumberjack/scandanivian forest axe size for the field. Also love the mini hatchet that GB sells, but think the Penknife is more utilitarian and certainly better priced. I already have a Cold Steel hawk (but that doesn't work all that well as a splitter), and an old rather thin, Hudson Bay style axe mounted on the wrong type of handle.

Thanks for your patience with this overly long post and any help (personal experience, sources...)
 
Resident axe man is Hollowdweller.

If he doesn't have it, he knows about it.

Dan Koster is knowledgeable about Norlund steel and maybe their history.

(My take? If you aren't toting the axe on your back, use the leverage of the handle to do the work. Thus, 24 inch handle is giving away leverage. Also, the only good thing about sub-zero weather is that it makes you feel like a Titan when you split those rounds that were impossible to split in warmer weather.)
 
When it comes to the subject of axes for field use, here's a read I highly recommend

1551051222.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg



Sarge
 
Latticino said:
After splitting some firewood at a scout campout with both an old hatchet and a Penknife/baton combination I have come to several conclusions:
  1. The Penknife will split the wood, but the baton method is just too slow.
  2. I really enjoy that "one swing=one split" motion
  3. I've got to get a hatchet and/or axe for home and campsite use (though I suppose I should make a stab for campsite use with my 16.5" Chiwura AK first, as that has better mass for splitting)
Done some research and am looking at Gransfors Bruks, Wetterling, and the "Siberian Lumberjack" axes and hatchets as a source of hand forged axes. Read as many reviews as I could online, but couldn't find any independant ones for the last manufacturer. Wondered if you knowledgable types had any advise.

Also trying to decide between axe styles. Considering a small splitter with a 24" handle for home use (I already have a maul and some old wedges for large rounds) and possibly a compact lumberjack/scandanivian forest axe size for the field. Also love the mini hatchet that GB sells, but think the Penknife is more utilitarian and certainly better priced. I already have a Cold Steel hawk (but that doesn't work all that well as a splitter), and an old rather thin, Hudson Bay style axe mounted on the wrong type of handle.

Thanks for your patience with this overly long post and any help (personal experience, sources...)
Click to expand...

Here's some.

http://ramanon.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34501

http://ramanon.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31247

Also the GB Small Forest and Hunter's Axe are pretty sweet if you aren't trying to conserve weight.
 
Thanks for all the tips. Had enjoyed HD's reviews on a variety of items, one of the things that is leading me to axes in the first place. Like that little double bitted Nessmuck. Will have to contact Ragweed forge. He is close by, too bad doesn't have a storefront or inhome stock.

Anyone have any experience with these: http://www.shop.com/op/aprod-p8599199?sourceid=3 ? They look pretty decent for the price, but have found no independent reviews. Thinking that the larger one might be pretty impressive with a longer handle (per Kismet's excellent suggestion) for home use. I wouldn't want to lug a 3# headed axe out on a hike, but the 19" handle seems short to me. Reminds me of my 3# sledge "mini-persuader" which comes out when the framing hammer doesn't do the trick.:D
 
I have a gransfors bruks which is wonderful but if you want the truth I use my khukuris instead.
For delimbing, I think a khuk is superior. For felling, I use a khuk, but if I really wanted to get serious, it would be my 20" chainsaw, not an axe that got the nod.

I was on my way to buying a throwing hawk when I found this forum. Never got the Hawk.



munk
 
munk said:
I was on my way to buying a throwing hawk when I found this forum. Never got the Hawk.
munk
Click to expand...

Has anyone else noticed that Munk really likes that tomahawk story?:) It's almost like Munk's version of Rusty's "I'm 5'4." comment he used to always make. I like it. Maybe that should be the title of book you could write about your adventures and friendships you've made since you discovered HI. You could call it "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Tomahawk Store...and other weird tales".
I jest, but i was in the same boat. I have a few nice hawks that i like, but they never see use. I don't have a target to throw at anymore, and khuks are what i prefer to take with me on the trail. I was looking at the American Tomahawk Company when i came across HI...i never got the hawk either.

Jake
 
I agree with Munk on the limbing. I like a khuk better cause it has more cutting surface so you don't have to aim as carefully.

On something thick an axe is easier on my arm. Like 10 12"

The Russians look neat although I'm somewhat skeptical of the design. I have a Firestone Belt Axe, which has a similar head and it's good, but not outstanding at cutting. Also that little beard kind of thing. I broke that off on my GB mini. For splitting I'd rather have steel behind the beard. Still for 30 bucks worth a try. If you want to split fairly thick stuff the Ragnar hatchet is too light 15oz. The Reeves will split, but I wouldn't want to split anything big with it.

You might want to try something heavier like a GB SF or Hunters, or a YCS or 2 lb khukuri.

I don't burn wood at home, and hiking I usually never split wood, I just pick the right size in the woods and chop it to length. When I do split wood for burning in the fireplace in my extra cabin I usually use a full size axe. I have to bend over too much and it bugs my back and with the khukuri and the shock to the hand aggravates my carpal tunnel:p

Also, not really on topic, but anybody notice it is easier to split wood with a khuk by laying it on it's side and striking it along the grain than setting it on one end and striking from top down?:confused:
 
Before the chimney fire, I heated with wood.

Last big load I bought was the mill sides of trees in 8 foot x four foot rounds, banded together--so the wood was the rounded side of a tree on one side, and the flat cut from the mill on the other. Maybe 150-200 pieces per round.

I chain-sawed three or four rounds of this stuff into stove-sized pieces.

When I wanted kindling, or smaller pieces, I always used a khuk to split, wedging it in one end and batoning it down. It was not stable, so this was safer. Khukuri was much easier than any hatchet or axe.
 
I will readily admit that I would much rather split wood with a nice ax, than with a khukuri. Also, if I'm gathering wood for a fire, I will take along a folding saw - easier and faster on the fat stuff.

I had a "contest" with my brother-in-law to see who could go through a 10" log faster. He beat me hands-down with his little folding saw and I was making the chips fly! By the end, I had broken into a heavy sweat and he was sitting idly by, resting his wispy self.....:rolleyes:


Plus, the logs sit on the chopping block better if they're at least somewhat flat.

Aside from those two uses, I will use the khukuri for everything else.

I cut my woodchuck teeth at age 7 when I chopped wood every weekend all summer for my grandfather (and every year since). He gave me an axe, showed me how to do it and said "Don't come inside 'till you're done". :eek: (side note: that would never fly in today's world!) I've always been a big fan of the axe. But it's just no fun strapping a 36" axe to your belt. :D


Oh....right...back on topic now...

If you have the funds and opportunity to get a double bit Nessmuk belt axe, do it! Do it, now! Somehow, I've grown increasingly picky and have turned down everything that's not exactly what I wanted...and have missed out on quite a few deals....:(


Those GB hatchets are nice and are very tough.

I'm waiting for funds to get a nice Swedish Broad Axe for splitting, hewing and straight-edging...in the meantime, I've begun (with my father-in-law) forging adzes and gouges. Lots of fun. Guess it's time to do an axe....
 
yet another double-bit Norlund that will slip away: ebay ID = 6225642713

and another....6225906703
 
Dan,

I have an old hand adze that I got a few years ago. Maybe 18" handle? It is awesome. I have never used one of the full sized ones.
 
I've a couple other stories I repeat. Kinda sad. Another old duffer babbling his way to Bethlehem.
I've got the story of Bald Headed Joe, as nice a guy as you'll ever meet whom my wife rejected because there was no hair there. She married me instead. Oh Joe, where Art Thou Now?




munk
 
My father-in-law is in the process of making a full size adze that was used for hewing the tree while standing (the tree still standing too). Long handle, wide, lipped blade. Very interesting stuff. Kinda like an axe with a 90-degree-rotated head. Same motion.
 
Latticino said:
Thanks for all the tips. Had enjoyed HD's reviews on a variety of items, one of the things that is leading me to axes in the first place. Like that little double bitted Nessmuck. Will have to contact Ragweed forge. He is close by, too bad doesn't have a storefront or inhome stock.

Anyone have any experience with these: http://www.shop.com/op/aprod-p8599199?sourceid=3 ? They look pretty decent for the price, but have found no independent reviews. Thinking that the larger one might be pretty impressive with a longer handle (per Kismet's excellent suggestion) for home use. I wouldn't want to lug a 3# headed axe out on a hike, but the 19" handle seems short to me. Reminds me of my 3# sledge "mini-persuader" which comes out when the framing hammer doesn't do the trick.:D
Click to expand...

Have one of these. Very nice. Came sharp and cuts like a demon. Maybe a tad heavy to carry backpacking.
Terry
 
tsf said:
Have one of these. Very nice. Came sharp and cuts like a demon. Maybe a tad heavy to carry backpacking.
Terry
Click to expand...

Cool. I may have to try one based on your experience. They look cool and the Russians are our pals now:D
 
hollowdweller said:
I agree with Munk on the limbing. I like a khuk better cause it has more cutting surface so you don't have to aim as carefully.

<snip>

You might want to try something heavier like a GB SF or Hunters, or a YCS or 2 lb khukuri.

I don't burn wood at home, and hiking I usually never split wood, I just pick the right size in the woods and chop it to length. When I do split wood for burning in the fireplace in my extra cabin I usually use a full size axe. I have to bend over too much and it bugs my back and with the khukuri and the shock to the hand aggravates my carpal tunnel:p

Also, not really on topic, but anybody notice it is easier to split wood with a khuk by laying it on it's side and striking it along the grain than setting it on one end and striking from top down?:confused:
Click to expand...

I agree about the limbing too... The stuff under two inches just flies off in one swipe if you hit at the right angle!!!

Have you ever used a SMALL axe for splitting???
I have one of the Bark River mini-axes and it actually work great...
Look at what 'Old Jimbo' over at Outdoor-Magazine Forums split with one(of course it was not FAST, but STILL!!!
http://forums.outdoors-magazine.com/viewtopic.php?t=2137

There has been some experimentation with putting a LONG handle on that TINY axe, that has led to some surprising results, but you have to be careful with it!

The nice thing about that axe, is that it is SO light, that you forget you even have it until you need it!

About splitting from the side... Look at the same posting as earlier...That is the only way of splitting something BIG(or rather, LONG).
 
jamesraykenney said:
There has been some experimentation with putting a LONG handle on that TINY axe, that has led to some surprising results, but you have to be careful with it!
Click to expand...

The Ragnar double bit has a 14" handle on it and you are right it gives it a lot more power as far as splitting.:thumbup:
 
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