Axe vs. Saw vs. Big Knife for Chopping

I would just say that big knives are neither a fad nor a recent invention. Examples dating back hundreds of years are abundant in most cultures. What has changed is the over glorification of these knives. Our forefathers were not shy about taking a full set of tools with them. But, then again, their need was far more substantial than what most of us face today.

n2s
 
Not taking the time to learn how to safely and effectively use an axe is not a "con" against the axe in this argument... it's a con on any user that sees this as a shortcoming of this most valuable tool.

In an extended stay bush setting where volume wood processing is a necessity, no tool can contribute more in accomplishing this goal than the axe. In other scenarios, the axe may not be necessary, although a smaller axe or hatchet is still as handy in the woods as anything... even for day trips.

A skilled axeman with a well chosen axe can accomplish an incredible amount of work when it comes to processing wood. Mors Kochanski stated that when he was a younger man, he could fell a 12 inch diameter tree 55-60 feet tall, de-limb it, and buck it into arm span lengths in about 15 minutes. With the right axe in the right hands, every strike is placed exactly where it needs to be and removes big chips of wood, and with relatively few strikes a large amount of wood can be removed. I'm not to that level yet, but I'm getting there. The skill required is one of the reasons I enjoy axe work... because not everyone can or should pick up an axe and use it before they are properly versed.

I have based my entire system around my desire to carry a full-sized American Felling Axe with me in the woods. Day trips or extended day, I will always have my axe...
 
JGON said:
I have based my entire system around my desire to carry a full-sized American Felling Axe with me in the woods. Day trips or extended day, I will always have my axe...
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And since it works for you, chop on, I say! :thumbup:
 
I do the comparison tests a lot. I continually find the axe to be better.


And +1,000 to the guy who said that learning proper safety is not a "Con" for the axe.
 
I have axes and use them......I have large chopping knives and use them as well. I also have various compact/folding saws that I use in conjunction with the axes and knives and I find this configuration means I leave no need unfulfilled.
 
Personally I can't wrap my head around the whole big chopping knife concept ... way too much energy is expended to get the job done (I'm not as young as I used to be ;)). I agree that a large knife is great at delimbing and chopping smaller diameter wood but I'll take a hatchet and saw every time if given a choice.

YMMV
 
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In my youth, when we trapped and fished commercially we always kept a full size bow saw in the boat for sectioning fire wood where ever we set up camp, but I wouldn't want to hump one through the woods. In the southern semi-tropic where I grew up, I prefer a larger knife that also has a saw capability. I know I am probably in the minority on this, but I learned this in the early 80's when I lived and worked in Key Largo. I bought a Gerber BMF and carried it while I explored the Everglades. I only ever needed the saw for making notches for lashing poles together for shelter from thee rain storms and shade from the sun if I was fishing on the cape. I didn't like carrying a dedicated saw as it was just too limited for my uses and I didn't do that much sawing, and carrying a camera (always) it was just more weight than I wanted to carry. Today, having gone through several cheap hollow handles, I have a Martin MCE-2 for that role for tropical excursions.










Now that I have moved further north, I will definitely add a small axe to my gear, and carry a smaller knife...and I may add a small folding saw. Time will tell.
 
KuRUpTD said:
Personally I can't wrap my head around the whole big chopping knife concept ... way too much energy is expended to get the job done (I'm not as young as I used to be ;)). I agree that a large knife is great at delimbing and chopping smaller diameter wood but I'll take a hatchet and saw every time if given a choice.

YMMV
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I think the reason being this is BladeForums not AxeForums. Therefor things tend to gravitate to knives.
 
This what I use for chopping. Batons nice, too.
cwCze6h.jpeg
 
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As an update to this topic, I'm headed to Tacloban, Philippines today to help in the disaster. I'm going with team Rubicon. On the gear list was a machete/knife/multitool. Going with me on the trip is my lawnmower blade parang, Victorinox Spartan and a Victorinox Swiss tool. That has been my usual combo of blades/tools for tropical/jungle environments.
 
"I'm headed to Tacloban, Philippines today to help in the disaster" You Sir, are anything but average.

God Bless and Keep you. You will do a great good and I pray for your safe return.

Bill
 
averageiowaguy said:
As an update to this topic, I'm headed to Tacloban, Philippines today to help in the disaster. I'm going with team Rubicon. On the gear list was a machete/knife/multitool. Going with me on the trip is my lawnmower blade parang, Victorinox Spartan and a Victorinox Swiss tool. That has been my usual combo of blades/tools for tropical/jungle environments.[/

Your a good man. Stay safe. :thumbup:
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averageiowaguy said:
As an update to this topic, I'm headed to Tacloban, Philippines today to help in the disaster. I'm going with team Rubicon. On the gear list was a machete/knife/multitool. Going with me on the trip is my lawnmower blade parang, Victorinox Spartan and a Victorinox Swiss tool. That has been my usual combo of blades/tools for tropical/jungle environments.
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Safe journey Doc.

A tip of the hat to you for you and the rest of the volunteers and teams helping out :thumbup:
 
averageiowaguy said:
As an update to this topic, I'm headed to Tacloban, Philippines today to help in the disaster. I'm going with team Rubicon. On the gear list was a machete/knife/multitool. Going with me on the trip is my lawnmower blade parang, Victorinox Spartan and a Victorinox Swiss tool. That has been my usual combo of blades/tools for tropical/jungle environments.
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Stay safe and very noble of you :thumbup::thumbup:
 
Kyle - best of luck on the trip -- and SWMBO likes the Snapper parang a LOT -- we were coppicing willow Monday.
 
Anyone heard from AI? Maybe someone knows him and has had a call or text....things are reported to be going well there but it would be nice to know he is OK. I keep thinking to see him in one of the Phil online newspapers.

Bill
 
Have you not seen his YouTube Chanel?
He seems to be doing okay god bless him. Sounds like he's been busy.
 
scruffuk,
No I have not but I will look for it this evening. I am relieved to hear he is doing well. :)

Bill
 
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