backpacking axe?

I loves me a good pick mattock. I'd just love to see one where the hoe blade was shaped and scooped like a shovel blade.
 
That would be a pick adz... interesting!

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Looked it up and the nearest tool to that is called a poll adz. I'd like to see that weaponized!
 
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That would be a pick adz... interesting!

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Looked it up and the nearest tool to that is called a poll adz. I'd like to see that weaponized!

Sort of! Imagine a round-point shovel blade rather than a spade. You'd use it sort of like a cross between an adze and a hoe. It'd be great for trenching manually. Chop the blade into the dirt level with the ground and lift straight up to lift all the dirt right out of the trench. It'd turn a two stage process (loosen then shovel) into a one stage process.
 
Yes, but in a fixed configuration like a standard pick mattock (eye/wooden handle) which would be MUCH more durable.
 
Snow & Neally 3/4 single bit Hudson's Bay model is my choice for backpacking. This style of ax has been carried by backpackers, teamsters, wranglers and prospectors for a couple hundred years. Build a cabin, open a can, pare your nails, it can do it all. (Just don't loan it to anyone.)

If you can just find an old one. Current Chinese production is overly soft.

(Poor mule)
 
Agreed. I guess S&N is under new ownership, so we'll see where they go.

Edit to add: Or Council obviously.
 
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WWII pick-mattock:

IMG_3498.jpg


I have a newer version of that tool. I absolutely love it. I like that the haft is easily removed for packing. I goes in my utility box for car camping trips. But mostly it's used on habitat restoration projects (plantings), both as a digger and to loosen up the roots that have become bound in the pot. Indispensable tool. And the edge can be sharpened up for adze work if needed.
 
Council is under new ownership?

That was my first thought, but I think he meant "or Council for a backpacking axe", not that C was under new ownership.

scrteened porch is correct. I ment Council is another choice for a Hudson Bay axe. Only S&N is under new ownership. I had been referencing the post referring to S&N's more recent Chinese-made heads. It'll be interesting to see if they move back state-side now that they have new owners.
 
scrteened porch is correct. I ment Council is another choice for a Hudson Bay axe. Only S&N is under new ownership. I had been referencing the post referring to S&N's more recent Chinese-made heads. It'll be interesting to see if they move back state-side now that they have new owners.
man, wouldnt that be nice! who knows, with the seemingly growing interest in axes (especially the high-end models) it could be a possibility...
i'd buy one for sure!
 
I'm sure if they do move stateside again it'll be a gradual process, but one can hope!
 
the Council Tool 1.75lb axe weighs little but packs a serious punch. It may be worth considering as well.
 
I agree that a Council Hudson Bay would be a great choice for around $30 so would a Estwing Campers or Carpenters axe, or a Condor Greenland. Hope this helps. the CS Trail boss is a good choice too, as well as a good hawk like the trail hake or frontier hawk from Cold Steel and every one of these choices is under $30 except the Condor which is about $45.
here's the council hudson bay
HudsonBayCampAxe.jpg

here's the estwing
estwing.jpg

and here's the condor greenland
condor greenland axe.jpg
 
i like the fiskars axe but sometimes i feel the handle doesnt absorb enough of the shock or vibrations, maybe its just me
 
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