Square_peg
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In that case I'd choose a 3-1/2 lb. single bit on a 32"-34" haft. But if I wanted to do a little bushcraft with that same tool then I'd choose a boys axe.
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Backpacking "survival" axe vs large knife.
- Thread starter BrandonEDC
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In that case I'd choose a 3-1/2 lb. single bit on a 32"-34" haft. But if I wanted to do a little bushcraft with that same tool then I'd choose a boys axe.
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I have to respectfully disagree with this. The last thing I would be doing at least is felling 6-8 inch trees, sawing them into rounds, then splitting them with an axe to build a fire for the night. I would find a fallen and seasoned tree about 3 or 4 inches thick, saw it up, then batton up a few rounds as nice dry kindling.
Splitting wood with an axe is a bit trickier when you aren't at your wood pile with a full sized axe, flat, stable ground, and a large base log to set the rounds on.
However, if that is what floats your boat then have at it.
edit I just saw you say to find larger deadfalls, not fell them yourself. Still that is a lot of sawing to cut that into rounds, smaller stuff is much easier to manage and can be battoned quite easily.
Asking that question in the Axe, Tomahawk, & Hatchet Forum will probably get different answers than you would get if asked in other forums. I'm also unsure what you mean by "survival" axe. I can imagine few scenarios where a 6" fixed blade, folding saw, and axe would not be adequate tools for shelter and wood processing. I like my choppers and have several but I always have a hatchet when planning on staying overnight or longer. That is just what works for me and where I have evolved to after many years of trial and error. There is really no right or wrong answer, the fun part is learning what works for you so stay safe and enjoy
Question along these lines...?
Any revolutionary changes or revisions to the basic folding saw? I've lent out my Fiskars and it's now AWOL so I'm going to purchase a couple more. What brand, size and/or tricks of the latest little cutters do "we" folks recommend? I'll order online if need to be so if you know (from personal experience! Not what you READ somewhere) of the best model by all means share. I want to get this done with a minimum of fuss so the camp bag is back to inventory :thumbup:
Any revolutionary changes or revisions to the basic folding saw? I've lent out my Fiskars and it's now AWOL so I'm going to purchase a couple more. What brand, size and/or tricks of the latest little cutters do "we" folks recommend? I'll order online if need to be so if you know (from personal experience! Not what you READ somewhere) of the best model by all means share. I want to get this done with a minimum of fuss so the camp bag is back to inventory :thumbup:
You are going about this the hard way. Shovel and chip your way down to get beside or ideally under the stump and then start and feed a small and hot fire. Over the course of a few days and a keeping a good bed of coals going that stump will become smaller and smaller and you won't be worn out from wrestling with it.
Square_peg
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I really like the Tajima G-Saw 240. Cuts super fast and sits nicely in my left Carhart pocket on the trail. I have a couple of those. I also have a Silky Big Boy (14-1/2" blade). It's a fabulous cutter. Like having a crosscut saw with you. But it's too big for the Carhart pocket. It has to go in my pack. I've just ordered a Silky 270mm. I think it will still fit in the Carharts and cut a little bigger material than the Tajima.
The Tajima G-Saw 240mm is IMO the best value out there for a terrific folding saw. But they have stamped blades with set teeth where the Silky's have more expensive bevel ground blades. The Tajimas are very very good. But the Silkys are better.
Square_peg
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The Silky 270 came today. I've only made one cut with it but I like it already. I like the size and it still fits in my Carharts just fine. It's my new trail saw.
A junglas is really a machete designed for thick brush and small limbs.
I've done plenty of backpacking trios in WV with large, 1lb + knives and integral tomahawks of my own construction, as well as an old kukri like the one pictured above, and sometimes my GB Scandinavian. I spent considerable time answering the same question, and no, it's not a silly question at all. The right knife can do everything an axe can do except split wood. I don't know why splitting wood would be a need when backpacking or camping, unless you're just having a bonfire or car camping.
It is hard to find a proper knife though, and it will cost you more than the proper axe. My solution was to make my own. The ideal knife ended up being about 17oz, 25" total length, nearly ten inches of handle to allow space for two hands or give one hand many options/positions for different tasks. 1/4" thick at the spine, right hand chisel grind (because I'm right handed) w/ a slight convex on the other side. For backpacking trips between 3-5 days, it was nice to have 1.5 lbs less than the scandi forest axe, and I never felt like I didn't have enough chopping power or finesse for small tasks. Shelter building would have been a breeze I'm a different type of situation. The only real downside is people getting weirded out seeing a sword strapped to your pack when you pass them on the trail.
Not really a folding saw, but the Gyokucho tree saw available on japan woodworker has an insane 330mm blade. I buy just the replacement blade for like 20 bucks and make a simple handle out of some light, strong wood like a hornbeam branch. Fashion a crappy sheath out of cardboard or something and strap it to your pack. You'll be able to cut through everything with ease.
Rolling your own shelter when you get wherever you are going and then heating it with wood is hugely inefficient. Not to mention having to rip it down and start from scratch when you decide to move. I would suggest rethinking your backpacking strategy. The tent - sleeping bag - sleeping pad thing is much more efficient.
That said, if you want to go ahead, an axe is better at swing-splitting/ chopping than a knife. All that weight in the head gives it more power. Splitting with a heavy baton and a long knife can work well too. Batonning is perhaps the safer option for what it is worth. A long light knife and a heavy baton sourced when your get there will give you a lot of splitting power. A saw is better than both at doing cross cuts. Knife + saw or axe + saw.
I supply firewood for multiple homes with multiple fireplaces (family and friends) for winter heating... you wont catch me swinging an axe if I can avoid it. If I want fire when car camping I bring it in. Hiking I make do without fire. The tools weigh as much as a good sleeping system
That said, if you want to go ahead, an axe is better at swing-splitting/ chopping than a knife. All that weight in the head gives it more power. Splitting with a heavy baton and a long knife can work well too. Batonning is perhaps the safer option for what it is worth. A long light knife and a heavy baton sourced when your get there will give you a lot of splitting power. A saw is better than both at doing cross cuts. Knife + saw or axe + saw.
I supply firewood for multiple homes with multiple fireplaces (family and friends) for winter heating... you wont catch me swinging an axe if I can avoid it. If I want fire when car camping I bring it in. Hiking I make do without fire. The tools weigh as much as a good sleeping system