Book Review: "The Ax Book" by D. Cook with Illustrations by S. Lawrence Whipple

[Wyoming Shooter]

This Christmas, I was privileged to receive "The Ax Book - The Lore and Science of the Woodcutter" by D. Cook with illustrations by S. Lawrence Whipple. Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Ax-Book-Science-Woodcutter/dp/0911469168/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388345410&sr=8-1&keywords=the+ax+book. In short, this is a great resource for those new to the art and science of the ax. Cook is a WW II USMC vet who writes very well, and in a decidedly old-school way. Cook covers virtually everything the reader may want to learn about the ax and its use: e.g. selection of an ax, sharpening, felling techniques, etc.

Cook makes clear that he believes most choose an ax that is too heavy, with a handle too long. He writes about the inherent advantages of a double-bitted ax. He bemoans the demise of the straight handle in favor of the curved handle for the single-bitted ax. I now know just how little I do know, and how much more there is to learn, about the ax. With best regards from the Big Empty, ELN.

 

[Mr. Tettnanger]

Great book!

Thanks for posting this. I have to dig mine out and do a little refreshing!

 

[Square_peg]

It's a good read with lots of great info but don't take it as gospel. He's got a few things wrong.

 

[halfaxe]

Yeah there is a long thread here somewhere detailing points for and against his argument against the curved single bit handle.

 

[G-pig]

Yeah there is a long thread here somewhere detailing points for and against his argument against the curved single bit handle.

A long thread indeed, if I do remember

 

[Wyoming Shooter]

I accept nothing as gospel, except "the Gospel". That said, I enjoyed the book very much and learned a great deal about axes and their use.

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

I enjoyed reading it for nostalgia value but much of information seems way out of date. Telling me I should use an axe of a certain weight and length from a long gone Maine company is not of much real use.

 

[Operator1975]

The book is a great reference. Like all older books, time and habits will make information of the time perhaps more, or less relevant down the road, and thats ok. His basics on axes is pretty solid - I like the stories and the examples - you can learn from them in many ways. My book one day will be similar.