Boys Axe Versus Hudson Bay pattern for CARVING?

[joshiecole]

I've read a lot of threads about the general pros and cons of HB patterns versus the boy's axe (Dayton).

You could summarize most of these threads as saying that the HB is lighter and looks more exciting but that the boy's axe has more weight for 'proper' work and a more mechanically secure eye.

But there's another thing which always gets mentioned, that the the beard of the HB pattern enables more control for carving, and it's about this that I want your opinions.

I have and enjoy using a CT boy's axe. I carved the little paddle below with it (apologies if you've seen this before on another thread).

However, when carving I rarely choke up right underneath the blade, so I want to know in what situations the extended beard of the HB pattern is of benefit. Is it just things like making feathersticks? What other detailed work is aided by the beard?

I'm not asking about the differences between the HB and boys axes generally -- but just very specifically the advantages of being able to get behind the blade and what this means in practice.

Pics always appreciated!

 

[halfaxe]

The Hudson bay is poor for any extensive carving. Feathersticks and the like mostly but a canoe paddle could be carved. If you want a cheap vintage carver instead of an expensive Scandinavian imported carving axe, get a broad hatchet.

 

[joshiecole]

Thanks Halfaxe,

By carving, I should qualify that I meant more the shaping of wood. Not so much whittling spoons.

The boy's axe has surprised me with its versatility in shaping. I just wondered what specific, practical advantages were afforded by a bearded Hudson Bay pattern?

 

[halfaxe]

Generally they are a quarter to a half pound lighter than a boys axe. Also the ability to choke up like you mentioned. The main advantages and disadvantages had an extensive discussion here.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1152684-The-drawback-in-the-Hudson-Bay-pattern?highlight=hudson+bay

 

[joshiecole]

Thanks, I enjoyed reading that thread a while ago. I just wondered if there were any specific tasks that people find easier with the beard.

I didn't want to re-hash over a topic that has already been quite well covered, just a few examples of what extra practical tasks can be accomplished due to the beard.

The benefit of the beard is something else fans of Gransfors Bruks axes always mention. It's not just about the relative merits of HB versus Dayton -- it's partly about whether the modern, bearded Swedish axes have a non-trivial design advantage over classic American designs.

I know the HB and modern Swedish designs have a different philosophy of use from say a 3-1/2 lb felling axe, but most production hatchets didn't come with much of a beard either.

Forgive me -- I didn't want to flog a dead horse. It's just that whenever anyone reviews a Hudson Bay axe or a Gransfors axe they mention the supposed benefit of the beard but don't qualify it with specific examples of what extra capabilities it offers.

 

[Square_peg]

You make a valid point. Any advantage gained by choking up under the short eye of an HB is minimal. The advantage will be most seen when you're using the bit of your axe as a knife - as in gutting a fish or or separating strands of bark. And even there it's little advantage. The boy's axe still does those things nearly as well.

 

[joshiecole]

Yes Square_peg, I have given it a little bit of thought, and it did occur to me that there could be a small advantage to being able to use the Hudson Bay like an ulu or knife by putting downward pressure from the palm of your hand onto the beard. But this isn't particularly difficult with a boy's axe either. There is enough of a curve on the underside of the Dayton pattern to give you some purchase for fine slicing. Heck I've seen one guy in a video cleaning a deer with a 4lb felling axe.

There could also be an advantage in being able to get right behind the edge for very fine shaving movements. But these are just my speculations as I dont have a Hudson Bay axe. I was hoping more people who actually did would chime in with their experience. There seem to be plenty of people who love them and there must be a reason for it.

 

[halfaxe]

I've got a dozen or so Hudson Bays. I like them a lot. The chief appeal to me is the light weight. 1 1/2 or 1 3/4 pounds. I don't ask much of them, camp wood and tent pegs. Most boys axe's are 2 1/4 pounds. That is a big difference, up top 20% weight difference in the same length handle. Some tasks can be done better by a heavier axe. Everything is a tradeoff. If there was a perfect axe I'd only own one axe. I do have a 1 1/2 pound boys axe, but they are hard to find.