Buck’s idea of a froe

[eveled]

I’ve been fascinated by froes for a long time. Every time I come close to buying one I realize I should make my own, but haven’t yet. Lol. So I’m still froe less.

A froe is shaped like a hockey stick, Buck’s is more or less knife shaped. As much as I think its a great design, I have never seen another froe shaped like a knife.

Just wondering if anyone else has?

I think it is Buck’s way to span the gap between the bushcraft community batoning their knives and a traditional froe

This guy does a great job of explaining the reason froes are relevant. Especially if building with green wood.

 

[GPyro]

The shape is actually what drew me to the Buck version.
It makes sense to me for the ways I use it.

But I like big knives with big handles, so......

 

[Pack Rat]

Red ones and black ones. 5160 steel Model 108

 

[bucktool]

Just used my Froe a few minutes to start a fire in my shop stove. I guess the control feels better than a small axe. I think it was a good investment as I use the froe more than my axe.

 

[eveled]

I just scored a Buck froe on ebay. I think it will be safer for my kids than a hatchet. I still aim to make a traditional style one someday too.

 

[dsutton24]

I've got one of the Buck froes. It's a nice knife, but it's not like any froe I've ever seen, it's more like a machete.

Froes are splitting tools. The handle on a traditional froe serves as a handle, of course. But if your split tries to wander you can torque the handle one way or the other and you can steer your crack back on course, so to speak.

 

[hunterjrg]

I would love a Buck Froe for my cabin. I’d think it would make processing wood a snap. My brother bought one at some ridiculously low price and he likes his.

 

[Hickory n steel]

There's a guy on YouTube, can't remember his name but he partnered with Schrade to design one a few years back.
He was / is one of those people who are noteworthy in the realm of abusing or " quality testing " as they like to put it fixed blade knives.

 

[rhino]

Did you guy hear about the Hobbit who was really good at splitting wood? His name was . . . Froe-do Baggins.

 

[BennyBlade]

There's a guy on YouTube, can't remember his name but he partnered with Schrade to design one a few years back.
He was / is one of those people who are noteworthy in the realm of abusing or " quality testing " as they like to put it fixed blade knives.

I purchased one of the Schrade froes. My son loves to tell people about the look on my face when it fell apart into two pieces after one batoning with a piece of firewood. I was so dumbfounded it was hard to be mad.... tried to get in touch with their customer service but no luck.
I love my 108 Billy buck whacky thingy. I've made a few threads regarding its use. But shhhh... it's not a froe...

 

[jbmonkey]

I kinda look at the Buck froe as a knife for batoning......or a chopper.......

not sayin I'm right, just always looked at it that way......

 

[eveled]

I've got one of the Buck froes. It's a nice knife, but it's not like any froe I've ever seen, it's more like a machete.

Froes are splitting tools. The handle on a traditional froe serves as a handle, of course. But if your split tries to wander you can torque the handle one way or the other and you can steer your crack back on course, so to speak.

Good points. At least the handle on the Buck drops to give you some leverage. I wish it was more dramatic, or had a ring for a proper handle.

Do you have any other froes?

 

[dsutton24]

Good points. At least the handle on the Buck drops to give you some leverage. I wish it was more dramatic, or had a ring for a proper handle.

Do you have any other froes?

I do have one that was made by a guy in Kentucky out of a leaf spring and a piece of baseball bat. It's a pretty serious tool.

 

[rhino]

There's a guy on YouTube, can't remember his name but he partnered with Schrade to design one a few years back.
He was / is one of those people who are noteworthy in the realm of abusing or " quality testing " as they like to put it fixed blade knives.

That was Chris Tanner/PreparedMind101. When Schrade was making it to his specs, it was an impressive wood processing tool. When they switched to a hollow grind (and probably a different heat treatment and steel), then . . . not so much. He broke all of them he had in his possession doing the same testing that the original version easily survived.

 

[Hickory n steel]

That was Chris Tanner/PreparedMind101. When Schrade was making it to his specs, it was an impressive wood processing tool. When they switched to a hollow grind (and probably a different heat treatment and steel), then . . . not so much. He broke all of them he had in his possession doing the same testing that the original version easily survived.

Yep that's the guy.
Seems like a great guy even if he does bash on knives.

 

[CVamberbonehead]

Yeah, I think the Buck froe is a little strange. It seems like the handle would get in the way with that angle it has to it, rather than a normal froe.

 

[eveled]

I’m no longer froe less. On my doorstep this morning. This thing is a beast.

 

[GPyro]

View attachment 2112188

I’m no longer froe less. On my doorstep this morning. This thing is a beast.

NICE
For the longest time I didn't want to spend the money.
Now I wonder why I waited.
I love mine.
What's not to like?

 

[eveled]

Same boat I was in. This one popped up for a real good asking price. I offered even less and he took it.

A full price froe was not in the budget, but I couldn’t resist the bargain.

 

[GPyro]

The safety issue of swinging an axe or hatchet pushed me to spend the money.
Gonna have a campfire? Probably gonna have a beer as well.

I've spent money on dumber things.

I've watched folks making kindling while camping.
It's amazing more people don't get hurt.