Camp Axe Suggestion?

D

DBrew

Joined
Jul 31, 2008
Messages
19
Hello all,

Can anyone point me in the direction of a good under $60 camp axe? I'm looking for something sturdy that can handle some abuse.

Thanks,

Dave
 
Anthing by GB is a good idea, but, you can also get decent service out of a Gerber axe. You might check out www.theaxehole.com and see if they have something under your $60 price point. Also try the local army/navy stores, they may have a few choices which may fit your budget.

The GB axes are worth every penny and will keep delivering excellent service, year after year, so they are, in my estimation, a great value.
 
At that price point I really like the Snow and Neally axes. The Hudson Bay with the 24" handle is very nice.
 
DBrew said:
Hello all,

Can anyone point me in the direction of a good under $60 camp axe? I'm looking for something sturdy that can handle some abuse.

Thanks,

Dave
Click to expand...

If you're not an axe geek, I suggest that you look at Fiskars 28" axe. Usually can be found at Menards, Home Depot, etc. Normally under $30 and a great tool for the price.
 
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Most Fiskars axes now bear a Gerber graphic on the handles (Fiskars bought Gerber out), though there is still a raised Fiskars name on the polymer head-strap.
 
Can you give some hint as to what kind of camping you're talking about and what kind of use you expect?

If weight is not an issue and you plan to split larger logs, then I'd recommend the Snow & Nealley 3.5 lb "Our Best" axe. Its a fine fine axe.

http://cspoutdoors.stores.yahoo.net/snownealour3.html

From there you can get smaller:

http://cspoutdoors.stores.yahoo.net/snowneallyaxes.html

Personally I see the Hudson Bay style heads as being better suited to chopping than splitting - because of the way the head sits relative to the blade. Snow & Nealley have them in 18" (Penobscot) and 24" (Hudson Bay) handle lengths - same 1.75 lb head on each one.

The more standard "Our Best" axe seems better suited to splitting and just as capable for chopping. Snow & Nealley has a 2.25 lb 28" version and a 3.5 lb 30" version.

I actually bring both the 3.5 lb "our Best" and the 18" Penobscot when I go car camping. Just a little work after purchased and they take a wonderful edge.
 
I actually like the S&N too! I have used GB for a long time. With some work to the S&N head and handle, I actually prefer it to the GB.

Like Kenk said, the Hudson Bay style head is not known as the best splitter. However, I do think it makes one of the best "all rounders" for doing many things.

I have done several side by sides with the GB SFA and 18" Penobscot, and the Pen bay far out splits. Of course, the head geometry here near the eye is key, and a real sticking point on the GB's:

IMG_1716.jpg


Good:

IMG_1723.jpg


Not Good:

IMG_1726.jpg
 
Yeah ... that Hundson Bay style head is also, well, just beautiful. I don't know what it is, but I like how the Penobscot feels in my hand. That's part of why I tend to bring it along even when I bring the larger 3.5# axe.
 
kenk said:
Yeah ... that Hundson Bay style head is also, well, just beautiful. I don't know what it is, but I like how the Penobscot feels in my hand.
Click to expand...

Same one. Pen bay. Although I have the Hudson Bay with the same treatment :thumbup:

B
 
If price wasn't a limitation what do you guys consider the best camp ax? Not that I can afford it, but I'm just curious what is the best around...
 
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