dubble bit axe?

T

TheGoldenWalrus

Joined
Jul 16, 2011
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i know this has probably been asked before but the results were fruitless with a quick seach.
so anyways, my question is, what are the advantages to a dubble bit axe over a single bit axe? i would imagine that they may be a bit more dangerous than a single. but then also the fact that it has 2 sharpened surfaces then when one dulls then the other is still ready to go. is that the main purpose to the second bit, or is there more to it than that? just curious

Thanks,
Scott
 
Better balance, each side is about the same weight. One finer chopping edge, one thicker splitting edge. Use the thicker edge to get through the bark or roots, and for splitting. This helps keep your finer edge from getting damaged, and keeps it sharper.
 
Yeah one side is for "grubbing work" or cutting in situations that risk damaging the fine edge on the opposite bit.
 
ok thanks everyone. i was just a bit curious as to the reasons one might choose double bit over single. looks like i might go with a double :)
 
while im here,
would condors "Double Bit Michigan" axe be a good starter option?

Thanks,
Scott
 
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I believe they've been in the process of working out a few kinks with that model. The last one I saw had one bit slightly longer than the other and I haven't seen any available from my distributors since then. I think the next batch of them will be just fine and dandy though.
 
foxx said:
Better balance, each side is about the same weight. One finer chopping edge, one thicker splitting edge. Use the thicker edge to get through the bark or roots, and for splitting. This helps keep your finer edge from getting damaged, and keeps it sharper.
Click to expand...

Yes, this.
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Except that a single bit axe with a proper poll has equally good balance as a double bit.
 
There are disadvantages to a double bit. You need to be very careful of the edge facing you and of anyone that might get behind you when you are swinging it. You can safely stick a single bit in a choping block or in a tree while you tend to other matters. Again you can't safely do that with a double bit. Someone brushes against that exposed edge and they can get a nasty cut.
 
ok so i suppose the double bit michigan is out then. does anyone know of a small inexpensive (preferably carbon steel) double bit axe?
 
im happy with the Barco i bought awhile back, and ive used the heck out of it
 
Square_peg said:
Yes, this.
ja.gif


Except that a single bit axe with a proper poll has equally good balance as a double bit.
Click to expand...


True to that. It's unfortunate that lots of cheap hardware store single bit axes just aren't balanced. In fact, I'm suprised at how unbalanced my new Council Tools Hudson Bay Velvicut is. The bit side is way heavier than the poll. IMO, the cheeks are too thick, for that size/shape/weight axe. It's a great little axe, but I think they are too cautious in it's design and execution.
Thin down the cheeks, make it lighter and balance out the bit/poll, and while you're at it, increase the hardness. An experienced axe user won't overpower or abuse such a nice axe.
 
Lee Reeves is a name that often comes up with double bits, he makes a small Nessmuk style axe. I waited for over a year to get this one--- it just showed up. The fit and finish is excellent but I haven't taken it out to play yet. Overall haft is 15 inches making it more of a hatchet. The last pic shows the two grind profiles: splitter on the right and fine on the left - both convex. The walnut is clear and straight grained with a walnut wedge...
P1010473.jpg

P1010476.jpg
 
oh yes, i think i meant to ask about hatchets instead of axes... preferably the nessmuk styling. that lee reeves one looks good but i dont think i can afford it :P

Russamurai, could you give a rough estimate of the weight of the head? so i might be able to find a dual bit head about the same weight.

edit: looks like i found the one! marbles double bit hatchet. looks pretty darn close to the one in nessmuks trio, from what i can tell its pretty good. atleast from what i read here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/980916-New-design-Marbles-Double-Bit-Hatchet
 
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yes. I'm interested in how it performs next to a hawk. The bit is more substantial than you'd think. For splitting larger logs, I'd probably wedge the fine bit deeply into a stump and split the log with a club straight down over the second bit. Gonna give it a shot today.
 
good luck :)

also i took a look in the shed today to find a large flint edge kelly double bit axe, and a no name 2 lb. 15 oz. pound double bit axe head that seems to be fairly decent. about what length handle would go good for that?

Thanks,
Scott

p.s. im not forgetful of what i buy, these are my fathers old axes :P
 
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