First go with Lee Reeves Nessmuk

R.Russell

R.Russell

Joined
Feb 24, 2009
Messages
517
This is just a first impression, the plan is to continue to use and evaluate this pup.
I got this axe after a year wait, its my first double bit and more of a hatchet. The idea for this purchase is not just to have a historical piece, but something that could replace a large chopper knife or my go to, the kukri. The axe has great balance for hewing and is sharp as a whip with great fit and finish. If I was out on the river I'd probably bring a buck saw or Silky for fire prep but you can split with this axe. It would do fine on its own with the right setup, and a nice stump would be a good place to start. It is definitely a decent chopper considering how light it is in the hand. Smaller branches for an indian fire would be easily taken with a couple swings.

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I don't know if this technique is common, but it seemed like a good approach to split this live oak. The grain was pretty straight but its tough and really fibrous.

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going to baton with another piece of oak knocking the log to be split into the wedge bit.

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at this point I reverse the setup lifting the log and axe and coming down forcefully together.

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making a wedge to move along with for the next piece.

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The Nessmuk weighs in at 1lb 8oz and probably gives you chopping power equal to a knife twice this weight. The bit-down-split method is very safe, and the impact of battoning puts the stress on the wood and the leading edge of the bit rather than stressing the spine of a knife. I don't think you could baton through this oak without a very substantial knife and putting a hell of a lot of stress on the knife. The hewing aspect is very attractive, because of the orientation of the bit and geometry, it outperforms the kukri or large chopper for shaping wood, especially getting nice straight planes. The fine ground side of the double bit is extremely sharp and easy to control. Yes, I think I'd rather carry this than a large knife, but variety is the spice. I won't ever abandon my kukri, but this is a tool that deserves serious consideration in the lightweight division. At a half pound, it would be a great option for hunting and paired with a saw, could eliminate the need for a large chopper. It would also be a great choice for woodcrafting that requires control and accuracy. A very nice tool.

I'd be interested in any other techniques folks have developed for using double bits or hatchets.
 
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Looks like a sweet little double-bit. What's the length? Also, the handle doesn't look like hickory - do you know what it is?
 
15". I asked for walnut, he upped it with the walnut wedge. Really nice piece of wood. fits the eye perfectly with no gaps. Apparently not the first time Lee has done this.
 
I used to have 2 of them, but ended up selling them after I got them. It took a year for me to get mine too lol.

Nessmuk says he really liked his double bit. I found I did not like them double bits. I had problems from the heads comming
loose with hardly any chopping. I felt they did not chop all that well. I went back to my GB hunters axe.
I never looked back. It out cuts them little double bits. I mean seasoned hard wood. I also hated having to watch the other side of the double bit when chopping with one hand for fear of cutting my head. Using a baton on them sucks.

They just were not to my liking and for the price of them 2 double bits just plain out crazy. But that is what trial and error is all about. You will not really know if you like it or not untill you try it lol.

It sounds like you like yours and all. I hope it stays that way for ya.
I did want it to sound like I am bashing them ,but they just were not what I found to my liking.

Bryan
 
That's a truly beautiful axe, but I'm with Mr. Breeden on the single vs. double bit selection.
I have a full-length double-bit Kelly and it frightens me. It chops like a power tool, but needs even more than the considerable situational awareness than a single-bit axe demands. DB's are edges all over - rather threatening, and no hammering/batoning surface.

There are several good vids on hatchet techniques on the 'tube - look for Ray Mears and Joe Flowers.

-Daizee


ETA: I just looked at Reeves' single-bit hatchets. Clean, traditional, stunning.
 
I have had one of the Reeves double bits since 2005 and have used it extensively in the field.

Your pic hosting is blocked for me so I can't see your hatchet but you say 8oz?

My Reeves double bit is 12" OAL and weighs 1 lb 4 oz. I wanted mine to be close to Nessmuk's original which supposedly was 11 and some odd inches.

I love mine.

For me it is the big brother to the GB mini. Meaning that it relies on it's own sharpness rather than it's sheer striking force to chop. I often choke up on the 12" handle even.

I've never felt unsafe with this double bit.

Somebody mentioned the head slipping off. Mine was loose when I got it and I sent it back. He put a new wedge in it and told me to soak the head in linseed oil. 7 years later and no problems.

Here's some pics of mine:

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This is new with a Ft Meigs Nessmuk and a GB mini. Ironically the Ft Meigs Nessmuk felt a little unsafe to me due to the longer handle (15") Not so with the 12" handle on the nessmuk.

Here it is on one of my packs. Notice with age the handle turned golden.

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When I returned it for the new wedge, I remarked to Lee Reeves that I liked the stock head cover, but that it weighed like 4oz and really added an unacceptable amount of weight. When he returned it, he included an "ultralight" head cover sewn from rawhide and a leather strip. Much better.


It's been many places with me and has never failed me. Was well worth the investment.

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sicily02 said:
I used to have 2 of them, but ended up selling them after I got them. It took a year for me to get mine too lol.

Nessmuk says he really liked his double bit. I found I did not like them double bits. I had problems from the heads comming
loose with hardly any chopping. I felt they did not chop all that well. I went back to my GB hunters axe.Bryan
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Shows how different peoples experiences are.

I own a GB Hunters and like it the least of any axe I own.

WAY too heavy to carry on a pack. The long handle makes it too clumsy for one handed chopping and uncomfortable for two handed chopping. I like the GB Wildlife 3000 times better but I consider even it too heavy for backpacking.

But for me if I'm backpacking I want something light, small, and sharp. And if weight is not a consideration I want a full size.
 
Hollow, nice Reeves. Looks like the same size as mine.
Daizee and Bryan, I don't mind that the double bit keeps you on your toes a little bit. I use chainsaw like focus when using an axe.

Not sure about a double bit being more dangerous. The forward edge on a double bit is just as dangerous as a single bit and equally interested in biting you.
 
russamurai said:
Hollow, nice Reeves. Looks like the same size as mine.
Daizee and Bryan, I don't mind that the double bit keeps you on your toes a little bit. I use chainsaw like focus when using an axe.

Not sure about a double bit being more dangerous. The forward edge on a double bit is just as dangerous as a single bit and equally interested in biting you.
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I've cut myself equally with double and single bits. :)
 
HD, it sounds like we both have found what works for us lol. The double it for you and the hunters axe for me.

That is all that counts in the long run.

Nice pics of some of the areas you hike and camp in:thumbup:.

Bryan
 
russamurai said:
Not sure about a double bit being more dangerous. The forward edge on a double bit is just as dangerous as a single bit and equally interested in biting you.
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PLUS the other one facing you.
Nasty when unsticking it from wood you're splitting as there's no safe direction.
Can't stick it in a chopping block to be safe.
In addition to the usual dangers there's a frickin' sharp blade always facing you! There are two edges instead of one, facing opposite directions (unlike a safety razor). I don't understand why this would be controversial. Presumably you could keep one edge covered, but that also causes problems in use. Of course you CAN use it safely, but it is MORE risky especially to the incautious.
 
They are like most things: "you either like them, or you don't." If the opposing edge catches your ear or head, i suppose that would put you in squarely in the "don't" category. lol :D

Congrats on your double bit. I like it. I have a double bit full sized. Just a hardware store axe. I LOVE it. But i haven't caught my ear or head with it yet either. If i do.....;) , then i suppose i will be a changin categories !!! LOL :D
 
hollowdweller;11542577]
Here it is on one of my packs. Notice with age the handle turned golden.
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Ahhh, Osage orange; one of my favorite woods. That handle will last as long as the steel, and will only richen with age and use. Very nice indeed.:thumbup:
 
TwinStick said:
They are like most things: "you either like them, or you don't." If the opposing edge catches your ear or head, i suppose that would put you in squarely in the "don't" category. lol :D
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Heheh.
I didn't say I didn't LIKE it, just that it's inherently more dangerous. I don't NEED my double-bit Kelly, but I bought it because I REALLY wanted one.
 
daizee said:
Heheh.
I don't NEED my double-bit Kelly, but I bought it because I REALLY wanted one.
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Is that a wall hanger or are you swingin it? Pics please! You should really get out there with it if you haven't already, I'm finding the balance on a double bit is the major draw, chops beautifully. Kinda like handling a snake though, I'm not gonna lie and say the double bit doesn't keep me on my toes.
 
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