- Joined
- Jun 4, 2008
- Messages
- 1,944
Hey guys. Haven't been here in a bit. Been busy with work, and a bunch of projects, but got a quick couple questions. Hopefully, I will be able to spend some more time here soon, but things have been just crazy lately, getting engaged, still trying to find a new career, and just endless other things.
But....Quick rundown. Bought 2 axes a couple years ago. Thanks to you guys, I ended up with a GB AFA, curved handle which I just love using for processing wood at home. But, its a bit heavy for long distance hiking, and so I also bought a Council Boys Axe Forest Service Edition. This axe is just great for camping trips, as I tend to go hiking in the mountains, so a good hour and a half to 2 hour hike straight up the mountain is usually in order. And, I know there are better more portable options, but the boys axe size is really perfect for me, as Im not the strongest guy, and something like a 4 or 6 lb axe is just not going to work for me hiking so far with such a crappy Kelty pack that really lets me feel every pound on my shoulders. I have another trip in about a week, and wouldn't you know it, I need a new handle for the council.
Where is the best place to buy a handle for this axe? I need the wedge too I think, and I want the curved handle, not straight. Now that I am thinking though, if for some reason the straight handle is better, please tell me why you feel that. Like I said, these are my first two real axes, and haven't got to try a straight handle yet, but I do imagine it would be more like a sledge feel?
Also, since this will be my first hang, is there a recommended vid or link that I can follow to do it correctly? I remember seeing some cool vids on it, but its been a while, with work and other hobbies, and I didn't save the links, so anything will help me out really.
I think for camping, I am going to pick up a cruiser, if I can find a nice one somewhere, but have been looking at yard sales by me so far this summer, and nothing so far. Maybe flea bay or somewhere else may I be able to find some nice vintage cruisers?
It may sound silly, but in the Dick Preonecke video, Alone in the Wilderness, which I know comes up time to time here, the axe he used really makes me want to try one very similar to that. But, thats the next axe, and I suppose what I really need help with is fixing the handle on my council for my trip next week.
The part of the handle right below the head, got some bad hits a few times over the last year, and started to split. Believe it or not, the handle has remained very solid, so thats why I haven't replaced the handle yet. But, the other night chopping wood for a small fire at the house, I noticed the head starting to wiggle loose slightly. But, since the handle is already shot from my sloppy technique, usually at night with no light just light from the fire, so I figure might as well give her a new handle.
So, sorry for the long post, but I haven't been here in a while, and need to get this done as soon as possible, since the trip is in about a week. So, any recommendations or suggestions on where to start, is very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave
But....Quick rundown. Bought 2 axes a couple years ago. Thanks to you guys, I ended up with a GB AFA, curved handle which I just love using for processing wood at home. But, its a bit heavy for long distance hiking, and so I also bought a Council Boys Axe Forest Service Edition. This axe is just great for camping trips, as I tend to go hiking in the mountains, so a good hour and a half to 2 hour hike straight up the mountain is usually in order. And, I know there are better more portable options, but the boys axe size is really perfect for me, as Im not the strongest guy, and something like a 4 or 6 lb axe is just not going to work for me hiking so far with such a crappy Kelty pack that really lets me feel every pound on my shoulders. I have another trip in about a week, and wouldn't you know it, I need a new handle for the council.
Where is the best place to buy a handle for this axe? I need the wedge too I think, and I want the curved handle, not straight. Now that I am thinking though, if for some reason the straight handle is better, please tell me why you feel that. Like I said, these are my first two real axes, and haven't got to try a straight handle yet, but I do imagine it would be more like a sledge feel?
Also, since this will be my first hang, is there a recommended vid or link that I can follow to do it correctly? I remember seeing some cool vids on it, but its been a while, with work and other hobbies, and I didn't save the links, so anything will help me out really.
I think for camping, I am going to pick up a cruiser, if I can find a nice one somewhere, but have been looking at yard sales by me so far this summer, and nothing so far. Maybe flea bay or somewhere else may I be able to find some nice vintage cruisers?
It may sound silly, but in the Dick Preonecke video, Alone in the Wilderness, which I know comes up time to time here, the axe he used really makes me want to try one very similar to that. But, thats the next axe, and I suppose what I really need help with is fixing the handle on my council for my trip next week.
The part of the handle right below the head, got some bad hits a few times over the last year, and started to split. Believe it or not, the handle has remained very solid, so thats why I haven't replaced the handle yet. But, the other night chopping wood for a small fire at the house, I noticed the head starting to wiggle loose slightly. But, since the handle is already shot from my sloppy technique, usually at night with no light just light from the fire, so I figure might as well give her a new handle.
So, sorry for the long post, but I haven't been here in a while, and need to get this done as soon as possible, since the trip is in about a week. So, any recommendations or suggestions on where to start, is very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave
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