fun new axe search......?

D

d.weglarz13

Joined
Jun 4, 2008
Messages
1,944
Okay, so i haven't been on here lately, but am in search of a new axe.
What i am looking to try out is a style much like the db cruiser that Dick Proenocke uses in that Alone in the Wilderness documentary. I know a lot of you know what Im talking about, and i know its been discussed a bit before, but i really want to try a db axe, and one of that size seems best for camping. i love my boys axe so very much, but it sticks a lot in wood here in NY. I love my GB American felling axe, but is a bit large for hiking up a mountain for a few hours but it is not impossible. I want to try something like what Dick uses, just for fun, and hey, it might become my favorite axe.
I know.....yard sales and ebay, but where else can I find something like this? I don't need a handle of course, but can't really find one like the good olden ones.
does any current company offer smallish cruisers like this? thanks for any direction....

dave
 
Barco makes one, though it hasn't reviewed well.

http://axeconnected.blogspot.com/2013/04/review-barco-cruiser-ax.html


Antique stores often have nice vintage axes though you're going to pay a good bit more there than you would at a yard sale.

I found this one at a flea market for $4. It has ridges in the eye like old Kelly/TT axes. Looks a lot like old Dick Proenneke's.

Cruiser8.jpg


It's handy around camp. But when I tried hewing with it I felt like I was swinging a pocket knife. I admire Mr. Proenneke for what he accomplished with his little cruiser. Of course he had a few other axes with him, too, at least a full size single bit and a hatchet.
 
Wow Pegs, thats really cool. How heavy do you say that one you got there is?
Thanks for the pic, that sure looks like the one he used. Yea, sure he had some bigger axes and saws and whatnot, but it looks to me this size axe might make a great all around axe for when hiking but needing it for serious chopping. Im thinking around 2.5 to 2 3/4 lb.? My boys axe is great for carrying it a lot, and I have carried the AFA most of the time when hiking, but it does look a bit funny to others while one part of my path crosses over a road and there are usually people around. It just kinda feels funny carrying such a long handle. So, i may start carrying the boys axe more when hiking now, but I just can't put down the gb, it cuts like butter. An axe around the 28" length is pretty good im thinking, and like i said, i really want to try a nice little cruiser.

What do you guys think? Would this make a great all around axe or what?

Oh, and how long is the handle on that one Pegs? just curious, nice axe btw.

dave
 
Thank you. So how about something like this for an all arounder?
Any thoughts? Or do you guys prefer a single bit for your favorite all around axe?

Dave
 
d.weglarz13 said:
So how about something like this for an all arounder?
Any thoughts? Or do you guys prefer a single bit for your favorite all around axe?

Dave
Click to expand...


I have two vintage Gransfors Bruks double bits - a 3.5lb on a 28" octagonal and a 2.5lb on a slimmed down 27". The latter is pretty similar to Square_peg's as far as dimensions go..

That said, I can't really say I use either all too much... I feel like for the casual user (someone who isn't dealing with trail work), single bits are more practical. I've never really found myself needing a blunter edge for grubbing or working near the ground which is the main appeal to a double bit. In contrast, I've actually found myself using my SBs' polls for pounding wooden wedges and for upending and driving rounds when I stick the bit without completing a split.

I guess YMMV and it depends on your usage but my favorite all around axe right now is my 3lb Keen Kutter Jersey SB hung on a 28" straight octagonal.

IMG_20130423_114434_zpsa75602db.jpg
 
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Okay, good point. Thats what i do now with my single bits, but wouldn't mind finding a nice db to clean up and rehang. I don't think i will be spending the money on a gb for something that i don't know if i will use much, however.....
thanks for all the good points, i find this an interesting debate.........SB vs. DB axes....maybe i will make a thread on it....thanks again fellas

dave
 
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