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Gear question?

MikeC

MikeC

Joined
Sep 16, 2005
Messages
1,364
Need advice on a good fire steel, folding shovel and what about Gerber axes, I know the knives are crap that is why I'm asking about the axes. Logic would dictate that since the knives are crap so is their folding shovel and axes, but I figured I would check here.

Thinking about getting the big Gerber axe and their splitter. Anyone got better suggestions?
 
I've been using Light My Fire firesteels for a while, and they work just fine. The Gerber axes are essentially the same as Fiskars axes/hatchets, which get some pretty good praise from those who use them. I have a custom hatchet and have not used a Gerber much, so others with experience will probably chime in soon enough. No idea about folding shovels, don't own one or use one. Back on the farm we have proper shovels :)
 
Fiskars makes their axes so they are good to go. The Fiskars ones themselves are 4-5 dollars cheaper so you might as well just get one of those. The Gerber Gorge folding shovel I just played with today, heavy but very sturdy construction, solid finish, allaround felt like quality-until I started really looking at it. Even when fully locked the spade wobbles about 10 degrees. It disappointed me because I could have got a very good deal on it. I just don't trust Gerber's QC anymore to buy any of their products.
 
I love the Light My Fire ferro rods, and the Gerber axes are the best thing they make, in my opinion. As far as a folding shovel, I haven't a clue. I always use a gardening shovel that I keep in my car. :D
 
So far light my fire ferro rods are the best I've run across so far, my folding shovel is an issue E-Tool which has always served me well....I don't do the axe/hatchet thing so no help there, sorry.
 
Hello

Mike C...

Not sure about the Shovels, check for plastic parts.. Maybe look into a surplus trifold shovel...

Their Axes and hatchets are good...

If it's a hatchet you are looking in getting,, consider a decent quality Hawk instead of a standard hatchet...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
+1 The Light My Fire firesteels are good to go.

For a shovel, IMO get a surplus German shovel, a surplus GI tri fold (make sure it's an Ames one, not a China Corp. copy), or the Cold Steel Special Forces shovel.

For an axe, I prefer Snow & Neally, or if you want a more off-the shelf type, then go with Estwing.
 
All good advice so far. I also use an issue tri fold shovel ( at first just because it was free to me) and when I started looking to replace it to try and save some weight I found out that there are really not any products out there that would serve my needs as well as what I had.

As for the hatchet, eastwing is a good suggestion as long as you don't mind that it has a full metal tang (which transfers more shock to the hand than a wooden handled hatchet would). They are just about indestructable. I personally would also suggest that you get a tomahawk instead as ( IMO) they are better suited for woods use. Trust me I know how much flak I'm gonna catch for that statement but, until I see someone break a handle on their hatchet then replace it in less than 30 minutes with only the tools on their person, I'm sticking to my opinion.

As for the firesteels you will probably have to just try a few until you find the metal composition you prefer. I've never had a LMF because for the price I could buy 3 of the doans mag/firesteel combos and from what I hear about them the fire steel in a doans is about the same as the LMF. I do hear a lot of people like the going gear firesteels as they are a softer composition that tends to have longer lasting sparks. Personally I have a (USMC issue) mag/firesteel combo that is identical to the doans thing and a (free with purchase of a $10 headlamp) LMF look alike that seems to be about the same as the going gear firesteels. Both work well for me but both took a lot of practice to get to the point where they do work well for me.

I hope some of my rambling helps
David
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. Just one more reason I love this site. I am going to go with the Fiskars axe for chopping and splitting wood, the hatchet I haven't decided yet. Looking for a light my fire firesteel after this post and will pick up a issue tri fold shovel.

Thanks again
 
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