Good Axe for Canoeing

[TwoRavens]

Hi,
I'm thinking of buying a Gransfor axe or similar. The main use will be to take along on canoe camping trips but it may also go hunting in the North West and Alaska. What do you guys think is the best type to get? I'm split between the Hunters Axe,the Small Forest axe or the bigger Forest axe.

Oh, and if you know of a good place to buy one...

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Phill

[This message has been edited by TwoRavens (edited 10-25-2000).]

 

[budman]

I have the hunters axe and really like it. The factory edge is a little too fine for moose bone though. I put a steeper angle on it after I honed out the ding...You won't be disapointed with the hunter's axe it is the best I've found.

 

[Hoodoo]

Good question. I have only one, the Wildlife hatchet, so I can't speak to the axes only to say that whichever one you buy, you will only want to get more. They really are a quality forged tool. And each one is guaranteed for 20 years. Each one is hand forged and the maker's initials are stamped on the head. I believe there are 8 smiths. If you are looking for a camp axe that you could also use for hunting, I think I would choose Small or Scandinavian Forest Axe. If you want it specifically for hunting, you might go with the Hunters axe. You use the end opposite the bit for skinning. On the hunter's axe it is thin, rounded, and highly burnished. Specifically, it is referred to as the Flay Poll. To skin, you pull on the hide and swing the Flay Poll into the region right between the hide and flesh. In other words, you kind of pound the skin off instead of slicing it off.

In general, the Hunter's Axe is thinner than the others and unusual in design.

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM

 

[Alberta Ed]

You can find Gransfors axes at Lee Valley Tools (www.leevalley.com), along with Iltis axes (my preference). Another good all-round choice is a Hudson's Bay model.

 

[MAURICE]

silly me,i thought i was supposed to canoe with a paddle....oops,gotta buy an axe now.
silly silly me