How to use an Axe

DeadboxHero

DeadboxHero

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Mar 22, 2014
Messages
5,407
This is the best video I've seen on how to use an axe.

It's probably already been shared here but it's always good to watch again:D

Had someone share it with me on YouTube today.

Great video.

It improved my techniques with 36" handles.

[YouTube]fc0mdjknbPM[/YouTube]



I always swing hard but the art of the 36" haft and 3.5 lbs head is to swing with endurance and to let gravity due the work.

Constant, fluid motions like a boxers jab

It's much slower then using power but more efficient for a long days work.

Had alot of fun today practicing what I learned.



I highly recommend you guys watch this video and get out there and have fun.

If you want more power and speed though, The 36" haft is too long for faster swings and the 3.5lbs is too light in my experience.
 
Just watched it the other day at SkillCult's (YouTuber) recommendation. Definitely a great video!
 
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Yeah that video is amazing.

I'm so pumped up on axe swinging now.

Pulled out my family axe, a Sears craftsman double bit I inherited from my grandfather.

3.5 lbs with a 36" haft





.




Funny story about this chip. My grandfather used this axe in freezing cold without warming the bit in his coat. I remember him telling me that lesson as a Young boy before he passed away.

I could sharpen it away, But I like knowing he put it there. :)





If my grandfather could only see.

But I look forward to my grandchildren swinging if I'm so lucky hahaha
 
This is a great video showing the effectiveness of twisting the axe on impact for wood splitting.

[YouTube]7fWo0P0MdJM[/YouTube]

Notice how this prevents the bit from getting stuck, also keeps her edge out of the ground. She was able to split even on rocks!
Very effective and efficient techniques
 
Great video, thanks! Interestingly, in the beginning the Axeman seems to move his lower hand further down the haft to reach the far side of his notch rather than adjust his stance, I never considered that :cool:

Awesome splitting work, too.
 
Broke my handle using the above technique on a knotty piece

So either the torquing will pop the wood or the handle hahaha







Posted on axe junkies

Learned about grain run-out.

This is also one of those flame hardened handles, less flex
 
Square_peg said:
Thanks for sharing that so we all can learn from it.
Click to expand...
Yeah brother, anytime :)

Park Swan said:
Too much torque? Be careful out there!
Click to expand...

It's never just one thing hahaha.

It was a combination of striking a knot. Torquing, using all the power I could muster, grain run out, flame hardened handle.

Haha heard a loud pop. And the handle went limp with the bit stuck in the knot.

I was surprised.

Haha just an excuse to get a new handle lol
 
That's a good way to look at it. Also fortunate that it failed at this time rather than standing on it to fell a tree from a high notch :D
 
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