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If you could only have one axe...
- Thread starter Curt Hal
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- Mar 8, 2008
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Taper-fit eye style, 1300g head, moderately thin bit that transitions smoothly into the eye, about a 4-1/2" edge with only a moderate curve, and enough of a poll to hammer with without concern. With a taper fit handle I could swap out the handles on the one head depending on the tasks at hand.
Square_peg
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- Feb 1, 2012
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- 13,850
A 3 pound single bit with hard poll on a 32" haft.
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- Dec 27, 2015
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- 281
6# axe eye maul, sharp
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- Jun 29, 1999
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- 9,980
Snow & Neally 3/4 Hudson's Bay single bit.
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- Jul 22, 2015
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- 1,038
My 4 lb plumb waffle poll rafting axe
Perhaps this doesn't qualify but ever since I found a derelict Pulaski head at an abandoned BC Gov't forestry cabin 38 years ago I have put many more miles and hours on that type of implement than I ever have on conventional axes. But then again I did enthusiastically 'buy into' chain saws already 45 years ago for falling and bucking. Rafting pattern (if we are going by strict definition of axes) would be my first choice for 'only' axe but rafters/miner/constructor were marketed in 4-5-6 lb weights whereas a thick cheek hard poll 2 1/2-3 pounder probably would have been the 'cat's arse' for me, had I known.
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- Aug 28, 2010
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Interesting that a 3-pound rafting axe was available a few years ago from Bailey's, but they were imported (from China IIRC), and I didn't see any mention of the poll being hardened.
WoodlandPro Single Bit Falling Axe (3 lbs.) with 26" Handle
The single bit falling axe (also known as a rafting axe) is an integral part of the timber fallers gear. These axes are used primarily to drive wedges, clear brush, and bump knots, but are also very handy for general chopping. The back of the axe is a full 1-1/4" wide and flat, perfect for driving wedges. Please remember to wear eye protection when driving wedges with these axes. Most loggers have one in their pick-up and one the landing also.
The question "if you could only have one" was asked before, but in a different context, with some other responses in this thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/844996-If-only-one-axe-%28or-only-two-or-only-three-axes%29
WoodlandPro Single Bit Falling Axe (3 lbs.) with 26" Handle
The single bit falling axe (also known as a rafting axe) is an integral part of the timber fallers gear. These axes are used primarily to drive wedges, clear brush, and bump knots, but are also very handy for general chopping. The back of the axe is a full 1-1/4" wide and flat, perfect for driving wedges. Please remember to wear eye protection when driving wedges with these axes. Most loggers have one in their pick-up and one the landing also.
The question "if you could only have one" was asked before, but in a different context, with some other responses in this thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/844996-If-only-one-axe-%28or-only-two-or-only-three-axes%29
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- Mar 31, 2016
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- 1,927
my legitimus swamper
Interesting that a 3-pound rafting axe was available a few years ago from Bailey's, but they were imported (from China IIRC), and I didn't see any mention of the poll being hardened.
WoodlandPro Single Bit Falling Axe (3 lbs.) with 26" Handle
The single bit falling axe (also known as a rafting axe) is an integral part of the timber fallers gear. These axes are used primarily to drive wedges, clear brush, and bump knots, but are also very handy for general chopping. The back of the axe is a full 1-1/4" wide and flat, perfect for driving wedges. Please remember to wear eye protection when driving wedges with these axes. Most loggers have one in their pick-up and one the landing also.
The question "if you could only have one" was asked before, but in a different context, with some other responses in this thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/844996-If-only-one-axe-%28or-only-two-or-only-three-axes%29
Far out! The current Bailey's catalogue shows various Miner's (straight haft) axes, starting at 3 1/2 lb, made by Council. The price is right on these but there is no mention if they have hardened polls.
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- Jul 22, 2015
- Messages
- 1,038
Man a 3 pounder in a rafting pattern a couple years ago i passed on a old collins legitimus rafting pattern with hardened poll i thought 80 bucks was a little to much. I kick myself every time i think about it. The council rafters dont have a hardened poll i dont know if any of the older council ones did.
Square_peg
Gold Member
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- Feb 1, 2012
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- 13,850
That's a very good choice, Halfaxe.
I'm going to put together something like that soon. I have a 2-2/3 pound Walters with a full size eye that I'm going to hang on a 32" haft. Light enough for the trail. Big enough to do some work and long enough to attach an underbucking tool to.
I'm going to put together something like that soon. I have a 2-2/3 pound Walters with a full size eye that I'm going to hang on a 32" haft. Light enough for the trail. Big enough to do some work and long enough to attach an underbucking tool to.
Interesting that a 3-pound rafting axe was available a few years ago from Bailey's, but they were imported (from China IIRC), and I didn't see any mention of the poll being hardened.
WoodlandPro Single Bit Falling Axe (3 lbs.) with 26" Handle
The single bit falling axe (also known as a rafting axe) is an integral part of the timber fallers gear. These axes are used primarily to drive wedges, clear brush, and bump knots, but are also very handy for general chopping. The back of the axe is a full 1-1/4" wide and flat, perfect for driving wedges. Please remember to wear eye protection when driving wedges with these axes. Most loggers have one in their pick-up and one the landing also.
The question "if you could only have one" was asked before, but in a different context, with some other responses in this thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/844996-If-only-one-axe-%28or-only-two-or-only-three-axes%29
That looks suspiciously like the chinese hatchets I bought under the Tektron brand. For $10 I didn't expect much but the steel is really good--hard and tough. Some of them at least seem to be hardened all over, including the poll, which would be a no-no traditionally, but they must be some alloy that can take it. Of course, those kind of purchases are made with the knowledge that one may be great and the next may not even make it to mediocre...I use them according to their quality, with the poorer ones used exclusively for chopping saplings out of ground and the like.
My one axe would be 3.5# jersey with hardened poll and straight handle 34" long.
I've been using an axe daily for about 30 years, and until the last couple years, all I had, besides a splitting maul, was a 5 pound, single-bit Collins. Never thought I needed anything else. But I used it almost entirely for splitting firewood. Then and now, a chainsaw does all the heavy work.
I do wish I had my full axe collection years ago. It would have made chopping more fun and efficient. But if firewood was my only need, I'd still pick that old Collins.
I do wish I had my full axe collection years ago. It would have made chopping more fun and efficient. But if firewood was my only need, I'd still pick that old Collins.
