Knives vs. axes - why axes are better!

[G-pig]

I got a 42" swede saw a while back. about 16" or so of space frm the blade. very roomy.

 

[Square_peg]

Squarepeg the bowsaws I use are the 32" blade variety, usually afoot or so of depth. They don't weigh much more than the little takedowns, are more rigid, and give waaaay better performance.

Thanks for the tip. Got a link to one you like?

 

[wildmike]

Bahco makes a good one. Do a search on amazon.com. There is one which is heavier duty which will be brought out in the description. Make sure to order a couple extra blades of the right type for crosscutting dead wood.

 

[wildmike]

G pig where did you find a 42"er? I'd love to pick up either a 42" or 36".

 

[G-pig]

ive got a 36 too. both were had 2nd hand. great tools.

 

[Operator1975]

Could it be said - that if I have my axe sharp enough - I can do whatever a knife can with my axe? Not a bushcraft guy, but a woodsman(there is a big difference, trust me) and I can't think of anything besides a tight spot that if I had a sharp axe that I couldn't handle instead of a knife.....

I know I am missing sonething - let's see it. Conversation is good.

 

[wildmike]

OP the only thing I can think of is when your doing fine work, especially with the point.

I've skinned and butchered rabbit and muskrat with both my Kukri and an axe without problem. Same with all the different firemaking tasks.

The only thing an axe might not perform well at is the fine detail stuff...and with my mini most of that is easily doable.

 

[G-pig]

I use lighter axes waaay more than knives. Usually that Mann 2 1/4 comes along all woods trips.

 

[wildmike]

Most day trips I take my mini and a small fixed blade.

Winter and fall the boys axe comes along.

Axes are just so efficient.

 

[festerfromnzed]

You can take them to work and move 10 metre poles with spike..nail staples as thick as your little finger with the pipe...cut wood...skin a deer..throw them at parties for fun (safely?)......good tools...............FES

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[festerfromnzed]

 

[G-pig]

Axes are just so efficient.

you can say that again. I actually found an "American" pattern mini at a tool place. It probably weighs less than 8 ounces. I the handle I put it on is like 12", super light and slender. seems like a handy tool if one is good with it.

 

[wildmike]

My GB mini has an 8oz head, 10 1/2" handle. Little thing works for so much more than you'd think.

Been thinking about getting their outdoor axe which has a little heavier head, and a longer handle as well.

GP sounds like you have an old sounding axe. Great little tools.

These mini axes take a bit of thought to accomplish some larger tasks, but they grow on ya.