One Blade Survival: The Axe

For S & giggles I wanted to see what my 10" hewing axe could do. This was the result:

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Don't know how you guys use those little tiny things- I took my small ones out and they just can't compare, and because my legs are still shot I won't be hiking anytime soon so the weight isn't that big of a deal for transport. Hole drilling might not be so hot though.
 
After using my new Wetterlings ax a few times, I think I'm in the I'd take an ax over anything camp. Keep it coming.
 
This is very illuminating. My no name Swedish Sandvik hatchet does not have anywhere near the edge to do anything except chop/split small firewood. I think I owe it to myself to get it reprofiled and start developing some skill.
 
Great review and thread! I have not tried any detailed work with my axe; thanks for the inspiration.
 
Who has a 24" Snow & Neally Hudson Bay Axe? I can't decide between it and the 18" Penobscot hatchet. A local shop carries the full lineup, and these are the two that suit me.
 
Great post!

In all reality a small ax or hatchet with a small knife will do anything you have to do in the outdoors. The ice man 5000 years ago carried a copper ax and a flnit knife with a blade a tad under 2 inches.
 
Foilist said:
Who has a 24" Snow & Neally Hudson Bay Axe? I can't decide between it and the 18" Penobscot hatchet. A local shop carries the full lineup, and these are the two that suit me.
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I do:thumbup: I had the same tuff choice, but after talking to Brian I decided to opt for more leverage than packability. I have been more than happy. I want to set up a lil outing in CT in the next week or two. No overnighter just a day in the woods and skills practice. I will bring the 24" S&N if you can make it.

Shoot me an email.:thumbup:
 
Great photos. Personally, while I have the two smallest Wetterlings hatchets, I feel more comfortable with a knife and saw. I've never had proper instruction with an axe or hatchet so I'm sure that's some of it.

I would think that for a well-trained woodsman though, his axe is probably *the* tool to have in the forest.
 
tonym said:
I do:thumbup: I had the same tuff choice, but after talking to Brian I decided to opt for more leverage than packability. I have been more than happy. I want to set up a lil outing in CT in the next week or two. No overnighter just a day in the woods and skills practice. I will bring the 24" S&N if you can make it.

Shoot me an email.:thumbup:
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I am thinking along the same lines. Since I already have a hatchet, I will likely go for the longer - but not too long - Hudson Bay.

I'll email you later about details for woodsloafing.
 
Folist In the pic that I posted with the 4 axes that I got from Brian Andrews to of the are the 24" and the other 2 are the 17" they have the same head but different lengths of handles. I have been carring my 17" one for a few days now when I head into the timber. Even with the smaller handle you can really cut the logs up in no time. I am talking 10" to 14" hard wood logs for night time fires. with the longer handled axe it just means I do not have to bend over as far when I am chopping.

Bryan
 
I just did the "Mors test" for axe handle length, and came up with about 20." Now I'm back to square one!

The Mors test is where you measure from the palm of your hand to your armpit - this is supposedly your ideal axe handle length.
 
I've got the ~18" S&N like Bryan from Brian Andrews, it's a very good axe. I like the size, but with the weight of the head I'm unlikely to pack it into the woods very far. That makes the smaller size slightly less valuable and now would prefer the longer 24" haft. I actually wanted that length after using this one a bit, before I found out it was a 'standard' offering. Keeping the shorter OAL is only something I'd go for if I planned on stashing it in a pack.

Edit: And if anyone has user opinions/pics of the S&N belt axe (hatchet) I would most appreciate them!!
 
once i purchase my Brian Andrews Double Bit, i will probably do a similar test. i am probably also going to do an SAK, a leuku, a HI khuk, a hawk and maybe a small FB. Medium fixed blades have been pretty well covered already, and i dont think i am well-versed enough in machetes to be able to do a good analysis of those.
 
Thats a fine axe, never seen one like it before...is it good at just basic chopping, ie logs for a fireplace?
 
iBlade said:
Thats a fine axe, never seen one like it before...is it good at just basic chopping, ie logs for a fireplace?
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for fireplace duty, i think that a bowsaw might serve you better, but i think that the Gransfor Bruks small forest axe is a bit to short for a dedicated log cutter. maybe somthing a little longer with a heavier head, such as a hudson bay style axe.
 
After a few outings with my Wetterlings Carpenter's Ax Im hooked. Went out this morning and sweat for an hour in a t-shirt and 25 degrees chopping some logs that had been knocked down by the recent ice storm.

Anyone have any recommendations for a double bit ax that has a 2-3lbs head with a 18-20in handle?
 
J_Curd,

I don't think there is any prduction double bits in that size range. I actually have the Holy Grail "to me" which is a Marbles camp axe#15. It is a double bit in that weight.

It has taken me two-three years of searching for it, and I was only able to find the axe head only. So I am in the process of hafting it as we speak.

I am going with a 24" Handle on it. Will post pics when it is done.

Paul
 
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