question on axe usage "technique"

on_the_edge

on_the_edge

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I was perusing Youtube when I saw the below video. I do not have a lot of experience with an axe, but watching the guy in the video swing it made me cringe. It looks like he still has both of his feet though at this point. :confused: Anyway, my question is this: Is there some advantage to swinging an axe the way he is doing it? Why not just stand next to what you are chopping rather than on top of it and risking your feet? I am sure that guy is VERY practiced, but I can't help but wonder when the day will finally come and his number will be up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgKjdWf1T_Q&feature=related
 
I think he competes in axe competitions. I have watched those things and have seen some hairy looking moves, but I guess they know what they are doing. His axe looks crazy sharp.
 
Actually, that's one of the recommended ways to use a long hafted axe when bucking a large diameter log, although you'd normally be on a longer log with feet further from the strike zone.
 
He is really strong and very confident in his ax handling skills. Having said that, his style is incredibly dangerous. As strong as he is, he could easily lop off his foot or the lower part of his leg.

He is chopping wood for a home wood pile. Most of the folks here are interested in bushcraft skills. While I swear by my hatchet and saw combination, I am not a big fan of carrying an ax in the wilderness. I am certainly not keen on using an ax to fee trees or chop massive logs in the wilderness, as he is doing. It is just too dangerous. There is no FAK in the world kit that will help you when you sever a foot or a leg.

I use a hatchet and a saw largely to get firewood. There are more than enough downed limbs in the 5 - 12 inch diameter that are ideal for firewood.

I know it is heresy, but I am not even a big fan of using a large blade fixed knife to chop wood. Again, it is just too dangerous. I find that a small saw strapped to my day pack handles about everything I need for wood harvesting. I use my hatchet to make small chisel-type cuts. A little at a time. I also use my hatchet with a baton to split wood, it is a lot safer. I sometimes hold the hatchet blade like a ulu for finer work and shaving wood into kindling.

I think his instructions on using a bow saw are a lot more relevant for wilderness wood getting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCGrrDaxLww&NR=1
 
He is a member here, his name is "thechuck" I believe. And yes, he does compete in axe/chopping competitions.
 
these guys really scare me...

[youtube]IcR28Yqt4mY[/youtube]

the technique shown in the video is the common competition style. he has it down. notice how precise and powerful each of his strokes are...something i strive for. i have decent accuracy, and decent power, but i have trouble putting them together.

i have read of one guy cutting off his lower leg when he slipped. frankly, i don't think that those tin greaves that some of the chopping guys wear are going to do any good... most of those comp axes are in the range of 6-7 pounds, and they are swinging them with probably over 100 pounds of force at 60+ mph... those axes can do some hardcore damage.

even when using a full size axe i often get down on my knees. i'm a bit on the tall side, and so far i haven't come across an axe with a long enough handle to hit the dirt before my feet when used standing.

classic wisdom says to start an amatuer with a full size axe, so that if they miss the edge will hit the dirt instead of their feet...that doesn't work for me. my advice for beginners is to start them on their knees.
 
I've seen that technique before (the History Channel did a Modern Marvels on Axes I believe).

Looks like alot of practice would be required, and yes, it looks pretty scary. That being said, a ton of people compete, and Im sure someone has missed with gruesome results.

Fun to watch, but I will continue to do it the "amateur" way :D
 
I don't see the advantage of that technique, honestly. You can get some real good work done without risking personal dismemberment.
 
He use to post a lot on the axe forum here. He once showed pictures of his chain mail socks he wears when chopping. I have seen him post here lately.

He has some interesting vids on stuff.

If you aren't comfortable chopping a certain way, find a different position.


Be safe, Pat
 
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