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(REVISED)What is your choice for your last axe?
- Thread starter L4NE4
- Start date
Yeah, I just saw some parralels though given his extensive use of his axe. He did use it (the cruiser) for "everything", or as close to that as you would likely find in the chainsaw (/crosscut saw) era.
I love it, I have two others that are lighter 2 1/4 pounders. They are one of my favorite makers.
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- Aug 24, 2011
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Exactly! I was also really interested to see if anyone would choose fiberglass over wood. I am glad I posted this because I am sticking with wood handles.
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- Sep 12, 2009
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after thinking about it and reading the opinions posted here, im going to with operator on this one...
of the axes i have i would go with my sager 3lb 6oz DB or my 3 1/2lb TT kelly perfect DB.
i thought about the cruising axe, but i think for something permanate i would prefer a little more weight on an axe in that situation...
but, for faster travel... lighter weight... humm
of the axes i have i would go with my sager 3lb 6oz DB or my 3 1/2lb TT kelly perfect DB.
i thought about the cruising axe, but i think for something permanate i would prefer a little more weight on an axe in that situation...
but, for faster travel... lighter weight... humm
Square_peg
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I like Estwing tools. I've had a few of their hammers and prybars and I've used their camp hatchet and long handled camp hatchet extensively enough to be familiar with them. Their hatchets are fine tools. They chop well.
The reason I prefer a wood handle to steel is twofold. First, the steel handles transfer more shock to the wrist than a wood handle does. If you're only using it once in a while then this isn't a factor. For carpenters who spent many hours per day swinging a hammer it's a big deal. Steel handled hammers give you the equivalent of shin splints in your forearm if used too much.
The other issue I have with steel handled hammers is that in time the neck bends from pulling nails with a sideways motion. This is a regular activity for framers. I have personally ruined an Estwing framing hammer just by normal use pulling nails. If you ever use your axe to twist open a piece of wood that didn't quite split then you will eventually bend an Estwing hatchet's neck.
That said, I still keep a 20 oz. Estwing in my tool kit and use it for many tasks. I just recognize its limitations and treat it accordingly.
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- Sep 24, 2010
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If we are talking strictly axes for axe work, then I am going double bit as mentioned. I should hopefully have a hammer to pound, a knife for closer work, etc. But if I have a single bit, and somehow really muff my bit, then I am done. At least I have 2 bits to play with. I would also go with the 4 lber - so I have more metal to work with for a longer time.
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Makes sense to me for a "last axe", although I wouldn't go as heavy as 4 pounds since I'd want to be able to keep using it into my 60s and beyond.
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I thought about this - and is a good point you bring up. I was thinking that if it is the end of days, and I could make it until my 60s - I would probably remove quite a bit of metal by then.
Plus my old man is 70 this fall and still swings the old monster maul like no ones business, so hopefully I could still swing a 4 lber. One would hope anyway.
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Drool!
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- Feb 19, 2012
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my faithfull old Keesteel, or possibly the Dandenong Kelly...
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- Jan 16, 2012
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The last axe I would carry up the hill is my Dad's Kelly. So I could hand it back to him in the same condition he left it.
Sometimes when I use that axe I sense his powerful but loving hands on the haft.
regards...Frank
Sometimes when I use that axe I sense his powerful but loving hands on the haft.
regards...Frank
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- Sep 24, 2010
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Reminds me of a country song, Daddys Hands
I hope you didn't like that song! Holly Dunn was the artist, btw. First of all the title sounds like her dad was a molester, but that is not how it turns out. The song just droned through on about 3 notes. uggghh! Trying to make a buck of people who miss their father rather then good song writing. And don't argue, I'm never wrong about music!
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Been thinking more about this - seeing it is a great question from many angles -
The most common answer seems to be hard core single bit - say a dayton or something similar. And I understand that answer.
I think the question (no harm intended to thread starter) needs to be rephrased slightly - and I dont know the exact answer - but it seems we tend to think that all we have in the doom and gloom scenario is an axe - if that is the case, then a single bit would have to be considered heavily. If I dont have a hammer, knife, etc - the single bit comes into play big time.
On the flip side, if I have my other basics - some sort of hammer - whatever it is - a knife or two - channelocks, crescent wrench, etc - then now we have more flex space to work with - and I think this is where the double bit comes into play - especially if the parameter is that we only have an option for one axe -
Then you have to look at where you are at - terrain wise. I am no geography guy, dont know alot about other areas in the US let alone the world - but depending on where you are will make "a world" of difference in your choice. Here in wooded W Pa, I think I would go with a 3 1/2 to 4 lb double bit - especially if I have the other things mentioned - why?
1. 2 bits. depending on if I have a file, stone, etc - I want a back up, especially me.
2. conditions - eventually I will have to get down and dirty with the axe - I can see scenarios where things really go to S**T and the axe now becomes not only a wood working tool, but an all around tool - especially if others are limited - thus 2 bits. What if you have to make a trail or road - get in the dirt with stumps and rocks? What if you have no shovel - you go out one day on hunt and gather - your wife or kid uses your axe to break up ground to plant things, or to do some other non convential axe task?? - 2 bits the better, to me anyways.
3. Metal - again, depending, basic metal might become the new gold. how many guys can forge or reforge metal tomorrow? I cant. Not a clue. Thus big time auto inflation on what was a given yesterday. If I have an axe, and have to make it last, a double bit is the easy no nonsense answer here.
4. Handles - I think this is something that needs considered - a wood handle is going to break - sooner or later. Then what? Single bit, double bit, pretty much then who cares. With the way the eye is shaped in a double bit, would it technically be easier to haft than a single bit? Upon looking at some of my axes, I would think yes. Is this a fact? Nope, just one guy thinking to himself - So I am a redneck - with limited woodworking skills - my handle breaks - I need to make a new one out of this tree over here - so for a single bit I need a tear drop shaped eye, for a double - a thin handle shaved down on either side - my preliminary thought is that a rude and crude double bit handle I could make easier even out of a 2x4 then a single bit that would fit a 3, 3 1/2 lb dayton. Especically if my sb has an angle to it on the bottom. Or god forbid it is a jersey. Yikes. Again many variables here - so this is up for wide debate and should be.
5. Energy expenditure/calories needed/accuracy - all these to me favor the double bit. double bits grew in popularity for a few reasons, but one main reason is that all things considered, they are more accurate than single bit due to better overall balance, less wrist roll, etc. This means less inaccurate hits, less work overall, less calories burned, etc. This could be huge when it comes to the end - limited resources - water, food, etc. Every expenditure will count. Bit gets dull? Swap over to other bit, no need to walk back home or take time to refile. If I can be more efficient, this will go a long way towards survival.
Ok enough. Few things I have been thinking about for the last couple days. I think this needs discussion. Am I correct in what I stated? Doubt it. Might be. Might not be. So lets discuss. Someone please say : "Operator you couldnt be farther off here because ...." Lets open this up and think about it. I am sure there are many ways to think about and approach this - lets get after it.
Thanks!!
The most common answer seems to be hard core single bit - say a dayton or something similar. And I understand that answer.
I think the question (no harm intended to thread starter) needs to be rephrased slightly - and I dont know the exact answer - but it seems we tend to think that all we have in the doom and gloom scenario is an axe - if that is the case, then a single bit would have to be considered heavily. If I dont have a hammer, knife, etc - the single bit comes into play big time.
On the flip side, if I have my other basics - some sort of hammer - whatever it is - a knife or two - channelocks, crescent wrench, etc - then now we have more flex space to work with - and I think this is where the double bit comes into play - especially if the parameter is that we only have an option for one axe -
Then you have to look at where you are at - terrain wise. I am no geography guy, dont know alot about other areas in the US let alone the world - but depending on where you are will make "a world" of difference in your choice. Here in wooded W Pa, I think I would go with a 3 1/2 to 4 lb double bit - especially if I have the other things mentioned - why?
1. 2 bits. depending on if I have a file, stone, etc - I want a back up, especially me.
2. conditions - eventually I will have to get down and dirty with the axe - I can see scenarios where things really go to S**T and the axe now becomes not only a wood working tool, but an all around tool - especially if others are limited - thus 2 bits. What if you have to make a trail or road - get in the dirt with stumps and rocks? What if you have no shovel - you go out one day on hunt and gather - your wife or kid uses your axe to break up ground to plant things, or to do some other non convential axe task?? - 2 bits the better, to me anyways.
3. Metal - again, depending, basic metal might become the new gold. how many guys can forge or reforge metal tomorrow? I cant. Not a clue. Thus big time auto inflation on what was a given yesterday. If I have an axe, and have to make it last, a double bit is the easy no nonsense answer here.
4. Handles - I think this is something that needs considered - a wood handle is going to break - sooner or later. Then what? Single bit, double bit, pretty much then who cares. With the way the eye is shaped in a double bit, would it technically be easier to haft than a single bit? Upon looking at some of my axes, I would think yes. Is this a fact? Nope, just one guy thinking to himself - So I am a redneck - with limited woodworking skills - my handle breaks - I need to make a new one out of this tree over here - so for a single bit I need a tear drop shaped eye, for a double - a thin handle shaved down on either side - my preliminary thought is that a rude and crude double bit handle I could make easier even out of a 2x4 then a single bit that would fit a 3, 3 1/2 lb dayton. Especically if my sb has an angle to it on the bottom. Or god forbid it is a jersey. Yikes. Again many variables here - so this is up for wide debate and should be.
5. Energy expenditure/calories needed/accuracy - all these to me favor the double bit. double bits grew in popularity for a few reasons, but one main reason is that all things considered, they are more accurate than single bit due to better overall balance, less wrist roll, etc. This means less inaccurate hits, less work overall, less calories burned, etc. This could be huge when it comes to the end - limited resources - water, food, etc. Every expenditure will count. Bit gets dull? Swap over to other bit, no need to walk back home or take time to refile. If I can be more efficient, this will go a long way towards survival.
Ok enough. Few things I have been thinking about for the last couple days. I think this needs discussion. Am I correct in what I stated? Doubt it. Might be. Might not be. So lets discuss. Someone please say : "Operator you couldnt be farther off here because ...." Lets open this up and think about it. I am sure there are many ways to think about and approach this - lets get after it.
Thanks!!
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2011
- Messages
- 5
I highly recommend the 420 small forrest axe, by Gransfors Bruks. Its small and light enough to strap to your pack, but when it comes to use it processes some serious timber. Plus twenty year warranty and hand made you can't beat it.