Looking for a small axe for camping and backpacking and the Wetterlings Les Stroud Bushman Axe has a lot of features that I like but doesn't seem to be in production any longer. Is there another axe that has similar characteristics and functionality?
Design features of the Stroud Bushman Axe that I like:
1. Good compromise of portability and functionality - with a 1.6 lb head and 22" length it is small enough to easily strap to a pack or even put inside a pack and total weight is only about 2.25 lb. It isn't big enough for extensive felling and chopping but the additional 6-8" of length should generate substantially more force for felling and chopping compared to a hatchet.
2. Hammer poll - don't see anywhere that it says the poll is hardened but at least there is a hammer shaped poll for light work like tent stakes and stuff. Ideally the poll would be hardened to add some confidence to actually hammer on stuff.
3. Wedge shaped head - the main reason that I would carry a small axe with or instead of a folding saw is to be able to split small logs so the wedge shape is preferable to a thin head. Ideally the axe would have a high centerline rather than a full wedge. The wedge shape is less ideal for felling/bucking but would still work for small logs or I could use a saw.
The GB SFA is a similar size but doesn't have a purpose-built poll and is fairly thin, better for limbing and light felling than splitting.
A boy's axe is a good multipurpose alternative and great for car camping but is bigger and heavier than I would like for backpacking. And I haven't seen one with a functional poll.
Design features of the Stroud Bushman Axe that I like:
1. Good compromise of portability and functionality - with a 1.6 lb head and 22" length it is small enough to easily strap to a pack or even put inside a pack and total weight is only about 2.25 lb. It isn't big enough for extensive felling and chopping but the additional 6-8" of length should generate substantially more force for felling and chopping compared to a hatchet.
2. Hammer poll - don't see anywhere that it says the poll is hardened but at least there is a hammer shaped poll for light work like tent stakes and stuff. Ideally the poll would be hardened to add some confidence to actually hammer on stuff.
3. Wedge shaped head - the main reason that I would carry a small axe with or instead of a folding saw is to be able to split small logs so the wedge shape is preferable to a thin head. Ideally the axe would have a high centerline rather than a full wedge. The wedge shape is less ideal for felling/bucking but would still work for small logs or I could use a saw.
The GB SFA is a similar size but doesn't have a purpose-built poll and is fairly thin, better for limbing and light felling than splitting.
A boy's axe is a good multipurpose alternative and great for car camping but is bigger and heavier than I would like for backpacking. And I haven't seen one with a functional poll.
