Thanks Operator1975!

[zatch]

It's been a long time since I received these from Operator and have yet to properly thank him! I snagged a Sager, 4lb single, and a True temper Double from him and have finally gotten out of the apartment to properly use them!

I apologize for the slightly poor picture's - I completely left the camera at home and had to resort to using the crapberry's camera.

The single bit...

I thinned the edge up and cleaned the whole head. I also grinded some very minor mushroomed parts on the poll (I think it was this one). Needless to say, this has become my number one single bit user.

Here's the Sager. I debated on either keeping this one clean or using it and...I used it . This axe rocks. It's a little bit better at splitting than a plumb DB that is usually my go to axe. I know it's not quite mean't for splitting but it worked really well. The head cleaned up really well - some minor pitting but otherwise ready to go. I sharpened up the bit's and that was about it for that one...

Pretty bad overstrike . It was the first swing after using a different axe and I failed to adjust to the length of handle. The head is still very tight and I'll probably just clean it up and keep using it. Not the first time it's happened and not the last...

More pics coming...

 

[zatch]

Another oops moment. I was being a bit over zealous on the size of the block I was trying to split (that, and the fact that I was using a DB ) and cut the inside of my arm trying to un-stick it. It's really more or less just a deep scratch...scared the hell out of me though!

All in all, a fun day. I seem to learn quite a bit every time I get to go out and play. I need a splitter, that's for sure. I also really improved on my splitting "technique" so to say - up until now I was more or less trying to force or power through each swing with my arms and upperbody. It works, but it's not the most energy saving way of doing things. I also found (and now that I think about it, it's a pretty simple concept), that it lead to more under-strikes. I have really started figuring out how to use my lower body on both the "up-swing" and the "down-swing" for the lack of proper terms. I actually got quite a bit more pop to each swing. I remember reading about this and maybe even seeing it somewhere. Heck, it's probably splitting 101 . Either way, lesson learned for me. I also tried the "twisting" technique mentioned in one of the recent threads - It seemed to work well on seasoned wood but not so much on green wood. I need to get better at it and see what happens then.

I'm starting to really realize why different axes are used for different tasks. Don't get me wrong, it's simple when I think about it . However, trying to use one axe to do many jobs can lead to a lot of extra energy, frustration, and in my case, a nice little slice on my arm! I'd rather go through the hassle of bring a variety of axes (seeing as I have to travel for woods time) than just bring one or two and "deal". My uses are mostly splitting/limbing/light felling related but even so, I will be bringing a larger arsenal next time.

Anyways, thanks again Operator! And for that matter, the rest of the forum for opening my eyes to a fun and rewarding activity!

 

[zatch]

One more to add...

GF wanted a picture and that's how it came out. Please disregard my ugly mug

 

[bearhunter]

i really like that single bit... you dont seem to see those as often as the sager DB's...

thanks for the pics!

 

[cattledog]

Another oops moment. I was being a bit over zealous on the size of the block I was trying to split (that, and the fact that I was using a DB ) and cut the inside of my arm trying to un-stick it. It's really more or less just a deep scratch...scared the hell out of me though!

All in all, a fun day.
!

Nice looking axes you got there. I really like your wood pile better The wood with the heavily textured bark looks like some of the oaks we have here in Florida.
I'm currently out of wood so I have to scrounge some up. The guys selling it on the side of the road are charging $1 a piece for the split stuff. Highway robbery imo. Is that a 3lb Wetterlings?
That's a nice little laughing spot you have there where you can split and burn.

 

[zatch]

Nice looking axes you got there. I really like your wood pile better The wood with the heavily textured bark looks like some of the oaks we have here in Florida.
I'm currently out of wood so I have to scrounge some up. The guys selling it on the side of the road are charging $1 a piece for the split stuff. Highway robbery imo. Is that a 3lb Wetterlings?
That's a nice little laughing spot you have there where you can split and burn.

1$ per piece? Crazyness. I see small piles being sold for 3 or 4 bucks but I agree - however, I'm sure people still buy it at those prices.

The wetterlings is the large hunting model...I think the head is closer to 1.5 lbs. It's one of my favorite axes, especially paired up with a 3 to 4 inch fixed blade and tossed in a backpack. I'm still up in the air about the handle length though - I'd really like to try the same axe with 3 to 6 inches of extra handle length. As it stands, it's a bit awkward (to me) using two hands on a 19-20inch handle.

Thanks for the reply!