"The Art of Manliness" article

C

crazyengineer

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Apr 2, 2011
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Does anyone here subscribe to "The Art of Manliness" emails?

If so, what did you think about the article that was just posted about axe restoration?

here is a link to it art of manliness

I found it interesting to read, and it pretty much goes along what I have learned here.

So, what do ya'll think about the article
 
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It's not bad but it's got some errors.

"you want to create a consistent bevel from the cutting edge into the axe head, on as narrow an angle as possible"

No, you want to create rolling convex cutting edge at an angle appropriate to the intended use.

I'm also not keen on using a damp rag on an axe handle to bring up the grain. I just sand the haft to medium grit and apply a couple coats of BLO.


Using his method would produce a usable axe and a far better axe then anything off the shelf at the local hardware store.
 
It might have a few flaws but if it teaches modern folks who spend their time in a cubicle and in front of a PC or the telly at home about real skills everyone should have I'm all for it. In case of emergency someone might remember that article and while they won't be Paul Bunyun they will have an idea what to do. I'm a fan of AoM and have read their articles for a while now. Useful tidbits are good to know.
 
I don't like the way he sharpens either.
Also, I like the head to be tight before I soak it in linseed oil. He's talking about old axes, the looseness is not likely to be miniscule.
 
Most of the contributors seem to have their heads screwed on pretty straight but they're not always 100% on the money when it comes to sharp stuff. They're at least 90% though, and that's a lot better than the average individual.
 
Overall, it's a pretty good article I think. There may be a few things to take issue with, but I'm with Valhalla if it gets people interested in axes, and inspires them to give it a go, all the better. As we all know, it doesn't take much to be bitten with the axe bug.
 
I guess the "boutique axe" saying that I penned in my Council Tool Velvicut Hudson Bay review really has developed legs afterall, lol. Interesting article, and yes, it's not perfect in its advice, but it's nice to see the axe continue to rise in popularity.

Cheers, CW
 
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I did find it quite interesting and helpful, especially since I'm a novice when it comes to high end axes.

I also found it a bit funny and ironic. "The Art of Manliness" author had to lay down a sheet in his girlfriends living room to sand the handle?! But the C-clamp on the laminate takes the cake. That IS the manliness workstation for sure.

Is was a refreshing mix of humor and info.
 
coloradowildman said:
I guess the "boutique axe" saying that I penned in my Council Tool Velvicut Hudson Bay really has developed legs after all, lol.
Click to expand...

I noticed that, too. Sometimes when you put together the right words it just sounds right and gets repeated. My word Junuary [the start of the Seattle summer :( ] has started to catch on. But my other word, geriatrophy - the deterioration of the body with age - still hasn't caught on. Alas.

Yours caught on fast.
 
Square_peg said:
I noticed that, too. Sometimes when you put together the right words it just sounds right and gets repeated. My word Junuary [the start of the Seattle summer :( ] has started to catch on. But my other word, geriatrophy - the deterioration of the body with age - still hasn't caught on. Alas.

Yours caught on fast.
Click to expand...

Square, do you have a link to your blog/site? Would love to check it out.

Cheers,

CW
 
Geriatrophy is a great portmanteau. I'll have to file that away for later use! :D
 
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