Trail/brush clearing tool

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kipzroll

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Apr 2, 2011
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What are some recommendations for trail/brush clearing tools? The only caveat is that I don't want to exceed my state's laws on blade length (5.5 inch maximum), so machetes and other similar tools are out.

Essentially this will be attached to either my pack or my belt during wooded hikes primarily for clearing/making trails.

Also, I'm just now starting to learn about axes/hatchets (as opposed to my knife "addiction"...ha), so any information and ideas are welcome and much appreciated.
 
kipzroll said:
I don't want to exceed my state's laws on blade length (5.5 inch maximum..
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In TEXAS ? Wow, and wtf.

What kind of vegetation are you dealing with? and why? The second question isn't snarky: are you tasked with or taking on the task of maintaining public trails? Doing it to help you get through off-trail areas? Clearing your own property? I think answers depend upon how thorough of a job you want to do.
 
Yeah, Texas is a bit strange in some aspects, but this one is just annoying.

The vegetation is mostly oak, pine, and general brush. The thickness of the vegetation varies by quite a lot. A very small amount of it will be making existing common trails a bit better, but almost all of it will be getting through areas without a trail and getting through natural openings and areas easier.
 
I'll agree on the saw recommendation. No laws against that, I hope.

I'm sure Texas vegetation is different than what I have in my area, but with that said when I go off-trail I just blow through stuff or go around the worst bits. it's faster and I like keeping wild places wild or at least not marking my secret fishing spots or camps for the next yahoo that wanders by.
 
Alrighty. A folding saw isn't considered a knife (thank goodness, that'd be absurd) and would definitely be useful, although probably not too quick. Any suggestions of what kind, size, etc?

Would a hatchet be of any benefit?

Also, the vegetation in my area is a mixed bag, but there really isn't a case of "going around the worst bits"...a lot of it is "the worst bits"...that's what makes getting through it fun! But yeah, the amount of impact I'd be doing in the area will be minimal and almost always away from any other trail.
 
my experience hiking/camping in Tx is that so long as you're doing your recreational activity and not acting like an idiot machete's or other long knives are OK.
that said - on a budget the 6" gerber/fiskars slider or 10" Corona folding saw at Lowe's isn't bad. next up in quality & price is Bahco/Kershaw (same saw, different paint), then Silky: 6" (170mm), 8.5"(220mm), or 10" (250mm)
 
Might want to check on those laws again, I do believe they make exception for blades carried when engaging in outdoor "sports" such as hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, etc. Just no huge knives at the mall.
 
You're very right. Here's what the penal code says:

Sec. 46.15. NONAPPLICABILITY.
(b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who:
(3) is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is en route between the premises and the actor's residence or motor vehicle, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity;

...Although I know quite well a machete or khukri would make clearing much more efficient, I'd rather not go through the hassle of having to explain and show why and such to an LEO. I have public service background and LEO friends, so I know just how "pissy" an officer can be on a bad day. It's much easier to stick to the 5.5 inch rule (in addition to the sheeple rule).

p.s.: Much appreciated!
 
kipzroll said:
You're very right. Here's what the penal code says:

Sec. 46.15. NONAPPLICABILITY.
(b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who:
(3) is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is en route between the premises and the actor's residence or motor vehicle, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity;

...Although I know quite well a machete or khukri would make clearing much more efficient, I'd rather not go through the hassle of having to explain and show why and such to an LEO. I have public service background and LEO friends, so I know just how "pissy" an officer can be on a bad day. It's much easier to stick to the 5.5 inch rule (in addition to the sheeple rule).

p.s.: Much appreciated!
Click to expand...

I would rather have someone come up and give me a hard time while I am clearing with my hatchet or Woodsman Pal, and explain to him I am out in the boonies clearing land, not being a bother to anyone, rather than trying to make due with something with a blade 5.5 in or under.

Are you looking to go hand tools only? Or will a weed eater like device work? I have a Stihl FS 85 weedeater/brush clearer that you can put a metal circular saw blade on that will take down any weeds, brush, etc, and even saplings up to about 2 inches across. I love it, have put many hours on it.
 
I've got no problem with using a hatchet, but so far, nobody's suggested it. I've read good things about the Fiskars X-series on here.

And yes, I'm going for hand tools only. I'm looking for something that I can carry on me for at least 6-7 miles on foot (usually farther).
 
The Woodsman Pal is a nice tool for clearing. Hatchet wise, I like the older hatchets better myself. Something you can pick up relatively inexpensive, take home, clean up, sharpen, then go beat the hell out of. Old Plumb or True Temper would work ok.
 
Nobody mentioned it because you're asking about brush clearing tools. Small wood is ok with a hatchet, but real brush, you really want a machete or bill hook.

images


A 5.5" anything is going to suck at what you want to do.

Stop worrying about what "sheeple" think.
 
If you are going 6-7 miles in, on a trail, then you will have no problem with using a machete. Just be smart, don't hike the trail with it in hand, swinging at limbs. Keep it in or on your pack, and just be normal. Whip it out, do your work, put it away.

I'd get a machete, woodsman's pal, or other billhook, and a file. You may want to touch up the edge in the field.
 
How about a hybrid hatchet/cleaver...

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or bearded....

socratescordwrap.jpg


both flat ground from the spine for cutting efficiency but from 1/2 inch thick stock for hatchet duties, aircraft aluminum handle
 
William, that bearded job looks great - but it also looks like it needs an extra 1/2" - 3/4" knuckle clearance between beard & haft.
 
kipzroll said:
What are some recommendations for trail/brush clearing tools? The only caveat is that I don't want to exceed my state's laws on blade length (5.5 inch maximum), so machetes and other similar tools are out.

Essentially this will be attached to either my pack or my belt during wooded hikes primarily for clearing/making trails.

Also, I'm just now starting to learn about axes/hatchets (as opposed to my knife "addiction"...ha), so any information and ideas are welcome and much appreciated.
Click to expand...

Did I understand that right? You can't buy or own a knife bigger than 5.5 inches?
You can't own a machete?
 
warman said:
Did I understand that right? You can't buy or own a knife bigger than 5.5 inches?
You can't own a machete?
Click to expand...

I can buy and own any size knife/sword/etc I want...the 5.5 inch limit is for carrying in public (with the exception of hunting, fishing, or other legal sporting event where a larger tool is common).
 
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