Whats a Good Camping, Wood Splitting Working Axe?

[BobSig]

Hello, I have been looking through this area of the forum for a while now and would like some advice from you all. In the past I would have went to home depot, grabbed an axe, looked down the handle to find the least warped one and bought it. But since become a forum member and learning the vast difference of knives, steels, and all that stuff. Then finding the axe section of the forums I know I need some guidance in not getting the "Smith & Weston knife" of axes.

Here is what I will be doing:
-Camping, so splitting wood, cutting through 3-5 inch logs
-Splitting, I heat with wood, so good amount of splitting(I do use a log splitter when I can)
-Firewood gathering, I do tend to use my axes like a pickaroon and do move around some big rounds with it sometimes
-Id like a axe that is on the cheaper side, I know you get that you pay for but i got a budget sadly, i havent determined what that budget is yet... depends on whats out there.

Should I get a double blade? Fireman axe(I think they look awesome), broad axe (love the look of these too).

Pic of what I currently got. If you know what the old one is I am curious about it

 

[Square_peg]

I'd look for a 3 pound single bit. For camping I really like something smaller like a boys axe or a hatchet, 1-1/4 to 2-1/4 pounds. But a 3 pounder will do. For splitting I prefer a 3-4 pound axe but even a 2-3/4 pound axe will do. So to do both camping and home firewood splitting with one axe I'd look to a 3 pound single bit. A 30" to 32" handle would be about right for such a dual purpose axe.

 

[MyDogsHunt]

Should I get a double blade? Fireman axe(I think they look awesome), broad axe (love the look of these too).

Looks are fine, but they're just that.
As stated above, a good 3lb axe is a good place to start and a good compromise for a one size fits all tool.
In my mind, Council is about the best deal out there if you're on a budget.
Being truely US made is always a plus too if you know what I mean.
Luck
Charlie

 

[HandAxeProMan]

I love the Council axes (made in the good ole US of A). I love many of the high quality old axes that can be rehung (I never can seem to find the one I want at a price I am happy with). I love the Wetterling axes if they are not beyond your budget. I agree with an axe of about 3 pounds and a 30-32 inch handle for an all around do it all axe.

Howard

 

[BobSig]

Made in the USA is preferable, but as long as it isnt china or Taiwan I am open to ideas.

Im liking the Council Jersey, a little heavier at 3.5 #. It looks like it will be comfortable to use and I like the design of the head. 32in handle is what I currently have and it serves me well, also it is in my price range.

The Wetterling axes look nice, the American forester would be one I would like, but it is out of my budget.

 

[Operator1975]

I foresee a Plumb 3 to 4 lber from a flea market all done up and sharpened in your future.

 

[Square_peg]

I foresee a Plumb 3 to 4 lber from a flea market all done up and sharpened in your future.

That's really the best way to buy an axe. Find a decent vintage axe and clean it up and re-hang it. You'll end up with a better axe at a better price and will have learned the first lesson in axe use at the same time. Win. Win. Win.

 

[Bo T]

I shopped around a while and got a Tru-temper 3.5# single bit that works well for me. I had to look around a while so I could get one with a good hickory handle. I've had it for @ 10 years, take it car camping once a year and chop @ 1 cord of wood a year. So it has had light use. I think it has the longer handle, 36". It looks as good as it did the year after I bought it. Holds its edge well. I've only needed to sharpen it a couple of times.

 

[BobSig]

That's really the best way to buy an axe. Find a decent vintage axe and clean it up and re-hang it. You'll end up with a better axe at a better price and will have learned the first lesson in axe use at the same time. Win. Win. Win.

I would really like to go this route, I love vintage items, and I really like old axes and hatchets. Besides garage sells I dont know where else I can find one. I will be keeping my eye out for heads, seen the pics of finds on here. Dont know what to look for so Ill just buy what I find it they arent too much. I want to make the old boy in the pic a useable hatchet for the house. Was thinking of getting a hickory hammer handle for it?


Bo T - Ill look at the tru-tempers

 

[brewcitymike]

I second this. Council has some great options. You should also check out Condor, they have several that are priced pretty low.
Here's a Condor Michigan axe-34" hickory handle 3.5lb head 1045 carbon steel,and this is the Danish pattern same size head but 36" handle


Here's their Swedish pattern same specs as the michigan and here's an Estwing large camper's axe 3.5lb head 26" handle


The Condors are all around $60 and the Estwing is about $35-40. I hope this was some help.

Looks are fine, but they're just that.
As stated above, a good 3lb axe is a good place to start and a good compromise for a one size fits all tool.
In my mind, Council is about the best deal out there if you're on a budget.
Being truely US made is always a plus too if you know what I mean.
Luck
Charlie

 

[Blunt Forged Edge]

Was thinking of getting a hickory hammer handle for it?


Bo T - Ill look at the tru-tempers

If you search for Hickory Handle Store on eBay or Google, more than likely you'll find the ideal handle replacement for your axe. Hope you find what you're looking for and Enjoy!

 

[MyDogsHunt]

That Estwing that Mike spoke of is another one worth looking at if you can live with a metal handle.
You'll loose it or get it stolen long before you or your great great great grandson ever wear it out.
I have a stacked leather handled Estwing that lives in my truck box. Classy and indestructible.

Luck
Charlie

 

[BobSig]

The suggestions are great, I am finding products I didnt know where there. Those estwings are good looking axes but last time I used one it messed up my hands with that ribber grip. I dont have girly hands but I got a few blisters from the extended use. I like the Condor axes, found a few for, like you said, $60. I also saw the spiked hatchet, that also lead me to the Helko fireman hatchet and I found it local for $23

This wouldn't be my new axe, just a camping hatchet with a spike for other purposes.

Right now I am looking at the Council and now the Condor, both in my price range and look like my style. I like the leather sheath.

That camping pic is making me want a double bit axe now.