Woods tool question.

V

VolundoftheForge

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Jan 3, 2012
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Hey guys,just a few questions. What would be a good woods chopping tool for a north-eastern Florida or east Texas environment? Also, please include an example under or around $100 you'd recommend. Thanks!
 
Can you narrow down the use, and give a basic description of the wood or vegetation you'll be processing? Are you car camping, backpacking, doing bushcraft, just building a fire, splitting, etc..
Is there a prefered length? Does it have to fit in a pack, your belt, or trunk of car?

I just ordered a Council Tool Hudson Bay Velvicut, I got it for $109+shipping. It is about 22" long, so it can be used with one or two hands.
For a little more, you could get a Toma-Axe from Coal Creek Forge, handle length from 19"-24", I think.

You could also get a less expensive hatchet or hawk, and then also get a mid sized folding Silky saw. Council Tools also has less expensive models, and Wolf Creek Forge makes some excellent looking tomahawks, with or without sheaths.
 
Machetes work nicely, and are right in that range. But of course I'd say that. :D

I agree though--we need to hear more about your intended uses and targets, intended method of carry, etc. etc.
 
See, that's the thing. It's kind of a mixture of harder woods and softer green woods. I kind of want something lighter and compact I can keep on me to clear paths as well as do some chopping. I'm thinking max OAL of 20" if not smaller, though I don't really want to go smaller than 14", want it to be capable of use against wild animals. Kind of a "survival" tool of sorts. Also, I found a gorgeous axe, but I won't be getting it for a LONG time if I do. http://www.bigriveroutdoors.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=GFB503
 
Check out The Condor village parang

conrpicck419-12hc.jpg
 
It looks okay, but it seems every time I view a Condor review it mentions the blade breaking, and has pretty much turned me completely off Condor.
 
Id go with an Ontario 20"-22" machete. I got a tramontina 22" and its really great for single big trees and clearing green vegetation but when u have to cut through brush with hardwood branches, sticks etc. its too bendable and "weak".
Ontario machetes are 3mm thick and quite stiff so in my opinion that'd be the best choice for you.
 
Maybe a light machete and a hawk? Clear vegetation with the light machete and do your chopping/self defending with the hawk.
 
How about 2 tools instead of one - a machete and a folding saw.

Do you plan to be chopping and splitting wood with this tool or just clearing your way through the brush?
 
I think these guys are on the right track when suggesting machetes and parangs. I'd probably go with a parang or a golok, and then a machete. That being said, I don't use them up here so I have very little experience.

Most importantly, I definitely would NOT recommend that GB for a "woods tool" or "survival type" tool. It is too limited and too delicate. The eye is much too short and the beard is much too long. That is more of a novelty, though some will tell you it is a usable hewing type axe. However, it's main purpose is novelty not hard use.
 
Condor has come a long way since those early broken goloks and such, I'd suggest a golik or parang from condor. Stay away from that axe you posted, it seems like mote for re-creation purposes.
 
Gotcha. I am proud of my viking blood so I've been wanting a nice bearded axe. Not a decorative sort, the kind they used for EVERYTHING. But yeah, I wouldn't mind a thick and thin bladed combo. I have a CS hawk I customized but I ding up the handle good while camping and decided I want something with a little more strength like a hatchet or machete/thick chopper. I was looking at the Svord Golok, but what would be some better options? Junglas, maybe? I was looking at some Filipino thick machete/swords, though I'm not sure how practical they are.
 
Sounds odd, but JV3 and I both agree that an Ontario 12" Cutlass machete will outchop the Junglas. It's not only longer, but fatter near the tip. You'll have to put a better edge on it, unless you get one from 42blades, get his upgraded version, maybe?
I've got a Bruce Culberson 12.5" Bolok, it's 13/64" thick, but it's a Bad Ass Chopper, and can do some short duty machete tasks. I could do just fine almost anywhere but the jungle, with a folding saw, the Culberson Bolok, and a 4" fixed blade.
Here's a comparison shot, my re-handled 12" Ontario, the Bolok, and the Junglas.

necklace and dog 024.jpg


Lots of heavy choppers will work, it's just finding that compromise. Sometimes you really need a long thin machete. Othertimes you might need a serious chopper. My Bolok has done some short-term trail clearing, but it's too short and heavy for extended trial clearing.
It's also nice to have a saw, IMO. My chopping can be greatly reduced when I can just slice through instead.
 
foxx said:
Sounds odd, but JV3 and I both agree that an Ontario 12" Cutlass machete will outchop the Junglas. It's not only longer, but fatter near the tip. You'll have to put a better edge on it, unless you get one from 42blades, get his upgraded version, maybe?
I've got a Bruce Culberson 12.5" Bolok, it's 13/64" thick, but it's a Bad Ass Chopper, and can do some short duty machete tasks. I could do just fine almost anywhere but the jungle, with a folding saw, the Culberson Bolok, and a 4" fixed blade.
Here's a comparison shot, my re-handled 12" Ontario, the Bolok, and the Junglas.

View attachment 303122


Lots of heavy choppers will work, it's just finding that compromise. Sometimes you really need a long thin machete. Othertimes you might need a serious chopper. My Bolok has done some short-term trail clearing, but it's too short and heavy for extended trial clearing.
It's also nice to have a saw, IMO. My chopping can be greatly reduced when I can just slice through instead.
Click to expand...

That Bolok is gorgeous, how much did she set you back?
 
Condor has remedied the blade breakage issues you mention. That was mostly on some early runs of some models, and it's only once in a very blue moon that I hear about blade breakage these days. In those instances Condor will replace the item no problem. I've beaten the tar out of all of my personal Condors and never had a lick of trouble.

Personally it sounds to me like you're looking at a machete, and that's not just my personal bias talking. I can think of around a dozen different models off the top of my head that would do nicely, including the Ontario models and a boatload of Condors.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Condor has remedied the blade breakage issues you mention. That was mostly on some early runs of some models, and it's only once in a very blue moon that I hear about blade breakage these days. In those instances Condor will replace the item no problem. I've beaten the tar out of all of my personal Condors and never had a lick of trouble.

Personally it sounds to me like you're looking at a machete, and that's not just my personal bias talking. I can think of around a dozen different models off the top of my head that would do nicely, including the Ontario models and a boatload of Condors.
Click to expand...

Maybe a little. ;) Though I'm also thinking of a nice smaller axe for when backpacking isn't the issue. I'm thinking the GB Small Forest for that. But what would you recommend that has an OAL of less than 20", can be strapped to the leg or pack, or if in a kydex across the back down right-hand draw, and can chop and be used as a last ditch weapon against animals(and of course those darn forest-living redneck mutants you hear about all the time :D ) that can chop well but also do heavier clearing and most importantly be tough?
 
The Bolok was very reasonable considering it's a custom. I got it, an awesome and thick leather sheath, plus shipping from Canada for less than you might think. You should ask Bruce Culberson what he's charging these days.
 
I don't care if you've been trained by a dude in a gi, or a dude in glorified Hammer pants, or even a guy in a coyote tan tactical vest - any hawk, hatchet, or axe is not much a weapon against a four legged critter. You should just pick the most practical tool for your application and environment and give it a try. If you want a 20" hatchet, I'd suggest finding a vintage piece at a yard sale, flea market, junk store, or ebay and giving it a go.
 
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