Need a real axe

[xcmountain80]

Well I Have a gerber non folding hatchet which works well for making fire starting material but I Need something to chop wood, whether for fire or whatever. I don't mind heft, as tends to make the axe work better. I don't think anything from the home improvement stores look to be worth the money. Any suggestions?

Aaron

[Fergie]

Estwing

[BKCowGod]

I have been intrigued by this one for a while. For $25, it may be worth a try...

http://image.sportsmansguide.com/dimage/144460_ts.JPG?cell=320,320&cvt=jpeg

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=484007
New Swiss Military Reserve Woodsman Axe.

Click image to enlarge...
New Swiss Military Reserve Axe

Axe to grind? Keep this baby in reserve! It's THE one to swiftly split logs into firewood. Fell trees like the folklore lumberjack, Paul Bunyan.

* Heavy-duty to the bone
* 20" solid hardwood handle
* Large axe head with a 4 1/2" sharp blade
* 1 1/2 x 2 7/8" flip-side pounding surface. Weighs 4 lbs., 11 ozs.

Condition: brand new, never issued. Own this useable collectible ONLINE today!

!!! Limited Quantities !!!

New Swiss Military Reserve Axe

WARNING: You must be 18 or older to purchase Axes. Axes cannot be shipped to D.C.; MA or Puerto Rico. Please check your State, County and City laws for restrictions before ordering Axes.


Shim
WX2-144460 New Swiss Military Reserve Axe
$24.97

[xcmountain80]

Like the campers axe @ 26" in length. Wonder it that's long enough.


Aaron

[xcmountain80]

Hmm swiss axe nice

Aaron

[rusty_tlc]

Well I Have a gerber non folding hatchet which works well for making fire starting material but I Need something to chop wood, whether for fire or whatever. I don't mind heft, as tends to make the axe work better. I don't think anything from the home improvement stores look to be worth the money. Any suggestions?

Aaron
What is wrong with the home store ones? It's a hunk of steel on the end of a stick you use to chop wood. If you know how to sharpen it with a mill file it will work forever. I'm on my third handle with the same head. This isn't rocket science, my guess is the average "Home store" axe is better quality than the axes that won the west.

[xcmountain80]

What is wrong with the home store ones? It's a hunk of steel on the end of a stick you use to chop wood. If you know how to sharpen it with a mill file it will work forever. I'm on my third handle with the same head. This isn't rocket science, my guess is the average "Home store" axe is better quality than the axes that won the west.

Point taken, I will take this into consideration. I'm not looking for something fancy or spendy so maybe I'll look again tomorrow and see whats offered.

Aaron

[rynosurf]

Expensive but cool.http://www.maxax.com/

[08whitex]

This is the axe I use. It is light and wont break like axes with wood handles. I got it from lowes http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D6WSU0

[I Leak Oil]

I got an axe from Home Depot that has served me well. Inexpensive with a yellow platic handle. Sharpen it once in a while but does the job with ease. If I were cutting wood for a living I might look else where but for the occasional use it just works.
Jason T.

[dosentmater]

x 2 for the max ax a lot of usefull tools in a small amount of space

[jcbrandon]

Have you considered a pulaski? I wanted an ax and decided that carrying a pulaski gave me one, plus a very useful recovery tool as well. The mattock end of the thing works amazingly well.

I got mine for less than $30 at the local hardware store.

http://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/the-3035/Detail

[Superu]

I like that Pulaski. Will have to check out how and where it's made.

My problem with the home store products is that they're often made of cheaper quality steel that is more likely to fracture or chip if you strike something you didn't expect.

[xcmountain80]

This is the axe I use. It is light and wont break like axes with wood handles. I got it from lowes http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D6WSU0

Very Nice.

Aaron

[xcmountain80]

Expensive but cool.http://www.maxax.com/

I've seenthat one before and don't feel all that comfy with a pin holding the head on I realize it's expansion pins in the head that typically hold a wood handle head on but still. What do you do with a pulaski?


Aaron

[bucketosudz]

As Superu suggested, the steel that makes up an axe from "Box Stores" and from lets say "Wildland Fire Supplier's" are not necessarily created equal.For the sake of conversation, you can think of it as a knife if you will. All knifes with some attention will cut and poke, but it may not last as long or hold an edge as long. They may be brittle, or bend when accidently struck against a rock or ground. Ask a Forester or Wildland Firefighter or Structural Firefighter what they would be suggest. Council Tool and Nupla are a couple of brands to consider.

[cell4soul]

Check out Gerber's Axes, they chop wood better than anything else I've used

[Tom and Elaine]

Can't beat the Estwing for weight, ease of sharpening with a mill file and round stone and it will hold an edge unless you are splitting rocks. Weight is minimal, I have carried mine on backpacks ATVs snowmobiles and vehicles for years. It now has a comfortable home in the Tenttrax.Best part you never have to replace a handle. Tom and Elaine

[jcbrandon]

...What do you do with a pulaski?

The head has two tools: One is an ax for whatever you would use an ax for. The other is a grubbing hoe or mattock. It is designed for chopping tree roots. It works great for moving things like rocks out of the ground. Think of it as pry bar, or an ax blade turned 90 degrees -- that you don't mind cutting into the ground.

Here's an explanation on its use in trail building:
http://www.americantrails.org/resources/info/tools5.html


...What do you do with a pulaski?
I almost wrote "Decorate your truck." :-)

[T-hacha-P]

I would recommend checking out a Fiskars ax. They own Gerber, so the hatchet you have was probably made by them.

Sears sells them cheap
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07183521000P
or you can buy the same damn thing rebranded as a Gerber for not-cheap
http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/144

This ax is great: light, controllable, and goes through oak like nothing. No bells and whistles, just a great product. It never leaves my truck.

I got mine at a Sears attached to a trendy mall in the Valley, where there are a lot more people walking around buying Gucci bags than shopping for tools. I made my wife carry the ax. If you ever want flat out stares, walk through an urban mall with a tall hot blonde in a pink dress who is carrying a bright orange ax...

[xcmountain80]

The head has two tools: One is an ax for whatever you would use an ax for. The other is a grubbing hoe or mattock. It is designed for chopping tree roots. It works great for moving things like rocks out of the ground. Think of it as pry bar, or an ax blade turned 90 degrees -- that you don't mind cutting into the ground.

Here's an explanation on its use in trail building:
http://www.americantrails.org/resources/info/tools5.html

Gocha I knew what a mattock was but the other thing was new to me.

I almost wrote "Decorate your truck." :-)
Hahaha that would have been funny.

[VikingVince]

Estwing


I agree with Fergie. Look at all equipment as if your life might depend on it. (within reason, I guess) The Estwing is a single tang axe...no joint between the axe head and the handle...that joint is the weakest part of any axe with an axe head connected to a handle and if it breaks when you really need it...well....

http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_511060_imageset_01?$main-Medium$

Cabelas has two sizes of this axe.

[xcmountain80]

I would recommend checking out a Fiskars ax. They own Gerber, so the hatchet you have was probably made by them.

Sears sells them cheap
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07183521000P
or you can buy the same damn thing rebranded as a Gerber for not-cheap
http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/144

This ax is great: light, controllable, and goes through oak like nothing. No bells and whistles, just a great product. It never leaves my truck.

I got mine at a Sears attached to a trendy mall in the Valley, where there are a lot more people walking around buying Gucci bags than shopping for tools. I made my wife carry the ax. If you ever want flat out stares, walk through an urban mall with a tall hot blonde in a pink dress who is carrying a bright orange ax...

Hahahahaha :Wow1: I can imagine actually, that's a riot . This would probably suit my need as the hatchet while cheap looking works very well I just wish it was heavier.


Aaron

[Something]

Will all of these axes rust if kept outside all the time?

I want a good option to mount to the bed of my truck.

[jcbrandon]

Will all of these axes rust if kept outside all the time?

I've got mine mounted in an open truck bed with Quickfist clamps. After a couple of months of winter weather, it started to show light rust on the bare steel portions of the head. I brushed the rust off with a scothchbrite pad then gave it a light coating of spray paint. Figure I might have to do that once or twice a year. But I live in a very dry climate so that may not work for you. The handle is fiberglass so no worries about rust on that.

[xcmountain80]

Mine when selected will live in side the vehicle mounted to my roll bar in the back.

Aaron

[Something]

I've got mine mounted in an open truck bed with Quickfist clamps. After a couple of months of winter weather, it started to show light rust on the bare steel portions of the head. I brushed the rust off with a scothchbrite pad then gave it a light coating of spray paint. Figure I might have to do that once or twice a year. But I live in a very dry climate so that may not work for you. The handle is fiberglass so no worries about rust on that.

I can live with that.
Thanks!

[colter]

gransfors bruks axes are the best I've ever used hands down. they're more expensive than most but are worth the money.

[Backwoods Rambler]

X3 on the Gerber/Fiskars

I own the Axe and the Hatchet. They are the best Axes I ever used. Everyone I camp with loves using them also, even though they all have thier own.

Mine stay in the vehicle, so I'm sot sure about the rust.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n155/BackwoodsRambler/100_1288.jpg

[TCM]

I also recommend Estwing without reservation. The construction is superior to anything else on the market. I have the Campers Axes with both the long and short handles.

http://estwing.com/product.php?product_id=1200

http://estwing.com/product.php?product_id=1300

Okay so I am baised towards Estwing.

I also have the hand sledge and a nail hammer

http://estwing.com/product.php?product_id=10400

http://estwing.com/product.php?product_id=200

[dieselcruiserhead]

the key with a good axe (from my trail maintenance days) is weight and handle length. Other than that as long as their not cheap chinese then you can sharpen accordingly and generally have a good axe. I'd take a second rate 3.5lb 30" or 36" handled axle over an expensive short axe any day of the week.

[Nullifier]

gransfors bruks axes are the best I've ever used hands down. they're more expensive than most but are worth the money.

Absolutely the truth. But what would you expect for a company that has been around for centuries. to own a Gransfors axe is to own a mercedes. I personally have 2. the wildlife hatchet is what I take on all my canoe tirps. It is designed to do it all from cut small wood to skin a kill. By far the best camping tool I own. I also have a larger one I forget the model. I have been using it for about 8 years now on the river. So far I can say after having used the axe well over 200 times over the years it is well worth the $400 I gave for it.

For a cheap axe I like the Eastwing. Designed to take a true beating and for an all steel tool it actually has decent balance. My only grip is the wieght. A large eastwing will wear your butt out!

[UK4X4]

X3 on the Gerber/Fiskars

make me 4.........I have the larger version, as I use a machete for the small stuff

I love east wing hammers, but wanted a decent swing with the axe.

The shaft is extremely light and the head is high quality steel, a chinese head would weigh more....but you can get a higher velocity with this one.

Weight- my shovel is fiberglass and my pick/adz too, weather proof as well

Sign me up for composites for large tool shafts

[Antichrist]

I like a good double bit ax. That allows me one edge for felling/chopping, and another, blunter angle for splitting.
Here's a link people might find useful/interesting.
An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/99232823/toc.htm)

[hovenator]

I love both my Fiskars axe and hatchet. I also recently purchased a Pulaski from Northern Tool for like $25. That thing is a solid heavy beast!

[Mike_rupp]

X3 on the Gerber/Fiskars

I own the Axe and the Hatchet. They are the best Axes I ever used. Everyone I camp with loves using them also, even though they all have thier own.

Mine stay in the vehicle, so I'm sot sure about the rust.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n155/BackwoodsRambler/100_1288.jpg

I can only imagine what would happen to the axe on the right should you be in a rollover.

[Layonnn]

The fiskars comes in a chopping or splitting variety. Which is better for both activities. As in, which one is the better all around axe. I went to buy this weekend and didn't know.

[Something]

The fiskars comes in a chopping or splitting variety. Which is better for both activities. As in, which one is the better all around axe. I went to buy this weekend and didn't know.

I guess that depends on your intended use, but I'd go with the chopper if you're getting one to have one.

[Backwoods Rambler]

I can only imagine what would happen to the axe on the right should you be in a rollover.

I'm guessing nothing now. I've long since added another strap to the handle. Thanks for looking out for me and my family though, very cool :costumed-smiley-007

[IH8RDS]

I just use a true temper wood cutting axe. Can cut all day long with it. It has a plastic moulded handle and a nice wedge designed into it. After I went through a couple wood handles and the vibrations associated with them, I bought this one. Picked it up a Lowe's 6 years ago and couldn't be happier.

[mrstang01]

It would... stay right where it is. It's in a holster, tied to the vehicle.

Michael

[Something]

It would... stay right where it is. It's in a holster, tied to the vehicle.

Michael

Not that I disagree with you, but I also thought about this....

What would you expect a 200lb man in the drivers seat to do in a rollver accident?

Your answer probably isn't fly through the windshield and land 100 feet from the vehicle......food for thought.

[hovenator]

If you want the Fiskars axe or hatchet, just go to Lowe's......That's where I got mine from.

[Backwoods Rambler]

Home Depot for mine. But the point is that they are easy to find :victory:

[Backwoods Rambler]

Not that I disagree with you, but I also thought about this....

What would you expect a 200lb man in the drivers seat to do in a rollver accident?

Your answer probably isn't fly through the windshield and land 100 feet from the vehicle......food for thought.

Was that driver wearing a seatbelt and contained behind a metal "cage"?

[Something]

Was that driver wearing a seatbelt and contained behind a metal "cage"?

yes, in fact, they were belted into a hyperbaric capsule surrounded by a 3 layered cage of tungsten, carbon fiber, and titanium.


how bout them axes...

[Salue]

I've got the Estwing and they have it at the Home Depot. But, it's not in the same section as all the other yellow handle axes which I don't understand. It's over near the power tools...At least at my local HD. $39 if I remember correctly.

Salue

[mjmcdowell]

Hello all! Just my .02 here but I live within spitting distance from the Adirondack mtns. here in upstate NY. Here and all through New England we have forests and axes have been a part of my gear for over 40 years, in the canoe, pack basket, back of my old FJ-40 to my present truck, used for many chores for many years, never in the woods without it. in a word (or two) Snow & Neally, Bangor Maine, my favorite is there "our best" model axe 2 1/2 lb. head if I remember right, ash handle. Check them out, you will not be disapointed. stay safe, mjmcdowell

[R_Lefebvre]

MJ, I agree. While I haven't used one of those axes specifically, that is obviously just a high quality standard axe. I've also grown up chopping wood and descendant from Quebec lumber jacks. I use a standard axe as well. I prefer a wood handle for feel, but I have one with a fiberglass handle for the truck because it won't rot.


the key with a good axe (from my trail maintenance days) is weight and handle length. Other than that as long as their not cheap chinese then you can sharpen accordingly and generally have a good axe. I'd take a second rate 3.5lb 30" or 36" handled axle over an expensive short axe any day of the week.

Exactly. I've tried other axes and nothing has really improved on the standard axe design. You need all the weight in the head, and nothing in the handle.

I don't even like splitting mauls for splitting. After a few hours of splitting I find they wreck my elbow.

A good sharp standard axe and a good fast swing. I can usually drop a tree faster than other guys can get the chainsaw out, take out the case, add fuel and oil, sharpen the blade, start it up... Obviously not going to section a tree with it, but for removing a tree quickly, can't be beat.

Those Estwing axes... those aren't axes. Those are hatchets. Used for removing branches from logs. Not cutting trees down.

[Spikepretorius]

I drool when you guys discuss axes.
I have a choice of wooden handles that break on the first day or heavy reinforced rubber handles that weigh a ton. It sucks.
Basically, I cannot buy a fullsize axe. I make do with a small hatchet because the wood handle breaks less easy.

[Colorado David]

The Gransfors Bruks axes are the best I've ever seen. I joke with friends that people keep their spinning and casting rods in the garage, but they keep their fly rods in the den. Well, I have two hardware store axes in the garage, but my Gransfors Bruks axe is in the den with the fly rods. I actually use it. It's not just decoration, but it is a work of art. While you're looking at their U.S. website, check out the line of Swedish Merino Wool long underwear sold by the same importer.

[Colorado David]

I drool when you guys discuss axes.
I have a choice of wooden handles that break on the first day or heavy reinforced rubber handles that weigh a ton. It sucks.
Basically, I cannot buy a fullsize axe. I make do with a small hatchet because the wood handle breaks less easy.

I have an axe I bought from a tracker named Wairo in Zimbabwe. He made axes as a side buisness and I am really proud of mine. The bit is hand forged and is triangular shaped, coming to a point at the back of the bit. While the bit is still hot it is driven into the root knot of some type of small hardwood tree trunk forming the handle. I won't be cutting any trees with mine, but our camp staff in Zim used them all the time.

[R_Lefebvre]

If you're breaking new wooden handles, you're doing it wrong. You're not supposed to hit the wood with the handle. Also I forgot to mention, I like the idea of the axe with the trencher on the back of the head, but I wouldn't use one for cutting wood. The axe can sometimes bounce back at you. You want a blunt end.

If I need a pick axe, I break out the pick axe.

[Spikepretorius]

:ylsmoke: Yeah. Interesting interpretation. You've obviously never been exposed to really bad quality axe handles. Anyhooo......

[R_Lefebvre]

I guess not. Never had a problem, even on some really old hardware store grade axes.

[teotwaki]

I drool when you guys discuss axes.
I have a choice of wooden handles that break on the first day or heavy reinforced rubber handles that weigh a ton. It sucks.
Basically, I cannot buy a fullsize axe. I make do with a small hatchet because the wood handle breaks less easy.


Hi Spike!

Idle question here: why can't you buy a full-sized axe?


On topic: for a long time I had an old WW-2 surplus hatchet in the truck.... until I had to try to use it. :sombrero: Then I bought a small Gerber hatchet and a medium Gerber axe and have used the medium a few times to clear small (6" -8") trees that blocked a trail. Here's hoping that I never am blocked by a much larger tree! Too much work!

[R_Lefebvre]

The right axe can make amazingly short work of even a largish tree. Usually you can get half way through, and then a good strong swing will cleave it in two. Well, as long as it's not hardwood. That's going to suck anyway you slice it.

But it's all in the techique. If you just keep whacking away, making the trunk into wood pulp, it takes a long time. If you actually notch the wood out so you're removing material, it goes much faster.

[BlueBomber]

i have an old ax that was given to me by a friend. the handle is a bit old and starting to crack, but it was free. i like having a wooden handle. i know if i break it, i can just make another one. just grab a good bit of wood and start cutting.

[Colorado David]

My father-in-law used to joke that he still used the same old axe he got from his grandfather. He had replaced the handle three times and the head once. :sombrero:

[soimu`]

fiskars is OK, but the sweden is perfect

[NovaScotiaYota]

No one has mentioned the Ox-Head yet, German made, available between $50-$100, and very high quality.

[xcmountain80]

Well after much debate in my own brain I decided (with the help of OJ) to purchase a Woodsman's Pal #284 the longer of the two. I felt it small enough for travel and big enough to conquer what I'll need it for. Tree clearing will be left up to my saws.

A

[James86004]

The History Channel show Modern Marvels did a whole episode on axes. It was fascinating learning about historic Michigan axes, modern racing axes, and everything in between.

[xcmountain80]

If in life I could only have two channel the history channel and the Discovery channel would be my pics.

A

[Jnich77]

I have had the same wooden handle ax I got at wal-mart years ago. it has worked just fine.

[Fish]

Someone said something about asking a firefighter. OK. Here's my two cents. Those who spoke of handle length and head weight are right on.

My high school physics and calculus days are long behind me, but I seem to remember something about force = mass x acceleration. Mass = the head weight. Acceleration is from handle length.

So I offer this Firefighter Axe (http://www.firefighteraxe.com/flathead_axe.php)

An 8 pound head weight. Of course, I don't think I'd want to use this all day...

Seriously, what do you want it for? Limbing? Opening up a roof? Cutting down trees? Building a fireline? (Or extrication) All have different tools which closely resemble an axe.

[socaljeeper]

I actually have this axe mounted on my trailer. The owner came up to me while I was camping with his fire department and saw the cheap axe I had. He told me to replace my axe with one of his, for free. Nice guy and very nice axe as well. It is heavy and durable and I do not think I will need to ever buy another axe again.


Someone said something about asking a firefighter. OK. Here's my two cents. Those who spoke of handle length and head weight are right on.

My high school physics and calculus days are long behind me, but I seem to remember something about force = mass x acceleration. Mass = the head weight. Acceleration is from handle length.

So I offer this Firefighter Axe (http://www.firefighteraxe.com/flathead_axe.php)

An 8 pound head weight. Of course, I don't think I'd want to use this all day...

Seriously, what do you want it for? Limbing? Opening up a roof? Cutting down trees? Building a fireline? (Or extrication) All have different tools which closely resemble an axe.

[xcmountain80]

Might just get one of those for the HD stuff.

A

[computeruser]

I've been pleased with Corona's Forged Michigan Ax with Solid Fiberglass Handle (Model No. AX 70020). It's a good all-around ax, and has held up well to the elements. It's my wedge-bumping ax when felling trees, and rides in the vehicle with a machete for utility uses.

Iltis Ox-Head and Gransfors make very nice axes, too, but I'd feel guilty about leaving them strapped to the outside of a vehicle.

[Fish]

I actually have this axe mounted on my trailer. The owner came up to me while I was camping with his fire department and saw the cheap axe I had. He told me to replace my axe with one of his, for free. Nice guy and very nice axe as well. It is heavy and durable and I do not think I will need to ever buy another axe again.

Damn, I'm jealous. I don't actually have one, though I purchased three to give as gifts to my groomsmen when I got married!

[xcmountain80]

Got my Woodsman's pal and I still need an axe the FF axe from a few posts back is awesome.

A

[78Bronco]

All you need is a 5lb,32" axe and a wedge and you can split anything you want. 8lb axe is overkill unless you are the size of a sasquatch.

[xcmountain80]

I'm going to have to agree with you there!


A

[Fish]

Yep, as I mentioned in the post, I wouldn't want to use that for more than a few minutes. However, for it's intended use, it's great. It's not for splitting wood, it's for chopping roofs or striking another tool. Especially for the latter, F=MxA.