Cheap Mods For A Cheap Axe
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- I am well known as a machete guy but from time to time I find an axe that I cant live without! Expensive axes are nice but with a good eye and a few mods even a cheap axe can serve you well. Here I show a few cheap mods.
I love it when your cat shows up in the videos!
Lol, they always steal the show.
El Salvador seems to be very good manufacturing center for low cost but decent quality cutting tools. That's a good thing for them and hopefully they cultivate that and reward their workers to compel them to stay there and enrich their locale. We should do the same!
Oh I agree. Condor is one of my favorite machete makers and all their stuff from El Salvador is pretty good quality! Its sad whats happened to our manufacturing base here.
im a kind of starting out budget bushcrater. I heard the el Salvador condor ppl came from germany origionally, and the marbles is made in el Salvador too. some people say their made in the same factorys over there. ive bought 3 hatchets, and the one I got from marbles seems to be the best, and I got the condor bushlore after a few full tang knifes, and even though its 1075 I think its really good for carving and batonning wood, plus it feels good in my hand, and it just has that look too it, the sheath is really nice too. I just applied linseed oil to both and they look really good. from reviews, condor and marbles could be some of the best priced products for the quality out there coming from el Salvador. I own lots of knifes, only 3 hatchets, but out of the stuff ive used the condor bushlore and marbles hatchet seem to be the best (under 40$ for the axe and 50$ for the knife) anything else is like 100$ +, don't think im there yet lol, but im doing fine now I think
I'm from the UK think his accent is brilliant when he says oil it sounds like aaalll really funny guy, good vid man
Lol, thanks Tony!
Yes, indeed! You ARE the Martha Stewart of DIY bush/craft/whacking stuff! Love your videos! Never grow old!
LOL, Thanks James!
i know I'm pretty off topic but do anyone know a good website to stream new series online?
@Ronin Omari flixportal :D
@Zane Dexter thanks, I went there and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I appreciate it !
@Ronin Omari No problem :)
Great technique well demonstrated Dave, as a former Instructor (Fabrication & Welding) I could have used this to prove that you make the tool do the work.
Also to use it correctly for the best result. I think tou would make a great trainer.
Thanks Dave, I'm glad you liked it. Absolutely, when the weights not there on a tool, grind it to suit its size. Thanks for watching
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Hey Dave, "..when the weights not there on a tool, grind it to suit its size.."
That would be a good topic for a video, just sayin'..
Thanks for the terminology of the axe, I really learned something today. God Bless.
You are very welcome Nelson and that's great to hear! Thanks for watching and may God bless you too
Dave, thanks for the video's they are always great and I learn a lot. I work in a canvas shop and wanted to give you a few pointers. Make sure you use a lockstitch if not your thread will eventually pull loose and there is a thread called tenara. It is basically a gortex thread that will not rot. It is really good thread. It it what we use here in fla. Lifetime warranty on the thread. Thank again. God bless you brother.
I usually back up and lock the stitches on fabric. On leather I usually just stitch, turn around and run back over the stitches. I guess that locks em in? I've never heard of Tenara. I'll look it up. Thanks for watching and may God bless you too
That scrap leather worked out perfect. What a great value axe. These Salvadorans seem to know their steel pretty well
Oh yes, I love it!
The ultraviolet in sunlight will accelerate the drying of the boiled linseed, and can kill the tackiness too. It will also change the color of the wood subtly, to a bit more golden and less garish than "new" wood color. Watch any drying oil and rags though--they give off heat when they set up, and more than one house has burned down due to linseed oil on rags--sometimes weeks later.
Thanks for the input!
You can even use linseed oil and extra japan dryer as a fires tarter! On a rag it can eventually ignite within a few minutes. Been there, done that just to see I could. It isn't very practical though, but in a pinch it might help if you have all the fixings.
Another cheap/easy mod you might want to add.
I took a countersink and put a recess in the side of my ax head, centered on the handle.
I use that as the top pivot for the spindle of my bow drill. The head gives you a good solid grip and you can brace he butt of the handle into your belly giving you a real steady pivot point as you're working the bow.
I was a carpenter for 40+ years and am much more comfortable with a hatchets and small axes then I am with machetes, but that's just me (and maybe muscle memory).
Love your stuff buddy, keep them coming.
Cool idea. I never thought about that! I guess we all think different and love what we feel best using. I feel safer and more in control of a machete over an axe but I do still love chopping with an axe!
Enjoyed. Agree, it's possible to find satisfactory tools at economical prices. Often takes some hunting, some patience and the ability to judge between "cheap" and a good buy.
Thanks sharing all aspects of this project. Much appreciated.
Absolutely. There cheap and inexpensive. This axe is absolutely inexpensive. Thanks for watching Lee!
I just received my Marbles mr704 from SMKW today! When I saw this video, I was sold! The axe market has flipped out in the last few years and it’s difficult to find a well made quality axe for under $50. These are fantastic and exactly the size I was looking for. Most of the competitors Forester Axes cost at least $150 due to the popularity of bushcrafting. Thanks for the advice Dave! ⚡️🌎⚡️🐄👍🏻
Fantastic to hear you got one! For the price that's the absolute best pack axe there is!
@@Reallybigmonkey1 absolutely, I got the 704, but I’m thinking of getting the 703 or 702 as well. Prior to my Marbles, I bought a Cold Steel Trail Boss, a refurbished 4lb. Craftsman felling axe and a Collins hatchet off Amazon. Although I like them all, the Marbles 704 is exactly the size and weight I will use out in the field! I think you’re correct that they are made in the same shop as Condor knives and tools too. Imacasa may own all of them….thanks David!
A cluttered work area is a sign of creative genius. The world needs more people to be less neat and tidy. Glad your a genius!
My shop and entire house screams genius then!
A neat shop is a sign of a vacant mind.
No, it's just a sign of a person who isn't organised. Having things in order and put in their respective place is not a bad thing and creates a nice work environment and allows you to get more done.
@@georgeb.wolffsohn30 That's an insanely stupid thing to say.
@@isaiahii6982 there is more than one way to organize anything.
said it before; say it again! I love when this fella explains the WHY NOT to do something. Such a beautiful SHARE of experience. Saves me from learning the HARD WAY!!
Thanks Don!
Nice looking small axe. Thanks for the great tips Dave.
Thanks Donnie!
I bought 4 of these Marbles, one for each grandson (2) and 2 for me. One in camper and one for my pack kit that I use on my mule and atv. I reground the cutting edges like you are going to do. Love these hatchets...18", proper grain direction on them all. Painted heads to within 3" of the cutting edge with Rustoleum Red. Scraped off the varnish from the handle, sanded, and put several coats of boiled linseed oil on over several days. Also put a band of red on the handle where my hands don't lay. Hate loosing my stuff! Can't beat the hatchet for price (Midway) and has nice balance too. A good job on the wedges in the eye too. Nice job on the video.
Great to hear that! They are great little axes. I'm glad you liked the video, Thanks for watching
You are right, with a small axe head that you may use for finer work, like making feather sticks, light chopping etc, a skandi type edge is more use that a convex. Good vidja.
Thanks bro!
Just a little FYI. I did a few gun stocks with the boiled linseed oil (BLO) a few years ago. I came across an old rule of thumb that farmers used on their hand tools with it around the depression era. Rub the BLO using 000 steel wool once a day for a week, once a week for a month then once a month for a year. Then you maintain the finish once a year for life. Its supposed to help with grip and help prevent cracking and splitting of hickory or ash handles. The wood gets soft to the touch and a deep dark color similar to walnut. It never seems to get glossy, but has a flat finish. The steel wool scratches just enough to remove any heavy spots and helps the next coat bond to the previous one.
I've heard of the BLO schedule but never heard of the fine steel wool part. I'll try that.
Great video less then an hour.. lol... That's some good info on axes. Glad you went with the ALL NATURAL WOOD HANDLES. That's my favorite kind of wood. It's just so beautiful.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it LOL, Ahh well I couldnt drag this one out to an hour. Wood handles all the way for me. Them fancy modern plastic handles vibrate too much for me. Thanks for watching Chris!
Thanks so much, David! I really needed to know about the sheath, selection, and sharpening...kudos from a 73 year old who never heard it explained or demonstrated so well. Thank you!
You are very welcome my friend and I'm glad you liked it!
It's not a cheap axe. It's an inexpensive axe.
To me, cheap is a description of quality ( or the lack thereof). Inexpensive is a measure of value regarding price and quality.
Not being a grammar Nazi, just trying to make life simpler.
And as always, Dave- I definitely learned something! Keep up the great work, Brother!
I can agree with that. Its too good of an axe to really be labeled cheap. Im happy you liked it and thanks for watching!
Hi Dave, I used to make gunstocks. There was a process used by the Germans on their rifle stocks, probably related to the London Oil process. Those Mauser stocks used to literally leak oil onto your cheeks if you were shooting in the summer. So, dipping your woodwork into any oil is not good, unless you live in places like the Brazilian rainforest. We were taught to dribble the boiled linseed oil on our palms and rub it into the stocks. The warmth of our hands, plus the friction would generate enough heat to get the oil to seep into the stocks, hence the term "hand rubbed stocks." That type of finish on a professionally made rifle stock commanded high prices because it was labor intensive. Lacquering an axe handle is just a cheap alternative to the old practice of oiling your wood handles before putting them away. I appreciate your video. Nice sewing job, too. Don`t throw anything out. My attitude, as well. Be well. Joe
Thanks for your input. That's some fantastic information!
Thanks for another great video, Dave. I never realized how important it is to pick an axe out in person to make sure the grain is going the right way and that the handle is in like with the head. Also, I was wondering about which kind of linseed oil to use. Guess I'll stick with the boiled! Great idea for the sheath!
You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it. Oh yes, honestly at times I think the picked over axes are the ones that get shipped to people who order them. Ya really really need to look at that wood grain in person before you buy. Take care and Thanks for watching
I bought an el cheapo axe the other day at Harbor Freight for the purpose of doing this very project, so I’m happy to have this tutorial to follow, especially profiling the edge. Thanks Dave!!!
Sounds great! Good luck with the project!
@@Reallybigmonkey1 thanks Dave. Right now the edge is about 1/16” on a flat grind. Good grain orientation on an American hickory handle. I want that sweet 1/2” or better shiny edge that says handle with care.
Hey David, thanks for the amazing and handy mods there. your creativity has always been an inspiration for my camping gear, I've made dozen of your intelligent creations in my small workshop so far, and they've always been AWESOME in the field !!! I am so addicted to your videos with the sweet Appalachian accent now. :)
just wanted to say thanks for sharing the Ideas and the positive energy with us.
with much respect from Iran.
Always good to hear that and Im happy you like the vids so much. Even better to hear you are making some projects like mine!
Thanks for watching and see ya in the next one
My axe knowledge is pre "bushcraft" so I can sharpen one ok and replace the handle at a push so you've doubled my knowledge. The plastic from milk jugs is my favourite for these little projects, it's easy to work with and doesn't seem to degrade as quickly as some other plastics. Thanks for the vid!
Keep watching, keep learning. Ive done the ole milk jug trick for years now! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
great video dave . kinda been needing to sharpen my little hatchette . so right timing lol. very cool little axe with a good price as well . always great hanging out with ya dave . god bless ya brother
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Now you know how to get a nice chip slinging edge on it! Thanks for watching and may God bless you too brother!
You can tell Dave is a good man because his cats love him.
They love me and I love them!
Thanks for sharing very logical and smart tips for axes...very well done!
I'm glad you liked it and I'm always happy to share.
Thanks for watching
Just awesome!! The sewing, the re-use of plastic containers!
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!
Boiled len seed oil. Heck I was gonna paint mine OD green, then I can loose it in the woods. And ya thanks for the edge info, flat grind....I like that.
LOL, Oh I hear ya Randall! I had a O.D. axe myself and I really did lose it! Give the flat profile a try brother.
Good to know I'm not the only one that holds on to old bits of plastic and stuff of that nature thinking I'll need it one day. It's always a good feeling when you get to use it for something. Cheers!! from the blue ridge mountains. Keep trucking!
Nothing is trash, just raw materials for the next project! Thanks for watching my friend
Another great and knowledge filled video. I have a little 'cheapie' hatchet I bought years ago at Tractor supply I have been sharpening with a grinder that I am gonna try to re-profile using your technique. Maybe it will hold an edge after. Also, gonna try making one of them sheaths for it like you did. But, due to suffering what could have been a catastrophic hand injury, I'm gonna have to wait a few weeks til the cast comes off. I sorta busted up my hand cutting a piece of oak shelving on my table saw. I hit a knot that I didn't see before cutting and when it kicked back, it broke 3 metacarpals in my hand (middle, ring, and pinky). But, no cuts from the blade, thank God. Gave me an idea though for a 'survival' challenge: Set up an overnight 'emergency' camp, like if ya were injured out in the bush using only one hand. Build a shelter, prep some wood & get a fire going and cook a meal, all using one hand. I'm gonna try it in the back yard and see how it goes. To make it harder, I'm gonna (well, have to) use my left hand which is my 'weak' side cuz my strong hand (right one) is sort of out of commission for the next 4or so week. Any other viewers reading this interested in trying it????? . See y in the next one.
Thanks Vin, I'm glad you liked it. Ah man! I hate to hear about your hand. That just goes to show how powerful them saws are when they can sling wood out that hard. I like the ideal of the one armed test. Les Stroud did that once and was miserable
I remember reading about Les doing that in a magazine. I'm gonna try it on Sunday as matter of fact. Yeah....them saws are nasty. I had something similar happen years ago but no broken bones that time. Just sore ribs. Since then, I made it a habit to double check for knots, nails, ect. The board I was cutting this time was a 2 x 12 and the knot was 'inside' where I didn't see it. Good news is, I see the Dr on Tuesday and he is taking off the fiberglass/plaster weight (weighs a ton) lol, and putting me in a semi-rigid one. At lest it won't be as cumbersome but still, it's a cast. Hopefully, with my 'clean' living (HAAAAA!!! Right, LOL!), I'll be 100% right-quick and won't miss out on too much of the fall camping season. Til next time, take care, Bro.
Most of my friends use them home type Sears table saws. A mill closed and they auctioned off all the shop and office equipment. My friend brought home a huge beast of a table saw. A very old Delta industrial. That thing caught a board he was splitting and it threw it clear through a sheet rock wall! Im thinking that kind could kill a person.
This vid proves two rules: Does it work? If not, can you make it work? Dave, you make it work.
Absolutely. Never settle for how a tool works. You can always tweak them.
I heard this rule of thumb for applying oils to wood:
"once every day for a week, once every week for a month, once every month for a year, once every year for the rest of it's life"
That is a good rule. My Grandfather did that for all his gardening tools.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 I also heard that from a guy named wranglerstar on youtube. but ive also heard ppl oil axe handles once in the morning, once in the evening and once at night. idk lol, just oil it regardless ha
@@JB-ju4ev Wranglerstars advice is right on in my experience
@@Reallybigmonkey1 o wow I didn't think youd respond or anything, especially 2 sec later while im still watching your video! since your on, I gotta say that I love your channel and you've taught me a lot. and I like your camp fire coffee recipe's lol, the machete knife thing you do is a really good idea and I just love watching you do stuff outdoors in general. you're one of my main go too's that inspires me get outdoors (even if its just my back yard lol) and try stuff, even as simple as feather sticking little fires. I love the smell of a camp fire ty keep doing what your doing good sir, ty from Indiana!
Oil it when there’s a full moon. Why? Just sounds cool 😎
I just want to say something kind about straight, raw linseed oil. I use and maintain a bunch of long handled and short or shorter handled tools ranging from axes, a log-jack and pike pole, to hay rakes and garden and landscape tools, all with (really cheap) organic flaxseed oil (linseed), from discount outlet stores.
Flax seed/linseed, is a naturally drying oil... and it will penetrate even deeper than BLO.
The real secret in producing a durable, comfortable finish on handles, is to think seasonally.
Hay rakes, scythe, broadfork, splitting axes, pike and jack, and garden tools, get oiled over the winter. Felling axes, ice chipper, any other winter tools, get oiled in the summer.
I follow the old adage of "oil till you get bored."
Multiple thin coats over time (best near a wood stove in the winter, or out in the summer sun).
The result is a silky feel (non-blister inducing finish), that's grippy when needed.
Because price is usually bargain, I can even use it on wooden bowls and kitchen tools.
Thank you for that info Paul!
Great video, David.
I don't have any questions to axe you!! haha
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Bob. LOL, I halve no answers then!
That was a really good tip about the grain of the handle. I never heard that before.
Years ago I got fed up with tightening and replacing handles. So I bought and Estwing that is all one piece of metal. There is a hefty thick rubber coating on the handle for a really sturdy grip. The great thing about it is it was made in USA. Can't be sure they are still US made but maybe.
Ive seen that Estwing. To me it vibrates just a touch but its absolutely unbreakable! Estwing is a pretty reputable company so it probably is made in the U.S.A.
And, the axe is 'survival cat' approved! Good video.
LOL, I guess it is! Thanks for watching
Hi Dave !! I got that same ax from there about 3 months ago. Its hand forged . Nice handle and I love it as a little forest ax . I call it anyways . I need to flatten that out like you did . Thanks again for another great lesson 👍. Take care
Great to hear you have it Troy! Man it's the perfect packing size. Take care and thanks for watching
Thank you Dave!
I don't know much about hatchets or axes, this helped me out a lot!
You are very welcome and I'm happy you liked it!
I recently ordered a trail boss. One of the cheapest axes on Amazon. Genuine hickory handle with grain going the right way that you say. It's a small 26 inch but it sure is handy and splits firewood very well. I haven't fell a tree yet with it yet but I'm very impressed. Looks like the same head. I didn't even think about treating the handle. I will definitely look it up. There are a few reviews of the axe on TH-cam. It's better than I thought it would be.
I looked at that axe and almost bought one but the reviews on Amazon complained about the handles breaking so I didn't get one. Its good to hear you have a good one. The heads do look the same. Yep, treat that handle and keep a chopping brother!
Hey Dave, great vid, thanks for the tip. I think I might pick this up. A note though - you do not need to add a drying agent to your pure linseed oil. I'm a former oil painter, so had some pure cold pressed linseed oil that is 15 years old kicking around my shop. I have used this to treat all of my wooden handles, and it works perfectly! Linseed is known as a "drying oil". It will dry itself!
Thanks again for the tip on this axe. Just picked up a Fiskars 14 inch hatchet for $17 at Wallyworld. Kinda used up my axe allotment for the month... but if the Marbles takes a week to get here, I might be okay! HA!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Good tip on the linseed oil but Im wondering if theres a difference in "pure" linseed oil and "raw" linseed oil? It may be the same. Man you are gonna love this little Marbles! Thanks for watching
Yeah, personally, I'd recommend just straight linseed oil, not boiled. That stuff is toxic, has "drying agents" aka VOCs, aka Volatile Organic Compounds, aka Cancer.
Anyway, picked up that Marbles Outdoors Axe, model 704 from SMKW. They were having a Labor Day sale this weekend. Again, thanks for the great tip (didn't even know about this axe, had written off Marbles), and thanks to SMKW for the discount! All the best, we're all looking forward to your next vid!
Well, I don't think you can get cancer from putting boiled linseed oil on a handle. People have been using it for a couple of hundred years, and there is no link with cancer. And not all boiled linseed oil has anything bad in it, but even if it does, it's still safe.
But boiled linseed oil does crystalize inside the wood, and can make sanding the wood more difficult, if you ever need to do so, so straight linseed oil is usually, not always, best.
Quote:
Let me quote the warning label from a typical hardware-store can of boiled linseed oil I read the other day...
"Use of this product will expose you to arsenic, beryllium, chromium, cadmium and nickel, which are known to cause cancer; and lead which is known to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm."
These metals are used in conjunction with solvents to improve the drying time of linseed oil... the "boiled" linseed oil I mentioned earlier in this article.
Bushcraft Beats... i think you'll find it depends on which type of linseed oil you are using! Raw or Boiled.
Raw absorbs into the wood and drys readily . But Boiled linseed oil forms a skin on wood and needs drying time.
There is no substitute for good down home know how. I enjoyed this very useful video. Thanks for sharing.👍👍
Very well said Roger and I'm glad you liked it
Always learn so much from you. It's amazing all the things rolling around up there in that noggin. Looking forward to hopefully seeing you end of Oct or beginning of Nov. Good video. Now I have to get an axe AND a sewing machine.
Thanks Momma! Ah theres all kinds a stuff in my head. Some useful, some idiotic. LOL. Yes, get an axe or two and a sewing machine! See ya in the Fall and thanks for watching
Mission accomplished: That sheath will never win a beauty contest; congratulations!
The rule of thumb for the oil is once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year, then once as year. That worked for me on the Husqvarna pack axe I got. But you have to pay attention to how thirsty the wood is and back off that schedule when the oil isn't getting absorbed. (Naturally, you remove ALL the varnish that may come on the handle, first.)
Wranglerstar (very picky about axes) recommended a Marble of about that size as the best quality axe for the price. When I tried to find them (Marble, SMKW, etc.) they were out of stock and that was the case each time I checked after several months. So snap 'em up, guys.
Thanks Craig. Someone else mentioned what Wranglerstar said so I looked up that vid and it is the same axe! I can see why he likes it. For the price its incredible.
Hey Dave,
Thanks for this episode of... '' A visit to the Pearson Blade-sharpening and Leather-works with the sole proprietor Mr. Dave hisself ''.... Man, what a sweet deal on that camp-axe dude, good find !! ....Another good installment brother...
Hope you are yours are well...take care, stay healthy, ...God bless your tribe.....
and ''see ya in the next one'' my friend....CHEERS !!
LOL, time at Daves! Always good to hear that and Im happy you liked it Steve.
Thanks for watching and see ya in the next one
indeed
I want to thank you for pulling out one of my vices & introducing me to a company that I previously knew nothing about! I am just recently realizing just how much I like axes & how useful & truly needed they are! It's either you have one or you don't! Personally I look at them as both, a tool & a work of art!
Axes are very cool and useful tools. Especially pack axes!
Always exciting to watch your videos. Thanks you
Thanks!
I make sheaths or blade covers for my axes out of kydex or PVC. Friction holds desired retention . They come off with a pull of the lanyard I put on em. Always enjoy your videos man
Sounds cool, Ive always wanted to try Kydex but never got around to it. I'm glad you like the videos, Thanks for watching
Great video brother! Excellent mods. That's a sweet ax!
Thanks brother! Man I'm loving this new axe!
David
I am 77 years old and the only way I can go camping anymore is with you and I love it. My handle is Geowizard.
One of your videos was based on what 10 items you carry that very few other people probably carry. Here is my strange list.
1. My two favorite knives are a locking folding pocketknife and an Old Timers Splinter Carving pocket knife (6 blades) Additionally I always take or carry lots of knives, mostly different types of multi tools( I sure miss the leather punch that was in my old Boy Scout Knife). I carry knife-kits just like some people take lots of fire starting methods.
2. A small pencil sharpener (1"x1/2"x1/2") to make fire starting shavings using a small center piece of wood batoned or cut out of a logs dry center. This goes in an Altoids container for emergence fire starting.
3. Pine pitch is interesting when its powder is placed in the bottom of bow drill board.
4. Purse Net for carrying fire wood and rocks. Can be used to hang thing from limbs to keep them off the ground. In an emergency this net could be used to catch fish, rabbits or birds. Lots of other uses. I weave my own nets out of Bank line and carve my own net making needles.
5. Modified flat Wood Rasp with handle added which is almost as useful as a folding saw. The Rasp was modified by cutting a chisel grind on the end and one side like the Mora Carpentry Chisel. How it is used is simple, there is first a chisel on the end, a draw knife by using the sharpened side, a notch cutter on the other edge or narrow side of the file, the rasp can be used to quickly shape wooden pegs and other wooden tools, the rasp can also be used to create tons of fire starting small wood pellets. As you use this tool it just gets almost more useful than a saw or maybe a machete possibly even more than a knife.
6 A baskets back pack. This is like the early trappers used. Attach a few smaller bags on the side and WOW.
7. Plastic Straws all different sizes all loaded with supplies (salt, pepper, bouillon granules, aspirin, make a candle, build a fishing kit, snare kit, Vaseline cotton balls, matches, ect.). Use a hot needle nose pliers to seal the ends. It is fun trying to find out what you can cram into different size plastic straws. They are perfectly water proof!
8. Heavy Garbage Bags or Barrel Liners with Duct Tape and Grommets with the Grommet Installation Tool. You can use the bags or liners by installing grommets. Just put Duct Tape on both sides of the plastic where you want a tie point and set the grommet using an Alabama Hammer.
9. Sometimes I carry surgical rubber tubing. This is for fun. Make a flipper to fire small rocks, shoot Bush Arrows, or to launch my fishing line half way across a lake. I also like to make Slingshots and Atlatls to play with in the bush.
10. A needle less hypodermic to suck up water from shallow or hard to reach places and again sometimes just for a fun water fight.
Oh well, I have a few more things but first I invite you to try these and express what you think of their usefulness.
Jerry
Thats a very cool list Jerry!
Hey Dave! A tip I learned from an old woodsman. You can line the sheath with a thin piece of folded over sheet brass (as was recommended to me), or do as I do, use a layer or two of thin stainless steel flashing (it comes in rolls at Home Depot), it's thin, tough, won't rust and if you use a hole punch and punch several holes in it it won't hold moisture as it will allow evaporation.
Sounds good! Thats a new one on me!
Good Lord I think we're related! Respect to the modification master from MIz Modification. I have a collection of those plastic containers, too. I'm also an artist and use them for everything from paint palettes, to making my own stencils, and "windows" in my art journals. I also have a selection with domed lids to use as a mini terrariums for seed starts. Gonna try my hand at suburban homesteading with hydroponics. Also love your sewing techniques and measuring system. Here we call that "eyeballing it". Haha.
I'm still very intimidated by self sharpening but am learning a lot, so thank you.
Lol! Maybe we share some DNA? I pretty much keep all containers bottles bags and things for other uses. Oh, did you see my machete sharpening video? It may help some. Thanks for watching
Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely look it up. Oh, and since you suffer from the same container collecting affliction......if they have them there, don't ever go to a Container Store!
Lol! I've been in one of them stores!
I'm glad you bought that!!!! I saw them there last time I drove through Sevierville, I was kinda thinking they were Condor's "economy" brand, too. You gotta let us know how it performs in the woods!
Brother I gotta say go get one! I have some Condors and some Council tools but there is just something about this Marbles size, shape and weight that screams "perfect pack axe"
Dave, the rule of thumb that I have always been told for linseeding a wood handle or rifle stock, is once a day for a week, once a week for a month and once a month for a year. Then you just need to get the bare spots as needed.
Geoff
Sounds good to me Geoff. Im so lazy I do it once a year period.
Hi !'l Dave !" We've been missing you !" Nice to see y'all !" Looks like you found a great find. Nice axe !" Worth the money."😎Hope y'all are enjoying the summer." 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Hi'ya Patricia! Im been around this summer. mostly at work! Thanks for stopping by
Very helpful video !! Never thought of changing the grind on my little camp axe. Keep the videos coming !!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Change it and see the difference! Thanks for watching Pam
Another good video Dave! Might sound silly, but in the next video could you show how you'd go about attaching a pack axe to your gear?
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. I think I'm going to be using a machete and a saw in the next one but I'll put that in another video
Great video. I've got a Marbles machete and It's great. The handle could use some attention but otherwise a great tool.
I use boiled linseed oil on my blacksmiths hammers but instead of letting it dry naturally over time, I play a torch over it when I get done rubbing it in. That darkens the finish and after a quick wipe with some paper towels, it looks really good and the wood is almost impervious to the elements. I also know some blacksmiths that keep a length of PVC pipe, capped on one end, filled with boiled linseed oil and they keep spare handles in it all the time since they break handles fairly often. That way when they do break a handle, they just pull one out of the oil, clean it up a bit, torch it, wipe it down, put the head on and get back to hammering. Some of the guys even rub it down with beeswax to help further waterproof it but I don't do that.
Thanks Jason. Man that's a cool idea with the torch. I'll have try it. I have tried beeswax and I have no idea how anyone likes that stuff. Thanks for watching Brother
Brother Dave, I did have fun watching this video. I very much appreciate you taking the time to learn us some stuff :) Buddy I don't guess I've ever told you this, but your one cool dude. Thumb's up my Friend.~John
Thanks John, I'm glad you liked it and me! Its good to be called a cool dude when my neighbors call me a weirdo. LOL. Thanks for watching Brother John!
Thank you. It's funny, I was doing a lot of these same things today when I was making a old axe usable again. I also wanted to add, if your sawing machine is capable of reversing, that will lock the stitches at the beginning and the end. Also you can use a lighter to melt off the tail ends of the thread.
Great to hear that and thanks for watching Danny
By Golly, Davey; She sure was up to the task after ya gave 'er that Tune-Up Huh ? Great watch'n & Learn'n as we go ! Howdy Nick ATB Terry God Bless
Oh yes, man did that thing ever chop like a beast! I honestly thought it wouldnt do well on that red oak but alls well! Take care and may God bless you too Terry
That was a great idea.I’m going to do this to my hatchet I’ll chop with it before I do it then see the difference after I grind it.thanks for sharing this.😊☮️
Fantastic to hear that Ed! Let me know how well it works
I really like the shape of that particular handle
They did a great job of designing it. It's very comfortable
I’m impressed... The cat still has it’s tail! In the market for a small cheap axe. Thanks for the tips.
No cattails were harmed in the making of this video. LOL. This is a fantastic camp axe for the price
Nice, I sure liked your video again, Dave. I knew your machine was gonna sew that leather. cause mine does sew it quite well. Also, have you ever tried a old plastic milk jug for a liner in a knife or hatchet sheath? They work real well to. ATB. = )
Thanks Danny, I'm glad you liked it. I havent used any milk jug material, it seems like it cuts too easy. I usually use olf packing material but two liter bottles cut up and man are they strong! Thanks for watching
I bought an Easy Stitcher. It's a godsend. It's much easier on the hand than using a needle by itself. It's great to throw in a backpack for rips and holes.
Ive seen them but never used one. I may need to get one
I haft to ax you a question. How many axes do you halve?
LOL, Including hatchets, pack axes and full size I halve a total of 9
Lol, I have 8
@@chuckcassel5417 I used to haft seven and a half, cause one only had half a haft. But I axed that one so now I only have 7. 😁
thejasonbischoff your so puny!
I only half three :).
Hi Dave. Thanks for showing a great way to sharpen an axe. Health to use it. ATB Nigel
Hello Nigel! I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful. Thanks for watching Brother
Nice video! I think I learned a few things as well! Thanks!
Always great to hear that Jason!
I have a couple of these little axes. They're my go to camping hatchets. Wouldn't want to cut down a real tree with them, they're just too light weight, but they work great on saplings and fire wood. did the same thing for mine that you've done. I used a piece of plastic milk jug to line my sheath. used a heat gun to "mold" it inside the sheath. I guess a hair dryer would work too. great step by step video. you've done a good job covering the details.
I can see why it's your go to camp axe. I LOVE mine! Very cool you used that milk jug liner. We think alike!
Say Heah Dave, For another Great Review Thanx, Brother.,,. p
Thanks for watching Brother Paulie.
I bought a 25.00 axe with 23 inch hickory handle from the lumber yard. Did the mods to it and my buds are amazed. Thanks for the input.
Great to hear that Jim!
Say Heah Dave How the Edge Retention on your new Marbles Hatchet.,,. p
So far so good and thats all on dried hardwoods. Nothing green yet.
Glad I found this video! I've been looking all over for a good, cheap pack axe for the frequent sailing-camping trips I go on, and this looks like the perfect option for basic camp tasks.
Give this a go, you'll love it!!
you didn't mention the hole in the cap u poured the oil in:) Now why couldn't I have learned all this when I could use my axes & hatches the right way and sharpen them too.
LOL, I wondered how fast someone would notice.
Great video. Your don't-waste-anything approach (and your work table!) reminds me of my Dad. He'd never buy anything until he had dug through all his "stuff" to see what he could use to make something "good enough for around here." By the way, he used linseed oil for lots of things, but never on hand tools. He preferred what he called "palm oil" -- the oil that came from holding the tool and using it. It worked--I've still got most of those tools, including his ax, and they have a beautiful, rubbed-in finish that has protected them for 60 or 70 years.
Thanks Neil! Man your dad sounds just like my dad. He uses all his hand and garden tools so much they never rust and the handles are all slick
So just to be clear... You aren't trying to win a beauty contest ??? LOL Nice find on the axe... Pretty extensive sewing set-up ya got there too... Enjoyed... Now quit sneaking up to SMKW without me... ahahaha Later brother...
Lol, no beauty contest for me ever! What few times I ever get to SMKW I'm usually short on time. If I'll ever get lots o free time I'm gonna pop in on y'all.
Brother, you and Nick are welcome here any time. We'd love to have ya.
Good video and another great lesson, Dave. I just bought a new axe, I have to take the varnish off mine. Thanks for the tips Bother. See you in the next one.
Thanks Roger, I'm glad you liked it. Absolutely get rid of that varnish. I have no idea why that stuff causes hand blisters but it always has
Oh just in time. I was just looking for something to cast to my tv from TH-cam. Okay not going to cast it to my tv. I'm not in the market for an axe. I will watch this later.
Ahh who knows, you may just want an axe one day. They are super handy
True. I've been getting away from watching video's on items unless I am ready to buy it. Though it is nice to be knowledgeable in advance time when I have more time to do so. I will know where to come for advice if I need a good axe video.
If you ever do want to know more about axes some of Wranglerstars older videos are the best on TH-cam.
Nah thanks. I will come here. I do like to watch building things on the farm on their channel.
What you did with that leather cover for your ax was SUPER. I love watching you work. Thanks
Thanks!
Boiled linseed oil has the water driven off. Raw linseed oil still has the moisture in it and will NEVER dry properly.
Love your videos, Dave.
Thanks for that input and thanks for watching!
I was given a Truper 2.25lb. boy scout axe 2 years ago. Reshaped the edge also. Cuts good! Thanks Dave. ZZ.
Sounds like a good one ZZ!
I bought this same axe after watching a Wranglerstar video on it. It's an awesome axe and has held up very well. Even after my 9yo son using it. Great video.
Thats cool! If he liked it then I know its a good axe!
My wife and i just leave your upbeat manner and ur laugh. Thanks for making these vids. And thanks to ur son too
Thank you James!
Great Tutorial video. Almost caused me to make an impulsive purchase from SMKW. The Marbles model 703 or 704 seems like a great value. Thanks for the tips on sharpening. Florida, USA.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. That's a fantastic axe for the price, you wont regret it.
I have the Marbles 701SB, 703 & 704 & all came from SMKW, all 'made in El Salvador, too. Everywhere I've seen list them as being 1045 high carbon steel. However, I wire brushed the factory paint/coating off of mine so I could do a forced patina & give 'em a more "vintage" look & quickly discovered they aren't 1045 carbon steel, as they absolutely will not take a patina. Mine are some type of stainless steel & I'm thinking its an alloy such as 5145 chromium steel. But, for their price, they sharpen well & hold an edge well, so I'm happy with the steel. Handles could be alot less curvy & personally, I'd prefer straight.
I did, however, thin down the handle on each side at the shoulder making the shoulder width slightly thinner than the sides of the head. Also, I "flattened" both the "bulb" (as you call it) & the "hump" on the back of the handle just below the poll, just enough to make 'em less bulky feeling, then rounded 'em back to a more comfortable feel. But, that's a personal preference.
My overall opinion of them is, that it would be hard to find a better quality small axe/hatchet in their $20-$25 price range & I'd highly recommend these "made in El Salvador", Marbles to anyone wanting an excellent "budget" small axe/hatchet.
Thank you for your thoughts and believe me, we think alike! It's impossible to beat these for the price. No matter what the steel really is, it holds up really well!
I like using and modding cheap stuff. People always talk about quality versus quantity, but forget about affordability. So if you make something nice, you can reproduce it for someone else or create a different type of axe or 'hawk'.
Hard to beat handmade gear!
Love your accent a lovely laid back program we don't hear this in England thank you.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Douglas
Never through anything away eh? The best compliment my Mother ever gave me was when she said I was a packrat, just like my Dad. Great video, keep'em coming.
Brother I have trouble throwing anything away. I just cant do it! Thanks for watching Steve!
Reallybigmonkey1 - I’m the exact same way, I hate throwing stuff out. I may need it one day! The problem is both my mother and my wife are the complete opposite. They throw everything away! If it ain’t anchored down it ain’t safe around them lol
A vintage Plumb boys axe from flea markets or eBay is also a good choice because it can hold an edge all day chopping but you'll need vintage American files to sharpen it since vintage American steel eats those recent Chinese or Mexican files.
Bobby Harper My late uncle used to work as a loom fixer in Spartanburg County textile mills before they were shipped off to China . He was always bringing home good quality stuff like Nicholson files , 3M emery cloth , Norton stones , and such . In return for our textile mills they send us crappy tools .
I actually do have my Grandfathers Plum hatchet with the original haft. I know what you mean. Mine is honed to a razor edge and it never gets dull.
Great tactical sewing machine Dave! I have found that I have to apply linseed oil in light coats or it will dry with a sticky feel to it. Also be careful with the rags that have linseed oil on them. They are known to spontaneously combust and therefore should be short term stored in a metal container with a tight lid or soaked in water and wrapped in a plastic bag before disposing in the trash. Or just burn them. Last thing you need is a fire with all the unique stuff you have. You wouldn't know what to grab first!
Thanks for the comments!
It’s pretty cool to see a guy sew most guys think it’s feminine but it’s a good skill to know keep up the cool vids
Thanks. I sew because I'm a cheapskate. Lol.
Thank you for another great video, Dave :-).
I have pretty much used hatchets all my life, mostly in the woods canoeing and/or camping, mostly for firewood. In several of your excellent videos I have noticed you using 2 different smaller-sized axes/hatchets that I *really, really* like. One is that Plum you have from your Dad, the other is this one. I figured one of these days I'd ask you what this one was.
I was not particularly interested in "how to modify an axe", but decided on a fluke to watch this video because, no matter what the topic is, I *always* learn something good from whatever you talk about. And -whaddayaknow- here you are, talking about that exact one! Very, very cool!
Thank you for all the work and Heart you put into your awesome channel, Dave. You are one of the (very few) best on TH-cam. You will prob never know how many lives you have helped and/or saved with your "YT hobby", but the folks at the Pearly Gates surely will. God Bless you, Dave.
You are very welcome and I'm happy you liked it! I love axes and hatchets both. They have their places. Hard to describe all the differing scenarios. My three hatchets are Plumb, Council Took and Marbles. The one in this video is a Marbles 707. I'm happy you like what all I do so much! Thanks for watching Linda
Excellent tip about not dipping handles in the oil but to only apply coats! Really like how you keep/recycle that clear plastic. I've made many washers,shims and all other types of items out of that stuff. Good stuff!! That little guy really cuts! If you could put two handles on an axe now that't be impressive lol. Cool video! Thank you
Thanks Greg, I'm glad you liked it. LOL, brother I pretty much never throw anything away! Thanks for watching
Nice tips .....I did the same thing with all 3 of my axes a year ago . found some thick old leather and made the sheaths ....still have to put the oil on them thou ( ha)! I have a short axe , medium length and full length . thanks for the tips and great videos ....!!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Sounds like a perfect trio. Every outdoors person needs one of all three sizes.Thanks for watching
Thank you for the bonus quick terminology run down, very helpful!
You are very welcome and thanks for watching my friend!
This video inspired me to buy a true temper boys axe from a menards store for under 20 bucks..I have stripped the varnish off the handle and put on several coats of linseed oil...I also removed the nasty undercoating like paint from the head and re=profiled the edge and sharpened it to a good enough edge for splitting firewood
Sounds like you made it into a good one!