For me, this is the best Hatchet safety video that I have been able to find! I am a beginner when it comes to working with firewood. Your instructions and demonstrations are simple and clear, and easy to follow. I'll be watching this video as I practice and become comfortable with my Hatchet. Thank you! Oh, and while I really enjoy watching videos of Bushcraft projects, I appreciate the absence of a 10 minute monologue before you get to the point. 👍😉
Dude that was the best instructional safety video I've seen. I'm fairly skilled with a splitting maul or a hatchet, but this video showed me quite a bit of good safety I can use, well explained. Thanks .
Thank you for showing us safe techniques on how to use a short axe. I learned a lot. Please consider showing us how to sharpen that expensive axe so it will be razor sharp like it is in your video. Thank you again.
I came in thinking "what can he show me that I don't already know about axe safety". Quickly I learned that I didn't know squat about axe safety. You have definitely showed me a ton about the subject. My daughter and grandson (both age 7) who both love the outdoors and look to me (a relatively new bushcrafter) as a role model will now, thanks to you, be able to watch me use my axe safely. Thank you so much for the tips.
Great video! I Taught basic tool craft safety in a scouting program for years, but never heard of using a safety stick with a hand axe. Great idea! I’ve used safety sticks for years with my table saw, but never made the jump to using with an axe. Thinking about it, guess we just taught with a youth axe. By the way, heard about your channel from a Corporal’s Corner video.
Very informative. My suggestion is to remind people that when you’re uncertain about splitting, slow down and think again. I didn’t once and got a trip to the ER for my impatience. I was standing up, missed, and hit my ankle. I was trying to split too long a piece.
Thank you for this valuable lesson,.... you certainly covered some issues I've never thought of, will help me in teaching my grandkids who are very interested in bushcraft and survival skills,........ New sub for sure
SO glad u mentioned the saftey stick. Rarely see that method used or described. Its my go 2 method. I actually cut a couple inches off my grandfors hatchet. Feels more ergonomic for me. Noticed i always choked up a bit. Great video.
This showed up in my notifications, probably because I've been watching steel forging videos, I clicked it not expecting to learn anything but to my surprise I actually did learn a few things, and who knows, your video may have saved myself or someone else from seriously injuring or possibly even killing themselves. Good video and great advice! You've earned a new subscriber
I truly appreciate your kind words my friend and I also appreciate you subscribing. Hearing feedback like yours is what makes this all worthwhile! Take care.
Thank you for all your kind word Chris! I truly enjoy making these and sharing and connecting with others who are like-minded and enjoy these topics. I hope to continue indefinitely. I appreciate your support and interest brother!
Hey Matt, great tips. I enjoy using my Wildlife hatchet too and I learnt from my mistakes. I laid the branch I was splitting on the log and it did not split on the first chop so I just held it up and chopped it again. Big mistake. The branch flew back towards my face and luckily I was fast enough to block it with my left hand and suffered some bruises and abrasion on my arm. At least it’s not on my face. This happened a couple of years ago. If only I had watched this video then. Thanks for the explanation buddy!
Thanks for the info. Although I've done a great deal of fine woodworking, I do not have any training in axe & hatchet work. My son-in-law gave me Granfors Bruks Carving Axe which is very high quality tool but that also has significant potential for personal injury.
Good video presentation. I’ve got a camp axe but changed to a tomahawk a few years ago. The heads are about the same weight, the advantage of the tomahawk is it can be easily removed from the handle for doing carving. If someone wants to switch I would advise getting a tomahawk with a hammer on the other side instead of a spike. It’s not tactical but then neither am I.
When I cut thinner log I just put the blade on top of it, slighty tap with the whole "assembly" so the blade bites into the log and then I lift it all together and swing down. Cut done, no danger for my fingers.
First thought.. Oh nice, Rick Grimes doing outdoor stuff! Like it. >Very< valuable content. Thank YOU! No rly, u r awesome! Can't believe.. Rick Grimes doing outdoor stuff. Ring the bell.
LOL! The show was never quite the same after Rick left! I did like his character a good bit. I really appreciate your kind words and for the sub my friend! Take care.
Thanks for the very good information. Just starting to get in the woodcraft and enjoying the woods trying to teach my 9 year old the safety works of the tool great information. Thanks alot.
Thank you so much John! I am glad this was helpful and it is awesome that you have your child out to teach them these skills. If there is anything particular that would be helpful to see please let me know. I always am happy to hear when parents are passing on the joy of the woods to the next generation! This is also why I so enjoy being a leader in the National Pathfinder Youth Organization. I am not sure of your area but if you get a chance, look up the NPYO to see if there is a chapter anywhere near you by chance. Take care.
Yep, when using a hatchet always work when squatting or on your knees. I learned that the hard way when using my GB Wildlife Hatchet to trim back branches on some scrub oak on my property. The ax head glanced off the piece I was was cutting and hit my right leg just above the ankle. Luckily it hit my shin bone, which stopped the edge from going any deeper, so it could have been a lot worse. I ended up with a gash about a quarter inch deep and an inch long. It didn't bleed too much so I just wrapped the wound with gauze after cleaning it, no stitches necessary. I have a nice scar to remind me of how not to use a hatchet.
Almost identical accident for me, same hatchet, glanced off a knot on a log I was chopping on the ground.... nailed my left leg, took months to heal...
I’m going to be running a Klondike Derby BSA station in feb on camp tools and safety. We’re going to have scouts cut a log with a bow saw and then split it into four pieces. I wish I could show them this video before hand!
I appreciate that my friend. I hope that the event goes well and that the scouts have a great time! I don't know if you guys have a page on social media such as Facebook that you communicate with the parents but if so, feel free to share the link with them. I know other BSA groups that do have these types of pages to connect through and they have shared my videos before to give the kids ideas. Good on you sir for helping to pass on these skills to the next generation. I try to support the BSA any way I can :)
Great safety reminders. You shared some great wood processing methods, some of which I haven't seen or read about before. It's what I've come to expect from your content.
Thank you so much brother! I appreciate you tuning in. If making this video saves one person from making a simple mistake, it was well worth the time. I hope to see you soon Chris!
Thank you so much Chuck! I figure if this video helps just one person prevent one of those hard lessons, it was well worth my time. Thank you so much for tuning in my friend.
thank you for the info. I am physically disabled and cannot squat down so I was thinking of using a picnic table as I have to be in a seated position or a stump
Good point. The only issue is what will the axe hit if you miss? Hint: not your leg or ankle. My trip to the ER reminds me. Maybe one of those triangle folding stools?
@@johnnybeanz1296 well I take my mobility scooter off road all the time I sit on that then I can use a picnic table and if I miss it hits the table. I tried one of those folding stools I get down and can't get up without help lol
Thank you Jesse! I sure hope so! If this helped one person avoid an injury then it was well worth my time. I really appreciate your time, interest and kind words.
Thank you so much Michael! I have one that I got for under 40.00 dollars that is one of my favorites. I even have a Fiskers hatchet that came from Walmart that has really served me well. No shame in that cheapo :) I am sure that think can do the job well! Thanks for your time and interest my friend.
I have subscribed to your channel three times already, but I am STILL not getting a daily video from your channel. I think TH-cam might be hiding some of your content.
LOL! There MUST be some type of conspiracy going on!! In all honesty, it takes my upload 24 hours or more usually just to upload to my channel! It is crazy. I need better interest service I believe.
Thank you so much for tuning in and for your kind words and support brother! You are such an awesome craftsman bro! I always enjoy seeing your creations and get inspired. I still need to try wood burning. I have a couple of projects I really want to try soon. I need to add that to my to do list right now :) Take care my friend!
Hi there! Thanks for your very informative video. However, I think there is still a very important point: You can of course always use the splitting version, in which the wood is held parallel to the hatchet and then strikes together with the hatchet on a wooden stump or lying tree. But you should saw the piece of wood you want to split in the same length as your hatchet. Then you also place the handle knob on the wood and your fingers a little above, in the resulting cavity. This will keep the handle of the firewood away from your fingers. If the piece of wood is shorter than the handle, it will hit your fingers again and again. All the best Michael
I like the Fiskars small axe, I keep some alcohol wipes, a wound dressing, a miniature ferro rod, and a couple of feet of duct tape, inside the handle, held in, with a lump of foam. So I'm always prepared for the worst outcome, when using the axe,, It's a superb axe, and an emergency first aid kit, rolled into one,,, Hope this tip helps someone,, ps,, all the handle contents, are excellent fire starting items, for a (non-bloody) scenario,, All the best,,,,,
I actually have a couple of those Fiskars axes John and I agree, they are excellent! I know some people don't share our opinion but I have spent MANY hours using mine and it has been bombproof. That is an awesome idea with the first aid/fire starting supplies in the handle. I honestly hadn't thought of that for some reason. I have a Fiskars trowel that I used to carry more than I do now that has a hollow handle with a stopper and I used to pack it with fire starting gear so I don't know why it never occurred to me with the axes :) Thank you for tuning in and sharing an awesome idea John!
Great advice, also does anyone know if the Hatchet was first invented for cutting meat? It seems to be a meat cleaver tool, that is to say like something you might use on a wood table when chopping the heads off fish or cutting the meat off big bones of a animal like an Elk or large deer. I don't claim to know just asking?
I don't know that one is particularly safer than the other with proper techniques but I would prefer to baton my axe as it it made for impact where most knives are not so much. Also, the axe head is basically a wedge with a handle so it tend to split wood where the knife often has to be driven all the way through. I use both techniques to be honest but if I have my axe handy, I will spare my knife. When carving projects from bigger pieces of wood I like rough carving them quickly with a small axe and then fine detail carving with a knife. They compliment each well.
Black Hat Bushcraft ah thanks, good answer! Also I was under the impression that the American Indians and settlers preferred a ‘tomahawk’ to a hatchet, since the axe head can be removed and used independently of the handle for finer work and also because if the handle broke it was easier to make and fit a new handle? Although as a beginner I worry about how loose a friction fit feels compared to the more locked in hatchet head? Do you have any vids on Hatchet vs Tomahawk? would be good to see a pros:cons vid? Either way thanks again, this is a great channel 👍🏻
Also never seen a spetznaz spade vs tomahawk/hatchet vid either, interested to see how effective the cold steel spades (or better) are at chopping vs hawks and hatchets? Allegedly can be used as a skillet/fry pan and could even function as a tarp pole/support? And then stainless or titanium? the spades extra abilities seem very attractive but at what trade-off I wonder? Also maybe just making a digging stick/spade somehow is more efficient for digging?
@@impermanenthuman8427 Thank you so much for your kind words! I truly appreciate your interest. I haven't done tomahawk vs hatchet vids before, but I do own 2 tomahawks. I like the tomahawks and they can definitely be used in the similar roles. I do agree with you very much so that the handle of a tomahawk is easier to replace in the field. I think where the tomahawk shines is as a weapon. A tomahawk would definitely double as a defensive weapon better than a hatchet. Typically, an axe or hatchet head tends to be a little heavier and beefier so if the primary use is wood processing, it tends to perform. Both are good tools and offer distinct advantages depending on intent. This may be a good topic for future video :) Thank you for the suggestion.
That is what I know it as Todd. It never gets much bigger than what you see here. It stays wet down in this area 90% of the time so the stuff thrives out there.
@@blackhatbushcraft It's probably switch cane, which remains small and lives in the wet bottoms. It's a close cousin to river cane and they look almost exactly the same , except for size.
I don’t use a hatchet so much, though I want to improve my skill. Question though, why do you value preserving your knife resource over the axe? It seems they both would have issues with losing edge or being damaged.
That's true Thomas as they do both dull with use. By design, an axe is a more hard use tool. While you can get the convex grind of an axe razor sharp, it doesn't have to be to be effective at it's intended use. Even after that razor edge is dulled a bit, it will still be effective at chopping and processing wood. By design, a knife has a thinner blade and therefor a more delicate edge. The tasks I tend to use my knife for require or at least benefit from that razor sharp edge I keep on my belt knife. Things like processing food and fine carving tasks are much easier with a good edge on a knife. That is my thought process at least. I try to save that edge when possible but I also keep the minimal gear necessary to hone up my axe and knife in the field if needs be. I also try to never let either of them get too dull as it is much more work to sharpen than it is to hone. I hope all that makes sense :) Thanks for tuning in and commenting!
To have a full axe or an adze, then you are a lumberjack and not an outdoorsman. If you are cutting up logs as thick as your thigh or larger, and stumps, you are a lumberjack and not an outdoorsman. An outdoorsman, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, prepping, or survival doesn't have or need an full axe, adze, wedges, ... doesnt cut down 1-3+ foot diameter tree trunks, doesn't need a lumberjacking sawmill. Small wood, easily split by a half axe or a large handled hatchet, or a machete at most is an outdoorsman's tool. And the same, instead, for using a folding saw, and saving all that energy in throwing axe chopped wood chips. Cut the line and you have what woods you need for fire or construction. Using a plastic or metal wedge (with a hatchet hammer) for splitting smaller wood pieces, or using at the last resort with a knife and batoning even smaller wood products.
I agree John, I have never had a necessity to process anything that my small forest axe couldn't handle while in the woods. Thank you for taking the time to tune in and share your thoughts!
Thank you for your time, interest & support! Please SUBSCRIBE and RING the BELL button to stay informed of the upcoming videos as they are released.
I am never in the woods but this channel fascinates me. I've been watching for hours.
For me, this is the best Hatchet safety video that I have been able to find! I am a beginner when it comes to working with firewood. Your instructions and demonstrations are simple and clear, and easy to follow. I'll be watching this video as I practice and become comfortable with my Hatchet. Thank you!
Oh, and while I really enjoy watching videos of Bushcraft projects, I appreciate the absence of a 10 minute monologue before you get to the point. 👍😉
Dude that was the best instructional safety video I've seen. I'm fairly skilled with a splitting maul or a hatchet, but this video showed me quite a bit of good safety I can use, well explained. Thanks .
Thank you for showing us safe techniques on how to use a short axe. I learned a lot. Please consider showing us how to sharpen that expensive axe so it will be razor sharp like it is in your video. Thank you again.
I came in thinking "what can he show me that I don't already know about axe safety". Quickly I learned that I didn't know squat about axe safety. You have definitely showed me a ton about the subject. My daughter and grandson (both age 7) who both love the outdoors and look to me (a relatively new bushcrafter) as a role model will now, thanks to you, be able to watch me use my axe safely. Thank you so much for the tips.
Great video! I Taught basic tool craft safety in a scouting program for years, but never heard of using a safety stick with a hand axe. Great idea! I’ve used safety sticks for years with my table saw, but never made the jump to using with an axe. Thinking about it, guess we just taught with a youth axe. By the way, heard about your channel from a Corporal’s Corner video.
Thanks for the laying down tip when using a small axe. I was doing it naturally for practical reasons but now I know it's also for safety.
Very good tutorial. I watched it twice.
Best video ever on hatchet safety, hatchet use and hatchet care.. thanks....
I truly appreciate your kind words Robert! I am very glad you enjoyed this one. I hope you will come back again. Take care my friend.
Batoning an axe was the number one reason I got an Estwing Camper's axe, no eye to deform from batoning, great vid. Subbed.
Very informative. My suggestion is to remind people that when you’re uncertain about splitting, slow down and think again. I didn’t once and got a trip to the ER for my impatience. I was standing up, missed, and hit my ankle. I was trying to split too long a piece.
This video has been a big help to me, because I'm just starting to use a short handle ax. Thank you for sharing this.
Best video on this subject I have seen. Very important for new and old
Thank you for this valuable lesson,.... you certainly covered some issues I've never thought of, will help me in teaching my grandkids who are very interested in bushcraft and survival skills,........ New sub for sure
Hey Matt, the corporal sent me. Like yer stuff so I'll stick around a while & subscribe. Nice instruction by the way.. great job. Stay Blessed
Interesting method with the log 👍 Never saw it done like that 🤔 So every day is a school day and thank you for the demonstration 😁
Thank you for tuning in and for your kind words my friend!
SO glad u mentioned the saftey stick. Rarely see that method used or described. Its my go 2 method. I actually cut a couple inches off my grandfors hatchet. Feels more ergonomic for me. Noticed i always choked up a bit. Great video.
This showed up in my notifications, probably because I've been watching steel forging videos, I clicked it not expecting to learn anything but to my surprise I actually did learn a few things, and who knows, your video may have saved myself or someone else from seriously injuring or possibly even killing themselves. Good video and great advice! You've earned a new subscriber
I truly appreciate your kind words my friend and I also appreciate you subscribing. Hearing feedback like yours is what makes this all worthwhile! Take care.
Thanks, your video will come in handy I'll definitely purchase a small ax and follow your constructive techniques.😊👍
Thanks for the great video. I put 4stitches in my left hand because of poor technique. Thanks again
Much respect Matt, please dont ever stop with your videos they are truly awesome and much appreciated. Thank you so much brother😎
Thank you for all your kind word Chris! I truly enjoy making these and sharing and connecting with others who are like-minded and enjoy these topics. I hope to continue indefinitely. I appreciate your support and interest brother!
Try Colbert axes good work
Hey Matt, great tips. I enjoy using my Wildlife hatchet too and I learnt from my mistakes. I laid the branch I was splitting on the log and it did not split on the first chop so I just held it up and chopped it again. Big mistake. The branch flew back towards my face and luckily I was fast enough to block it with my left hand and suffered some bruises and abrasion on my arm. At least it’s not on my face. This happened a couple of years ago. If only I had watched this video then. Thanks for the explanation buddy!
Thanks for the info. Although I've done a great deal of fine woodworking, I do not have any training in axe & hatchet work. My son-in-law gave me Granfors Bruks Carving Axe which is very high quality tool but that also has significant potential for personal injury.
How about a video on sharpening axes and hatchets. Thank you keep up the good work
Wow great lesson I will use theses techniques
I always worry about using an axe but not anymore 👍🔥
Great tutorial, Matt.. Thank you
Thank you for your kind words brother! I hope you are doing well.
Thanks for Sharing
Great instructional video - Thanks
Good video presentation. I’ve got a camp axe but changed to a tomahawk a few years ago. The heads are about the same weight, the advantage of the tomahawk is it can be easily removed from the handle for doing carving. If someone wants to switch I would advise getting a tomahawk with a hammer on the other side instead of a spike. It’s not tactical but then neither am I.
Excellent points. Thanks!
Some great safety tips bro. Thanks for posting.
When I cut thinner log I just put the blade on top of it, slighty tap with the whole "assembly" so the blade bites into the log and then I lift it all together and swing down. Cut done, no danger for my fingers.
First thought.. Oh nice, Rick Grimes doing outdoor stuff! Like it. >Very< valuable content. Thank YOU! No rly, u r awesome! Can't believe.. Rick Grimes doing outdoor stuff. Ring the bell.
LOL! The show was never quite the same after Rick left! I did like his character a good bit. I really appreciate your kind words and for the sub my friend! Take care.
Excellent topic. Thank you for covering this.
Thank you so much brother! I appreciate your time, interest and kind words.
Solid video. Great content for the community. Excellent period of instruction
Thank you so much for your kind words and support Matthew!
Very informative!
Thank you.
Great review. Thanks Matt
Great video.....Enjoyed.....!!
Thank you so much brother! I truly appreciate your interest and support Todd!
Fantastic brother!!! Always love your vids!
Excellent video
Excellent video!
Thanks for the very good information. Just starting to get in the woodcraft and enjoying the woods trying to teach my 9 year old the safety works of the tool great information. Thanks alot.
Thank you so much John! I am glad this was helpful and it is awesome that you have your child out to teach them these skills. If there is anything particular that would be helpful to see please let me know. I always am happy to hear when parents are passing on the joy of the woods to the next generation! This is also why I so enjoy being a leader in the National Pathfinder Youth Organization. I am not sure of your area but if you get a chance, look up the NPYO to see if there is a chapter anywhere near you by chance. Take care.
Yep, when using a hatchet always work when squatting or on your knees. I learned that the hard way when using my GB Wildlife Hatchet to trim back branches on some scrub oak on my property. The ax head glanced off the piece I was was cutting and hit my right leg just above the ankle. Luckily it hit my shin bone, which stopped the edge from going any deeper, so it could have been a lot worse. I ended up with a gash about a quarter inch deep and an inch long. It didn't bleed too much so I just wrapped the wound with gauze after cleaning it, no stitches necessary. I have a nice scar to remind me of how not to use a hatchet.
Almost identical accident for me, same hatchet, glanced off a knot on a log I was chopping on the ground.... nailed my left leg, took months to heal...
I’m going to be running a Klondike Derby BSA station in feb on camp tools and safety. We’re going to have scouts cut a log with a bow saw and then split it into four pieces. I wish I could show them this video before hand!
I appreciate that my friend. I hope that the event goes well and that the scouts have a great time! I don't know if you guys have a page on social media such as Facebook that you communicate with the parents but if so, feel free to share the link with them. I know other BSA groups that do have these types of pages to connect through and they have shared my videos before to give the kids ideas. Good on you sir for helping to pass on these skills to the next generation. I try to support the BSA any way I can :)
Black Hat Bushcraft Thanks so much! We’re Troop 20 in Abingdon VA, and I’ll definitely share some of your stuff with my troop at least!
Great safety reminders. You shared some great wood processing methods, some of which I haven't seen or read about before. It's what I've come to expect from your content.
Great info brother!! Back in the day i made some of those easy mistakes and ended up with stiches more than once.
Thats a pretty sweet hatches too!!
Thank you so much brother! I appreciate you tuning in. If making this video saves one person from making a simple mistake, it was well worth the time. I hope to see you soon Chris!
Thnxs for uploading and sharing this
👍🏻🇺🇸
#Outdoors #OutdoorSurvival #OutdoorAdventure #AdventureOutdoors #Camping #WoodsCraft
Thank you for tuning in my friend!
Great video.... Thanks for the tips
I am glad you enjoyed it Ginger and I appreciate you taking the time to tune in and share a kind word!
Very important video. I learned a couple of 'not to's' the hard way.. Good job
Thank you so much Chuck! I figure if this video helps just one person prevent one of those hard lessons, it was well worth my time. Thank you so much for tuning in my friend.
Nice to know information!
Thank you so much Laurie! I appreciate you time and interest.
good video. thanks!
Thank you for your kind words Fred!
Awesome ✌️
Hay safety is always first been out in the woods camping & hunting .good video and job. 👍🇺🇸
Thank you so much Kent! I appreciate your time, interest and kind words.
Thanks for posting, Matt!
I really appreciate you explaining axe safety; a great concern for me. Also since I am a hat person I really like your fedora. Thanks again.
Thank you so much Calvin! I feel naked these days without a hat of some type! I appreciate your time, interest and kind words my friend.
Good stuff as usual.
Thank you so much Shawn!
thank you for the info. I am physically disabled and cannot squat down so I was thinking of using a picnic table as I have to be in a seated position or a stump
Good point. The only issue is what will the axe hit if you miss? Hint: not your leg or ankle. My trip to the ER reminds me.
Maybe one of those triangle folding stools?
@@johnnybeanz1296 well I take my mobility scooter off road all the time I sit on that then I can use a picnic table and if I miss it hits the table. I tried one of those folding stools I get down and can't get up without help lol
Good job you just saved someone's fingers or hand .
Thank you Jesse! I sure hope so! If this helped one person avoid an injury then it was well worth my time. I really appreciate your time, interest and kind words.
Always have like carving with my hatchet great show
Thank you so much for tuning in!
Great hatchet,love to get me one one day. For now my old cheapo works.
Thank you so much Michael! I have one that I got for under 40.00 dollars that is one of my favorites. I even have a Fiskers hatchet that came from Walmart that has really served me well. No shame in that cheapo :) I am sure that think can do the job well! Thanks for your time and interest my friend.
Awesome video
Thank you so much friend!
I have subscribed to your channel three times already, but I am STILL not getting a daily video from your channel. I think TH-cam might be hiding some of your content.
LOL! There MUST be some type of conspiracy going on!! In all honesty, it takes my upload 24 hours or more usually just to upload to my channel! It is crazy. I need better interest service I believe.
Excellent information filled video as always bro. I dont use axes/hatchets that much but i have for carving and such.
Thank you so much for tuning in and for your kind words and support brother! You are such an awesome craftsman bro! I always enjoy seeing your creations and get inspired. I still need to try wood burning. I have a couple of projects I really want to try soon. I need to add that to my to do list right now :) Take care my friend!
Great stuff that I never knew about. I’m glad you have this channel. I always come away with a good feeling and more knowledge.
That is awesome to know my friend and people like you are exactly what keeps me excited about doing this. I am very glad this was helpful! Take care.
Hi there!
Thanks for your very informative video.
However, I think there is still a very important point:
You can of course always use the splitting version, in which the wood is held parallel to the hatchet and then strikes together with the hatchet on a wooden stump or lying tree.
But you should saw the piece of wood you want to split in the same length as your hatchet. Then you also place the handle knob on the wood and your fingers a little above, in the resulting cavity. This will keep the handle of the firewood away from your fingers.
If the piece of wood is shorter than the handle, it will hit your fingers again and again.
All the best
Michael
Thank you so much for your kind words and for commenting and sharing Michael!
I like the Fiskars small axe, I keep some alcohol wipes, a wound dressing, a miniature ferro rod, and a couple of feet of duct tape, inside the handle, held in, with a lump of foam. So I'm always prepared for the worst outcome, when using the axe,,
It's a superb axe, and an emergency first aid kit, rolled into one,,,
Hope this tip helps someone,,
ps,, all the handle contents, are excellent fire starting items, for a (non-bloody) scenario,,
All the best,,,,,
I actually have a couple of those Fiskars axes John and I agree, they are excellent! I know some people don't share our opinion but I have spent MANY hours using mine and it has been bombproof. That is an awesome idea with the first aid/fire starting supplies in the handle. I honestly hadn't thought of that for some reason. I have a Fiskars trowel that I used to carry more than I do now that has a hollow handle with a stopper and I used to pack it with fire starting gear so I don't know why it never occurred to me with the axes :) Thank you for tuning in and sharing an awesome idea John!
Great video, hat looks even better with that beard!! Thanks for doing what you do
Very good safety on axis axes. As usual a good you keeping up the good work 😉👌
Thank you so much Phillip! I appreciate your time, interest and kind words my friend.
Thank you for the safety lesson the only safety I knew was with the long axe is to spread your legs wide apart. BTW new sub
Thank you so much for the support Robin! I am glad to have you as a subscriber and I appreciate your kind words.
Great info man. Thx for the tips
Absolutely! I am glad you enjoyed the video and I appreciate your interest and kind words.
Great advice, also does anyone know if the Hatchet was first invented for cutting meat? It seems to be a meat cleaver tool, that is to say like something you might use on a wood table when chopping the heads off fish or cutting the meat off big bones of a animal like an Elk or large deer. I don't claim to know just asking?
Thank you so much for the kind words! I am glad you enjoyed this one. That is a good question...I could only speculate on this one :)
Truly a great vid man,thanks for sharing...
Thank you so much Jason! I really appreciate the kind words my friend.
I don’t want to be a stick with you! That’s what we’re cutting today
So what axe and stones do you use?
Batoning with a belt knife seems safer and the knife is generally lighter and more versatile?
I don't know that one is particularly safer than the other with proper techniques but I would prefer to baton my axe as it it made for impact where most knives are not so much. Also, the axe head is basically a wedge with a handle so it tend to split wood where the knife often has to be driven all the way through. I use both techniques to be honest but if I have my axe handy, I will spare my knife. When carving projects from bigger pieces of wood I like rough carving them quickly with a small axe and then fine detail carving with a knife. They compliment each well.
Black Hat Bushcraft ah thanks, good answer! Also I was under the impression that the American Indians and settlers preferred a ‘tomahawk’ to a hatchet, since the axe head can be removed and used independently of the handle for finer work and also because if the handle broke it was easier to make and fit a new handle? Although as a beginner I worry about how loose a friction fit feels compared to the more locked in hatchet head?
Do you have any vids on Hatchet vs Tomahawk? would be good to see a pros:cons vid? Either way thanks again, this is a great channel 👍🏻
Also never seen a spetznaz spade vs tomahawk/hatchet vid either, interested to see how effective the cold steel spades (or better) are at chopping vs hawks and hatchets? Allegedly can be used as a skillet/fry pan and could even function as a tarp pole/support? And then stainless or titanium? the spades extra abilities seem very attractive but at what trade-off I wonder? Also maybe just making a digging stick/spade somehow is more efficient for digging?
@@impermanenthuman8427 Thank you so much for your kind words! I truly appreciate your interest. I haven't done tomahawk vs hatchet vids before, but I do own 2 tomahawks. I like the tomahawks and they can definitely be used in the similar roles. I do agree with you very much so that the handle of a tomahawk is easier to replace in the field. I think where the tomahawk shines is as a weapon. A tomahawk would definitely double as a defensive weapon better than a hatchet. Typically, an axe or hatchet head tends to be a little heavier and beefier so if the primary use is wood processing, it tends to perform. Both are good tools and offer distinct advantages depending on intent. This may be a good topic for future video :) Thank you for the suggestion.
Is that river cane I see behind you??
That is what I know it as Todd. It never gets much bigger than what you see here. It stays wet down in this area 90% of the time so the stuff thrives out there.
@@blackhatbushcraft It's probably switch cane, which remains small and lives in the wet bottoms. It's a close cousin to river cane and they look almost exactly the same , except for size.
Came here after realizing most of the accidents on the Alone show was from axes.
How come most bushcrafters don't wear any eye protection in the woods?
I don’t use a hatchet so much, though I want to improve my skill. Question though, why do you value preserving your knife resource over the axe? It seems they both would have issues with losing edge or being damaged.
That's true Thomas as they do both dull with use. By design, an axe is a more hard use tool. While you can get the convex grind of an axe razor sharp, it doesn't have to be to be effective at it's intended use. Even after that razor edge is dulled a bit, it will still be effective at chopping and processing wood. By design, a knife has a thinner blade and therefor a more delicate edge. The tasks I tend to use my knife for require or at least benefit from that razor sharp edge I keep on my belt knife. Things like processing food and fine carving tasks are much easier with a good edge on a knife. That is my thought process at least. I try to save that edge when possible but I also keep the minimal gear necessary to hone up my axe and knife in the field if needs be. I also try to never let either of them get too dull as it is much more work to sharpen than it is to hone. I hope all that makes sense :) Thanks for tuning in and commenting!
Been using ax since fifties you do good demonstrate on skills and safety
Well alrighty then
I wonder if that Hunter left any good meat on whatever he/she was shooting at?
To have a full axe or an adze, then you are a lumberjack and not an outdoorsman. If you are cutting up logs as thick as your thigh or larger, and stumps, you are a lumberjack and not an outdoorsman. An outdoorsman, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, prepping, or survival doesn't have or need an full axe, adze, wedges, ... doesnt cut down 1-3+ foot diameter tree trunks, doesn't need a lumberjacking sawmill. Small wood, easily split by a half axe or a large handled hatchet, or a machete at most is an outdoorsman's tool. And the same, instead, for using a folding saw, and saving all that energy in throwing axe chopped wood chips. Cut the line and you have what woods you need for fire or construction. Using a plastic or metal wedge (with a hatchet hammer) for splitting smaller wood pieces, or using at the last resort with a knife and batoning even smaller wood products.
I agree John, I have never had a necessity to process anything that my small forest axe couldn't handle while in the woods. Thank you for taking the time to tune in and share your thoughts!
Excellent video