For inexperienced people such as I, this is a GREAT simple video. For all you experienced people on this thread with condescending comments, why don't you put out a video like this to teach people how to survive instead of putting this guy down. Thank God for people who teach others in order to build them up rather than those who want to brag on how great they see themselves. Thanks to this guy, I have information that may turn out to be life saving for me one day.
Twenty-five years ago at an archaeology field school, our campground had big 24" rounds of fir and a few small 6" chunks of madrone. The fir was green and we only had a 3/4 axe, so every time we pulled the axe out of the round, it close up. I eventually carried over a load of split fir by the fire and everyone wanted to know where I'd found it. I told them I'd split the same fir round, pretty much the same way you did: I cut a wedge from the madrone, chopped a notches across the grain of the fir, and then split them with the wedge. Nobody believed me until I showed them. There's irony in a dozen university students studying ancient technology and only one of them had any camping, pioneering, or bushcraft skills.
Yea it’s the same in my field I work with engineers that design some pretty complex Systems however they can’t do basic shit like change oil in their car or install a door knob.
@@latenttweet The funniest moment of that trip was setting up camp. A dozen and a half college students all scrambling and borrowing the one hatchet we had to pound in their tent stakes. I walked down to the creek bed, picked up a large grapefruit sized cobble, and was quickly done.
The important thing about self reliance skills is to have a "toolbox" of things that you know and understand so that if you ever need it, you know it. The more you know, the better you're off. Thank you for posting this, made a lot of sense once I saw what you're doing.
Tahaan yeah that's why I learn financing, communication skills to cultivate strong relationships with others, and other useful skills to make sure I got a lot of money and plenty of people to work with and achieve goals. :p I'll never find myself alone without resources in this world.
It's funny that this is how everything was done, but with technology the old ways are forgotten. Thankfully the team at Coalcracker haven't forgotten! Great demo! And the best part is, if you smash your gluts all up you just make more, as many as you need.
this is not the 'old way' you show your inexperience, so does the guy in the video..you're killing yourself, man. Experienced loggers (I cut firewood for 30 years) will take a round like that down in 2 minutes by splitting off, we used to call it 'peeling' the outside layer of the wood by making parallel splits 2" from the outside of the round, 'popping off' large, semi-round chips, and turning it each time till you are at the size you want for your board, or small enough that you can then split it in the middle, using nothing but the hand-axe.
@@AlmegaMedia I was more thinking about the riving of large timber into planks when I made that comment, although this video is more about firewood. I know what you’re talking about taking pieces off. I hope in 30 years you managed to get some power tools in their. Your aching back!
My first thought was that this would be a lesson a father would teach his children. Thank you for taking the time to post this. Much appreciated. God bless you.
I love simple machines... it's about all my mind can handle these days. Thanks for sharing some great simple engineering. What's great about skills like this is that they're so versatile, so many potential uses beyond just splitting logs.
went to the allegheny national forest last weekend, hickory creek trail. i applied so many techniques you've talked about that i didn't even realize i harvested! thank you for such a wealth of videos featuring all different types of content. you're appreciated!
Also useful for getting stuck axes/knives/saws out of timber. Dan - yours is one of the few remaining bushcraft channels that I consistently come back to! All about the skills, love it! All the best, Andy
I split large logs with a hatchet a lot. I just don't split down the middle. I chip off 1/4 to 1/3 of the log, turn, repeat. You end up with 3 or 4 outer pieces and the core.
Yeah you must have that lost skill called " common sense". If people need a video to show them this, they should stay out of the woods. No wonder so many big foot sightings.
@galonvyu raven house Ha! That is so true! And, very sadly, funny. And we're all supposed to be so much more sophisticated, clever and "grown up" nowadays..... (Another example is the warning on the side of a milk carton :- "WARNING, contains milk" 🙄 , etc etc.)
That's all well and good if you're just trying to get some dry wood for a fire but sometimes when you're trying to craft a certain item you need to split it down the middle.
Thank you sir. Many, many years ago we used to make wedges and mauls from dogwood. When dry, you could split just about anything you needed to. Thank you for bringing back a few memories.
"Glut" is my new word for the day. I couldn't find it in common dictionaries, but a "glut" is a wooden wedge used to split timbers green from the woods.
Gluten is the one who gluts, it's hard work so they are a gluten for punishment. Glutee is the log that was glutened and glutor is the guy with the gluts. Glutenning is the work performed by the glutee, hope that helps your vocabulary :)
Fascinating. This is definitely a concept I could use since I never take anything bigger than a hatchet out camping, and have often thought how much nicer a small bench would be compared to sitting on a stump. Thank you sir.
I've watched several of your videos and I am completely hooked! The information your sharing is invaluable for survival and learning the skills necessary to be prepared while out in the wilderness. You personally have the character and personality that makes it interesting. The way this old world is turning nowadays, your skills may be something we should all know, especially when i see videos of teenagers who can't open a can of peaches when the electricity went out and didn't know how to use a manual can opener. Thanks for not just posting but for teaching.
I always enjoy your videos, and this was no exception. Good job of educating newbies to the outdoor world! This is a technique that I have used many times over the years.
I’m impressed, I never considered using a piece of a branch as a wedge. I use my little hatchet and a hammer and pound my hatchet thru the log to split it . Got to watch out for knots though, makes it a lot harder to split the log less you cut thru the knots with your hatchet. I done that but not usually easy! I’ll definitely remember those branch wedges though, that’s going to come in handy someday I’m sure!
you're killing yourself, man. Experienced loggers (I cut firewood for 30 years) will take a round like that down in 2 minutes by splitting off, we used to call it 'peeling' the outside layer of the wood by making parallel splits 2" from the outside of the round, 'popping off' large, semi-round chips, and turning it each time till you are at the size you want for your board, or small enough that you can then split it in the middle, using nothing but the hand-axe.
That's what I did when I was only splitting logs for firewood. Or I would just say, Fuck it, and start hitting it REALLY hard anywhere I could. The ax is metal, with enough persistence it will split most logs eventually, and get you some "shavings" in the process to help you start that fire.
I wasn’t quite sure what I was about to watch but being an avid camper I was grateful to see this. As soon as you turned that log into a wedge I caught on but admit it’s not something I thought of myself so I am grateful.
Well done 👍, all the tools that you carry with you to survive, is very important. If you destroy or lose any of them, it's almost like losing a limb. 🙏
I appreciate that you recognize and point out that splitting wood is for projects. Alot of people don't realize splitting your wood in most survival situations is a waste of time and energy. Just feed the logs into the fire. You can do it with an entire tree.
In every single survival situation where a fire large enough and hot enough to burn logs of this size is needed. Kindling and progressively larger fuel will be required. If you disagree then feel free to explain how you would go from tinder to 8 inch log without splitting. Especially in the rain.
Amazing video man. I've done a little wild camping and seen tons of logs like this but thought it was to much of a pain to split them. I'm definitely going to try this next time. Thanks for the tips man. Very useful.
I used this a bunch this last spring when I took my family backpacking. Got a ways out and there wasn't any small wood to be found but some nice huge logs that no one was able to process down. Other campers in the area came over to see what I was doing because the wood in this area of the forest was so picked over.
My uncle showed me this when I was a child. I thought to myself "What good is this information?" Now you reminded me of it and I see what I didn't as a small child. Thank you so much!
Great advice. You can even chop a large "club" to pound the wedges. Gaining exponentially more force. My only criticism is to make thinner wedges. It seems counter intuitive but force on an inclined plane equals rise over run.
Fun and great exercise my Friend. When we are at our little shack in the Boreal forest, I usually split wood anywhere from one to 2 hours a day. I love it.
Great explanation, man has Been splitting everything, even stone with the same or similar technique for ever. Sometimes the old and simple is the most practical. Wedges are great. Mechanical advantage. Good show! We made fence post out of black locust like this as a kid.
“It's not ideal but it works” Backpacking into camp with a full size axe and all your wood working tools is what's not ideal! This method absolutely IS ideal. Great demo.
I always carry an axe in my bag while backpacking. It always comes in hand and it’s not that much extra weight to carry. I won’t go out in the woods without it.
@@s.greasey7654 I think if you tried a good hatchet you'd never go back: we're not taking ounces here, we're taking several pounds lighter. You have to get one with the right profile, but I find with the additional accuracy to each blow a hatchet will do everything an axe will do in roughly the same time, assuming I'm not full out felling trees. And if that's my plan for the day, I'm hiking in with a chain saw.
@@wilfdarr I should have better described what I keep in my pack. I’m not carrying a full size axe. Its appears to be a little smaller in size than what’s shown in the video and weights only 3 maybe 4 lbs. I also carry a one man tent, ultralight sleeping bag and some other small items. I don’t carry a heavy load because I usually don’t spend more than one night on my hikes. Trying a hatchet is definitely not out of the question tho.
in WHAT backpacking situation does one encounter perfectly cut, weathered and dried rounds of wood just *waiting* to be split??? this is utter nonsense. if i found that perfect dry round in the woods i’d friggin SIT ON IT, not burn it! the amount of people who have never been *anywhere* but still manage to populate the comment sections is mind bending
@@ericlook5142 Doesn't have to be perfectly cut: I've felled trees with my hatchet (nothing “perfect about a tree brought down by a hatchet but it certainly gets the job done!) and then split them. Fact that you don't know the technique tells me you're the one who has no bush experience. Go get some before you come back shooting your mouth off son.
Great info man. First time viewer. I can attest to this being a successful technique, I have been able to split large logs of 12 inches plus diameter with just a small hatchet and some wedges I made on the spot. Awesome tool for the toolbox.
Many Thanks Mr. Dan, for sharing another bit of your encyclopedic bushcraft knowledge with us. The old adage, "knowledge is power" is reaffirmed with of your videos. Stay well & safe ... Cheers.
This technique is especially useful instead of batoning your knife blade through a small to medium log. Your bushcraft knife easily makes the wedges and starts the split. Then any other piece of wood hammers the wooden wedges in and splits the log. Better idea than risking your knife in the woods.
Yes. something good to know. . I used that same idea cutting a nut off of a bolt. Drill a very small hole in the nut then a bigger one until the nut gives way.
you're killing yourself, man. Experienced loggers (I cut firewood for 30 years) will take a round like that down in 2 minutes by splitting off, we used to call it 'peeling' the outside layer of the wood by making parallel splits 2" from the outside of the round, 'popping off' large, semi-round chips, and turning it each time till you are at the size you want for your board, or small enough that you can then split it in the middle, using nothing but the hand-axe.
@@AlmegaMedia That will work for processing it down for firewood are smaller projects. However, if you need to do something bigger that simply won't work.
love how your softwoods make life so easy. Try your skills here in Australia where ALL our timber is hardwood,with many much harder than oak.Our gumtrees also ten to have swirly grain.
Yes , for messmate and redgum it helps to let it age and crack out in the hot summer sun first . Never swing an axe into iron bark , the hardest timber on the planet , the axe bounces back and can cause injuries. Just picked up some cut blocks of wind toppled timber free on roadside area courtesy of the shire . It's not especially hard , smells like a just sharpened HB pencil , maybe it's a cyprus species . What i managed to split wasn't easy even with a 15 pound maul .Had to leave behind the tougher ones that were too heavy . This timber just absorbs the shock of the strike by deforming then reforming . I've strained my tricep anyway handling that maul. After two weeks nobody else has picked up the remaining blocks.
some log.. lol you're killing yourself, man. Experienced loggers (I cut firewood for 30 years) will take a round like that down in 2 minutes by splitting off, we used to call it 'peeling' the outside layer of the wood by making parallel splits 2" from the outside of the round, 'popping off' large, semi-round chips, and turning it each time till you are at the size you want for your board, or small enough that you can then split it in the middle, using nothing but the hand-axe.
Thank you for the video. Once I find the little axe I had in my dad's tool shed, I will start doing some chopping on a nice day. We have some extra wood outside, so I will definitely try this method.
If I may suggest don’t start across the middle of the log, start on the edge like one or two inches in from the edge that piece will come off easier than the heartwood that you’re trying to split.
That's what I would do. Start with the hatchet a few inches from the edge and hit it with the piece of wood like a wedge to take off sections around the outside. Then you have enough to start a fire and throw the middle on once you have enough embers going. I'm just thinking of the need for an immediate fire... I have a cheapy electric log splitter and when I have sections that are too big, I nip at the outsides first and work my way in. Not a weakling female, but challenged in the muscles department. I've had to think my way through many things that take brute force.
I’m a fan of trying things with minimal tools and I’m planning on making myself a cane this summer. This will be helpful for getting things started. Thanks.
Why do survival geeks try to use a knife in jobs that a hatchet is designed for? Awesome tutorial! Knife is for cutting and stabbing, hatchet, tomahawk, axes are for chopping, dah.
Are you saying we can't stab with our hatchets and tomahawks? I am 53 and just learning this. I'm going to get more knives now. TY for the information.
I get where you're comming from, there's a ton of videos where they do that. But, to be fair, the point of being a survivalist is to hone skills to survive. And training to be able to chop wood with other things than an axe is part of that.
When the old ways are discovered as new, it’s an indication of loss of heritage. My dad showed me this when I was a kid. I showed this to my boys when they were kids. To forget what was done “yesterday” is a huge loss. Cancel culture and the internet (smart phones) have made idiots of us all. People today can’t do anything without an app. It’s sad. Please continue to demonstrate the simplicity and artfulness of the “old” ways. Thanks from an old soldier and father.
Things ain’t so bad, it only seems that way because that’s all you see and hear on the news and media But yea I do agree people are very reliant on technology
🤣... I was looking into the woods behind him, the whole Darn Video Thinking the Same thing. Had TOO watch again cuz I missed HIS INFO. 🙉... WHOOP WHOOP !
@@donaldcope4982 : yes.. always know your Surroundings! Timberwolves, Cougars, Bobcats, Wolverines, badgers, Bears, Any animal Rabies Case (Foxes, Coyotes)... AND DEFINITELY... THE NORTH AMERICAN STRAIGHT BACKED GORILLA !! Their NOT Monsters! BUT, They are WILD AND DANGEROUS CREATURES . The California government admitted that they Exists , and teach that too their forestry Employees. Even giving pictures of their wildlife too Said Employees. Pictures of... Bears Wolf's Cougars Wolverines Bigfoot Bobcats Badgers Coyotes and so forth. The Federal government is protecting THEIR (300$) Billion (yes BILLION) DOLLAR A YEAR PROFIT. look it up, and learn somthing true and new today. Unless it SCARES YOU TOO MUCH TOO KNOW THE TRUTH. 🙉... WHOOP WHOOP
major correction: I was an eagle scout. It's a shame what happened to the scouts, but there were/are some REAL woodsman and naturalists within their ranks that taught real techniques, and never abused anyone, like: this is not the 'old way' you show your inexperience, so does the guy in the video..you're killing yourself, man. Experienced loggers (I cut firewood for 30 years) will take a round like that down in 2 minutes by splitting off, we used to call it 'peeling' the outside layer of the wood by making parallel splits 2" from the outside of the round, 'popping off' large, semi-round chips, and turning it each time till you are at the size you want for your board, or small enough that you can then split it in the middle, using nothing but the hand-axe.
@@AlmegaMedia I too was an Eagle and agree with what you said. However, I ignored the inefficient choice of splitting it in half and instead concentrated on learning bits of technique I didn't already know. And also just like you, I have just finished my 30th field season in the wild and am always amazed at the universe of new things I can learn. Seems the more I learn, the more I realize that I know so little. Stay safe out there!
@@cowboykelly6590 I understand that as a society we are giving BSA the Micheal Jackson treatment. But please understand. Millions of boys still had a great experience in scouts. They taught us skills that most adults never learn. They taught us how to be leaders, Independent, strong, brave, wise, respectful ect. They showed us the path to become good men and left us to walk it. Qualities that much that our youth is lacking today. In many houses screaming dweebs on fortnite are the male roll models to people's kids. Those kids will eventually suffer for it. I get it. It's easy to jump in the crowds screaming pervert. But aim that at the perverts not at others that do not deserve it. Thousands of good humble men took time out of their lives and worked hard to be the guides of new generations. We should still have respect for that.
years ago I was hiking in Montana wilderness, with no roads or trails within 10 miles in any direction. I heard what sounded like kids hoarsely screaming every night, and then one morning I heard knocking just like this; sticks banging against logs. The screeching really was haunting and my imagination went wild when I heard the sticks knocking. I was very surprised to find fresh boot prints that day, being so far from any trail or scenic destination. My imagination quickly snapped back to reality. I learned years later that the screeching I heard was actually a fox mating call. I've heard countless people describing these sounds; knocking, human-like screaming, and heavy bipedal running sounds, swearing that it can only be sasquatch and there is no other explanation. They will never accept evidence unless it supports their silly beliefs.
This kind of content is mostly watched by people already interested in the topic or able in the skill in question, it's really no wonder they put their two cents to it. No reason to be butthurt about it, either. Or did you think a fashion girl is using her time on the internet to watch survival videos, while survivalists watch fashion videos?
As he said you may never use it or your may use it all the time. Now we all have one more skill. And ever time you learn something new you become smarter. Better and the desire to keep learning keeps growing. Little videos like this are so important for keeping the desire to learn alive. Now You Know. Beautiful.
This is very strangely relevant, we had a tree come down and I mentioned we didn't have a wood splitter and sledge, suddenly youtube recommends how to split the logs with just an axe
Yeah its not just youtube listening, its any of your smartphones and tablets etc you obviously spoke about the tree and splitting wood and your phone recorded you, dont be surprised if adds for axes start showing up... its madness.
A technique similar to what many do wedging a knife in smaller material. DIY wedges. Brilliant! This little piece of knowledge is a keeper for sure. Thanks!
Yeah I don't baton my knife at all unless I'm splitting kindling. I don't abuse my knife, it's like any tool....take care of it and it'll take care of you.
@@vitoschiraldi9762 wow trigger clam down I was remembering my childhood and making a wise ass joke. I'm not baushing CC or anyone else you do you. Dam I'm sorry your life is so shitty man hope your skys clear up.
We were poor when I was a kid. We had to get creative to make do. I figured this out when I got my maul stuck in knarly grain. Seems like bushcraft and being poor are very similar.
Modern survivalism, autonomy and " Nature living " is just the rich named version of being poor or living in the country most of the time, especially in Europe. Videos about how raising chickens is very effective for a homestead when it has been done for over 1000 years ( in France at least ) is just common sense most of the time. Still makes you realize how much money there is in tools when a wood maul is free and almost as effective hahaha
@@grandvizir the act of raising chickens having been done for thousands of years in no way means everyone knows about how to do it or why they might want to...there is obviously a market for videos like that, otherwise people wouldn't be getting views on them. A guy like you or me should just be glad that these yuppie assholes still acknowledge that their food was alive once and their audience is interested in self sufficiency. You would be astonished at how many people seem to have lost touch with those points.
@@coreyg7364 for real. I'm from France, they call it " autonomy " here, like growing your own vegetable, have a couple of chickens and chopping your own wood... if you listen to them it's like they invented hot water when it's the average life of millions of people around the world and they life of their fathers/grandfathers. But yeah i see the positive side, even if the attitude of pioneer for hatching a couple of eggs and growing 2 tomatoes is a bit obnoxious hahaha
Depending on the wood and twists I would say it takes longer to split a 3 ft log even without twists maybe a piece of very soft dry wood but not likely for 90% of American who can’t even use a screwdriver.
@@barrybueler3356 nah g, I've split hundreds 3ft+ rounds of red gum (popular smoking and burning hardwood in Australia) in 2-4 blows in a line, with a hatchet smaller than the one shown. I totally agree the grain and wetness are two of the biggest factors, I'd choose a dry straight 3ft round over a gnarly 10cm one without hesitation. It takes a few hours to get the hang of it, but if you're a kid who had stick duels with siblings you get really accurate with your swings lol.
My thought exactly. That log would've needed just one blow right into the edge, and it would've split. But the point of the video was splitting a log precisely with wooden wedges.
Daniel Boon surrendered himself at the Alamo as it was taken by the Army of Mexico. He was executed by musket ball and also was 'kinda' bayoneted. Had he been a Beaver nobody buys a hide in that condition.
THAT WOULD PUT YOUR AX IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BLOCK, LEAVING THE HANDLE IN THE WAY OF STARTING THE SECOND WEDGE. TRY IT YOUR WAY AND YOUR SECOND TRY WILL BE LIKE HIS.
I used to split wood on a farm for money and 40 hours a week swinging a slitting axe and I never thought of wooden wedges. It makes sense I always had metal ones to use so never needed to think this way. It makes so much sense
For inexperienced people such as I, this is a GREAT simple video. For all you experienced people on this thread with condescending comments, why don't you put out a video like this to teach people how to survive instead of putting this guy down. Thank God for people who teach others in order to build them up rather than those who want to brag on how great they see themselves. Thanks to this guy, I have information that may turn out to be life saving for me one day.
👍
👍👍
Twenty-five years ago at an archaeology field school, our campground had big 24" rounds of fir and a few small 6" chunks of madrone. The fir was green and we only had a 3/4 axe, so every time we pulled the axe out of the round, it close up. I eventually carried over a load of split fir by the fire and everyone wanted to know where I'd found it. I told them I'd split the same fir round, pretty much the same way you did: I cut a wedge from the madrone, chopped a notches across the grain of the fir, and then split them with the wedge. Nobody believed me until I showed them. There's irony in a dozen university students studying ancient technology and only one of them had any camping, pioneering, or bushcraft skills.
Yea it’s the same in my field I work with engineers that design some pretty complex Systems however they can’t do basic shit like change oil in their car or install a door knob.
@@latenttweet The funniest moment of that trip was setting up camp. A dozen and a half college students all scrambling and borrowing the one hatchet we had to pound in their tent stakes. I walked down to the creek bed, picked up a large grapefruit sized cobble, and was quickly done.
@@Aethelgeat the BFR. Many uses.
@@latenttweet LMAO, engineers, educated idiots.
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
The important thing about self reliance skills is to have a "toolbox" of things that you know and understand so that if you ever need it, you know it. The more you know, the better you're off.
Thank you for posting this, made a lot of sense once I saw what you're doing.
Tahaan yeah that's why I learn financing, communication skills to cultivate strong relationships with others, and other useful skills to make sure I got a lot of money and plenty of people to work with and achieve goals. :p I'll never find myself alone without resources in this world.
@@donvandamnjohnsonlongfella1239 Well done.
Unbelievable. It did not take anywhere near as long as I thought it would. What a great tip, thank you.
I grew up with my grandpa, he taught me this kind of stuff when I was a kid. Thank you for bringing back some good old memories.
It's funny that this is how everything was done, but with technology the old ways are forgotten. Thankfully the team at Coalcracker haven't forgotten! Great demo! And the best part is, if you smash your gluts all up you just make more, as many as you need.
this is not the 'old way' you show your inexperience, so does the guy in the video..you're killing yourself, man. Experienced loggers (I cut firewood for 30 years) will take a round like that down in 2 minutes by splitting off, we used to call it 'peeling' the outside layer of the wood by making parallel splits 2" from the outside of the round, 'popping off' large, semi-round chips, and turning it each time till you are at the size you want for your board, or small enough that you can then split it in the middle, using nothing but the hand-axe.
@@AlmegaMedia I was more thinking about the riving of large timber into planks when I made that comment, although this video is more about firewood. I know what you’re talking about taking pieces off. I hope in 30 years you managed to get some power tools in their. Your aching back!
@@AlmegaMedia Would love to see a video, maybe post a link for us ordinary laypeople. Would be greatly appreciated.
Nah, im pretty sure the old timers used a big ass maul.
@@timhorton8085 the old timers used a froe
My first thought was that this would be a lesson a father would teach his children. Thank you for taking the time to post this. Much appreciated. God bless you.
Yes, it would definitely be inappropriate for a mother to teach this lesson to *her* children. Who knows where that could lead to?
@@arlosmith9504 calm down dear!
Omg you dont spend much ti.e in the woods do you.
I’m just getting into bushcraft and this channel is so helpful for me to learn
I love simple machines... it's about all my mind can handle these days. Thanks for sharing some great simple engineering. What's great about skills like this is that they're so versatile, so many potential uses beyond just splitting logs.
went to the allegheny national forest last weekend, hickory creek trail. i applied so many techniques you've talked about that i didn't even realize i harvested! thank you for such a wealth of videos featuring all different types of content. you're appreciated!
Also useful for getting stuck axes/knives/saws out of timber. Dan - yours is one of the few remaining bushcraft channels that I consistently come back to! All about the skills, love it! All the best, Andy
@Evilstorm11 yes
@Evilstorm11 whatever bud. I'm here for the skills 👍
You gotta check out Skillcult.
@@davidmeyer6908 Cheers David, I'll head over there.
I split large logs with a hatchet a lot. I just don't split down the middle. I chip off 1/4 to 1/3 of the log, turn, repeat. You end up with 3 or 4 outer pieces and the core.
Yeah you must have that lost skill called " common sense". If people need a video to show them this, they should stay out of the woods. No wonder so many big foot sightings.
@galonvyu raven house LOLOLOL!
@galonvyu raven house Ha! That is so true! And, very sadly, funny. And we're all supposed to be so much more sophisticated, clever and "grown up" nowadays.....
(Another example is the warning on the side of a milk carton :- "WARNING, contains milk" 🙄 , etc etc.)
That's all well and good if you're just trying to get some dry wood for a fire but sometimes when you're trying to craft a certain item you need to split it down the middle.
@galonvyu raven house actually in a pinch that stuff can be a good substitute for vermouth
Thank you sir. Many, many years ago we used to make wedges and mauls from dogwood. When dry, you could split just about anything you needed to. Thank you for bringing back a few memories.
"Glut" is my new word for the day. I couldn't find it in common dictionaries, but a "glut" is a wooden wedge used to split timbers green from the woods.
Gluten is the one who gluts, it's hard work so they are a gluten for punishment. Glutee is the log that was glutened and glutor is the guy with the gluts. Glutenning is the work performed by the glutee, hope that helps your vocabulary :)
@@billsias42 bit of gluttony on the gluts there brother 😉 I _like_ it!
@@billsias42
I thought glutens were supposed to be unhealthy -
@@billsias42 😂🤣 gluten free you say!
I have a gluten intolerance myself.😁
@@cindyroy8541 such a silly yak .
Nice, simple, clear and no music
"It's not ideal but its do-able." Honesty is always best on a first date.
Lol 😂
🤫🥰=🤫 LMBO
LOL
BAHAHAHA..🤣🙉
lmao
I was taught that method last century by my grandad who was born the century before that. Nice to see someone else knows;-)
Nice to see someone teaching it.
Fascinating. This is definitely a concept I could use since I never take anything bigger than a hatchet out camping, and have often thought how much nicer a small bench would be compared to sitting on a stump. Thank you sir.
I've watched several of your videos and I am completely hooked!
The information your sharing is invaluable for survival and learning the skills necessary to be prepared while out in the wilderness.
You personally have the character and personality that makes it interesting.
The way this old world is turning nowadays, your skills may be something we should all know, especially when i see videos of teenagers who can't open a can of peaches when the electricity went out and didn't know how to use a manual can opener.
Thanks for not just posting but for teaching.
I always enjoy your videos, and this was no exception. Good job of educating newbies to the outdoor world! This is a technique that I have used many times over the years.
I’m impressed, I never considered using a piece of a branch as a wedge. I use my little hatchet and a hammer and pound my hatchet thru the log to split it . Got to watch out for knots though, makes it a lot harder to split the log less you cut thru the knots with your hatchet. I done that but not usually easy! I’ll definitely remember those branch wedges though, that’s going to come in handy someday I’m sure!
I used my finger as a wedge one time... damn that Fucken hurt, but it worked LOL
you're killing yourself, man. Experienced loggers (I cut firewood for 30 years) will take a round like that down in 2 minutes by splitting off, we used to call it 'peeling' the outside layer of the wood by making parallel splits 2" from the outside of the round, 'popping off' large, semi-round chips, and turning it each time till you are at the size you want for your board, or small enough that you can then split it in the middle, using nothing but the hand-axe.
Your like a kid in a candy store in the woods and that’s a great thing! Love your videos, keep them coming!
I know how he feels. I got a new hatchet 🪓 and was out in the dark last night chopping kindling.
If just for firewood, just start splitting the sides off in small pieces and work your way around the log.
That's what I did when I was only splitting logs for firewood. Or I would just say, Fuck it, and start hitting it REALLY hard anywhere I could. The ax is metal, with enough persistence it will split most logs eventually, and get you some "shavings" in the process to help you start that fire.
I wasn’t quite sure what I was about to watch but being an avid camper I was grateful to see this. As soon as you turned that log into a wedge I caught on but admit it’s not something I thought of myself so I am grateful.
Thank you💪that's a skill this old gal can use. NE Pa. here
This is excellent knowledge to have. Thanks for putting that together.
I've used some branches less than an inch in diameter to split some pretty big hunks of wood. Simple machines are best machines.
Well done 👍, all the tools that you carry with you to survive, is very important. If you destroy or lose any of them, it's almost like losing a limb. 🙏
I appreciate that you recognize and point out that splitting wood is for projects.
Alot of people don't realize splitting your wood in most survival situations is a waste of time and energy. Just feed the logs into the fire. You can do it with an entire tree.
In every single survival situation where a fire large enough and hot enough to burn logs of this size is needed. Kindling and progressively larger fuel will be required. If you disagree then feel free to explain how you would go from tinder to 8 inch log without splitting. Especially in the rain.
Amazing video man. I've done a little wild camping and seen tons of logs like this but thought it was to much of a pain to split them. I'm definitely going to try this next time. Thanks for the tips man. Very useful.
I used this a bunch this last spring when I took my family backpacking. Got a ways out and there wasn't any small wood to be found but some nice huge logs that no one was able to process down. Other campers in the area came over to see what I was doing because the wood in this area of the forest was so picked over.
My uncle showed me this when I was a child. I thought to myself "What good is this information?"
Now you reminded me of it and I see what I didn't as a small child. Thank you so much!
Great advice. You can even chop a large "club" to pound the wedges. Gaining exponentially more force. My only criticism is to make thinner wedges. It seems counter intuitive but force on an inclined plane equals rise over run.
Traditional Tools you sound smart. How would you do living on Mars?
This is why I love this channel. Very useable
information.
Watching this guy is never a
waste of time.
I watch so many of these I rarely learn anything new anymore but auto like these videos for teaching important skills to people.
This brings back memories as a kid of splitting wood for fun.
Fun and great exercise my Friend. When we are at our little shack in the Boreal forest, I usually split wood anywhere from one to 2 hours a day. I love it.
Great explanation, man has Been splitting everything, even stone with the same or similar technique for ever. Sometimes the old and simple is the most practical. Wedges are great. Mechanical advantage. Good show! We made fence post out of black locust like this as a kid.
I think I'm reminded of archeologists showing marble b l ocks split with aid of wooden wedges as per the pyramids.
“It's not ideal but it works”
Backpacking into camp with a full size axe and all your wood working tools is what's not ideal! This method absolutely IS ideal. Great demo.
I always carry an axe in my bag while backpacking. It always comes in hand and it’s not that much extra weight to carry. I won’t go out in the woods without it.
@@s.greasey7654 I think if you tried a good hatchet you'd never go back: we're not taking ounces here, we're taking several pounds lighter. You have to get one with the right profile, but I find with the additional accuracy to each blow a hatchet will do everything an axe will do in roughly the same time, assuming I'm not full out felling trees. And if that's my plan for the day, I'm hiking in with a chain saw.
@@wilfdarr I should have better described what I keep in my pack. I’m not carrying a full size axe. Its appears to be a little smaller in size than what’s shown in the video and weights only 3 maybe 4 lbs. I also carry a one man tent, ultralight sleeping bag and some other small items. I don’t carry a heavy load because I usually don’t spend more than one night on my hikes. Trying a hatchet is definitely not out of the question tho.
in WHAT backpacking situation does one encounter perfectly cut, weathered and dried rounds of wood just *waiting* to be split???
this is utter nonsense. if i found that perfect dry round in the woods i’d friggin SIT ON IT, not burn it!
the amount of people who have never been *anywhere* but still manage to populate the comment sections is mind bending
@@ericlook5142 Doesn't have to be perfectly cut: I've felled trees with my hatchet (nothing “perfect about a tree brought down by a hatchet but it certainly gets the job done!) and then split them. Fact that you don't know the technique tells me you're the one who has no bush experience. Go get some before you come back shooting your mouth off son.
Very useful. Thank you brother.
Great info man. First time viewer. I can attest to this being a successful technique, I have been able to split large logs of 12 inches plus diameter with just a small hatchet and some wedges I made on the spot. Awesome tool for the toolbox.
This is how medieval carpentry was done. Once slabbed the fairly even face is pretty easily shaved/planed/sanded.
This still works quite well today for woodworking with hand tools and firewood.
You may also watch Odvoko at work .
Nice trick! Makes me less self-conscious about the size of my axe ;)
@Nick Halden or use a wooden wedge? ];>
Haaaa !!! Small ax envy...
🤣
Many Thanks Mr. Dan, for sharing another bit of your encyclopedic bushcraft knowledge with us. The old adage, "knowledge is power" is reaffirmed with of your videos. Stay well & safe ... Cheers.
I carry a hatchet regularly while out scouting areas. This is always good knowledge to pass along. Thanks for a great video!
This technique is especially useful instead of batoning your knife blade through a small to medium log.
Your bushcraft knife easily makes the wedges and starts the split. Then any other piece of wood hammers the wooden wedges in and splits the log.
Better idea than risking your knife in the woods.
Yes. something good to know. . I used that same idea cutting a nut off of a bolt. Drill a very small hole in the nut then a bigger one until the nut gives way.
That sounds completely nuts but I think I'm going to try it
"what do you do without wedges? Well first thing we're gonna do is make some wedges"
If all you have is a big log...start by making gluts out of smaller logs
you're killing yourself, man. Experienced loggers (I cut firewood for 30 years) will take a round like that down in 2 minutes by splitting off, we used to call it 'peeling' the outside layer of the wood by making parallel splits 2" from the outside of the round, 'popping off' large, semi-round chips, and turning it each time till you are at the size you want for your board, or small enough that you can then split it in the middle, using nothing but the hand-axe.
You are crazy man, I can break that log in two,with a single blow.😎
@@AlmegaMedia You ain't nobody
@@AlmegaMedia That will work for processing it down for firewood are smaller projects. However, if you need to do something bigger that simply won't work.
Great demonstration! You never know when a trick like this could save your life.
Good video I had to do this once about ten years ago, patience is the key
love how your softwoods make life so easy. Try your skills here in Australia where ALL our timber is hardwood,with many much harder than oak.Our gumtrees also ten to have swirly grain.
and your father walked to school uphill in snowstorms, both ways. Shut up.
@@fudgefudge8913 chill bro, he just gave a fun fact. jeez.
Yes , for messmate and redgum it helps to let it age and crack out in the hot summer sun first . Never swing an axe into iron bark , the hardest timber on the planet , the axe bounces back and can cause injuries. Just picked up some cut blocks of wind toppled timber free on roadside area courtesy of the shire . It's not especially hard , smells like a just sharpened HB pencil , maybe it's a cyprus species . What i managed to split wasn't easy even with a 15 pound maul .Had to leave behind the tougher ones that were too heavy . This timber just absorbs the shock of the strike by deforming then reforming . I've strained my tricep anyway handling that maul. After two weeks nobody else has picked up the remaining blocks.
I’ve had to do this myself making my first bench. Exactly the same issue.
I accidentally split my log whilst making the score line.
😁
Well you're gonna have to start all over now!
some log.. lol
you're killing yourself, man. Experienced loggers (I cut firewood for 30 years) will take a round like that down in 2 minutes by splitting off, we used to call it 'peeling' the outside layer of the wood by making parallel splits 2" from the outside of the round, 'popping off' large, semi-round chips, and turning it each time till you are at the size you want for your board, or small enough that you can then split it in the middle, using nothing but the hand-axe.
@@AlmegaMedia - Wow
@@AlmegaMedia with an axe like he had?
I've used this method many times great skill to know glad you showed it to others. Be safe brother.
When you are good at what you do you make it look easy.
You can also use this wood wedge method to build an entire gallows. This is referred to as ' glutin' for punishment '...
I’ve just developed a major ‘glutin’ allergy...
That joke was terrible... and I loved it. Bravo sir
I can’t stop laughing 😂
This trick also works while trying to split a log horizontal as well, if you need a longer log.
Good title and good video, brother.
Hey hey Gray Bearded Green Beret! Yeah this is a nice little Gem isnt it. Love your videos too !
Love your videos man
Very good
^Don't listen to them^ they both started their TH-cam accounts less than a week ago. You could not have a more obvious scammer.
Whoa ! This video was on my recommended somehow - must be because I follow GB^2! Agree! Great video!
Now that's what you call resourceful. This is a very useful tip, ty.
Thank you for the video. Once I find the little axe I had in my dad's tool shed, I will start doing some chopping on a nice day. We have some extra wood outside, so I will definitely try this method.
Ya never know...The way things look this info may come in handy
You can do on the round,outer side of longer logs if you have two or three wood wedges.
If I may suggest don’t start across the middle of the log, start on the edge like one or two inches in from the edge that piece will come off easier than the heartwood that you’re trying to split.
That's what I would do. Start with the hatchet a few inches from the edge and hit it with the piece of wood like a wedge to take off sections around the outside. Then you have enough to start a fire and throw the middle on once you have enough embers going. I'm just thinking of the need for an immediate fire... I have a cheapy electric log splitter and when I have sections that are too big, I nip at the outsides first and work my way in. Not a weakling female, but challenged in the muscles department. I've had to think my way through many things that take brute force.
I’m a fan of trying things with minimal tools and I’m planning on making myself a cane this summer. This will be helpful for getting things started. Thanks.
Hi Dan, thank you for this tip in splitting wood with an axe; incredibly simple technique that most people would not think of!!! Ranger Brian
A two inch auger bit can make a nice rocket stove in wood like that. Minimum radiant heat and maximum efficiency for summertime cooking.
Why do survival geeks try to use a knife in jobs that a hatchet is designed for? Awesome tutorial! Knife is for cutting and stabbing, hatchet, tomahawk, axes are for chopping, dah.
Are you saying we can't stab with our hatchets and tomahawks? I am 53 and just learning this. I'm going to get more knives now. TY for the information.
I get where you're comming from, there's a ton of videos where they do that. But, to be fair, the point of being a survivalist is to hone skills to survive. And training to be able to chop wood with other things than an axe is part of that.
When the old ways are discovered as new, it’s an indication of loss of heritage. My dad showed me this when I was a kid. I showed this to my boys when they were kids. To forget what was done “yesterday” is a huge loss. Cancel culture and the internet (smart phones) have made idiots of us all. People today can’t do anything without an app. It’s sad. Please continue to demonstrate the simplicity and artfulness of the “old” ways. Thanks from an old soldier and father.
Things ain’t so bad, it only seems that way because that’s all you see and hear on the news and media
But yea I do agree people are very reliant on technology
Exactly what I needed to know to make my bird house. BLESS YOU!
Merci from Montreal, Canada.
And from Iran 🇮🇷
Should have been called - *"How to bring Sasquatch into your camp for the night."*
Tree knocks !
This comment is approved by Matt Moneymaker
Yeah....OK?
🤣... I was looking into the woods behind him, the whole Darn Video
Thinking the Same thing. Had TOO watch again cuz I missed HIS INFO. 🙉...
WHOOP WHOOP !
@@donaldcope4982 : yes.. always know your Surroundings!
Timberwolves, Cougars, Bobcats, Wolverines, badgers, Bears, Any animal Rabies Case (Foxes, Coyotes)... AND
DEFINITELY...
THE NORTH AMERICAN STRAIGHT BACKED GORILLA !! Their NOT Monsters! BUT, They are WILD AND DANGEROUS CREATURES .
The California government admitted that they Exists , and teach that too their forestry Employees. Even giving pictures of their wildlife too Said Employees.
Pictures of... Bears
Wolf's
Cougars
Wolverines
Bigfoot
Bobcats
Badgers
Coyotes and so forth. The Federal government is protecting THEIR (300$) Billion (yes BILLION) DOLLAR A YEAR PROFIT. look it up, and learn somthing true and new today. Unless it SCARES YOU TOO MUCH TOO KNOW THE TRUTH. 🙉... WHOOP WHOOP
They taught us this in Boy Scouts. RIP Boy Scouts.
major correction: I was an eagle scout. It's a shame what happened to the scouts, but there were/are some REAL woodsman and naturalists within their ranks that taught real techniques, and never abused anyone, like: this is not the 'old way' you show your inexperience, so does the guy in the video..you're killing yourself, man. Experienced loggers (I cut firewood for 30 years) will take a round like that down in 2 minutes by splitting off, we used to call it 'peeling' the outside layer of the wood by making parallel splits 2" from the outside of the round, 'popping off' large, semi-round chips, and turning it each time till you are at the size you want for your board, or small enough that you can then split it in the middle, using nothing but the hand-axe.
@@AlmegaMedia I too was an Eagle and agree with what you said. However, I ignored the inefficient choice of splitting it in half and instead concentrated on learning bits of technique I didn't already know. And also just like you, I have just finished my 30th field season in the wild and am always amazed at the universe of new things I can learn. Seems the more I learn, the more I realize that I know so little. Stay safe out there!
You mean RIP. PERVERTED Boy Scouts!
CREEPY...and they tried to get the girl scouts to join together with them .
The women KNEW TOO SAY "NO THANKS".
@@AlmegaMedia : Sooo... let's NOT CLEAN YOUR CLOSETS THEN !
maybe the troop leader... LIKED A DIFFERENT LIL BOY, AND NOT YOU .
@@cowboykelly6590 I understand that as a society we are giving BSA the Micheal Jackson treatment. But please understand. Millions of boys still had a great experience in scouts. They taught us skills that most adults never learn. They taught us how to be leaders, Independent, strong, brave, wise, respectful ect.
They showed us the path to become good men and left us to walk it. Qualities that much that our youth is lacking today. In many houses screaming dweebs on fortnite are the male roll models to people's kids. Those kids will eventually suffer for it.
I get it. It's easy to jump in the crowds screaming pervert. But aim that at the perverts not at others that do not deserve it. Thousands of good humble men took time out of their lives and worked hard to be the guides of new generations. We should still have respect for that.
Some people say that wood knocks mean Sasquatch, me thinks it's just a guy that forgot his splitting maul. 😋
years ago I was hiking in Montana wilderness, with no roads or trails within 10 miles in any direction. I heard what sounded like kids hoarsely screaming every night, and then one morning I heard knocking just like this; sticks banging against logs. The screeching really was haunting and my imagination went wild when I heard the sticks knocking. I was very surprised to find fresh boot prints that day, being so far from any trail or scenic destination. My imagination quickly snapped back to reality. I learned years later that the screeching I heard was actually a fox mating call. I've heard countless people describing these sounds; knocking, human-like screaming, and heavy bipedal running sounds, swearing that it can only be sasquatch and there is no other explanation. They will never accept evidence unless it supports their silly beliefs.
Well done, sir. I found this useful, and clear, and it's something not everyone talks about. I'm a fan now.
Great tip...thanks for the video!
I tried his technique on a fallen telephone pole. I still work at it on the weekends. It's ardous, but I get a free land line! 🤔
Basically, the tecnique i use at work to split open a Parmesan Wheel XD
Looks like a WHOLE lotta people around here should start their Own Channels...because EVERYONE'S an Expert apparently.....
@PompierCanadien Yup.
You've run into a survival problem...
"Just drink your own urine."
-Bear Grylls
This kind of content is mostly watched by people already interested in the topic or able in the skill in question, it's really no wonder they put their two cents to it. No reason to be butthurt about it, either. Or did you think a fashion girl is using her time on the internet to watch survival videos, while survivalists watch fashion videos?
@PompierCanadien works every time!
I watched the entire video. Now youtube will send more videos about chopping wood. I am excited.
As he said you may never use it or your may use it all the time. Now we all have one more skill. And ever time you learn something new you become smarter. Better and the desire to keep learning keeps growing. Little videos like this are so important for keeping the desire to learn alive. Now You Know. Beautiful.
love when his wood hes using to hammer on that axe just busts in half and he totally ignores it
it happens lmaoo
That's what she said
You're in a forest and your biggest problem is you have to find a new stick...
Nice Job bro
I love you bro
This is very strangely relevant, we had a tree come down and I mentioned we didn't have a wood splitter and sledge, suddenly youtube recommends how to split the logs with just an axe
TH-cam is always listening. Always.
Yeah its not just youtube listening, its any of your smartphones and tablets etc you obviously spoke about the tree and splitting wood and your phone recorded you, dont be surprised if adds for axes start showing up... its madness.
A technique similar to what many do wedging a knife in smaller material.
DIY wedges. Brilliant! This little piece of knowledge is a keeper for sure.
Thanks!
Awesome knowledge and perseverance!
What you just showed and taught, is indispensable.
Thanks.
I remember being taught to split wood like this before the internet and the rise of everyone beating there dam knives through wood.
Yep, we learned this in Boy Scouts about 15 years ago. Lol
Yeah I don't baton my knife at all unless I'm splitting kindling. I don't abuse my knife, it's like any tool....take care of it and it'll take care of you.
Not everyone had the luck to learn stuff in the woods as a boy scout, so videos like this are nonetheless very useful
@@vitoschiraldi9762 wow trigger clam down I was remembering my childhood and making a wise ass joke. I'm not baushing CC or anyone else you do you. Dam I'm sorry your life is so shitty man hope your skys clear up.
@@Outcaste153 sounds like you're the one that needs to calm down... sheesh.
Great stuff!! Multiple angles to complete a task is better than relying on one only. I look forward to your educational videos!!
You know Coalcracker was just flexing for the Corporal when he picked up the "bigger log". 😂😂🤔
I can hear Corporal Kelly now. *Easy Peezy, Lemon Squeezy*
We were poor when I was a kid. We had to get creative to make do. I figured this out when I got my maul stuck in knarly grain. Seems like bushcraft and being poor are very similar.
Modern survivalism, autonomy and " Nature living " is just the rich named version of being poor or living in the country most of the time, especially in Europe. Videos about how raising chickens is very effective for a homestead when it has been done for over 1000 years ( in France at least ) is just common sense most of the time. Still makes you realize how much money there is in tools when a wood maul is free and almost as effective hahaha
@@grandvizir the act of raising chickens having been done for thousands of years in no way means everyone knows about how to do it or why they might want to...there is obviously a market for videos like that, otherwise people wouldn't be getting views on them. A guy like you or me should just be glad that these yuppie assholes still acknowledge that their food was alive once and their audience is interested in self sufficiency. You would be astonished at how many people seem to have lost touch with those points.
Bushcraft / field craft and poor / homeless..I'm ready.
@@coreyg7364 for real. I'm from France, they call it " autonomy " here, like growing your own vegetable, have a couple of chickens and chopping your own wood... if you listen to them it's like they invented hot water when it's the average life of millions of people around the world and they life of their fathers/grandfathers. But yeah i see the positive side, even if the attitude of pioneer for hatching a couple of eggs and growing 2 tomatoes is a bit obnoxious hahaha
Great video and a useful skill to have when backpacking. Nice to see someone do something hands-on that doesn't require a smartphone app.
Great demonstration. Patients is key.5 stars
I know that hatchet could split 3ft diameter rounds in seconds, especially if they're cut as short as your log and have a nice strait grain.
Depending on the wood and twists I would say it takes longer to split a 3 ft log even without twists maybe a piece of very soft dry wood but not likely for 90% of American who can’t even use a screwdriver.
@@barrybueler3356 nah g, I've split hundreds 3ft+ rounds of red gum (popular smoking and burning hardwood in Australia) in 2-4 blows in a line, with a hatchet smaller than the one shown.
I totally agree the grain and wetness are two of the biggest factors, I'd choose a dry straight 3ft round over a gnarly 10cm one without hesitation.
It takes a few hours to get the hang of it, but if you're a kid who had stick duels with siblings you get really accurate with your swings lol.
My thought exactly. That log would've needed just one blow right into the edge, and it would've split. But the point of the video was splitting a log precisely with wooden wedges.
3:05 I could not stop saying "that's what she said"
"We dont have metal wedges..."
Me: I see where this is going
Very helpful. This might save a life someday and you never be aware of it. But it's a wonderful thing to share important skills. Thanks -
Love and appreciate all your videos this day and time so refreshing
He's a tree splittin beaver catchin Daniel Boon kinda dude.
Daniel Boon surrendered himself
at the Alamo as it was taken by
the Army of Mexico. He was
executed by musket ball and
also was 'kinda' bayoneted.
Had he been a Beaver nobody
buys a hide in that condition.
Good video. But I would have just started splitting from the outside in.
THAT WOULD PUT YOUR AX IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BLOCK, LEAVING THE HANDLE IN THE WAY OF STARTING THE SECOND WEDGE. TRY IT YOUR WAY AND YOUR SECOND TRY WILL BE LIKE HIS.
so your saying ... *there are wedges*
sure, i can see a city-slicker being in the woods for the first time not knowing wedges.
I got my first wedgie in elementary school. 🤗
That thing split open way sooner than I thought it would. Satisfying to watch and powerful info to have. Thanks bro
It helps he was working along the grain instead of across it.
I used to split wood on a farm for money and 40 hours a week swinging a slitting axe and I never thought of wooden wedges. It makes sense I always had metal ones to use so never needed to think this way. It makes so much sense