Heck yeah Kevin !! Great video man. Really interesting idea there using bondo to shape the handle, after longer use with no gloves does it start to bother your hands at all. As far a the basque axe goes I have zero experience with them, but they to tickle my fancy and I think you did a great job to ameliorate a common problem to the basque or shop fit axes in general. I believe the most people that see this video and have similar issues will definitely follow in your foot steps!! Great job on the goat skin collar as well I’ve been wanting to try that simple yet effective fix. 👍 fantastic job !!
Thanks Joey, I’ve used bondo once before on an axe and once to fix a knife handle. th-cam.com/video/jW9OmZlRwi4/w-d-xo.html. I painted this one. I haven’t and can’t imagine having any issues with it. You’re a car guy. You know it can be made as smooth as a baby’s bottom if you like. I’d say wait out the basque buying craz and hope they sort out the forging issues we’ve been seeing. Thankfully this is a slightly older one and I haven’t had any issues with the steel yet.
@@KevinsDisobedience oh yeah man you can make bondo like silk if you take your time, that’s a great idea and I’ll def check out the video you linked !! That’s good that you have an older model, I see a lot of guys with the new ones having issues with the boys cracking. Yeah I know how I can be I get in my head that I want it then I’ll go buy it lol. I’ll let it be for a while and maybe come across one used who knows. They sure do look like a fun axe to use !!
Great video again, Kevin and great fitment in that eye. I've tested this axe and it only misses that poll you can use to drive wood wedges or spikes into the ground or other pieces of wood. I also tested a similar weight and length but thinner bladed Sauerland and it performed awesome for bucking. The splitting is not awesome, though. Anyway, you're right: this is a great kind of axe one could pack for some bushcraft/camping trips.
Thanks, I honestly have no trouble pounding stakes with this. I use the back, but you can use the side of you need to, but I rarely need to as I just push them in with my foot. And it’s definitely not the greatest splitter, but it will split small rounds, which is all you really need to do on camping trips. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment-means a lot.
Hi Kevin, the "p" on the sheath is for "pequeña", tha means small in spanish. On the 1,5 kg. Sheath there's an "M" for mediana or medium, and "G" on the large one (grande) 😉
Great mods! I’ve definitely come to enjoy the basques since I got my hands on one. I’ve been experimenting on making them “more American” changing up handle lengths and just the ways in which I’m using them. It’s too bad there isn’t much out there like it, the geometry rocks! Like you said it’s hard to support them. The most recent basque I got from lamnia has noticeably softer steel than the older one I got on eBay. Handles just suck. Haven’t had a straight one yet. Even ordered some spares and they’re all warped to some degree. Love the idea of a camp axe. Small axes are the most fun! Don’t think you can beat that basque as far as versatility. Really cool!
My thoughts exactly. Great geometry, steel is a crap shoot, and you’re guaranteed to get a bad handle and hang. I will likely put my 1.5 on a Basque racing handle, but would definitely be cool to pop it on a standard hardware style handle as well.
@@KevinsDisobedience Hey Kevin don't hesitate to do that, i've done it on mines. I've used ochsenkopf hickory spare handles with wedge. It's a little bit trickie due to the eye size, but doable. Personally i don't have any problem with the slip fit handles and no obe has moved in a year of use (i'd had to cut off all of them), just don't like the size and i was boored during Covid isolation.....
I’m sure that would work too so long as you didn’t go too thick. The main thing I hope to communicate here is don’t be afraid to experiment. That was the goal. Raceresque!
How do you go from getting the snow plow stuck 5 days ago to shirtless chopping today ?? That is such a nice little axe. I regret not getting one a few years ago when the quality seemed to be much better. Scared to order one now.
Just the way PA is at the tail end of winter. The footage was shot three days apart lol. This axe is two years old. But I’m not sure how much that matters. Ben had a three year old one and he thought he was safe, but Simon used it for one day and a big chunk came out of it like my racer. I’d wait if you can.
I have a friction fit tomahawk from Cold Steel. It was hung terribly to begin with, but I was able to make the top of the handle gradually flare out. No more wobble. That being said, yours is definitely not coming lose now! Looks good
Good to hear you were able to fix it. The problem with these beech handles is they shrink so much. My 1.5 shrank almost a 1/4” after I received it, so there’s not enough material to fix it. I think they’re rushing the curing process to get these on the market asap. Basically making hay while the sunshines, which I can’t blame them for, but I also can’t support them until the course correct. Thanks
Surprisingly I don’t find the no pole an issue. You can still pound with this no problem, and if you really had to you could use the side, but I’ll I’m ever pounding is a few sticks in the mud or something like that.
It’s the straight bit. I used to swear by straight bits because of some theory about overlapping cut penetration, but now, after having used both, I don’t find it matters a lot of at all.
Well done on the mod. I know if I ever got one of those the first thing I'd do is do a traditional hang. I just can't imagine an instance where being able to replace the handle quickly would trump having a tight fit!
Works anyway, but only if the head is fixed. I’m still convinced there is a way to tack on a swell to a slipfit handle and then remove it afterwards. Not that theirs a big market or need for such an invention, but I’m always thinking lol.
I wish the heat treatment wasnt so hit or miss on these. As for the slip fit, mine came loose pretty quick but I just kept using it until it stopped moving haha.
@@KevinsDisobedience I imagine as long as you are careful you can avoid the serious damage mine sustained. Also Im stealing That bondo palm swell idea, thats gonna save me tons of time.
I've got the same axe, it performs well for its size. The only issue I've had with it is the wood sap getting stuck on the polished axe head. Had to use a solvent and a sand paper to make it shine again. The polished axe head is pretty but is, imho, not practical.
I love that you built a palm swell on an axe without one being a guy who generally cuts beautiful palm swells off. Haha. I’m always saving piece of wood for this and that too. Like you don’t usually get back around to them. Also I keep a rasp in the field with a file sone spare wedges and a small can of BLO and wax
Lol I’m just experimenting. I don’t mind no swell on a really light axe, actually prefer it, but I’ve changed my preference on slightly heavier axes. Also these Basques are so thin down by the hook because of the nature of the slipfit. I should probably toss a couple wedges in my kit. That’s a good idea.
I have the same thoughts on slip fit handle portability. People will say the same thing for the froe. I mean how many people are still going into the woods like chairmakers used to and actually making the handle out there? I am going to wedge my froe soon. There's just so few actual real world circumstances where you need to remove a handle.
I concur. Does that even make it more packable? I mean it doesn’t make it any smaller, unless you are indeed going to make a handle out there, which would damn near take you all day to make something comfortable. Never used a froe myself. I do have some ash I’d like to slab into blanks. Maybe a good future project.
@@KevinsDisobedience I've processed 50+ white oak handle billets recently and the froe is a massive part of that. It's not a must but there's no controlling a split without it.
Review the woox 22 inch axe its a good slip fit I have one and this axe you have and the qc isn’t even comparable your my have to file the woox but it cuts and splits really good
I’ll have to try it someday. But 22” is pushing it on handle length for actual wood processing, and I’m really not a fan of slips, but if I get my hands on one I will definitely give it a fair shake, as I do with every review.
If you’re in the States Lamnia.com is your only real option. Bushcraft Spain sells B-grades for quite a mark up, but then they usually have some in stock whereas Lamnia doesn’t. I have a few other videos on these Basque axes. You might want to watch those too, as they do have their problems-especially the heavier, keener bits.
It’s not just when you have the money. They’re always sold out. Bushcraft Spain often has some, but they’re selling B-Grade for more money. Sign up on Lamnia’s email list of you haven’t already. They’ll notify you when they’re in stock.
When you get shorter than about 24” I consider it more of a large hatchet. I like a “boys axe” for hiking. I would be interested in learning how you store your axes. Rack stack or hang etc. I have been making snap straps with a T strap and grommet to go around the handle at the bottom and hang head down on the wall. I’ve got axes and hatchets scattered here and there but have thought about making a “wall of axes” to get all of them in one place if that’s even possible. One day my wife saw 10-12 axes laid out on the garage floor (as I was considering what needed what) and she asked how many axes we had. I wasn’t sure. She said “you’re 64 years old. How many axes are you gonna wear out before you die?” All of them, said I.
Hahaha, I love your wife’s question and your response. I’ve mostly just hung them from a pipe in my basement, but since we’ve moved their just leaning against the wall. I know, I know…not ideal. I’ll sort it out sometime soon.
@@KevinsDisobedience just curious, did you put your axe head all the way to the beginning of the shaft in boiled linseed oil overnight? I think it would create a much tighter hold on the head. If you only touch up the wood, it's not enough and any tomahawk type may get loose. Contrary to what may think, the bigger the bearing surface of the axe head on the wood, as on these Urnieta axes, the bigger the chance it will loosen up by rocking it out of the wood repeatedly.
What’s that in pounds? Kidding, but I did have to use the googler. Also, I like the rough look of the axe personally. Lastly, it was 22 Celsius in Indiana today🤣
@@IndianaDoug If I lived in the U.S I think I would possibly pursue that. I’m in Canada and we’re already on the metric system. :) Thats amazing you guys had 22 Celsius today. Here it was 7 Celsius. That sunshine and warmth definitely changes the mood. Cheers!
So what this video means is that this ax is not for sale. Unless you're planning on making more, it was really disappointing to learn that this thing is heavily modified and I can't buy it.
All modern axes need to be heavily modified if you want an efficient chopping axe. Part of axemanship is learning how to do these things. You can still buy these axes online, and they work great right out of the box-better than any other production axe on the market. They’re just usually short on stock, so check lamnia.com often.
Most people's eyeballs are rolling in their skulls and out their butts over all the modifications you've done to that axe. Ruining the resale value and all the other criticisms.
Yeah, I’m aware. I never worry about that, especially the resale value because I’m going to use it not collect it. Thanks as always for watching and for commenting.
@@KevinsDisobedience Right? Seriously, what do they expect from keeping and collecting axes and stuff like that if they're not going to use it at all? I wanted to say more in my earlier post but ended up hitting the post tab too early. That's some damn nice work on your axe though. With the collar and palm swell there's no doubt that it is your axe. This axe is mine, there are many like it, but this one is mine.
@@IndianaDoug right! I was scrolling TH-cam when I got the notification. Immediately clicked and saw chris had beaten me by 53 seconds. Kind of suspicious 🧐
Thankyou for this video. Both my Basque axes also came loose and this video gives me the incentive to wedge it.
I’m glad I made it then. Works well. Hasn’t come loose since.
Heck yeah Kevin !! Great video man. Really interesting idea there using bondo to shape the handle, after longer use with no gloves does it start to bother your hands at all. As far a the basque axe goes I have zero experience with them, but they to tickle my fancy and I think you did a great job to ameliorate a common problem to the basque or shop fit axes in general. I believe the most people that see this video and have similar issues will definitely follow in your foot steps!! Great job on the goat skin collar as well I’ve been wanting to try that simple yet effective fix. 👍 fantastic job !!
Thanks Joey, I’ve used bondo once before on an axe and once to fix a knife handle. th-cam.com/video/jW9OmZlRwi4/w-d-xo.html. I painted this one. I haven’t and can’t imagine having any issues with it. You’re a car guy. You know it can be made as smooth as a baby’s bottom if you like. I’d say wait out the basque buying craz and hope they sort out the forging issues we’ve been seeing. Thankfully this is a slightly older one and I haven’t had any issues with the steel yet.
@@KevinsDisobedience oh yeah man you can make bondo like silk if you take your time, that’s a great idea and I’ll def check out the video you linked !! That’s good that you have an older model, I see a lot of guys with the new ones having issues with the boys cracking. Yeah I know how I can be I get in my head that I want it then I’ll go buy it lol. I’ll let it be for a while and maybe come across one used who knows. They sure do look like a fun axe to use !!
Great video again, Kevin and great fitment in that eye. I've tested this axe and it only misses that poll you can use to drive wood wedges or spikes into the ground or other pieces of wood. I also tested a similar weight and length but thinner bladed Sauerland and it performed awesome for bucking. The splitting is not awesome, though. Anyway, you're right: this is a great kind of axe one could pack for some bushcraft/camping trips.
Thanks, I honestly have no trouble pounding stakes with this. I use the back, but you can use the side of you need to, but I rarely need to as I just push them in with my foot. And it’s definitely not the greatest splitter, but it will split small rounds, which is all you really need to do on camping trips. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment-means a lot.
Hi Kevin, the "p" on the sheath is for "pequeña", tha means small in spanish.
On the 1,5 kg. Sheath there's an "M" for mediana or medium, and "G" on the large one (grande) 😉
Hahaha thanks, that clears things up
Definitely looks a lot more useable now.
Never thought about using bondo on a swell before. 🤔 please let me know how that holds up.
Works well. I’ve done it before. Check out this video: th-cam.com/video/jW9OmZlRwi4/w-d-xo.html
👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏
A Basque is still on my must have list.
I don’t blame you. They are the best geometry on the market today.
Great mods! I’ve definitely come to enjoy the basques since I got my hands on one. I’ve been experimenting on making them “more American” changing up handle lengths and just the ways in which I’m using them. It’s too bad there isn’t much out there like it, the geometry rocks!
Like you said it’s hard to support them. The most recent basque I got from lamnia has noticeably softer steel than the older one I got on eBay. Handles just suck. Haven’t had a straight one yet. Even ordered some spares and they’re all warped to some degree.
Love the idea of a camp axe. Small axes are the most fun! Don’t think you can beat that basque as far as versatility. Really cool!
My thoughts exactly. Great geometry, steel is a crap shoot, and you’re guaranteed to get a bad handle and hang. I will likely put my 1.5 on a Basque racing handle, but would definitely be cool to pop it on a standard hardware style handle as well.
@@KevinsDisobedience Hey Kevin don't hesitate to do that, i've done it on mines. I've used ochsenkopf hickory spare handles with wedge. It's a little bit trickie due to the eye size, but doable.
Personally i don't have any problem with the slip fit handles and no obe has moved in a year of use (i'd had to cut off all of them), just don't like the size and i was boored during Covid isolation.....
Great idea using Bondo! I've tried wood filler/plastic wood with mixed results. Looks like a mini version of their Racer handle now 👍.
I’m sure that would work too so long as you didn’t go too thick. The main thing I hope to communicate here is don’t be afraid to experiment. That was the goal. Raceresque!
How do you go from getting the snow plow stuck 5 days ago to shirtless chopping today ??
That is such a nice little axe. I regret not getting one a few years ago when the quality seemed to be much better. Scared to order one now.
Just the way PA is at the tail end of winter. The footage was shot three days apart lol. This axe is two years old. But I’m not sure how much that matters. Ben had a three year old one and he thought he was safe, but Simon used it for one day and a big chunk came out of it like my racer. I’d wait if you can.
I have a friction fit tomahawk from Cold Steel. It was hung terribly to begin with, but I was able to make the top of the handle gradually flare out. No more wobble. That being said, yours is definitely not coming lose now! Looks good
Good to hear you were able to fix it. The problem with these beech handles is they shrink so much. My 1.5 shrank almost a 1/4” after I received it, so there’s not enough material to fix it. I think they’re rushing the curing process to get these on the market asap. Basically making hay while the sunshines, which I can’t blame them for, but I also can’t support them until the course correct. Thanks
@@KevinsDisobedience oh I see. I hope they improve soon
It is a decent bushcraft axe. It doesn’t have a pole but great work on the axe man look amazing
Surprisingly I don’t find the no pole an issue. You can still pound with this no problem, and if you really had to you could use the side, but I’ll I’m ever pounding is a few sticks in the mud or something like that.
Is that the straight bit or the moon bit Basque Axe? Do you have a preference between the two kinds?
It’s the straight bit. I used to swear by straight bits because of some theory about overlapping cut penetration, but now, after having used both, I don’t find it matters a lot of at all.
Well done on the mod. I know if I ever got one of those the first thing I'd do is do a traditional hang. I just can't imagine an instance where being able to replace the handle quickly would trump having a tight fit!
I couldn’t agree more. I don’t understand the advantage, but I’m willing to be wrong…just haven’t heard a convincing argument as of yet.
Is the head 1,25kg or the axe in total? I could not find these information online.
Basque measure the total axes. Definitely something to keep in mind when shopping for one.
You were right about the slivers.. my brades came loose lol. You’re crushing it with the videos
Noooo, the one from Ben? And thanks, man.
thats a great solution for the palm swell
Works anyway, but only if the head is fixed. I’m still convinced there is a way to tack on a swell to a slipfit handle and then remove it afterwards. Not that theirs a big market or need for such an invention, but I’m always thinking lol.
I wish the heat treatment wasnt so hit or miss on these. As for the slip fit, mine came loose pretty quick but I just kept using it until it stopped moving haha.
Yeah, the steel is a problem. The handle I can fix.
@@KevinsDisobedience I imagine as long as you are careful you can avoid the serious damage mine sustained. Also Im stealing That bondo palm swell idea, thats gonna save me tons of time.
I've got the same axe, it performs well for its size. The only issue I've had with it is the wood sap getting stuck on the polished axe head. Had to use a solvent and a sand paper to make it shine again. The polished axe head is pretty but is, imho, not practical.
10:02 - I see you've got the same problem, how do you clean it while you are still in the wild? Or you wait till you get back home?
To be honest, I don’t bother very often, but when I do axe maintenance I use acetone to remove the sap and grit.
I love that you built a palm swell on an axe without one being a guy who generally cuts beautiful palm swells off. Haha. I’m always saving piece of wood for this and that too. Like you don’t usually get back around to them. Also I keep a rasp in the field with a file sone spare wedges and a small can of BLO and wax
Lol I’m just experimenting. I don’t mind no swell on a really light axe, actually prefer it, but I’ve changed my preference on slightly heavier axes. Also these Basques are so thin down by the hook because of the nature of the slipfit. I should probably toss a couple wedges in my kit. That’s a good idea.
I have the same thoughts on slip fit handle portability. People will say the same thing for the froe. I mean how many people are still going into the woods like chairmakers used to and actually making the handle out there? I am going to wedge my froe soon. There's just so few actual real world circumstances where you need to remove a handle.
I concur. Does that even make it more packable? I mean it doesn’t make it any smaller, unless you are indeed going to make a handle out there, which would damn near take you all day to make something comfortable. Never used a froe myself. I do have some ash I’d like to slab into blanks. Maybe a good future project.
@@KevinsDisobedience I've processed 50+ white oak handle billets recently and the froe is a massive part of that. It's not a must but there's no controlling a split without it.
Review the woox 22 inch axe its a good slip fit I have one and this axe you have and the qc isn’t even comparable your my have to file the woox but it cuts and splits really good
I’ll have to try it someday. But 22” is pushing it on handle length for actual wood processing, and I’m really not a fan of slips, but if I get my hands on one I will definitely give it a fair shake, as I do with every review.
👋
Hello where can I buy this axe
If you’re in the States Lamnia.com is your only real option. Bushcraft Spain sells B-grades for quite a mark up, but then they usually have some in stock whereas Lamnia doesn’t. I have a few other videos on these Basque axes. You might want to watch those too, as they do have their problems-especially the heavier, keener bits.
@@KevinsDisobedience Thank you
@@KevinsDisobedience is there any other axe you would recommend or know that they still make a Tasmanian style head. Please advise. Thank you
She's a cool lil axe now, looks like a worker. Nice! Like where your goin with that double sheath too
Definitely a lil worker. The sheath is all glued up and sanded. Need to decide if I’m stitching or riveting. It’s a beautiful piece of hide though.
We call those corkscrew limbs woodbine sticks. Woodbine being one of the name for honysuckle in these parts.
Thank you sincerely for sharing that. I learn something all the time from you guys. Woodbine!
Nice work on your handle!
I've wanted one of those axes for a long time but every time I have some extra money they are sold out. :(
It’s not just when you have the money. They’re always sold out. Bushcraft Spain often has some, but they’re selling B-Grade for more money. Sign up on Lamnia’s email list of you haven’t already. They’ll notify you when they’re in stock.
When you get shorter than about 24” I consider it more of a large hatchet. I like a “boys axe” for hiking.
I would be interested in learning how you store your axes. Rack stack or hang etc. I have been making snap straps with a T strap and grommet to go around the handle at the bottom and hang head down on the wall. I’ve got axes and hatchets scattered here and there but have thought about making a “wall of axes” to get all of them in one place if that’s even possible.
One day my wife saw 10-12 axes laid out on the garage floor (as I was considering what needed what) and she asked how many axes we had. I wasn’t sure. She said “you’re 64 years old. How many axes are you gonna wear out before you die?”
All of them, said I.
Hahaha, I love your wife’s question and your response. I’ve mostly just hung them from a pipe in my basement, but since we’ve moved their just leaning against the wall. I know, I know…not ideal. I’ll sort it out sometime soon.
The goat skin collar is a great idea.
It’s my third one now. I really like them. Not thick, but adds some protection.
@@KevinsDisobedience "Not thick" is exactly how it looks and it blends well. Goat skin is very strong and does add some protection.
@@KevinsDisobedience just curious, did you put your axe head all the way to the beginning of the shaft in boiled linseed oil overnight? I think it would create a much tighter hold on the head. If you only touch up the wood, it's not enough and any tomahawk type may get loose. Contrary to what may think, the bigger the bearing surface of the axe head on the wood, as on these Urnieta axes, the bigger the chance it will loosen up by rocking it out of the wood repeatedly.
Nice video why not limb at the tree and chop in section on ground on wood ?
Could do. More than one way to process a tree.
It's too bad availability and quality are problematic on these.
It really is.
What’s that in pounds? Kidding, but I did have to use the googler. Also, I like the rough look of the axe personally. Lastly, it was 22 Celsius in Indiana today🤣
I have to google too. Every time. Thank God for google.
Kg, c/m and Celsius is where it’s at :)
@@jasonscott4525 hey you’re gonna need to talk to the US director of education about that one, I’m all about it though👍🏻
@@IndianaDoug If I lived in the U.S I think I would possibly pursue that. I’m in Canada and we’re already on the metric system. :) Thats amazing you guys had 22 Celsius today. Here it was 7 Celsius. That sunshine and warmth definitely changes the mood. Cheers!
@@jasonscott4525 Indiana weather is crazy right now! 2C in the morning, 22C in the afternoon.
HELLO FRIENDS SHARE VERY GOOD AND INTERESTING VIDEOS. .?.?
So what this video means is that this ax is not for sale.
Unless you're planning on making more, it was really disappointing to learn that this thing is heavily modified and I can't buy it.
All modern axes need to be heavily modified if you want an efficient chopping axe. Part of axemanship is learning how to do these things. You can still buy these axes online, and they work great right out of the box-better than any other production axe on the market. They’re just usually short on stock, so check lamnia.com often.
Not real pretty but I like it a lot! Looks like it handles well for a bushcraft axe.
Definitely not pretty, but that was never the intent with the one. She’s a good user now.
Naked axe man get the views. 😍🤦🏻♂️
Most people's eyeballs are rolling in their skulls and out their butts over all the modifications you've done to that axe. Ruining the resale value and all the other criticisms.
Yeah, I’m aware. I never worry about that, especially the resale value because I’m going to use it not collect it. Thanks as always for watching and for commenting.
@@KevinsDisobedience Right? Seriously, what do they expect from keeping and collecting axes and stuff like that if they're not going to use it at all?
I wanted to say more in my earlier post but ended up hitting the post tab too early.
That's some damn nice work on your axe though. With the collar and palm swell there's no doubt that it is your axe. This axe is mine, there are many like it, but this one is mine.
they are just so ugly! Great review thou!
Just different looking. The racers are pretty sexy!
@@KevinsDisobedience very true
I'm not familiar with the term "basque" referring to an axe. Great video.
Sorry, that’s where these axes are made-in Basque Country in Spain.
@@KevinsDisobedience That's interesting. I never thought of Spain as a resource for forestry products, but it makes sense. Thanks.
First!
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We’re on to you Killinger…I’m thinking this is an inside job.
@@IndianaDoug right! I was scrolling TH-cam when I got the notification. Immediately clicked and saw chris had beaten me by 53 seconds. Kind of suspicious 🧐
Second!