The Camp Axe Show Down, Swedish, Spanish, American and German Axes
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- When camping bushcrafting or surviving youll need firewood or need to build a shelter and in some cases a small cabin. Full sizes axes can be too bulky for backpacking or any kind of wilderness travel, hatchets can sometimes not meet the requirements. In comes whats deemed the camp axe, or sometimes pack axe or camp axe. Here we show discuss and compare the four top axes from Sweden, Spain, America and Germany.
I've been watching your videos for years and it's clear you have a script in your head that you follow, but having your brother there helped fill in some details along the way that you might have just assumed we knew already. And though you were pressed for time, I truly admire your patience answering your brother's questions.
You are exactly right Stephen! I do assume everyone knows what Im talking about but my brother told me he asks the questions that commenters might ask. Hes quite clever! Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
It was awesome to see your brother again Dave! My dad being a machinist like you . He made an axe head . He polished it to mirror shine . When he died I got it and have never put a handle on it. Anyways . I have bought cheap camp axes and have never really had much luck with them . I need to sharpen them more I think . I use a puck and sand paper to sharpen them then a strop . Great informative video as always Dave! Take care and stay safe my friend !!
Always great to hear from you Troy! Man thats a tough choice. On one hand Id want to protect and preserve that axe head but on the other hand, if you put a handle on it and used it then it would be honoring his work. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
That was fun to watch. I just finished a couple of axe projects. first one is a very used Forest Service True Temper Flint Edge double bit that had one blade worn rather short. I hung it on a 24" single bit handle with the unworn edge facing foreward. The short edge sharpened blunt for dirty work and the front honed for cutting. Looks a little odd but works nice. The second one is my Dad's old childhood hatchet found while helping him clean up around his house. Its a 1942 American Fork & Hoe US Army hatchet. Hung it on a 14" Beaver Tooth handle. Highly recommend Beaver Tooth, they sent a beautiful piece of wood for this resto. Turned out great, still has traces of its original olive drab paint. Taking it to Dad's later today to show him. Enjoy Spring, watch out for all those tiny wildflowers popping up around now.
Thanks Paul, I'm glad you liked it. Iv heard of True temper but never heard of Fork and Hoe or Beaver Tooth. Thanks for the info and thanks for watching brother
Dave, you and your brother were a great team on this video, thanks for sharing! I will look for the video you made to watch again on the best way to carry a camp axe on a hike. Appreciate you for getting outdoors and showing us all the axe comparison.
Thank you Robin! We are glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
As someone who was alive in the old days and worked in the woods a cruising axe is a three quarter size double bit used to mark timber and for limbing. It was also my favorite axe. One side is ground thicker than the other to limb with and the other narrower for chopping.
Thanks for the info!
I don't do axes, except for splitting some old weathered logs at home that got real tough and my chopping knife won't split them. But I will watch your video anyway. Big fan!
Im more of a machete guy myself but in certain cases its hard to beat a good camp axe! Thanks for watching
This video was filled with a lot of information. As someone with a lot of experience with axes, your impressions are very important to me. I learn from every one of your videos and it really helps me make decisions on what I should buy for my uses.
Fantastic to hear that Mark and I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother
What a great camp axe comparison video. I definitely learned some things and I'll be keeping an eye out for that Spanish axe. I've never seen an axe head that wasn't attached without a wedge. Thank you and your brother for taking your time to make this. God bless and stay safe.
th-cam.com/video/Zade4JPs0Xk/w-d-xo.html 1 minute, 1 axe, IRL guy using ax daily
Thanks Rick! We are glad you liked it. That design on how the head is held on the Spanish axe is brilliant! Im surprised more makers havent adopted that method. Thanks for watching and may God bless you too brother
Another educational and insightful Axe video Dave. Thank you. Looks like your family camera crew pool is growing.
Thanks, Im glad you liked it Brother! My sister wants in a video someday now. Lol. Thanks for watching
@@Reallybigmonkey1 that would be great. You’ll have to think of a catchy title if you out your sister in a video
We had a Hudson's Bay axe around the house when I was a kid. We had big ol cotton wood trees in our woods. I would cut huge wedges out of them with the axe head. As a twelve yr. old I felt I was quite the woodsman.
Amazing how an axe can hold such memories from childhood! I have my own with a hatchet. Thanks for watching Jeff
Well that was a great video Dave,and your brother did an excellent job filming and his questions were right on too,and I picked the Spanish axe too from what I seen you chopping on,and Nick's axe would probably be the best for heavy duty chopping because of the weight,but the Spanish axe was the best overall.Thanks for putting this video together and just an idea for future videos,maybe one showing the difference types of lights for overnight camping and maybe the ones with the best battery life too.Thanks to you and your brother and Nick may be looking for a new job lol.Take care and we will see you on the next one.
Thanks Dennis! We are glad you liked it. For backpacking that Spanish axe is definitely my number one choice! As far a lights go? Some are bright and some are dim but none of them have battery life like I'd like to see. But that is a good video idea. Thanks for watching brother
When you slipped on the log, it reminded me of one of my dad's expressions. " Slicker than owl sh*t on a wet pine board."
Lol! It was honestly that slick! Thanks for watching Rodney
Love it. That is like $600+ worth of axes. Not a comparison I could ever do. I use mainly a Silky saw. I carry a razor sharp Estwing 14" for splitting/hammer or emergency chopping, with a lot of tape. Duct, electrical, and (masking for band aids) on the "steel" portion of the handle for comfort, cold, First Aid, Repairs, etc. Very interesting and informative. Thank you.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Most of the year I'm toting a machete and Silky saw. When I'm out alone that's probably the safest most effective combo but during the winter I love a good axe. Take care and thanks for watching
I have been pleasantly surprised at the performance of the Cold Steel "Frontier Pipe Hawk", which is an excellent chopper. The CS "Frontier Hawk" is a lighter tomahawk without the poll, and is a good light carver. The tomahawk's advantages of low weight and handle repairability in the field, combined with the low mass and packability of these field tools has been rewarding.
I've owned axes and hatchets but honestly never tried a Tomahawk. Thanks for the info brother
I agree. The Cold Steel Hudson Bay Tomahawk is one of my most carried tools because of its weight and efficience. For chopping really good with its relative long handle and thin blade.
Greetz from Germany
Oli
Bravo! Really fine video presentation. There are a lot of folks out there that really need to know what is a good Axe for camping and backpacking. You hit the nail on the head with this video. Thank you always Dave. May your coming spring be a good one for you and your dear family!😀
Thanks Ross, Im glad you liked it and man its great to hear from you again! Im sick of cold wet weather and Im so ready for spring! Thanks for watching
Hey Dave, thanks for showing! Ochsenkopf axes are here well known to be a good choice to get 😉
Regards Torsten
Thanks Torsten, Im glad you liked it. The quality on that Ochsenkopf is fantastic! Thanks for watching
All Good Candidates For Camping, Thanks, Davey & Brother Jim ! Great Demo ! I'm Partial To Fathers Double Walters Bought Back In 1945 After He Returned From WW II, She's A Beauty & A Work Horse ! Hay Nick. Hap-E Shamrock's. ATB T God Bless
Thanks Terry, Im glad you liked it. I have my Grandfathers double bit Sager, Im not sure how old it is but I love it! Thanks for watching and may God bless you too!
Thanks for another great video. An thanks for your brother for coming along. I would have never thought to do the V cut for a bed or even shelter set up. Stay safe and healthy and will see you in the next video.
You are very welcome Matt and I'm glad you liked it! That V cut works incredible on green wood. It's not as easy on wood that's just laying around. Take care and thanks for watching brother
Best tool for the job. I’ve got a fiskers that I chose to be my go to. Awesome set here Dave 🐸🍺🔪🔥
Absolutely! Use the right tool for the job at hand.Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Johnny
Thanks for all the good info. I like all the questions your Brother brought up. 😁👍
Im glad you liked it. My brother says he asks what questions he thinks the viewer might ask. Thanks for watching
Love the way your brother asks questions. We loved the Spanish axe. 😁😁😁😁😁
Thanks Michelle! He asks what he thinks viewers would probably ask. Pretty clever. I think that Spanish Basque is slowly becoming my favorite. Thanks for watching
I have a Stihl pro universal forestry axe. It’s actually made by Ochsenkopf and has a steel overstrike guard, with a special 5 piece construction to hang the head, which is virtually impossible to loosen or break. It’s 27.5” with a 2.8lbs head. I like it for winter backpacking and camping. It gives me the most capability to process firewood for its size and weight. All my camping is in the Rocky Mountains. In an alpine environment, the ability to process larger amounts of fuel is essential. It doesn’t feel as heavy to me as it does to other people, but I weigh more than 200lbs. These are important things for an individual to consider when choosing a camp axe that’s right for them.
Thanks for the comments Christopher. Good points, sometimes a little heavier axe is whats needed to get the job done. Ive seen those Stihl axes online and I thought they looked the same as the Oshcenkopf line. Thanks for watching
@@Reallybigmonkey1
You’re welcome. I really enjoy your channel. Even the experienced have a lot to gain by watching someone else try different tools and methods of doing things out in the field. I really appreciate how your bushcraft videos are unrehearsed and not edited to make everything look easy. I also really appreciate how sometimes not everything comes together as planned and you make it work. That’s a level of authenticity on TH-cam that’s hard to find these days.
Made me think of my brother and playing in the Timber...thankyou
Ah the memories! Thanks for watching Bobby
This was a very informative video. I've had my eye on a 23 inch Fiskars axe for a while now. But was hesitant in buying it because it wasn't a full size axe. Your explanation on how a camp axe is used , convinced me to buy that Fiskars.
Thanks James! I'm glad you liked it. 23 inch is absolutely perfect for a camp axe!
Tho realize one inherent danger of a 1/2 axe IS that they're shorter and so closer to you and your feet when swinging = keep that in mind when using one...!
Love axes. Have quite many, mainly from Sweden. BUT they make so much noise when used. So I use a saw as much as possible.
Keep up the good work, brother!
Oh I understand. Saws are way quieter and safer. I'm glad you liked the video and thanks for watching Maikel!
Very timely for me as I’ve been trying to decide on a good axe to purchase and don’t want to make an expensive mistake! Thank you!!!
I'm glad you found it helpful Ken! Thanks for watching!
The German Axes mostly have also hammerheads for driving wood chopper splints and other tools up to nails.
The showed Ochenskopf has that hammerhead feature as well.
Thanks for the info Andrew
Videos help but best way to figure what axe works best for you is to get into the woods and swing em around.
Great video as always
Very well said! And thanks for watching
I have most Hults Bruk in my toolbox for standard forest axes and for more special axes I have Gränsfors Bruk and an old SA Wetterling. For me it just because I live in Sweden and they are available everywhere at flee markets etc. What I love with them is that they all hold the edge very well and I have used them a lot for splitting wood and for carpentry work.
The thing with it are as with all tools, you have to take care of them and keep them dry and sharp. Almost all ax-handles today is American Hickory but old axes from Sweden can have Ash handles, ash is hard but still very forgiving and flex just so much that your hands don't get numb when chopping hard wood for a long time. You are right about the north.. I live just outside the capitol of Sweden (Stockholm) and we are at 59 deg. North. and if you compare to North America You have Edmonton in Canada at 53 deg. North.. So we are quite high up. But we have the water around so we have less cold at least in the southern half of the country.
Thanks for the info Micke! Very interesting!
Another great video, thanks Dave and brother Jim. They all seem to be fine axes.
Thanks Andy! We are glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
I have a Husqvarna forest ax. Man is it sweet. I keep it sharp with a hucky puck small sharpening stone. If you keep it sharp throughout heavy use you will reward yourself with easier work. It will smoothly cut a sheet of paper. I can get through a 6 inch based cedar tree in the Texas Hill Country in nothing flat. It is also handy when working in cedar thickets where you have very limited space to swing an ax.
If I recall right that Husqvarna was made in Sweden in either the Hultafors or Hults Bruk factory so you know it's gotta be good quality. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
your brother needs to be in more videos. he's very inquisitive and asks questions that the audience would be curious about too. it's an exciting vibe when you guys are going back and forth with information on the item
your bro is hilarious too
Oh I agree! He said I say a lot of things assuming everyone knows so he asks what the viewer might ask. I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching Chris
Lol, he is!
@@Reallybigmonkey1 thanks for making the video Dave, I really appreciate your content and you taking the time out of your busy schedule to do these. You must have cringed so hard when he asked who Mors Kochanski was lolol!
@@chrisjoseph3970 lol! My brother never watched videos or read books. He just liked to camp
It shows from watching that you are comfortable with and know your way around these tools.
Being old and of limited mobility, I won't be hiking far. Car camping is more my speed, these days.
So the hatchets and boys axes carry ability doesn't matter much to me. I like the extra abilities of
a full size axe, just don't care for the 36" handles. (tend to overstrike with them).
For my antique Plumb 3.2 National Pattern head, an Amish hickory extra bent handle called 32", but after hanging, it is 30" overall, works really good for me. (the Amish make really Nice Handles! for just a few dollars more than cheapos) It Can do some real work, but the 6" shorter handle is really comfortable. It is not a one hander, at least not for me, but is very comfortable and easy to do some real work with. Even a 28" boys axe handle could be nice, but those tend to be too small to fit a full size head.
I'm pretty good with axes but I jump around from a 24 inch up to a full 36. Sometimes I think if I stuck with one size I'd be more proficient. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
I really like my little double bitted saddle axe from council forge. Cuts like a big axe, packs like a small axe.
Sounds great! I have three double bits myself
I ran with the Mini (9.5") Hultafors (HB stamped 1lb head) Same mask but I put a cord lock on one side.
I found a very nice belt holster for it to be hip belt worn.
Cute li'l bugger but maybe a bit lacking due to length. But there's other skills I need work on...one handed 'n such.
~ I got a pal and I leather masks from Harry Epstein for our steel Estwings as Estwing now uses some odd nylon masks. Mask from my 19" Estwing got lost in leaves long ago...axe being from the 80s.
It was nice to find Harry's site.
~~ I peeked around his site and another site (R.O.G.) to see if they had one that would fit that German jobbie Dave. But no go.
Harry does carry a couple of those Ochsenkopf axes, but still the same lame masks on them.
Thanks guys. Fun stuff again.
...ha, I think my gifted 6lb. fireman's pickaxe is a Council Tool.
~ One thing of axes is they should be hung on something vs just leaning against the wall head down.
Just leaning can warp/bend the wood from that simple pressure of leaning.
~~ lol, here I go again: I haven't yet...but I bought a whetstone dual grit to try on my Hults Bruk hatchet.
7" to be cut in two. 1000 and 6000 grit. Two 3.5" as packable pucks.
Crosses me fingers, lol I love the shiny shave sharp.
~ yeah Dave. Some are carving bowls 'n such with those smaller HB's.
Thanks for the info Brian. Everything I've ever got from Harry Epstein has been fantastic quality. I keep my good axes on a rack. Thanks for watching brother
That Basque axe had impressed me on previous videos and it impressed me again. I may need to get one of those.
It is mind blowing! Im surprised more bushcrafters arent using one. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching George
How much is the Spanish axe
@@brianraymer5542 Here's a direct link to it www.lamnia.com/en/p/13322/tools/hachas-jauregi-basque-felling-axe-1-50kg-65cm-axe-curved-bit
@@brianraymer5542 Website (Lamnia) shows it about $114, but it's currently out of stock.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Apparently they make a curved bit (like you have) and a straight bit of this size and style. The curved bit is less likely to get stuck in hardwoods they say. The straight bit is more for soft woods.
If you like the style of the ox head but want a little more handy size and cheaper price. Stihl branded forestry axes in the two smaller sizes "woodcutting" hatchet and small forestry axe I can recommend. 1000g 2.25lb head and a 23-"24" ash handle would probably fit the size range of a camp axe. I picked up one of each from the local hardware store and I think it was around 70-75 for the two of them. I did spend some time thinning the ash handle and touching up the edges but German made Rhineland pattern, good steel, good ash handle $40 and local so I could pick through for the best handle. Seemed like a good deal to me.
Thanks for the info Herbert!
Dave … Excellent video!!! I actually learned a great deal more about axes than I knew before including what I learned in Boy Scouts in the 1960’s. Also enjoyed seeing your brother!!! Thanks for the trip down memory lane!!! Me & mine wish you & yours all things great and good; take care, be safe, best wishes and God bless!!! Chuck Knight from Buffalo, Texas. 👨🌾✝️🙏🖖🍀
Fantastic to hear that Chuck and we are glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and may God bless you too brother
I have that Council tools Hudson Bay axe. And mine came with the black leather mask. But I bought it back when it was around $56. I also have that Hults Brook Akka. Love it. That German Ox brand makes one that is so big, it looks medieval. Like the ones they used for executions.
56 bucks was a steal! Mine was around 90 with no mask. I think that German executioner style axe is their competition axe. Thanks for watching
The basque axe is my favourite, and I think it chops easier because the curved edge concentres the same force in a smaller area so deeper cut , that one’s on my wish list ( I already have hulfors and gransforge carpenters axe). Nice one Dave 👍
Oh the Basque is definitely my favorite too! I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching
Hudson Bay, because of the Hudson Bay company that were essentially the private company that ran the North American colonies for the British, then Canada before it because the Canadian Provinces. A knife is also named the hudson bay pattern. they provided the tools for the settlers and indians that worked for the company
Thanks for the info
another outstanding video us big brothers really like helping our little brothers out and the other way around good to see that family connection I always liked the Hudson bay ax for all around use as far as portability and camp use I might try the other ax just to see
Thanks, Im glad you liked it. I love getting together with big brother when ever I can! Thanks for watching
This was so much fun to watch and informative. I also appreciated Jim's questions during the experiments. Thank you Dave and brother Jim.
Thanks Bev! I'm glad you liked it. My brother said he likes to ask the questions that most would be thinking. Take care and thanks for watching
Hello Dave & Brother Jim ,Greetings from the UK , ' Well so nice to see you out in the woods wheedling your Chopper around with so much confidence !!!!!!!!!! as always great video , and very informative, many thanks for all you do .
Hello Gerald and we are glad you liked it! It's always fun being out there chopping. Thanks for watching!
The Hudson Bay Axe is emphatically not a Boy's Axe. Totally different axes. I have a council Tool Boy's Axe, and do not like the Hudson Bay style of axe due to the minimal length of contact between the head and the handle makes the handles wear in a bit shorter time.
I honestly couldnt remember if it was labeled boys axe or camp axe.Thanks for watching
Once again I’m learning new things from your videos. I really hope you keep making videos. Tell your brother thanks for helping out.👍
Fantastic to hear that Adam and we will be making videos as long as possible! Thanks for watching brother
Dave, great video. Thank you for wearing safety glasses!!!!! I think you are the first to do so when chopping on TH-cam...
Thanks Michael, I'm glad you liked it. I figured I'd try to set an example on being safe. Thanks for watching
Good vid. Perhaps one day someone will develop an axe for felling vertical toothpicks, especially when camping in the Toothpick Forest where these "behemoths" flourish.
Thanks, Im glad you liked it. I guess hatchets are good for that chore
Your videos are always a joy to watch. You are very informative. I base a lot of my purchases on your opinion . Thank you for all the time you put into your videos.
Fantastic to hear that Chip!
Howdy RBM1 and Brother! Such a nice collection of axes and all kinds of stuff. Speaking of sticking. I bought a knife to cut up vegetables for dinner. On the video, the demonstrator was slicing and chopping and dicing. Anyhoot, the knife is way too heavy, it sticks in the vegetables and slicing is horrible. But my biggest fear is dropping that thing on my foot. So I used it once and packed it away for good today. However, your axes are things of beauty. Thanks for tutoring people. I remember that dull axe somebody gave me as a kid. Loved it but it would not cut butter, lol.
Hello and I'm glad you liked it! Lol, sometimes I think those demonstrators have better quality knives in hand rather than the actual ones they are selling. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
Hey, Dave! Your videos never disappoint! One thing I'd like to point out is that the vids you are able to make with your brother are always over the top. It must be great to spend some time in the woods with kin folk, and he always asks really great questions, too! I hope you'll let him know that his presence is appreciated. This video prompted me to order up a Marbles MR704 boy's axe to try out. I've never been one to use an axe at camp, using a Condor camp golok for chopping duties, but I'm convinced that I'm missing out on a heavier duty tool and bigger jobs. Thanks once again for taking the time to keep us informed, educated, and always amused! Keep rocking on, buddy!
Thanks Angus and that's fantastic to hear that! My brother says you can't assume everything knows everything I show or talk about so he asks questions which he thinks folks would want to know. Very clever on his part. Very cool you ordered that Marbles! I love machetes but some jobs are just easier with an axe. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
Great video, Dave and kudos to brother Jim for his fine camera work and his questions and comments
Really added another dimension to the video!
Interesting and informative tests, btw.
Thanks! We are glad you liked it!
It’s been 10 years since I’ve found your channel bro I den joined the military an you an your channel grew crazy I’m proud of you
Thank you my friend! I'm very thankful for all my subs and viewers
Awesome video Dave! It was really cool to see you and your brother (ie: Executive Producer, haha) interacting on this one. And definitely some excellent and in-depth info on the camp axes man! 👍
Thanks John! I'm glad you liked it brother. I absolutely had a good time with my big brother along. Take care and thanks for watching
@@Reallybigmonkey1 My pleasure brother! Really happy to hear that you had a good time man. Take care as well buddy 👍
very well thought out and presented in fairness to all four axes.
Thank you my friend!
Not sure how I missed this video, glad I went back through your uploads. Great video as always, now I need to pick up a Basque axe for my collection!
I'm glad you liked it and liked it! That Basque is definitely the best of the bunch. Thanks for watching
Great trip to the woods & axe demonstrations. Have a great weekend. TAKE CARE..
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and you have a great weekend too!
I think the metal sound you heard with the German ax was the sound of an exceptional tempering of the steel. I have heard it with swords when you tap them on a table.
Must be, I only hear that ringing sound from high quality items!
Lamnia used to be the only known source for the Basque axes, but a short while ago, they began showing up on Etsy. They still sell out just as fast, but at least that's another place to find them.
Thanks for the info, I didn't know they were on Etsy
Great video, again, Dave. Appreciate your brother being there to help out. He did a very good job as well.
I was trying to figure out if he was just there to film, or to make certain that you didn't abuse his are. lol
I enjoy the way you lay out all the brands, strengths, and weaknesses, and then put them to the same tests..
I really enjoy your videos and the knowledge that you share. Keep up the great work brother.
God bless you and your family. And If I missed your brother's name, I'm sorry, but tell him he's also in the blessings.
Stay safe and keep em coming, my friend.
Thanks Brian! I'm glad you liked it and having my brother along definitely made it easier on me! Lol. Thanks for the comments and may God bless you too my friend!
Best damn axe comparison ever done. So honest and personally expressed. A pleasure watching this video. Like we were there with you. Thank you from the Great White North🍁🍻
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it that much!
I think the Council Tool axe is a boys axe, they have lighter heads and relatively long handles.
Camp axes usually have shorter handles to be better packable, while pack-axes have rather short handles, just a bit longer than a hatchet typically would be.
The Hudson Bay pattern comes from the Hudson Bay Company (HBC), which developed Canada and sold all sorts of items to the people there, which they had made especially for them. As they were the only salesmen there, their items were made in enormous numbers and found their way to the U.S. too.
C60 is a carbon steel with 0.6% carbon. I wonder if Nick has sharpened the Ochsenkopf axe or left it in factory condition. German axes usually don't come razor sharp and to me it seems to be a little dull, compared to the others.
In general, if you have o carry your axe, a smaller head with a long handle is better. Beeing an impact tool, the swinging speed is more important than the weight - and for a heavy axe you have to build up matching muscles! Otherwise you get tired quickly.
I'm really impressed by the Basque axe, never saw it in action before, thanks for showing.
Thanks for the comments and yes, that Oshenkopf axe has a very dull profile. We plan on thinning and sharpening it some. That Basque axe is unbelievable!
Enjoyed your video. You selected some great axes for comparison. I have never used any of those axes but I make my camp axes by hanging old antique axe heads on new longer handles. So, I enjoyed hearing your insights and seeing your tests and the results.
I have been family camping in developed campgrounds for over 55 years and primarily use my axe to split firewood. More specifically, I frequently must split a large piece of oak or hickory firewood (18 inches long, 6 to 7 inches in diameter) into mid-size & small firewood and then into large & small kindling. Only occasionally do I have to fell, delimb, or buck a tree. My favorite camp axe is the size you tested. More specifically about 2 pound Dayton head on a 24 inch handle. You are right, everybody has a different name for varying sizes. For simplicity, I call anything 20 to 29 inches long a boys axe. Less than 25 inches is a small boys axe and longer is a large boys axe.
From your accent, I assume you are from the southeast. I live in Alabama. Wish we could get together and talk axes.
Thanks and I'm glad you liked the video! I love old axes but sometimes they sure are hard to find. I'm in North Georgia. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother
Hey David,great video man,I always like it better when you have a cameraman. Your brother does really well with videoing and asking very sensible questions at the same time. But the camaraderie and fun and laughter between you and Nick( Father&Son)will never be beat. I’m very sure you know exactly what I’m talking bout! Keep’em coming brother.
Thanks Randy and we are glad you liked it! My brother has a much Mora serious side. Nick just likes to have fun. Lol. Take care and thanks for watching
Hudson's Bay was a trading company in Canada during the fur boom era. They carried both the blankets and that style of ax.
Thanks for the info
All great axes an good demonstration fella's.
Thanks Brother!
It’s damp and dark here in England and the notification of this video is a fantestical excuse to stay in lol, cheers Dave.
Lol, very cool to hear that Peter! Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Extremely informative and thorough testing of those axes Dave! I love my Gransfors Bruk small forest axe! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Brother! I'm glad you liked it. I'd say pretty much any axe made in Sweden is going to be a good choice. Thanks for watching
18:40.. Safety glasses… I started work in 1979 and for my early career I never wore eye protection and it was the most stupid thing I ever did, I had years of getting crap in my eyes and I am amazed that I have gotten to older age with still half decent eyesight.
It's amazing when you see photos of factories and mills from the 50s 60s and 70s. No one wore safety glasses until the 80s when they became required. We have come a long way since then. Thanks for watching Rob
Great video! I think that listening to your brother's voice gives you an idea of what Nick will sound like in a few decades. The timbre and tone of their voices and a lot of their speech patterns are very similar - your brother's voice is just a little more gravelly.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. Funny thing, my brother and Nick think and act almost identically!
Very useful video. I really liked the intro of the axes at the beginning. Thank you Dave, Take care
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it
Good I formation. I enjoyed your brother and his questions. You and Nick need to get him out in the woods more. Thanks again Dave you always give great info and make it fun.I guess ot could be called Miney Style😊
Thanks Bailey, I'm glad you liked it. I'd love to get my brother out in the woods more often. He's actually a busier person than I am! Thanks for watching
Thanks for another fine video.
The spanish axe looks very interesting indeed.
BTW: from Ochsenkopf there are two axes named „Iltis“, with 800 and 1000 gramm heads, these maybe could have been better for the finer tasks.
BTW2: German C60 is 1060 Aisi
Greetz from Germany
Oli
You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it! I love that German axe but if I could get that smaller version it would be even better! Thanks for the info
@@Reallybigmonkey1
YES = just 1lb lighter still with the longer handle...!
Thanks to you and your brother for an awesome video.
You are very welcome Oscar and I'm glad you liked it!
U videos r always worth watching, u brother added a whole lot of substance!
Thank you Gunter!
That Spanish felling axe pattern was impressive.
It's definitely an incredible chopper! Thanks for watching
That Spanish axe impressed me over the others! It was the winner to me! God bless n looking forward to the next one!
Oh it was definitely the best of the bunch! Take care and thanks for watching Greg
Man, so jealous you got your hands on TWO of the old style council tool Hudson Bay axes. I am NOT a fan of the new fatter, thicker pattern on the 24” handle sport utility line. LOVE the style you have with the shorter pile and wider bit!
And LOVE the Ox Head, Rhinelands are my fav next to HB patterns!!
Council tool changed it? Ah man I hate to hear that! Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching Mike!
Hello from Oklahoma! Good Video! Interesting display. I've got the Cold Steel Hudson Bay. I love it! It's gone to deer camp for many years, And lots of camping trips. No complaints. It's very close to the counsel tools ax U showed. The cutting edge is a little over 4 inches. it would be interesting to know the length of the cutting edge on the axes U talked about. Thanks for all U Do! God Bless!
Hello and I'm glad you liked the video! All the axes shown had cutting edges 4 inches or smaller. Thanks for watching and may God bless you too my friend!
I have a full size Hult Bruk axe. It’s by far my favorite axe.
It's one amazing axe
Thanks again for another great show. As a poor boy I voted for the council tool. ;)
You are very welcome Tim and I'm glad you liked it! That Council tool can't be beat for the price! Thanks for watching
some years ago i bought a transfers small forest axe. I have cut down trees up to a foot in diameter. I think I have only sharpened it one time. Thats my personal favorite.....And it is razor sharp, once in a while it will stick a little but not very often. Great video.
Sounds good to me! It's hard to beat good Swedish steel. I'm glad you liked the video and thanks for watching Billy
Hey Dave, another gr8 video. What is it about axes that draws a man's attention, and then the collection issue. How many do we need, 😅, as many as we can get away with. Lol. Some of the best axes ive seen are old axe heads laying around from bygone years, real metal from True Temper and Collins, like the ones used in ww2 and Viet Nam. That Ox Head comes in a 2.2 lb version called the Iltis, it's a lil more compatible with those other fine choppers. Sanded all that yellow off and I keep mine in the truck. Keep em comin!
Thanks, Im glad you liked it. Oh I love old axe heads but not everyone can find them or redo them. Thats where axes like this come in. Ill have to look into that iltis, sounds like Id love that! Thanks for watching
I must say you know your iron and those names are hard for us southern boys to pronounce 😁. I have a Truper that I've never used. Good video.
Thanks Sam! Lol, man it was really hard to learn how to pronounce all these words! Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Great video, very entertaining with the commentary, y'all need a show or podcast.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it my friend!
THANK YOU Dave & Brother for the video - See you at your next one 🌲🌲🌲
You are very welcome Ofer and thanks for watching
I have a Wetter-lings and Council Tool (Identical to the one shown) and both are excellent axes. I prefer the Hudson Bay design in a cam axe as it lends to the cutting edge being further down on the head. I carries many a Council Tool fire fighting tool when I was a Wildland Firefighter. Council makes good quality tools for the money.
Both are great axes. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother
Great presentation, Dave and Bro. For pure cutting I like the Basque but I believe an axe should have the utiliry of pole to be a multi purpose tool in the field. However the Basque is a good cutter I think because it has its weight concentrated in the bit and of course, its unique edge geometry. Can't have everything, huh? My tiny nitpick is that if the Hultzbruk Akka has its weight at 2lb. 3oz., it should be right around 1kg.
Keep doing what you do. I especially love that you are doing it with your big brother because I am in business with my little brother. It is rare these days to do something with your siblings.
Thanks and I'm glad you liked it! The Spanish Basque was by far my favorite. I had a good time with my brother along. Thanks for watching
Good morning from the UK.
Hello Paul and Good morning from the USA!
That Spanish axe is gorgeous! Cool video
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it Edwin. So far it's remaining my favorite axe
I want one of those spanish axes, before seeing this video I was leaning toward the swedish ax, but I really liked everything about the spanish one. Look, size, weight, design overall seems like a fine ax.
Sweden does make good axes but that Spanish Basque axe is absolute perfection when it comes to camp or backpacking axes. You will love it! Thanks for watching
@@Reallybigmonkey1 I really appreciate this video. If i am going to spend the money for an "heirloom" ax I want to spend it right. I will be buying the spanish ax.
Thanks for another great video! I always look forward to your uploads, they’re so much fun! Love the outdoors and enjoy how you make them exciting, interesting and informative all at the same time. Hope you’re having a great weekend! Can hardly wait to see the next one you put up!
Forgot to mention, you and your brother were great together!
You are very welcome Lyn and I'm glad you liked it! I'm having a much busier weekend than I want! Lol. Take care and thanks for watching
Thanks!
@@Reallybigmonkey1 I know outdoor filming has Its many challenges! It’s a lot more involved and difficult than many realize. As I’ve always said, my friend, you do an amazing job! Even on your videos that you weren’t pleased with for whatever reason.
And, I love how you’re down to earth and keep it real! I’m not so much into the dramatized sensationalized survival and bushcraft stuff. I love it to be more realistic and personable as yours are. Thus as to why I (and many others here I’m sure) have watched every video you’ve ever produced, and only a handful of the other stuff!
I’d rather watch someone (like yourself) who actually knows what they are talking about and wants to help people than someone who “mainly” just wants clicks and wants to sell products and be another survivor man! Lol
Sorry your weekend has been so busy! I hope you get to chill out and have some down time soon! Blessings and thanks again! 😊🙏🏻🔪☕️
@@truthhunters Thank you Lyn! And you know me, I try to keep it as realistic as possible!😁
🎼 Camptown axes sing this song,
Doo-da, Doo-da Camptown axes four handles strong
Oh, de doo-da day🎼 Nice axes, Dave. Have a great weekend ✌️🇺🇸✌️
LOL! good one, and you have a nice weekend too!
Great Video Dave.. Love. It. Thanks for adding the kilograms and cm!
You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it Johan!
That Basque axe is really a nice piece.
Absolutely! It's my favorite now. Thanks for watching Ralph
Excellent video, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks Sharon! I'm glad you liked it
Mors Kochanski Died in 2019, almost 80 years old. Great guy! I never got the chance to meat him in-person though.
I never met him in person either but I read his books and watched his videos, he was the best!
Thanks again Dave. Great information and demo again
Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Austria and Japan also make interesting axes. Woodworking supply places should have em, Japanese are very different. Have 6 Gränsfors and prefer those, especially a large forrest I modiied to have a rounded flay poll and smoother yet handle and handle knob. Mirror edge and poll. 8000grit lapped. My goto, but have from mini to American felling. Mini is next fav, followed by that big one. Used 60 axes so far. Gränsfors is #1 imho. American is next best thenCanadian and then Hults. Have even talked to a blacks smith's son once. Son of Kjell Åke-Sjolund. Nice kid, and his dad is my fav blacksmith. Great company too! More axe videos! BTW I can survive with nothing but that axe and nothing else. That takes time to learn to do, but is doable.
Thanks for the info Aldo and thanks for watching
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Been watching you for a very long time, you have a great easy going personality! 😊 Decade now?!
@@AldoSchmedack Thanks! Ive been on TH-cam 13 years now!
I just got a Council Tool Boys Axe.... 24" handle version (not 28"), 2.5 lb head. It was like $60, and mine luckily came with an awesomely straight grain on the handle. I sanded that bad-boy, flame burnished a cool zebra-ish pattern, and linseed oiled her up! Should be a great size for canoe trips!! Hi Dave!!
Sounds great Derek! Getting an axe through the mail is like a gamble. I like having my eyes on what I buy. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching