A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing a Survival Axe
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 พ.ค. 2020
- Like what you see? Want more? Visit us at..
www.coalcrackerbushcraft.com
/ danwowak
/ coalcrackerbushcraft
Want a FREE PILLOW?
tribe.outdoorvitals.com/pillo...
and as always....
Stay in the Woods,
Dan
I keep my "survival" axe in the survival toolbox in the bed of my survival truck parked in my survival garage.
Haha! I think you will survive!
Careful man pm101 might rob you. He is obsessed with hoarding survival s***.
Damn that’s next level survival.
On your survival property in your survival community. If you are going to beat a dead horse you may as well get some hide, meat and bone out of it.
Ha hahaha what if youre not in youre truck? What if your outta town. Dude u screded.
Years ago I read the novel “Danger West” and a company was hiring to create a trail through a stream bottom. The interview was to tell the candidates to choose an axe in a hardware store. Those that got hired were the ones that asked if they could bring their personal axes.
That's a good way to hire capable people, and an even better way to save tool cost for the contractor
@@Piekosz518 Or to hire the people too timid to raise a stink when you work 'em to death.
So, they hired gullible fools with egos. It’s the duty of the employer to provide all tools. Time this got codified.
@@talisikid1618 not so, those that got hired were those that knew that slight differences in weight, length and balance make a difference when working in tight spaces.
@@talisikid1618 don’t think you understand the point
I recently went canoe camping for the first time with friends in Algonquin and everyone chuckled when they saw me bring my full length axe (Cold Steel Trail Boss) because we already had a folding saw and hatchets. Buuuuuuuut lo and behold, the bulk of viable wood we found were relatively wide diameter trees. With the rain, we needed a hot, slow burning fire and plenty of fuel.
Fortunately, my axe did what their hatchets could not do easily: blast through thick logs like nothing. The long handle makes it a bit awkward for fine detailed work, but it did just fine making shavings. It holds an edge really well and is easy to sharpen with a simple sharpening stone (brought that too just in case). Used it to hammer our new tent stakes too and made a few wedges with it to split a particularly resistant log.
The full axe is relatively light and honestly it straps on pretty easily. The most important thing I think regarding axes is learning how to actually use them and being confident about the swing. I cringe when I see someone about to take a huge swing and I see, just inches away, a large stone in the ground. Like bro, just cut it AWAY from the rock! Little things like that make a difference between a good axe-user and a dangerous one. While the full length axe is more cumbersome than a hatchet or shorter handle axe, I find one simple truth: the large axe can do pretty much everything a small axe can, but a small axe cannot do everything a large axe can.
Great videos! Subbed :)
Underrated comment!
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree. If i'm just visiting, or only staying a short time, I at least want something about the size of a SFA (mine is a merit mark boys axe head on about an 18-19" handle)
My real axe is a Kelly perfect jersey hung on a 32". Holy crap that is an axe. Even when I hunt and hike and have NO intention on processing a single stick, I carry a hatchet. A few years after starting that, I keep being surprised how much I use it AND how it is almost equal to a knife for processing game. I like it so much that it lives full time in the kitchen...
@@mattfleming86 I just restores a felling axe , possibly a True Temper. It weighs 6 pounds and has a 36” handle. It pretty much is my do anything and everything axe
@@davidvines6498 Great choice. Does it have the little "ribs" inside the eye? That's almost a dead giveaway. Kelly True Temper made MANY house brands. My favorite Kelly is labeled Belknap Bluegrass... which is cool for me because my late Grandpa used to collect the stuff. It's about a 3.5 lb jersey, thin bit, and I think it hung about 31" or so. It's worth the weight. Splits really good for a felling axe. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have enjoyed mine.
@@mattfleming86 yes one double bit thats Red has the ridges inside. I was told it’s a Woodslasher, another double bit is a True Temper Kelly Perfect. It’s stamped into the axe with the number 3. It has the bevels like the felling axe
I use an old roofers hatchet from the 1950’s. It’s never failed me.
I just came across an old head for one I'd forgotten about. I think I'll fix it up with a longer handle for a gp camp axe.
We call them carpenter hatchets here.
Tyler Boliver I’m not there. I’m here. TOE MAY TOE, TOE MAH TOE. 😐
I just found a carpenter's axe last week. Got it razor sharp now with my kme axe sharpener. It's perfect now
Dual purpose too: Assume you're in a position of having to make a shelter?
You can now make shingles for your roof too
The Alton Brown of bushcraft. So glad I have found this channel. This is helping get my 8 year old son involved
Now I wanna see these two go on a camping trip and make a meal over a fire.
👌🏼😂
with axes??
Axe safety, axe-orientated ifak, injuries through tiredness from a too-heavy axe, stance, footwear, axe- maintenance, technique. Almost a whole channel bin itself right there. Thanks 👍
I agree of fatigue/use of tools/perfect form.
Sounds like giving up of sorts, but if losing form, rest those muscle groups and dig into another task ya know you've to do and come back. It's not loss of time for the most part as said. Heck, the fun of chopping may even return with the rested muscle group.
Yeah, Henry Ford did a job for a production line, but since you mentioned, I wonder how many injuries happened due to fatigue.
lol, once upon while stacking two face cords dumped by some clown missing the mark and hit my driveway(winter).
I walked away and tried to make a rock/stone carin (stack) out in the yard as art. I came back to the wood stacking with song in heart 'n head. Funny how some chit as works, if life isn't really on the line.
~~~ dayum squirrels/robins liked the rock stack. fook dat. (-:
Love my Estwing 26” axe. Comfortable and indestructible.
I’ve had the same estwing for years and I’ve beat the crap out of it. Love that thing
When I was first shopping for a camping axe, someone told me either get a hatchet or go full length - if you miss, those full-length handles will be more likely to put the bit into the dirt than your shins.
@some goon Yes - this is what I learned as well.
I'm a 58 year old homemaker, grandma, and love your instructional videos. I just learned about axes here for the first time in my life. Although I've split plenty of wood in my 20's and 30's, bearing and raising 6 children in a 1700 year old homestead, I never really had anyone critique my tools. They were already very old tools we would pick up at auctions during the 80's. They worked then, and now still, super well. Dependable, quality work horse tools. But to watch you detail - talk about tools is a new thing for me. And if I bought new tools, would definitely be details that I'd keep in mind. I'm in the mountains now, no longer on the homestead. I'm also far north in PA now also where winters are snowy and cold which I love. State forest surrounds my property. Black bears are my neighbors. We enjoy a slower pace life now, but really enjoy learning survival skills from your channel. Chopping wood is 9 months of the year's work here. We have a splitting maul for big stove firewood, and hatchet and hammer for small stove firewood, and sledge hammer and wedges for big snarly chunks and we bring dying and dead trees down with a chainsaw. My husband and I grew up in the outdoors and the woods and the streams every day of our lives, as kids growing up in the '60s and seventies you weren't allowed to be in the house your mother kicked you out so we literally spent all the seasons outside, even winter and in blizzards, and we had a great time! Truth! Life was good then. Life outdoors back then was safer for kids. So we could be over mile away from home as long as we were home for supper didn't matter where we were. It was like Little House on the Prairie days, I even walked a mile to school back then and back home all by myself, from age 5 years old and up. Now parents can't even let their kid out in the front yard by themselves without watching like a hawk cuz somebody could take them. So yes we agree with you get outside, play in the woods, walk in the woods explore the woods.. take it all in.. breathe the woods air and listen to the sounds everybody! 👍 Take care everyone.
Just looking at all the different patterns of axes (past and present) should be a clue that no single axe is going to excel at every task. Most, if not all can be used beyond the specific intent of their design, but at some cost of efficiency, ergonomics, control, precision, etc. Great info Dan, thanks!
I find carpenters axe works pretty well as long as you keep in mind what tree your hacking at. Yeah it can cost work for bigger trees but it can be done... or pick a different tree. And! lets face it, most people carry a knife of some sort with them too. If you knife is anywhere near worth it you should be able to baton out some firewood too. The axe doesn't have to do all the splitting.
MmmmMm@@defechan7486 m
Litterly
He's wearing a flannel shirt. Instant credibility
I really like watching this guy. Humorous while giving valuable information. So enjoyable! 🙂
What great timing for this video! I was just gonna axe you about this subject.
As a dad I approve this comment.
🤣
Beat me to it ! 😂
Erik Deran I hope you axeually got a handle on the subject..
@@umutkarakurt6017 I don't always tell dad jokes but he always laughs when I do!
Great class! I'm 66 years old and have 7 various axes and I still fumble through the finding the right ax for the job. Not any more. Thanks Dan!
Ok, so I know you were mostly talking about backpacking. Since I am mostly out overlanding in my Jeep, I carry 3 axes. 1 hatchet for small work and tent pegs. 1 medium 24" handle with a fine thin 2 lb head for shaving feather sticks. 1 large 3.5 lb head 34" handle for splitting and chopping wood. Again only because I have a vehicle to carry them for me, I bring them all and usually use all 3 when making camp.
Love and Power to the working class! We need to be teaching this and other useful skills in schools.
Thought you might find this interesting. I’m 59 yr old woman. A “ Cybertorture “ victim ( coined by the UN sp. raptor on torture ) . Actually found out in 2018 thought I made someone mad because I was experiencing community harassment but, through research now have found my family nonconsensual research subjects a hidden global economy for decades if not a lifetime without our knowledge.... An awful existence... I much enjoy / enjoyed the topics of sustainable living , outdoors , ect.. Now my life since coming to the realization of an unimaginable situation none of anything may matter but, I try to continue on... the AI brought me to your channel and well I guess that could be interpreted in different ways and an hopefully for you a compliment to you. Thanks a Minnesota home grown woman 🌲
And aswell long handled axes are safer.. They go in the ground when you miss... the shorter ones will go in your legs ;). Very nice video
i'm impressed how spontaneous your vids are. i believe these tips are mandatory viewing for every survivalist, and you make it fun and engaging.
This has got to be the best simplified "explanation" video on axes. It goes into the what, why and when of axes. I learned more here than at a survival class where they were trying to tell us that we all needed the same axe, theirs!
Thank You! And I just subscribed!
Great summary on axes. Touched on everything I thought about when getting my first "bushcraft" (utility) axe.
One thing I did as a newbie was to get a bit longer of a handle to make some of the camp chores a bit safer. I believe its a 23 inch. I want to downsize to about a 19-21 inch but just have not got there yet. You are making me think about going smaller now but I might just "need" to get a secondary trappers hatchet or something haha.
As a personal choice I had to make sure it was a Hudson Bay style axehead as well. I like the aesthetics more and if you don't like your axe you will use it less. Also I like how the shape lets me choke up for finer tasks. Not sure if that curvature is made specifically to enable choking up but it sure seems like it is.
No harm having multiple tools. At home I have a maul for splitting firewood and a hatchet for a do all of sorts that works well for everything I use it for from putting points on sticks to splitting firewood into kindling. I wouldn’t want to be splitting a night’s supply of firewood with it though, need that maul for that. A friend moved and gave me a couple aces he was leaving behind but I have yet to use them for anything. I would guess a machete would get used more in my area than an axe would, not that there aren’t roles for axes just that an axe isn’t the best tool for carving a trail through dense undergrowth of shrubs, saplings and briars.
Articulate, experienced, genuine - - - you're doing a fine job, Dan! 🤠
Thanks for a very informative video. You're a naturally good teacher, who knows hold the attention of the student. Be well & safe. Cheers.
I custom hung my own axe, 2lb head on a 25" handle, my primary use is fire making and shelter building with a secondary use of harvesting material for other primitive tool making, works perfectly for me, never step into the woods without it, long enough to chop, light enough to carry.
I have similar needs and am a smaller guy i use a ray mears axe forget the model but one he made with 24 inch handle and .8 kg head
@@superdave6415wilderness axe.
Taking your comments to heart, I’m looking for a for efficient fire prep as the first priority. Second is emergency shelter construction. Third is camp/cabin building. Emphasis is on efficiency first and portability second. My current choice (not purchased yet) is 2.5 lbs overall with 1.6 pounds of that being the head. The cutting edge is 3.25” and handle length is 23” total. The bit seems designed to help split but also has decent bite with a thin or narrow wedge profile. It generally is an all-around good compromise on paper. My pack has side pockets with “pass through” behind them. Straps top and bottom make it a great home for an axe of this size. Hoping to pick it up this summer and get some practice in with it
Dan , I'm a recent subscriber, and I have to tell you...I like your video's more and more all the time...informative, humorous, all without being condescending or egotistic. Thank you. You covered handle length, bit or head weight, and bit thickness, One thing you did not cover is axe head style. tomahawk, hatchet, felling, splitting, double bit, tactical, as what is best or more practical overall for "bushcraft" . thanks again.
The axe head is going to determine a lot, I would recommend a forest axe. But it does depend on what exactly you are doing, you might need/want the size of a hatchet, but then be limited on what you can do. you may want a felling axe, but then have to lug that thing around, and be limited on what you can do. a 15-20inch forest axe is a good compromise of size, and weight, its not too small to do larger jobs, and its not too big to do finer carving. A forest axe, is not that different from a carpenters axe. and IMO the best choice for bush crafting, but everyone is different...Hatchets are nice...you might be 8 feet tall and think a firemans axe is perfect.....but you probably want a 15-20in forest axe if you are looking for an axe that's not too big, not too small, and heavy enough to get things done
To me a _survival_ axe needs to be an all-around axe. The ONE axe that does most of what you are going to need to survive. For backpacking survival, Mors Kochanski recommends an axe length so that by sticking the end of the handle in your armpit you can cup your hand or fingers around the head. This puts the axe in the "forest axe" category, which is a compromise between size & portability. Big enough to do more stuff, yet portable because pounds equal pain when carrying gear.
Your insight helped me choose the right axe. Thank you.
thats too big
I did the arm pit thing, but I ended up doing something else. 😌
You have a true gift for explaining things in ways we can all understand. Thanks a lot - much appreciated…
Great beginner's guide for sure, Dan. Thank you.
Great video Dan. Always giving some gourmet advice. Thanks.
The best advice delivered with enthusiasm and character. 👍🏻
OG coalcracker here.Very informative in a clear and concise manner. You are a very good teacher! Continue to wish the best for you and your family.
That was great!! Thank you. I've been looking at axes and what I need and that was so helpful. I have one at home for sitting wood for the fireplace and 2 others I don't use and nor would I ever hike in someplace with them. Thank you!
Great job Dan! So needed this and the clarity!
You just answered a lot of questions I've recently had - brilliant vid, sir.
Thanks Dan! I bought my GB Wildlife without knowing to consider any of this.. but after watching this awesome explanation, it seems I chose well and now I know why. Great vid!
Love your simple and straightforward explanations
I really love how educational your page is great for any person wanting to start their own bushcraft hobby. Thank you
I really appreciate how you explain things, thoughtful with no BS! Count me subscribed!
That was very comprehensive! Thanks for sharing!
You and Dave Canterbury are my go to Bushcrafters. I really enjoy your humor, knowledge and tutorials.
The video quality is unbelievably good! And the content was really good too.
As another woodsman the videos I've watch are common sense and very informative
I recently started watching your videos. I like the way you simply and understandably explain things without talking down to people or making people feel stupid. Your videos are very informative and direct. Thank you.
In my younger days I learned most of this stuff by trial and error especially trying to split wood with the wrong axe! This video is 100% on point, and the best one I've seen regarding all aspects of axe craft for beginners and experienced folks alike thanks and keep up the great work.
That was both entertaining and really educational. Thanks !
Excellent presentation. Thank you.
Very informative and well spoken ,thanks. You're a wealth of knowledge.
Great video! Learned a lot. Thanks for the Axe 101 lesson.
Really enjoyed this video man, you’re not arrogant or cocky. It made listening to you educational and enjoyable, thanks man.
great video! One thing that can also play a role in deciding, is the weather. Most of the year i get by with either a hawk or a boys axe. But with where I live, in winter i carry a much more substantial axe. 6lb head on a 36 inch handle to deal with frozen trees and a 30 inch bow saw. For anyone wondering why such a beast of an axe, I've seen axes bounce off of frozen trees. So you want it heavy, and VERY sharp to bite into frozen wood. Just a tip from a northern woodscrafter. have a great day you all!
CCB, you have a good manner about you and a good teaching style. I appreciate you.
Maine wedge(E&S), 2.5lbs and 28" skinny handle. I love that thing. I also carry a light hawk for fine fire prep, clearing brush and crafting.
Great advice, Dan.. Lots of choices and opinions in the ax world. Stay safe and stay warm.
Good presentation about axes Dan. I have many, but I have my favorites. Take care.
Great video! Love seeing you getting pumped to go play with axes in the woods.
Thanks for making this Dan, very helpful!
Really interesting, informative & enjoyable video to watch 👏 thank you for sharing my friend 🙂👍
Hey, this is the greatest video on axes I have seen. I have never been a fan of axes since I never really used them or I used one for an inappropriate task and it was too heavy so it didn't feel right. After this video it made me rethink axes quite a bit. Thanks.
Excellent beginner overview on axes. It helped me. I am in the utility group. I’m now experimenting with a small axe, a saw, and a large Victorinox SAK as my woods tools cutting tools.
I personally respect Estwing's axes as survival tools. They're quite heavy and they're not the best performers overall, but they're reasonably priced and their dependability has been proven on more than one occasion. Thank you for the great video.
Awesome overview for a beginner like me. Thank you!
Thee BEST and most BASIC (in a good way) axe video on TH-cam. You’ve totally helped me out. I’m going for a 19inch! Cheers my man!
Great video Dan! Thank you
Tomahawk does a little bit of everything for me, the hammer on the backside is a bonus for hammering in stakes, breaking rocks, killing attacking predators, whatever I happen to be up to. Ultimately, it's just a fun option. A broken handle is easier to replace in a pinch in the woods as well, so there's that.
Most certainly helped me to decide on the ax that best suits my needs. Great explanation of the ax itself. Really appreciate all these video gems. Totally upping my bushcraft game !!!!
Got a knew subscriber 👍
Excellent explanation of a seemingly easy subject. I learnt a lot. Thanks.
some people disregard the tomahawk as a tool for cutting and chopping. it wasnt just a weapon or anything like that. if i were to get an axe, it would be a grandfors bruks or a crkt woods chogan, cause i wouldnt need to have a huge honkin thing of an axe to do any kind of big tasks if it's just me myself and i. or me with a friend. here in indiana we have some pretty decent sized trees but i wouldnt go out of my way to chop down a dead standing monster for just one camp night. the more i think bout it, the more i lean to the tomahawk cause of the fact that you can replace the handle in the field should something happen, but you cant with the grandfors. good video and im lucky to have come across this video, thank you :D
Tomahawk, easy to replace the handle, you can slip the head off for fine work and if you get bored you can practice throwing it
Fantastic! Thank you, Sir!
Great video. Clear & concise.
You've answered all my questions, thank you sir!
This was actually a great breakdown on what to think about when you're buying an axe: what is it going to be used for! Great video!
Love your advice Dan
Really informative and categorized.
Thank you for the guidance...
Nice , never really thought about an ax and there different uses . I lived in the mountains at 9,000 feet for 34 years and heated our house with wood and would go through about 6 to 8 cords a year and got real good at wood processing for heating the house . Big heavy splitting maul was the ticket but when we camped it was not the best option so I ended up with something similar to your all purpose ax and know have 3 axes and use them accordingly. So I guess now that I think about it they do serve different purposes and your absolutely right they become very personal and if you take care of them they last a long time . Thanks for the video
Happy Trails
Great overview. Thank you!
Great advice.
God bless you.
Excellent video! Thanks
Very useful information. Thank you.
Thanks Tons Dan! I learned a whole lot. I like your smaller axis. Hopefully I can find 1 like that.
This was a very informative video I have learned a lot from this video and I will know exactly which acts I need when I go out camping this summer thank you very much
Love your stuff.
Awesome video thank you for this.
Appreciate the information.
Great video goes great with your other Axe Care safety video , Thanks
Good information, personally I carry a Hardcore Survivalist Hatchet on my pack for general purpose use.
But I do have several axes to serve different purposes, felling, bucking, splitting, etc.
My friend, is an so grateful for your content. Subbed.
Awesome basic 101 explanation in a clear and understandable format.
Just get 6 or 7 or a few more and one will be your favorite. And sometimes one of the others is needed and you go , wow, I’m Glad I got this extra ax !
Its been a real joy to find your outstanding presentation on this subject!
Your experience, expertise and clear, credible and concise analysis shone through and I was hugely impressed how you explained that only the user can determine which tool will be the best for them, and to ignore those that say, "this is the best hatchet/axe for you and is all you'll need".
I read and watched multiple sources of information but my decision what to buy was arrived at after seeing just what the tool could accomplish in the hands of an expert and them explaining how he got the best from the tool (obviously, having the tool the expert used with phenomenal success does not accord me those same skills!).
Old Jimbo showed what could be achieved with a GB Mini Hatchet (the tool I was interested in) and I ordered one.
At first sight and handling I felt that this was perfect for my intended usage, something that no reviews, photos or videos could do (the videos could show what it could do, not whether it was right for me!).
In time I've added a GB Wildlife Hatchet, and years later a GB Small Forest Axe (and a GB Neck Knife).
Developing an understanding and appreciation of hatchets and axes took time and has been enjoyable and beneficial.
Your presentation helps viewers to do so. Subdcribed.
I have 4 main axes I just love and use all the time. My hatchet is a Snow & Nealley Outdoorsman belt axe and is great for out elk hunting and day trips. My Council Tool Woodcraft pack axe 24" is my most utility axe by far and is always on my backpack for excursions and I use it in the wood pile quite often. Next is my 3.5lb Our best from Snow & Neally with 30" handle. This is my truck axe and chainsaw companion axe. Last is my Council Tool 6lb Dayton that I use only for spitting rounds. As you may have noticed, only American made for me. The S & N do require a good sharpening out of the box, but I enjoy honing an edge to my liking. All fit different needs and all work really well when taken care of.
When I was about 10, I was in a foster home. Weekends in the winter were spent in the woods processing wood for the furnace. The trees were cut by the adults who would also make chunks of logs about 16 inches to fit the furnace door. Us kids had to get them on the toboggan and to the house. Then us four kids had to use a maul and a wedge to split those huge chunks. You had to find the grain of the wood and hopefully a little crack from drying for a year. I never learned to use an axe. Dad had a saw hooked up to an old tractor. Worked great. He used a hatchet for stove wood. He had a split in his left thumbnail to show how dangerous they can be. I need to learn to use an axe safely. Thanks...
Great info! The best info is to know how to use any ax you have to use!
As always, great break down. I went with the Snow & Nealley camp axe. Made in the USA, 24 inch, general purpose axe. Not to heavy, not to long, works great! I did have to spend some time getting the edge right. Ok out of the box but not to that "be careful with that" sharpness.
Very good video and well explained!
I swear by my GB small forest axe.... it’s perfection!
My next purchase is a GB scandi forest axe!
You are a fantastic communicator/teacher.
Thank you Mr Coalcracker