I can't tell you how excited I am about this series. You are by far the best resource for axemenship that I have found. I am an Assistant Scout Master and I teach this topic based on you and the books you recommend. You are a teacher. Do not fear. Make a difference once again.
Noted. Been thinking lately about getting my act together to do this series finally. It's a pretty involved project to pull off. You can probably already fill in a lot of the blanks from other content, but I haven't tackled efficiency much yet. Hope you can use the Buckstop idea. Seems ideal for scouts.
As an axe neophyte, I'm truly looking forward to your series. Thanks for sharing this passion with us. I'll try to repay that debt in some fashion. Steve
I just found this video. Don't doubt yourself. Experience is life's greatest teacher. We profit from your analytical mind and willingness to release its processes to us. I'm not sure if you believe but God bless you. May His presence be with you and supply all you need.
Thank you so much for making this series on axemenship! In these last couple days devastating straight line winds have absolutely wrecked the woods on my families farm, about 100 trees down and needing to be "processed". Being a lover of hand tools and old techniques I decided to handle, and sharpen my crappy Chinese axe and learn how to properly use it. Only to find there was barely any information online on how to swing these awesome tools!!! Just watching a few of you're videos has taught me a lot about to to tackle a tree!
I was thinking this morning, the idea is really like a template or outline of things to work on. Obviously, there isn't really a right way to do a lot of things, but I think there are fundamentals and goals of sorts..
In everyday life, I work in a factory, and you touched a nerve that I want to bring to the CEOs attention. Efficiency and economy are similar, but need more attention. A lot of people I work with worry about efficiency, but lack knowledge of how to economise the time. Thanks!
Efficiency could be interpreted pretty broadly. I find though that work has been leaning further and further toward being a somewhat symbolic activity. Both intent to get things done in a timely manner and economy of energy in physical work are on the decline I believe.
Axe tuning for me is dumb luck for me at this point!lmao but I have to say watching your videos have educated me alot ... my handle would've broken first strike without your tutelage! Thanks bro ....
Hey man, as I'm sure you can tell, I'm eating up your vids, excellent information, thank you for sharing your thoughts with all of us. Like many others in my and subsequent generation, we weren't taught ax skills from our fathers, so we find ourselves just picking them up and swinging... not the best for efficiency or safety, and I too have looked for information on the subjects, and haven't found much of anything, other than a bunch of bushcrafters kneeling as they chop wood. Looking forward to this series.
Thank you for this amazing channel. I've been watching you for a few weeks now, and I've learned so much and look forward to my own journey. I live in Central Florida right now, and while I'm not necessarily a city boy, I do work in the city in the field of IT (looking to change that sooner than later). I see the life my kids have, and I don't like it. I mean, I do because we've been making changes for a while to simpler and healthier (food and lifestyle). My wife and I have been working and planning our move away from this modernized life and to a more simple life. And finally, we're able to bite that bullet that we've been looking forward to for so long now. We're moving to the Mountains in NC, and I look forward to beginning my journey with the Axe and in Bushcraft and growing and raising our own food, and raising my daughters and son in this way of life. It's daunting, absolutely, but I know it's time. We've sold most of our furniture (still a few pieces to go), our TV, my old XBOX (I sold the XBOX ONE when I realized that Video Games were a waste of time, squandering precious minutes away from my wife and kids, and this was before I sold the 360 which we then only used for Netflix and TH-cam kids content or Bible teachings), then cancelled Netflix, and now we only have my laptop and old iPad which are tools and for the occasional movie. The distractions in life are so much these days. I want more for my kids. And we're making those intentional efforts to get it done. TLDR: Out with the crap; in with the nature. Good stuff! Keep up the good work! And thank you for your passion, your effort, and your mind, and for sharing them with the rest of us. ~ Caleb , The Dragon Slayer, Chamberlain
Thanks for that good feedback Caleb. Good luck with your move. You sort of have to reinvent the wheel, but as that's good times to my way of thinking. I hope to keep producing good content for people like you who are willing to step out of line. In solidarity :)
I think this series will also connect well with the people who are visual learners. lots just won't sit down and read etc for various reasons. this will make things easier for them as well. can't wait to see more.
Glad you are doing this. I've learned a few things from your videos and look forward to learning more on this particular topic. I forward some of these with a few aspiring and current scientists. Some of those conversations have been awesome.
Looking forward to the series. The accuracy part has increased by doing as you mentioned, purposefully swinging with intent. Giving thought to the technique of the swing and letting the ax do the work with well placed strokes. BTW, just busted my favorite double bit handle on the chopping platform. Not from a miss hit but from shock I guess as I chopped a wrist size seasoned hickory stick. That made me cry. Now I've gotta shave a thick handle down to get on like that old handle. Oh well.
I think accuracy might have as much to do with what we don't do as what we do, at least in some cases. Like the whole getting out of the way of yourself and the axe and letting it go where it needs to go. Hard to explain, but I'm guessing we mean the same thing more or less. Sorry about your handle, casualties of war I guess...
I'm glad this is getting made. Lots of interesting stuff to talk about with strategy. I've been really interested watching Survival Sherpa's videos and his working on splitting the logs out before bucking, which makes a lot of sense for his set-up. If the goal is a cord of wood you have to figure out the logistical challenges of materials handling, vs a typical bushcraft video of "Imma gonna chop this tree up with my new GB that feels to great in my hand".
I've been doing a little rail splitting style just to play around and I've done it when things get to a certain size and it seems silly to buck 16 inch logs out of something so large unless just for practice. As usual, I'm interested in how far I can take it with a small axe, which has been surprising in some cases. Usually though I'll end up having to chop out a couple of disposable wedges.
That was a lot of information and I am extremely appreciative of you doing a TH-cam channel on axe use , I live in an urban environment but I'm in arborist or use the chainsaw most of my day but when I come home I split wood with a splitting mall. I do own several axes in variety of sizes, A lot of boys are in my family my younger brother has seven boys and I want to educate them all the great outdoors since they very much love the city life. When they come to my place they can chop with the axle machete and even a chainsaw I'm very cautious with all them and make sure I follow all safety procedures now on their way for me I can ask them to take a look at your TH-cam channel I just listen to what you have to say and then I could show them what you were talking about the different ways of technique. It's interesting to hear the different ways of using the acts and how to make specific cuts over the past 25 years I've experienced all that just by pure curiosity and now hopefully with you being able to show proper technic I could sharpen my skills, even though I'm almost 50 years old. Always look forward to educating myself.
First time I've seen or heard my name on TH-cam...Cool! I also think that the saying of "work smarter not harder" comes into play. Maybe the older we get, the smarter we get when it comes to certain jobs. This should be a great series on axemanship that many people, old or young will benefit from. Love Axe Wednesdays!
Yay, you're famous! Yes, well, I admit to sometimes burning extra energy when doing stuff like chopping wood, just being a spaz or enjoying the workout, but the ability to get a lot done with a little effort is certainly a meaningful achievement, and a more and more rare skill when it comes to physical labor.
I actually learned quite a bit from the website skillcult.com watching the pros make those monster chips...and it's amazing how much I improved in a week or two just following their strategy. Looking forward to the series.
Well. im between jobs. It was the cheapest i could find. Besides, i do it more for excercising. Im in the process of removing some metal because it was more of a splitter so im thinning it out
One thing Iike about those small boys and pulpwood axes is that you can lift them all day and never get tired of it. Lifting it is just never an issue. They require more velocity to cut though, which can compromise safety and accuracy in some cases.
Excellent channel. No hung-ho hype, articulately presented, ego kept in check, and I really like the blend of succinct information balanced with open ended statements and questions to challenge your viewers to think, rather than the "my way, or (insert consequences here)" approach. One thing that stands out is your choice of vocabulary. Not too familiar, not too simplistic which can come off either condescending or uneducated, and not too high brow which would be inappropriate for its educational intent targeting a wide, generally unknown audience. Yes, even mouthfuls like soup-fluids...super-fools.....☝️☕️👍...su-per-floo-us. I've watched 9 of your videos so far and your delivery is consistent in both your own performance in front of the camera, and the video production quality itself. All of which puts you in a very elite minority on TH-cam. Just benchmark level excellence, I really can't say enough. You've motivated me to give the chord wood challenge a try, starting off with finding an axe in the 26"-28", 2-1/2 - 3 pound range and going through the corrections and improvements you've discussed. I'm leaning towards either a Montreal pattern or the Oshenkopf Härz pattern, just because they aesthetically appeal to me. I really don't have anything in that size, and I think you are spot on that it is a very good balance between the inertia vs. the snap techniques you spoke of, still handy to carry or pack with you yet large enough to do a significant amount of work. I'm really looking forward to going through your existing videos, plus the ones to come.
Well, thanks for those words Sean. I try to use the right words, whatever the likelihood they will be familiar. Sometimes I define if I think it is needed, and the rest people can look up, or if not, that's not my problem lol. But I try not to use words just to be impressive (at least not too much lol). We understand the world largely through our language though, especially in new endeavors, so vocabulary can be important as long as we stay aware of the fact that words are just symbolic and can't fully explain what actually is. Good on you for getting geared up early for the challenge, you'll be glad you did. I chose my first axe on looks basically lol. Hudson Bay. Terrible ha ha. Finally came to my senses and moved on. If you are in the states, I'd seriously think about going with the budget Council boy's axe. If you shop on amazon the prices change, but it's probably around 30.00 Nothing wrong with the form or handle design and most of them seem to be decent. At that price, you can afford to experiment and make mistakes. You're going to stick the toe of your axe in the dirt a LOT bucking and splitting on the ground for a while. Beat that thing up and then worry about something else later. The aluminum wedge needs to come out and one guy had to file the eye out because there was no taper, but plenty of potential for the price.
Your choice between efficiency and economy, I think for the regular joe, efficiency is a much better term. When I hear the word economy, I immediately think of money, finances, profit margins, etc. Efficiency makes me think of energy input compared to work output, horsepower, how much is energy is wasted and how much is utilized, etc
I think similar thoughts probably affected my leaning toward that term as well. A good argument can be made for economy as more appropriate, but it is going against common usage and perception. But, like all things language is used in context and I think you're right on the money there. I'm still on the fence though... Haven't thought about it much lately.
Very few axes have tempered polls. A hammer face is tempered and maul faces are also usually tempered so you can drive wedges with them. Most used axes are mushroomed from being hit with hammers or from being used to drive metal wedges, but you will rarely see a hammer or maul with a mushroomed face. The eye of an axe is also quite thin walled, so there is more chance that he eye will be malformed if it is used as a hammer. That said, it's find to drive wooden wedges and smack things occasionally with the back of an axe, but beating them against metal on a regular basis is definitely outside of reasonable use.
Thanks Brother!! Incorporating my axes into my timber-framing and carpentry has increased my efficiency, overall consistency, and has given me one more thing to improve upon... and that is outside of the little bit of hewing that I do from time to time... I'm working on a design for a true "carpenters" axe... for log-building and timber-framing... stay tuned!! Peace, Rooster
ooohh, that sounds truly interesting. I've already been thinking of taking on a largish log carpentry project to start working on those skills. Like a smithy! I'm fairly chomping at the bit to get my forge set up and start prototyping some axes. I really don't think that what I'm thinking I want for a firewood axe is actually on the market anywhere. It's hard to even find much at 2.5 lbs, let alone between 2.5 and 3.5 lb. It is mostly 2.25 and then it jumps to 3.5
Doesn't matter. I just meant to say that it's a too prevalent and common idea. I just hate to see people think that practical axe work is only for superheroes or something.
The way i see it the best way to start is with cutting thin branches and small trees. Something like a wrist thick trees and progressively getting bigger trees as you feel more skilled(it will take a lot of time). Ofc if you had some "tutorial" videos or materials about the subject you will be able to improve in a shorter time but i still think that starting with small branches, limbing and falling wrist size trees is necessary for noobs (i am a noob and i will not try to fall bigger tree than lets say 6 inches (ofc a 6 inch tree can be very tall depending on the species, area, etc and this makes it also dangerous but you get the idea) ). It is less exhausting, less scary that the tree will fall and kill you etc.
Just adding to the safety aspect - i know that when i did some axe racing intro courses that we had to wear steeltoed boots OR more preferably - some socks - www.tuatahiaxes.com/mesh-safety-products ... fairly impracticle but would stop you slicing through your foot .. however the correfct form when chopping should eliminate this - aka the one foot ahead of the otherwhich forces the arms to break elft or right of the legs should you miss or have a miss-strike. re strength - dont forget that during ww2 that thousands of LumberJills went and did hard swinging with the Womens Timber Corps./ really looking foward to this series - it will be epic
You are more than qualified to do a "how to" series man...just don't over complicated it...people have been swinging axes for thousands of years there is no best way of doing it...I'm from Romania and people in the Carpathian mountains here hold on to the wood with there hands and swing the axe to split the wood and when I told them that's not the "right way" or its not safe they just laughed at me...there hands are so beat up they pick up cols from the fire and move burning logs..of course there is technique involved but it is also very intuitive
Yeah, the idea is really to identify and define some fundamentals and within that I think there is a lot of leeway. A friend of mine splits wood like that. It's scary to watch him, but he has no fear or hesitation and does it super fast, right up to his hand. That's what it takes though. I do it, but I have my confidence or comfort zone when I get too close to my hand I'll usually stop. I've edited that out of videos before just because I didn't want to encourage people to do it, or deal with the flack lol.
Ya i definately think its a bad idea I've seen too many farmers without fingers. Just wanted to point out that there are many ways to cut an apple and practice makes better not best
I can't tell you how excited I am about this series. You are by far the best resource for axemenship that I have found. I am an Assistant Scout Master and I teach this topic based on you and the books you recommend. You are a teacher. Do not fear. Make a difference once again.
Noted. Been thinking lately about getting my act together to do this series finally. It's a pretty involved project to pull off. You can probably already fill in a lot of the blanks from other content, but I haven't tackled efficiency much yet. Hope you can use the Buckstop idea. Seems ideal for scouts.
As an axe neophyte, I'm truly looking forward to your series. Thanks for sharing this passion with us. I'll try to repay that debt in some fashion.
Steve
I just found this video. Don't doubt yourself. Experience is life's greatest teacher. We profit from your analytical mind and willingness to release its processes to us. I'm not sure if you believe but God bless you. May His presence be with you and supply all you need.
Thank you so much for making this series on axemenship!
In these last couple days devastating straight line winds have absolutely wrecked the woods on my families farm, about 100 trees down and needing to be "processed".
Being a lover of hand tools and old techniques I decided to handle, and sharpen my crappy Chinese axe and learn how to properly use it. Only to find there was barely any information online on how to swing these awesome tools!!!
Just watching a few of you're videos has taught me a lot about to to tackle a tree!
Well, I still have to make it lol :) Stay safe!
Great idea for a series to take axemanship to the next level.
I was thinking this morning, the idea is really like a template or outline of things to work on. Obviously, there isn't really a right way to do a lot of things, but I think there are fundamentals and goals of sorts..
But a good idea to point out advantages of using physics to your advantage.
Glad you're feeling better, man. Love the videos. Easily one of my favorite channels!
Thanks, I feel all better and getting back into the swing of things, so to speak.
Kevin Cathcart stole the words right outta my mouth.
In everyday life, I work in a factory, and you touched a nerve that I want to bring to the CEOs attention. Efficiency and economy are similar, but need more attention. A lot of people I work with worry about efficiency, but lack knowledge of how to economise the time. Thanks!
Efficiency could be interpreted pretty broadly. I find though that work has been leaning further and further toward being a somewhat symbolic activity. Both intent to get things done in a timely manner and economy of energy in physical work are on the decline I believe.
Axe tuning for me is dumb luck for me at this point!lmao but I have to say watching your videos have educated me alot ... my handle would've broken first strike without your tutelage! Thanks bro ....
Hey man, as I'm sure you can tell, I'm eating up your vids, excellent information, thank you for sharing your thoughts with all of us. Like many others in my and subsequent generation, we weren't taught ax skills from our fathers, so we find ourselves just picking them up and swinging... not the best for efficiency or safety, and I too have looked for information on the subjects, and haven't found much of anything, other than a bunch of bushcrafters kneeling as they chop wood. Looking forward to this series.
Not sure when it'll happen now, but I think it will be good. Def have to finish the grafting series I'm doing now first.
Thank you for this amazing channel. I've been watching you for a few weeks now, and I've learned so much and look forward to my own journey. I live in Central Florida right now, and while I'm not necessarily a city boy, I do work in the city in the field of IT (looking to change that sooner than later). I see the life my kids have, and I don't like it. I mean, I do because we've been making changes for a while to simpler and healthier (food and lifestyle). My wife and I have been working and planning our move away from this modernized life and to a more simple life. And finally, we're able to bite that bullet that we've been looking forward to for so long now. We're moving to the Mountains in NC, and I look forward to beginning my journey with the Axe and in Bushcraft and growing and raising our own food, and raising my daughters and son in this way of life. It's daunting, absolutely, but I know it's time.
We've sold most of our furniture (still a few pieces to go), our TV, my old XBOX (I sold the XBOX ONE when I realized that Video Games were a waste of time, squandering precious minutes away from my wife and kids, and this was before I sold the 360 which we then only used for Netflix and TH-cam kids content or Bible teachings), then cancelled Netflix, and now we only have my laptop and old iPad which are tools and for the occasional movie. The distractions in life are so much these days. I want more for my kids. And we're making those intentional efforts to get it done.
TLDR: Out with the crap; in with the nature. Good stuff!
Keep up the good work! And thank you for your passion, your effort, and your mind, and for sharing them with the rest of us.
~ Caleb , The Dragon Slayer, Chamberlain
Thanks for that good feedback Caleb. Good luck with your move. You sort of have to reinvent the wheel, but as that's good times to my way of thinking. I hope to keep producing good content for people like you who are willing to step out of line. In solidarity :)
I think this series will also connect well with the people who are visual learners. lots just won't sit down and read etc for various reasons. this will make things easier for them as well. can't wait to see more.
Have someone in mind ;) lol.
Hmm now I'm trying to think of someone. Now look at what you've gone and done
Glad you are doing this. I've learned a few things from your videos and look forward to learning more on this particular topic. I forward some of these with a few aspiring and current scientists. Some of those conversations have been awesome.
Alright, let's do it! Just wait till I go on my science rant, that should be interesting :)
Looking forward to the series. The accuracy part has increased by doing as you mentioned, purposefully swinging with intent. Giving thought to the technique of the swing and letting the ax do the work with well placed strokes. BTW, just busted my favorite double bit handle on the chopping platform. Not from a miss hit but from shock I guess as I chopped a wrist size seasoned hickory stick. That made me cry. Now I've gotta shave a thick handle down to get on like that old handle. Oh well.
I think accuracy might have as much to do with what we don't do as what we do, at least in some cases. Like the whole getting out of the way of yourself and the axe and letting it go where it needs to go. Hard to explain, but I'm guessing we mean the same thing more or less. Sorry about your handle, casualties of war I guess...
I'm glad this is getting made. Lots of interesting stuff to talk about with strategy. I've been really interested watching Survival Sherpa's videos and his working on splitting the logs out before bucking, which makes a lot of sense for his set-up. If the goal is a cord of wood you have to figure out the logistical challenges of materials handling, vs a typical bushcraft video of "Imma gonna chop this tree up with my new GB that feels to great in my hand".
I've been doing a little rail splitting style just to play around and I've done it when things get to a certain size and it seems silly to buck 16 inch logs out of something so large unless just for practice. As usual, I'm interested in how far I can take it with a small axe, which has been surprising in some cases. Usually though I'll end up having to chop out a couple of disposable wedges.
Really looking forward to this series!
Though a little daunting, me too :)
That was a lot of information and I am extremely appreciative of you doing a TH-cam channel on axe use , I live in an urban environment but I'm in arborist or use the chainsaw most of my day but when I come home I split wood with a splitting mall. I do own several axes in variety of sizes, A lot of boys are in my family my younger brother has seven boys and I want to educate them all the great outdoors since they very much love the city life. When they come to my place they can chop with the axle machete and even a chainsaw I'm very cautious with all them and make sure I follow all safety procedures now on their way for me I can ask them to take a look at your TH-cam channel I just listen to what you have to say and then I could show them what you were talking about the different ways of technique. It's interesting to hear the different ways of using the acts and how to make specific cuts over the past 25 years I've experienced all that just by pure curiosity and now hopefully with you being able to show proper technic I could sharpen my skills, even though I'm almost 50 years old. Always look forward to educating myself.
That's cool. Boys and axes are a good match. Good way to use up some energy and aggression while doing something constructive ;)
Thanks ! For the reply.
Great video. Very good advise
Good job! Well thought out and expressed. I look forward to more.
Hopefully this next season...
First time I've seen or heard my name on TH-cam...Cool! I also think that the saying of "work smarter not harder" comes into play. Maybe the older we get, the smarter we get when it comes to certain jobs. This should be a great series on axemanship that many people, old or young will benefit from. Love Axe Wednesdays!
Yay, you're famous! Yes, well, I admit to sometimes burning extra energy when doing stuff like chopping wood, just being a spaz or enjoying the workout, but the ability to get a lot done with a little effort is certainly a meaningful achievement, and a more and more rare skill when it comes to physical labor.
I actually learned quite a bit from the website skillcult.com watching the pros make those monster chips...and it's amazing how much I improved in a week or two just following their strategy. Looking forward to the series.
The combo i use axe wise is an old 5.5 lb single bit, 25 degree convex grind, and a 37in handle. For me, its a good all arounder.
Wow, that's big. I'm impressed. I've always favored light small axes.
Well. im between jobs. It was the cheapest i could find. Besides, i do it more for excercising. Im in the process of removing some metal because it was more of a splitter so im thinning it out
update. found a double bit and a boys axe. so much less fatiguing.
One thing Iike about those small boys and pulpwood axes is that you can lift them all day and never get tired of it. Lifting it is just never an issue. They require more velocity to cut though, which can compromise safety and accuracy in some cases.
Excellent channel. No hung-ho hype, articulately presented, ego kept in check, and I really like the blend of succinct information balanced with open ended statements and questions to challenge your viewers to think, rather than the "my way, or (insert consequences here)" approach. One thing that stands out is your choice of vocabulary. Not too familiar, not too simplistic which can come off either condescending or uneducated, and not too high brow which would be inappropriate for its educational intent targeting a wide, generally unknown audience. Yes, even mouthfuls like soup-fluids...super-fools.....☝️☕️👍...su-per-floo-us. I've watched 9 of your videos so far and your delivery is consistent in both your own performance in front of the camera, and the video production quality itself. All of which puts you in a very elite minority on TH-cam. Just benchmark level excellence, I really can't say enough.
You've motivated me to give the chord wood challenge a try, starting off with finding an axe in the 26"-28", 2-1/2 - 3 pound range and going through the corrections and improvements you've discussed. I'm leaning towards either a Montreal pattern or the Oshenkopf Härz pattern, just because they aesthetically appeal to me. I really don't have anything in that size, and I think you are spot on that it is a very good balance between the inertia vs. the snap techniques you spoke of, still handy to carry or pack with you yet large enough to do a significant amount of work. I'm really looking forward to going through your existing videos, plus the ones to come.
Well, thanks for those words Sean. I try to use the right words, whatever the likelihood they will be familiar. Sometimes I define if I think it is needed, and the rest people can look up, or if not, that's not my problem lol. But I try not to use words just to be impressive (at least not too much lol). We understand the world largely through our language though, especially in new endeavors, so vocabulary can be important as long as we stay aware of the fact that words are just symbolic and can't fully explain what actually is.
Good on you for getting geared up early for the challenge, you'll be glad you did. I chose my first axe on looks basically lol. Hudson Bay. Terrible ha ha. Finally came to my senses and moved on. If you are in the states, I'd seriously think about going with the budget Council boy's axe. If you shop on amazon the prices change, but it's probably around 30.00 Nothing wrong with the form or handle design and most of them seem to be decent. At that price, you can afford to experiment and make mistakes. You're going to stick the toe of your axe in the dirt a LOT bucking and splitting on the ground for a while. Beat that thing up and then worry about something else later. The aluminum wedge needs to come out and one guy had to file the eye out because there was no taper, but plenty of potential for the price.
Your choice between efficiency and economy, I think for the regular joe, efficiency is a much better term. When I hear the word economy, I immediately think of money, finances, profit margins, etc. Efficiency makes me think of energy input compared to work output, horsepower, how much is energy is wasted and how much is utilized, etc
I think similar thoughts probably affected my leaning toward that term as well. A good argument can be made for economy as more appropriate, but it is going against common usage and perception. But, like all things language is used in context and I think you're right on the money there. I'm still on the fence though... Haven't thought about it much lately.
So I have always wondered why it is ok to drive a splitting wedge with a sledgehammer but not ok with back of an ax. Why is that?
Very few axes have tempered polls. A hammer face is tempered and maul faces are also usually tempered so you can drive wedges with them. Most used axes are mushroomed from being hit with hammers or from being used to drive metal wedges, but you will rarely see a hammer or maul with a mushroomed face. The eye of an axe is also quite thin walled, so there is more chance that he eye will be malformed if it is used as a hammer. That said, it's find to drive wooden wedges and smack things occasionally with the back of an axe, but beating them against metal on a regular basis is definitely outside of reasonable use.
Thank you for doing this.
Welcome!
So late!!!!! But I'm still watching!
he he...
Sounds like a good series... I'll be interested in your take on the STATE of axemanship..
Peace, Rooster
Well, I'll look forward to any feedback you have. The short videos on axe carpentry you have put out pretty much blew my mind.
Thanks Brother!! Incorporating my axes into my timber-framing and carpentry has increased my efficiency, overall consistency, and has given me one more thing to improve upon... and that is outside of the little bit of hewing that I do from time to time... I'm working on a design for a true "carpenters" axe... for log-building and timber-framing... stay tuned!!
Peace, Rooster
ooohh, that sounds truly interesting. I've already been thinking of taking on a largish log carpentry project to start working on those skills. Like a smithy! I'm fairly chomping at the bit to get my forge set up and start prototyping some axes. I really don't think that what I'm thinking I want for a firewood axe is actually on the market anywhere. It's hard to even find much at 2.5 lbs, let alone between 2.5 and 3.5 lb. It is mostly 2.25 and then it jumps to 3.5
sounds like alot of work:D I look forward to your videos.
Videos probably more work than the chopping :)
SkillCult indeed, I don't envy you. but I look forward to the series.
It'll be fun in it's own way. I'm looking forward to it.
Think I know the exact video you're talking about at around 2:00
Doesn't matter. I just meant to say that it's a too prevalent and common idea. I just hate to see people think that practical axe work is only for superheroes or something.
SkillCult too true. like everything else, it gets easy once you know what you're doing.
The way i see it the best way to start is with cutting thin branches and small trees. Something like a wrist thick trees and progressively getting bigger trees as you feel more skilled(it will take a lot of time). Ofc if you had some "tutorial" videos or materials about the subject you will be able to improve in a shorter time but i still think that starting with small branches, limbing and falling wrist size trees is necessary for noobs (i am a noob and i will not try to fall bigger tree than lets say 6 inches (ofc a 6 inch tree can be very tall depending on the species, area, etc and this makes it also dangerous but you get the idea) ). It is less exhausting, less scary that the tree will fall and kill you etc.
I'm kind of new to the channel. Does anyone know where I can find the next video of this series? Thanks!
I haven't done it yet. Got side tracked and stuff. It'll happen though.
Did he ever do it? Cannot find the content.
I did not. So many video plans, so little time and energy...
Just adding to the safety aspect - i know that when i did some axe racing intro courses that we had to wear steeltoed boots OR more preferably - some socks - www.tuatahiaxes.com/mesh-safety-products ...
fairly impracticle but would stop you slicing through your foot ..
however the correfct form when chopping should eliminate this - aka the one foot ahead of the otherwhich forces the arms to break elft or right of the legs should you miss or have a miss-strike.
re strength - dont forget that during ww2 that thousands of LumberJills went and did hard swinging with the Womens Timber Corps./
really looking foward to this series - it will be epic
I'll have to think on that one foot ahead of the other thing. Make a youtube video about it!
I shall have to see what i can do - i have not made a yt vid before (no inclination)
Fifteen minutes is extremely fast to do that job.
I think he said ten, then backtracked a little. Even if it's 20...
You are more than qualified to do a "how to" series man...just don't over complicated it...people have been swinging axes for thousands of years there is no best way of doing it...I'm from Romania and people in the Carpathian mountains here hold on to the wood with there hands and swing the axe to split the wood and when I told them that's not the "right way" or its not safe they just laughed at me...there hands are so beat up they pick up cols from the fire and move burning logs..of course there is technique involved but it is also very intuitive
Yeah, the idea is really to identify and define some fundamentals and within that I think there is a lot of leeway. A friend of mine splits wood like that. It's scary to watch him, but he has no fear or hesitation and does it super fast, right up to his hand. That's what it takes though. I do it, but I have my confidence or comfort zone when I get too close to my hand I'll usually stop. I've edited that out of videos before just because I didn't want to encourage people to do it, or deal with the flack lol.
Ya i definately think its a bad idea I've seen too many farmers without fingers. Just wanted to point out that there are many ways to cut an apple and practice makes better not best
wise editing.