Camp Axe Suggestions

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Finally got a replacement handle for my axe. Rehung the head (first time). I think I did a adequate job. I also managed to find the little brother camp axe on craigslist. Cost me a whopping dollar :)

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So i picked up a couple used 36 oz plumb hatchets. Their head is kind of an odd design. Very one sided. The blade is only sharpened in one side, and the shaft is actually offset as well. Any ideas why?

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These were prob made for just that-hewing a log-got the flat side so you don't dig into the log too much--or could be for making shakes (as in shingles)
 
I personally would steer clear of Best Made - it's really not much more than a $40 axe with fancy marketing behind it. Please no one get upset, that is the reality though.

The Swedes are pretty much universally known for making the best axes in the world. My take is:
  1. The best all around camp axe is probably the Granfors Bruks Small Forest Axe, but they are nearly impossible to find right now.
  2. Superb runner up is the slightly smaller Wetterlings Scout Axe.
  3. Someone recently told me the Husqvarna axes are actually hand-forged Swedish as well. If true that's a hell of a deal.
 
GB axes are available at Highland Hardware--all models I know of.--Including the 1700s Broadaxe - prob the most beautiful axe they have ever made.
 
HighLand Hard ware sells GBG axes--including the most beautiful axe ever made--the 1700's Broad axe
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/gransforsbrukssmallforestaxe.aspx
They have the Small Forest axe for $120
I have their 1800 Broadaxe-for some reason, I never need to sharpen this thing. I check it each time I use it to see if I need to hone the blade to get it back to really sharp--I've owned this axe for 5 years, and have yet to need to resurface the blade, other than polishing off the gunk from the chopping.

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I just bought a Fiskars X15. I didn't need the best, just the best bang for my buck. I believe the Fiskars X15 is that. $33 delivered with awesome reviews on many websites.
 
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I just bought a Fiskars X15. I didn't the best, just the best bang for my buck. I believe the Fiskars X15 is that. $33 delivered with awesome reviews on many websites.
I have the same one and their splitting axe. No complaints especially for the price.
 
I just bought a Fiskars X15. I didn't the best, just the best bang for my buck. I believe the Fiskars X15 is that. $33 delivered with awesome reviews on many websites.

I find that this is an excellent deal and just ordered the 17". Made in Finland not china :P
 
Getting the Fisker X17 delivered tomorrow. Cool video, mesmerizing. Hate to say at first I thought his left hand was gonna be a goner!


 
Good grief!!!!! Scary how close he gets to 'splitting' his hand.
 
My son bought a Condor double bit sort axe at the blade show this summer for $30. It's a great axe. It's short, but has a splitting bit and a felling bit. The head is cast stainless, but I've seen no issues with that so far. I chopped a good sized dead pine down in about 10 swings. It's short enough to comfortably swing one handed for cutting off limbs, but still long enough to two hand it.


http://images.knifecenter.com/thumb/295x295/knifecenter/condor/images/CN4004C.jpg
 
My son bought a Condor double bit sort axe at the blade show this summer for $30. It's a great axe. It's short, but has a splitting bit and a felling bit. The head is cast stainless, but I've seen no issues with that so far. I chopped a good sized dead pine down in about 10 swings. It's short enough to comfortably swing one handed for cutting off limbs, but still long enough to two hand it.


http://images.knifecenter.com/thumb/295x295/knifecenter/condor/images/CN4004C.jpg
I've never been able to sharpen stainless worth a hoot-it also will not hold an edge like high-carbon steel.
 
I generally don't care for stainless in a blade of any type, and often DON'T buy knives because they're stainless, but this particular axe head has held up at least as well as my old Homestead felling axe.
 
A heads up if anyone is looking at the Fiskars x15. i just ordered zoro.com. They have them for $28 and change. Also a coupon (present1) gets $15 off of $75. I ordered 3 of the x15 for xmas gifts. Cost me $70 and change with their free delivery going on now. Less $24 each.
 
I just came across this nice axe while checking out Drifta products from down under. For the more discerning woodsman...

http://www.drifta.com.au/snow-peak-hatchet/

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For myself, I just have a run of the mill axe I use around the house for splitting firewood, but after a suggestion from a friend, I got one of these. Most useful for collecting firewood in the bush. After using this, I almost think there is no use for an axe in the bush. I've cut 8-10" dia dead fall down with this thing without any issures.

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http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.aspx?p=45837&cat=2,42706,40721

My friend had a higher end Japanese saw, but I can't remember the brand though, I think it was a Silky product, but I also found this link for those interested in this type of product.

http://www.rittenhouse.ca/asp/Menu.asp?MID=453&gclid=COK86YDv7cICFeURMwodPB0A_w
 
So i picked up a couple used 36 oz plumb hatchets. Their head is kind of an odd design. Very one sided. The blade is only sharpened in one side, and the shaft is actually offset as well. Any ideas why?

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I have had one like that for a long time now. A family favorite. Mine is some kind of construction hatchet. It's not off set.
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some Hawks. Never used the Hard core hawk. the black one a m48 is best for throwing, Could be handy for something not much of a chopper.

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