Let's talk about axes

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Yep, it was about one day old, had just put it in the rig.
I have had a lot of axes in my 60 years.
An old one that was my dads from the 50s, newer wood handled ones, but I like the feel and swing of this Fiskars one better than any axe I have ever used.
It put a smile on my face splitting up wood at the campsite.

Well that's all that matters.

J

 

[NyNomad]

axes cut wood.... and bone... mostly for wood though

 

[chudly]

Fiskars may be what I end up going with...price and value I think it might be the best. I don't foresee heavy use... at least historically I haven't been chopping THAT much wood

 

[cruiserpilot]

I have B and C, and a 4 1/2 pound splitter/camp axe.
Iltis Oxhead Axes - Lee Valley Tools

I've used Iltis Ox Heads for 35 years. I sharpen the single so it will shave, anything.
It is in the truck for all trips.

 

[chudly]

I have B and C, and a 4 1/2 pound splitter/camp axe.
Iltis Oxhead Axes - Lee Valley Tools

I've used Iltis Ox Heads for 35 years. I sharpen the single so it will shave, anything.
It is in the truck for all trips.

the 2 husq axes? how do you compare the wood and composite?

 

[Hack]

Not really full blown axes, but I'm a believer in these:

Hatchet: Swiss Military Surplus Hand Hatchet, New - 202289, Hand Tools at Sportsman's Guide

Small Axe: Swiss Military Surplus Reserve Axe, New - 144460, Hand Tools at Sportsman's Guide

Both Swiss military issue. Superior steel. I ordered a number of the hatchets, gave a few as gifts, and kept probably 3-4 for myself. They are that nice. And the price is really good for a quality hatchet.

The small axe has a full size head. And a short, but beefy handle. Good for stowing away, and limbing. Same quality steel.

Both hold edges well. I've refinished the wood on them, added a bit of gun stock stain and linseed oil. Helko sheaths fit them nicely.

 

[cruiserpilot]

the 2 husq axes? how do you compare the wood and composite?

I meant the B and C from the Lee Valley page.
Wooden handles - buy as fine a grain as you can that runs parallel with the handle, don't look for fancy grain.
I think I misunderstood initially what you asked - composite probably is more durable I'm curious as to how it handles UV after long term. Initially the fiberglass handles came on shovels and axes and after a couple of years they would sliver off and break down. Then I just throw the tool out. I can only expect better from modern composites, but just don't know.
I've seen the Hq axes advertised but not seen one in real life. I need to feel it, before I'd buy it cause the balance
is really important to me.

 

[kybishop]

I have a Schmidt Pack Saw that I have had for many years. I don't know, 20-25 years I reckon. Impressive saw.

Schmidt Pack Saw | Boundary Waters Catalog

I have an old Snow and Nealley axe, the Hudson Bay I believe.

Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay Camping Axe, Wood Cutting and Hauling - Lehman's

I bought them both back when I was doing some canoe camping. Use them mainly for camping still.

 

[hkeller]

Which fiskars are you using?

I am not sure of the model number. It is the large one. Yes, for the former post, the mettle is softer than my Swedish axes, but the damn thing splits wood better than any of my other high end axes or mauls.

 

[70 FJ40]

I love the look and feel of an old style well made axe or hatchet. Same is true for most things. I am a 35 year old guy who prefers his 40 year old Cruiser to any other vehicle after all. But. I got a Fiskars hatchet last Christmas as a gift. I will say it splits wood really really well. Especially for a hatchet. It's true however you can pick up old hatchets or axes at yard/estate sales and flee markets for $3 to $20 quite often. Sometimes even find the high dollar ones. I'm kind of becoming a collector I suppose. I probably have 10 or more. The Fiskars works as well or better then any of them. Pick up a sharpener for a few bucks and you're good to go.

 

[Prairie Swamp]

I'm a vintage guy with vintage tastes. Some guys have a truck gun - I have a truck axe.

Old Tru-Temper I believe. It's heavy and the handle is short I think for what it is, but I suppose it would make short work of a tree that falls across the road/trail.

 

[70 FJ40]

What kind of brackets do you have there holding the axe?

 

[Prairie Swamp]

What kind of brackets do you have there holding the axe?

Quick Fist Clamps. They're awesome.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CQPANY/?tag=ihco-20

 

[70 FJ40]

Sweet thanks.

 

[AlaskanWheeler]

Father in-law brought home this little Collins bit... don't know weight or age... cleaned it up, should be good to go. Don't know yet what I'll do for a handle.

 

[Prairie Swamp]

Looks like a nice little axe head. I'm sure you can find a handle online if there's no good hardware store nearby. Will make a great little camp axe.

 

[ewillis]

No one uses Council Tool? Helluva axe for the money...USA steel!

 

[Corey]

Quick Fist Clamps. They're awesome.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CQPANY/?tag=ihco-20

Same ones I use for mine, they do work great.

 

[REZARF]

I'm a certified axe nut. All edged things really.

I have several favorites including a handmade John Neeman Stalwart, and a Gransfors Bruks Cruiser double bit. These are like owning a rare to the US 79 series V8 turbo diesel.

For trail work, I'd head down to the local pawnshop or estate sale and grab any old USA stamped head over 2# hang a new handle if needed and buy a good puck stone and learn how to bring up an edge. Buy a leather mask for it, oil the handle and toss it in the rig. You'd still be under the cost of a Fiskar or Estwing but you'll have a tool that'll likely outlast your grand kids.

For an off the shelf option Browning is making a great little camp axe for about $40 bucks. The steel is softer like the fiskars but it has a nice wood handle. That or an Estwing boys/camp axe is a great option too.

 

[Corbet]

Hard to beat the Fiskars X15 for a camp axe IMO. Had mine for a couple years. Have not had to sharpen it yet. Works great for campfire duties. Even had to chop larger 15"+ trees for trail clearing on occasion.

I Had a Stihl Woodcutter, can't find it anymore? The only advantage it had was pure size. But I can't say that is an advantage in camp.