5.29.14 Event Training and axe testing

[@rorylobban4789]

You are a machine buddy! Hope your feeling good and all goes well for you.

[@jasonscott4525]

Man this guy is a sniper with that axe. Very impressive.

[@WolfinWolvesClothing713]

What angle should I sharpen for a little harder stuff? Picked up an ochsenkopf brand new for 290, figured that's as cheap as I would find one to get started. Also you should change your videos to not made for children. I can't click the bell, and the newer videos won't allow any comments. That's some impressive chopping, I could use your chips to put in my wood burner. Lol.

[@WVAxeman]

Oh wow didn’t know that. Thank you. On the ox heads, that’s what we call oschsenkopfs, you need to keep them thick to stand up or take the abuse. The metal is a good deal softer than Tuitahi, Brute Forge and Engineered for Axemen. To that end, the angle of the chisel needs to be at least 17 degrees with what we refer to as a “strong nib.” The nib is the primary edge that is at least 28 if not up to double the angle of the chisel. This nib does not need to flat like the chisel. It can be naturally rounded for hardwood. The thing with softer axes is that it needs to be routinely stoned with a fine to medium ceramic or the green side of the 00 frictionite until the edge is strong and durable. It takes time to learn how to do this. But with proper care, the ox head will stand.

[@WolfinWolvesClothing713]

@@WVAxeman weird. I didn't get a notice that you replied. Good info. Maybe some day I'll get to a competition somewhere. Either way I have 5 grandsons to pass it on to. Thanks.

[@zoesdada8923]

Ive always loved these

[@ianmoone2359]

OHH another question for the chainsawing.. could you shave maybe 1 second of by bringing the saw up from underneath first (less distance to travel off the ground to the wood) then cut down after your upstroke? Maybe that's against the rules BUT it would be more time / energy efficient IMHO. All that time lifting the saw to the top of the log from the ground is wasted time and energy - cut your way up first then down with gravity second. I have no idea what the rules state.

[@WVAxeman]

We've tried that over the years and the down/'up movement is quicker. Saw cannot tach up with the up cut first. Just the way the saw runs.

[@bryanbaker5942]

Dam that's kind of close to your toes!

[@WVAxeman]

we wear chainmail protective leggings. If you make a mistake and hit your foot, it's no different that hitting yourself with a six pound sledgehammer; but at least you won't lop anything off.

[@GanjaNitch420]

WVAxeman wear do you buy them?

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

Should wear sabatons safer lol

[@LALATheClown]

what kind of axe is that? brand name and Model Please

[@WVAxeman]

Tuatahi Racing Axe. The size or model is 66 or 7.75” by 7.75”. The grind is 1”’chisel.

[@LALATheClown]

@@WVAxeman thank you, also thank you for the fast response.

[@458forever3]

That’s one hell of a swing.

[@4StringSling]

Is your stand bolted to the ground? Trying to work out why you never see them get blown right over. thanks

[@WVAxeman]

Thunderskaaa I have about 800 pounds of iron and concrete holding it in place.

[@silverback4434]

excuse me .. what is your axe ? the brand plz mister

[@WVAxeman]

maxime caron those axes were from Tuitahi and Mike Osbourne. Both have websites.

[@silverback4434]

Thx

[@GanjaNitch420]

Is this the racing or work axe ? Also could I use the work axe as a racing axe for a beginner? Thanks 👍🏽

[@WVAxeman]

Jorge Bernabe a work axe is perfect for training. The only thing I would ask is that you make some form of metal wedge or weight to make the training axe the same weight as the axe you use in competition

[@WVAxeman]

Jorge Bernabe the concept is such that the axe weighs the same as what you race with. I try to keep all my axes right at 3 kilos. If I have a small axe, I use a metal weighted wedge that gets it to 3 kilos.

[@ianmoone2359]

OK - I will be the first Newb to ask a series of dumb questions I guess. When your using that Tuatahi racing axe, I am curious HOW it bites so deep on the first 2 hits? Is it due to:- 1. the weight of the axe head, 2. the 15 degree racing angle that its sharpened too? 3. the strength with which you hit the wood or 4. just that the wood is a really soft wood. You make it look easy, and i am 100% sure ts NOT that easy. I don't cross grain chop at all - just splitting for firewood... but anything hardwood that I swing any axe at doesn't penetrate more than an inch or so, while you are burying half an axe head or more on those first 2 blows. I MIGHT be able to manage that in balsa wood maybe... I am guessing its a combination of all 3 or 4 factors? I left out accuracy - which obviously you also have down pat (just call me lightening, I never been know'd to hit the same place twice). My Tuatahi has just left NZ as I type..... but I would like to know how to swing it even half as well as you do. Thanks for any tips.

[@WVAxeman]

Having a hard time replying for some reason. This one is a test.

[@WVAxeman]

First, on the Stihl Timbersports Series, the rules require us to go in the following sequence - down, then up.

[@WVAxeman]

Second, we've tested it over the years and doing the down cut first is actually faster for racing. My thought is that by doing the down cut first, the saw has more time to tach up and get to higher rpms as opposed to doing the up cut first.

[@WVAxeman]

Striking the log in a manner that allows it to go in the way we do is a combination of many factors - the proper angle, edge, bust and hollow on the axe - the proper timing or biomechanics of the swing - along with the proper delivery of the axe such that it cuts optimally. It's more than what is just obvious. Even on hard wood, many of us can deliver an axe to where we can obtain a large chip out of log with four hits. I trained exclusively on hardwood during the winter of 2015. Many of those videos show me cutting oak, hickory, ash, sycamore and sassafras. I hope that makes sense?

[@ianmoone2359]

Yes indeed - thanks heaps! The Tuatahi work axe posted today so I have some time ahead of me yet, to get used to swinging it!.

[@paulchukc]

Not wearing steel-toe shoes while doing underhand chop is a bit reckless.

[@WVAxeman]

Wearing chainmail footies and leggings under my pants and shoes. Steel toe shoes are cumbersome and don’t protect the areas that are injured while chopping underhands - instep and arch of the foot.

[@stevendee2831]

Holy crap what was that monster saw?

[@WVAxeman]

Steven Dee it’s a 325 Rotax hotsaw. We run them in unlimited chainsaw classes at Lumberjack carnivals and on the Stihl Timbersports Series

[@thejackpot6928]

How thick is the axe?

[@WVAxeman]

That one was likely 13 degree blank with a 14 degree bevel and 28 degree primary edge.

[@thejackpot6928]

@@WVAxeman Thanks, but i meant on overall thickness. (thickness of the head)

[@WVAxeman]

@@thejackpot6928 the head itself is 13 degrees

[@thejackpot6928]

@@WVAxeman ok thanks

[@12clr12]

Nice axe work.

[@WVAxeman]

C Reynolds thank you.

[@PencilProper]

How do they even have any toes left

[@WVAxeman]

I wear chainmail leggings and foot coverings. But I have not always worn them. Had some near misses. Knocking on wood. Part of the game of playing with sharp objects.

[@PencilProper]

@@WVAxeman Wow very interesting, didnt know that was a thing. Does the chainmail usually stop an axe blow?

[@WVAxeman]

@@PencilProper yes. It does. Most blows that go to the leg or feet are glancing so it’s never with full force. The chainmail will stop the axe from penetrating the skin. But it does nothing for the blunt force trauma. With that said, it’s better to bruise or break a toe than lop it off.

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

Good chopping, but don’t hurt yourself

[@Master...deBater]

Which axe did you prefer?

[@WVAxeman]

MASTER deBATER. I use whatever axe is cutting the best.

[@lumberjaxe8910]

Bought my 2nd Osborne axe from Australia after Chipping the first, the second came with a twisted handle, was out by 12mm also was deep Pitting in the Metal showering to Blade and the Axe also chipped where the pitting was, though on the 8th blow this time. The wedge was Mushroomed and sharp edges, also the Blade needed honing.The face, had deep vice marks The Handle came longer than the first Axe and this put all the training previously i had done out the window in order to re configure muscle memory. This Axe was a Safety Concern. When i questioned the Maker mike, i was asked if i was a Metal Scientist, and made to feel like i was complaining idiot. Was intended for Competition this Axe, though Just not Good enough. It's my Story, and what happened, will be looking else where next Axe, Keesh have a Great Name in Australia, David Foster maintains Keesh are well designed, maybe that's where i am Buying next. Happy Chopping

[@WVAxeman]

Lumber Jaxe give Brute Forge or Engineered by Axeman a shout. The Brute Forge handles are amazing. Have bought about 40 over the past 5 years, only one crooked one and one break in all that time.

[@lumberjaxe8910]

@@WVAxeman Thanks a lot Mate for the direction and assistance, most Appreciated. Thumbs Up!

[@jonbobskunkworks]

Awesome!!

[@aspect9974]

Oh terrific 👍

[@GanjaNitch420]

what kind of wood is that and could i use pine tree?

[@WVAxeman]

Jorge Bernabe this wood is white pine or Pinus Strobus. We use it and other soft woods in most of our contests in North America

[@GanjaNitch420]

@@WVAxeman I live in Georgia eastern US. and we have a lot of Loblolly Pine or Pinus taeda. Do you think its suitable for practice? thanks for the help

[@WVAxeman]

Jorge Bernabe absolutely. Loblolly is pretty knot free. Not sure about the other species. Just don’t put a good axe in those species

[@GanjaNitch420]

@@WVAxeman copy I will try with Loblolly. thanks for the help m8

[@lumberjaxe8910]

Is Janka Hardness: 380 lbf Red Gum in Australia i Practice on for Training for MMA is Janka Hardness: 2,160 lbf

[@skimmertakesall]

2:40

[@ronny_doeschner]

"Holy Sh*t" I was so scared😲😅😅

[@ojenoc.x]

0:54 imagine if he missed and hit his foot

[@WVAxeman]

Bryan wearing chainmail leggings. Would stop the axe from severing anything but no different than hitting ones self with a six pound sledge. Ironically, almost all cuts come from a glancing blow. Which does not have the full force or effect of the hit.

[@David-kg1hc]

Jesus what and axe! Id be worried about cutting my leg or foot off.

[@hightail4x478]

Frikken animal

[@TheHarleyross]

For the Love of Christ man boots.... please buy some God damn boots.

[@TheHarleyross]

Okay I read your previous comment about this... Disregard

[@WVAxeman]

harley ross boots would not help if there was a slip. But I am wearing chain mail leggings under my shoes. Actually, steel toed boots are very cumbersome and almost impossible to stand on the log with balance compared to lighter and thinner shoes. It’s a trade off.

[@jlaw553]

Oh come on man please just so steal toes befor a toe goes flying

[@WVAxeman]

Mr. Hyde I wear chain mail leggings over my feet when I train and compete. Cannot tell that I have them on. Steel toed shoes or boots are very cumbersome and large.

[@hugoakerlund5114]

Meh just useless cutting this fast. I mean if your doing real work then youd wanna last for the entire day

[@WVAxeman]

Scandinavian Huntsman ''tis the object of the sport. Sprint races. Timbersports events are well attended and air regularly on sports channels Such as Eurosport, ESPN and ABC Outdoors. I am an attorney by trade and compete in the sport for fun. Worked in the Timber industry before going to law school. I love it and appreciate your opinion; my father worked in the logging camps, and still competes, but calls me his 125kg trained pony.

[@hugoakerlund5114]

WVAxeman ok. Still just useless to cut as fast as the guy in this video does

[@WVAxeman]

Scandinavian Huntsman the guy in the video is me. And everyone is entitled to their opinion. Training for an intended purpose is just that. This is not my vocation. Godspeed.

[@MT-vw6pf]

@@WVAxeman what kind of axe is this? Brand name and all that? Im in ol virginia mountains so i assume we should be able to purchase the same kind of axe

[@WVAxeman]

M T these axes are Tuatahi’s. Google Racing Axe. The Tuatahi Axe And Saw Company out Of New Zealand will come up. They have various types of axes. These are the racing axe. They are approximately 7.75” Long by 7.75” wide. The pattern is “66.” The handle American hickory taken from the Appalachian mountains. Tuitahi can prepare the axe and hang the handle, etc.