A Bit About Axes

Anatomy of an axe, sizing an axe to yourself, and a few fun things about them.

[@dragoninwinter]

I was a fourth-generation logger until my father retired. We just had...the ax, which we used to clean mud off of logs. But dad knew "ax men" when he was young working with my grandfather and great-grandfather who could outrun their old chainsaws putting a tree on the ground.

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

That's pretty cool. Yeah, axes don't seem to get used much in that world anymore outside of the log deck or around a mill. I definitely believe that story, though. A good axe, a strong back, and plenty of experience can get a lot of work done in a surprisingly short amount of time!

[@herbsmith6871]

That's an awesome collection my friend! Thanks for sharing 🤠

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

Thanks! And thanks for the watch

[@nels333n7]

I came for axes. You have delivered perfectly. Cheers!

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

I'm glad I could deliver! Cheers back to ya!

[@rmf9567]

Those are some fine looking tools ⚒️

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

Much appreciated!

[@stephenjohnson6841]

Very well done video I learned a lot. Thanks!

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

Much appreciated and I'm glad you got something from it!

[@tp-mh2ji]

Very educational... I'm subscribing!

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

Much appreciated! Thank you!

[@samueljlarson]

Good stuff!

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

Much appreciated!

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

14" - Belt Axe 20"- Pack Axe 28"- 3/4 or Boy's axe 32"- Full Size Axe [all +/- 1"]

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

Solid parameters on the different lengths

[@RagnarWinroth]

Hello! I´m Ragnar from Sweden. Nice to se that i´m not alone takin care of axes. I hav a smal sampel of axes. Onli the head exist so i make new shafts. I´ts intresting to feel and see what the ax is best for. Thank you for the video. Sorry abaout my bad langvitch.

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

Hello to you! Axes are a lot of fun, that's for certain. Fixing up old ones or those in need of some care is definitely a good time. It's awesome to hear from a viewer in Sweden, and thanks for watching!

[@bruce-qm5fl]

Great video. I'm a lot smarter now. Thanks.

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

Thanks! Glad you got something good from it

[@marksanders8028]

Is that an old hickory knife around your neck?

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

Yes, it is. It's a paring knife I found at a flea market a few years ago. Good eye there!

[@bs78315]

Very nice axes I have the helko werk black forest axe it's a nice axe it's been my go when in the woods

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

Thanks! I've heard good things about those, and I like that pattern

[@bs78315]

What do you think of the leather collars to protect the handle from over swing

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

I think they can be a good idea, especially on axes that are going to be used for a lot of splitting. Along with major surface protection, it can provide some cushion on an over strike, which can help keep the wood from developing micro cracks and splits (depending on the force of the blow, of course). Aside from leather, I've wrapped plenty of handles with electrical tape and duct tape. I used paracord once as well. That's not something I tend to do on my smaller axes and hatchets, though. I like to get right beneath the head sometimes for carving, and I prefer to hold the bare handle for that