Ax Safety Is No Ax-ident

[@_BigLife_]

Im an Eagle Scout and this brought back memories. Great video.

[@OnceUponAnotherTime]

That's awesome! I love hearing from other Scouts. It's where I first learned axmanship and "Scoutcraft" (aka "woodcraft." Never heard of it called "bushcraft" until recently, of course, being a "boomer" and all) :) .... and by "recently" I mean, since 50 years ago. LOL

[@RobTheFrugalist]

loved the clear explanations, great safety video.

[@OnceUponAnotherTime]

Glad it was helpful!

[@OnceUponAnotherTime]

Some asked, why the hardhat in the limbing section? -- I borrowed some footage from a tree felling video (see the long axes in the trunk?). This is a dead tree with taller dead trees around it. Unattached branches and limbs are caught in this trees branches above my head. The hardhat is just a precaution for when I begin chopping on the trunk that I don't get whacked by something falling out of the tree above me. It's actually the hardhat I had for jobs I did in underground copper, gold, silver and diamond mines. But I have it along on tree work for the reason I explained and because I also keep a chainsaw with me for faster limbing and bucking when I get tired of chopping.

[@bigoldgrizzly]

Always good to see safety video with common sense to the fore. I'll add one to the list that I learned as a youngster - do not operate an axe after a few beers. I managed to stick a 4 1/2lb axe in my foot, while splitting on the block - not a good way to sober up ! When you use an axe a lot, it is all too easy to get complacent about the basics, especially if you add beer to the mix.

[@OnceUponAnotherTime]

Yowtch!... Only nicks while sharpening so far in my life. But that alone is a lesson. Grandson and I, lessons in the woodyard. I accidently brushed my free hand against an exposed blade in my left. Blood rising, he started to turn for the cabin: "I'll get a bandaid, grampa." No need, I told him, reaching for my wallet. Opened it up, took out a bandaid, and he snorted in sudden laugh as I put it on. "You carry bandaids in your BILLFOLD, Grampa???" Yessir. If you're going to play with axes, carry bandaids on you. (Have since I was first told that, just having joined Boy Scouts, age 12). Be prepared!

[@bigoldgrizzly]

@@OnceUponAnotherTime When it comes to being prepared, I'm never far from a roll of insulating tape or duct tape ;>) All three of mine were scouts and all grew up to be practically minded, self confident and independent adults. Best thing ever for kids ! My eldest boy, then 4, was watching when I stuck my foot. He went to get Mum, who was cooking dinner and matter of factly announced 'Dads got an axe in his foot ....Go away, I'm busy ..... But Mum, Dad's got an axe in his foot .... Can't you see I'm busy clear off .... But, but he really has got an axe in his foot .... What, really?.... Yes Mum..... Oh ****** ----- Let's just say dinner was rather late that day ;