AXE ONLY Tree Processing, Saw Free Firewood

[@kvnmhl]

I watched a 20 min video about a guy choppin wood and I have to admit I really liked it

[@derekemrich2253]

almost as satisfying as doing it

[@lumberjaxe8910]

Yes you get more than wood.

[@123TauruZ321]

I'm telling you, if you get into it, it is the best workout you could possibly think of.

[@vlanza1999]

Sounds like a Katy Perry song.

[@ModernGentleman]

No homo

[@AshWont]

15 year old here just bought my first axe and learning how to properly sharpen an axe and fell trees thus video taught me alot that i didnt know thank you sir

[@SkillCult]

Awesome. Be careful, those things are super dangerous. Watch more of my axe vids, I have a playlist kzbin.info/aero/PL60FnyEY-eJAb1sT8ZsayLWwFQ_p-Xvn7 and watch Ben Scott's channel too. Stay safe and don't try to cut down big trees until you know what you're doing.

[@AshWont]

@@SkillCult yes sir! Always play it safe and thanks again

[@jacklasalle9575]

Same except 22yrs, thanks👍

[@blackychan8570]

This is really what it's all about. He's gonna have a hobby or skill that will shape him into something better in the future. Just like it did when I started at 15😅

[@Rowdy216]

Sound of the mosquitoes in this video made me itch.

[@usnhotcarl]

Yeah same here. I was watching with headphones on and kept swatting around my head!

[@Crawlerjamie]

Rowdy Yates glad I’m not the only one....

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Can’t help myself. I’m watching this for the fourth time. There’s something about this particular tree and the way you shot it that makes me not only want to go chop, but also watch you chop. But the mosquitoes buzzing next to the mic makes we glad I’m watching lol.

[@SkillCult]

lol, weird huh. Mosquitoes here are oddly polite. If you keep moving even a little, they don't bite and they almost always go to bed right after dark.

[@moonlightfarmer]

This tree is what I would describe as "crunchy". Very satisfying sound!

[@helgleypr770]

9:54 When he runs reminds me when you steal something in a game and the NPC’s drop whatever they are doing to confront you.

[@tractorman4461]

Great control sir. When I was a kid, the old man wouldn't fire up the chainsaw for anything under 3"-4" in diameter. I too have spent countless hours limbing by hand, left or right. Its just something you learn from necessity. Those years are long behind now and I appreciate your sharing of your skill which I'm sure is foreign to many people.

[@SkillCult]

Thank you. I'm getting better at limbing off hand, but I'm still a lot stronger with my dominant side. What kind of axes did you use. I like short axes for limbing because of the manueverability, but experienced hands look comfortable with larger axes, especially on larger trees, it seems to make more sense.

[@tractorman4461]

SkillCult the only kind we knew were either double bit or pole axe. I'm thinking in the 3 1/2 pound range. I still have my dads old axe as well as my own, so I should go weigh them. He would mark 16" and 24" marks in the handle by driving in two small nails and cutting them flush then sanding smooth. Using the ax as a measuring stick to mark off logs in those increments. Holding one hand on the mark then elevate the bit and slightly scratch the bark and continue up the trunk. Sixteen for firewood and 24 for marking Saw logs for the old circular mill. Seldom were the pole axes used. To us any ax with a flat head on one side was a pole ax regardless of size. Unless it was a hatchet. Oddly I've found my weaker side for swinging an ax in my younger years has become my dominant and more powerful swing. Of course I do not swing one anymore with any frequency at all. Spoiled with a variety of chain saws, I am. Lol

[@SkillCult]

Very interesting, thanks for the anecdotes.

[@olddave4833]

the same when I was a kid, we got our first chain saw about 1950, a Mcculloch and it was just used for falling the tree and cutting the big stuff, all the trimming was done with axes and every thing under 4-5 inches was cut with an ax but our axes could cut a 5 inch piece in about two whacks. no TV then so we spent nights getting the equipment ready for the next day.

[@AlCampo76]

I think I'm an axeist

[@BeSatori]

Good call on the off-hand swinging. After watching your repetitive stress injury vid it was the only thing I could have added. I started working construction when I was 12 (my dad is a carpenter), and after turning my entire right hand into a blister on my first week as a laborer I was forced to work lefty more, which I realized was a good idea. I now make a point of not having an "off-hand" by trying to work both sides evenly with all my tools. It's very handy as a tree pruner, which I do all winter. I've found the trick to avoiding the awkwardness of it is to start the job with the off-hand rather than get used to your dominant hand and then switch it. Give it a try.

[@BeSatori]

I'm curoius if after having had all this opportunity to watch your form on video, if you have any critiques of it?

[@SkillCult]

That's a good sounding tip. I'm not very good at it usually. With the axe offhand chopping it still feels awkward most of the time, but I'm surprised at how well I usually do in spite of how it feels. I usually make the front cut with my good side. I've thought about chopping left handed only for a while, or alternating days. Felling is the hardest, but felling is always the least comfortable for me, because it's thing I do the least since you only have to do it once per tree v.s. multiple bucking cuts. I've had times with bucking and limbing where I had to think for a few seconds about whether I was using my dominant side or not. I should do it more though. This year I didn't do it enough. The left hand cordwood challenge, there's a next level ha! Accuracy could always be better, but it's not holding me up very much. Limbing could improve, again with the accuracy, mostly in awkward positions. I could relax more and there are certainly still physical inefficiencies. Overall though, most of that will improve on it's own with practice, and part of it is just attitude. I often start out with a little more frantic attitude than is sustainable, but you can't keep that up, so it naturally falls away by the end of processing a tree. If I were working for longer periods of time, I'd make a point to slow down a little bit more and maybe drive the axe a little less deep. I'd like the axe to stick less, but this wood is really sappy and sticky and the axe is sinking in pretty deep without a lot of effort. Strategy is a whole thing too though. There is strategy for limbing, like when to cut what, or will it be easier from the other side or when the log is rolled over. In bucking or felling, how much to overlap and what order to make the cuts in. I think if you took all of that stuff together, there is a significant amount of inefficiency going on, but I don't think it's huge. I'm not working very hard to sink the axe and my accuracy is pretty good, and those are probably most important and the rest can gradually be improved.

[@LeadingPaws]

19:35 this is so unbelievably relatable 😂 having the patience to do all the work you’re doing, and then getting mad at the log for rolling back to you lol

[@njc110381]

I spent most of my life wondering how people managed to fell trees with the axes I was familiar with growing up. Most were blunt wedges with a handle, not much good for anything. This shows what a skilled woodsman with a good axe is capable of, probably how my grandfather would have done things. I'm now the proud owner of a few Gransfors axes, ground to cut really nicely. I still use a chainsaw at work but for my own firewood I prefer to use an axe. Thanks for the great videos. They've motivated me to learn how to do things the old fashioned way.

[@dirktomkins4567]

18:42 Chuckles. While working hard a person does a lot of thinking and sometimes it's funny shit. Mostly the thinking is about burning a friend or foe to a crisp. Lol.

[@jscheffer9421]

I found an old chisel grind axehead in the mountains where my camp is. The scar on the back of my right hand taught me to respect that tool like no other. It cut me while lifting it out of the log. I let it drift sideways into the back of my hand. No force needed and it cut to the bone. Be aware %1000 where the blade is and where it could wind up. Treat it like a loaded gun. Think before you swing every time. If your axe doesn't scare you at some level, use a saw.

[@cavelvlan25]

All imma say is you do NOT wanna fight your great grandpa. They were a different breed. Harvesting firewood with a chain saw is labor intensive to me. I can't imagine chopping a tree down, limping the tree, chopping to logs, hauling, splitting. Stacking. With a fucking axe.

[@SkillCult]

One thing I learned doing it a lot is that it's not as much physical work as you would expect. It's a lot, and it's more than a chainsaw, but it's not epic if you become efficient at it. What it is though is slow. It takes a lot of time spent and patience. But yeah, great gramps was probably bad ass lol. Way more testosterone than we have now too. guess what raises your testosterone? Splitting wood lol. According to some study someone did of variouus activities, splitting wood was tops.

[@cavelvlan25]

@@SkillCult no shit! I apprechiate the information. May explain why I enjoy doing it so much. Iv split wood since I could swing a sledge/maul (as we rarely have straight grained woods). Kinda odd I crave the labor sometimes. Another perk is you sleep like a log. Very rewarding in many ways.

[@cavelvlan25]

Sidenote I do have a 12 ton hydraulic and a centrifugal splitter (I think that's what they're called).

[@Crawlerjamie]

13:00 just about put me to sleep. The ambient noise. Is just dandy. Love the woods. And the chopping is oddly enjoyable.

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

You fall asleep with mosquitoes buzzing in your ears?

[@someoneidk308]

Our pecan tree let down a huge branch during a recent storm. It's been a hassle trying to chop it down small enough for our firepit! This video helped a lot. Also very satisfying.

[@prioritytree]

I like your method of leaving branches on to hold the main trunk up in the air. Thats what I do when I use a chainsaw. I call them 'tripod branches'. I leave them on as long as possible to keep the wood off the ground.

[@SkillCult]

It that case it's just what happened. You can see the tree is on the edge of the forest, so the branches are all on one side.

[@rmcdaniel423]

At 5:00 Just gently sets the axe down and it sticks like a magnet. Now I need to search for your "how to sharpen an axe" video. You've clearly got that skill figured out.

[@SkillCult]

A lot of that is about the thinness of the grind, v.s. the actual fine grind on the edge. but both :)

[@kevindorn2508]

before this i thought about buying a fancy modern saw for this purpose, now i want an axe!

[@peterperigrino1403]

I work with a friend of mine on tree jobs that he will need a ground guy while he climbs and limbs the tree on the way up. Well it's crazy to say when a customer will ask me why am I using an Axe while my chainsaw sits on the side lines. Yes granted the chainsaw is more efficient at times. While prefer the Axe to knock off the dime, nickel, an quarter size limbs I knock off the main branches that come down to me for processing. Holy smokes that's way to much thought into it. I'm sure there are plenty of you out there that just, Get It.... Dude thank you so much for posting these great videos. 💚👽💚

[@tp5401]

i smacked my own face while watching this video... missed the damned mosquito though

[@joshuasarabjit]

Those mosquitoes made me feel like I was right there. Thanks for the awesome videos throughout the years!

[@123TauruZ321]

Hey again .. just wanted to write, i bought an axe with about 0.9-1 kg weight (that's about 2 pounds), like you suggested, and i have to say it is much better to work with. It's also very very sharp. Also bought a diamond sharpener which is very good to work with. I work more like you do now :D The videos i uploaded was with the heavy axe, that was very heavy to work with in comparison ... I may use it some times to get heavy training. But it's much more fun to use a lighter and sharp axe. Done a lot of workout the last half year now and i am in much better shape. Very fun work too! Being out in nature working with wood. Beautiful it is. And this video inspired me, so thank you for that :) Hope you're alright!

[@SkillCult]

That's awesome. Yes, the joys of a light axe! Look for a 2.25 to 2.75 lb next and try that on a 28 inch handle.

[@123TauruZ321]

@@SkillCult That's just what I thought! Thanks for the confirmation.

[@prattsgreenhousefarm9473]

You know as I watch this video for a second time. I gotta think that we as a society are in too big of a hurry. Just pull a cord and instant results. Most people today are too lazy for this. But wow how satisfying when you get good at it. As usual a great Video Stephen

[@SkillCult]

I have the same disease. Short attention span and entitled to have things go fast. I notice that I fell into it immediately when I pick up power tools. I will often end up doing a sloppier job though with power tools because I get focused on the end instead of chilling out and doing things at a reasonable pace.

[@prattsgreenhousefarm9473]

SkillCult I know what you mean. 2 years ago I built an add on to a kennel I had built for my daughters. It was just a 10x12 room but I chose to do it completely with hand tools. It sure was a different experience for sure a little slower and a little harder but I really enjoyed the peacefulness of the entire project. These things will also make you use your noggin a bit. Thanks Stephen keep up the good work.

[@ИндейскийДух]

Thoose trees used on foundation building of wooden house, very wet resistant. Also some natural extracts against insects are made from that type of tree. And you want to chop off branches with the back of the ax if it is totally dry of it`s very cold outside to not harm favorite hatchet. Very usefull video, Sir!

[@thejerseyj9422]

Your accuracy with those strike is impressive. I've been processing firewood for many years but I suck at using an axe. Time to put the saw down for a bit and get better with the axe. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@SkillCult]

Cool. You might check out the cordwood challenge page on Facebook. Stay safe :)

[@G-man45444]

Great video..... I use a one man cross cut saw to buck my wood. Those chips are great kindling too

[@JayKayKay7]

Watching this is like a time travel tour back to the days of yore. Calming..in a Viking sort of way.

[@MrTarek1946]

Mosquitos or not you are a great , no- nonsense straight to the point calm gentleman I respect and like you a lot

[@josephbXIX]

just fell my first tree today, a small eucaliptus (15 ish meters tall) i plan on propagating in an agroforestry project. busted a callus and didnt even felt it until i saw the axe with blood in the handle. Now, watching another one of your videos, i understand that my technique was wrong, but hey, living and learning. thanks for the great content

[@josephbXIX]

oh, and for smaller branches i really like to use a machete, seems to be working fairly well. i also realize my axe is like a meter tall so im considering cutting the handle (im 168/5'6 so yeah, a shorter axe seems like a good idea)

[@jackieeastom8758]

Watching your work is almost as enjoyable as doing it myself. Thank you for the great content.

[@tikiduck]

A lot of people swear by bow saws but it seems that a sharp axe with a skilled user can get through wood just as quickly.

[@SkillCult]

I've never made that comparison. I'd guess the saw would win, but a really good axeman might give them a run for their money. At a high pace, the saw may be more sustainable. There is an old finish logging competition where they use saws to buck into meter lengths, but the saws are finely tuned and a meter long. That could be because of wanting square ended logs without losing the chips too though.

[@madmartigan8774]

The main advantage to a saw is you aren't losing any wood. I've heard old timers say they used to pick up the axe when they needed to rest from the crosscut saw. I have very little experience with large crosscut saws but apparently they will wear you out quicker than an axe.

[@123TauruZ321]

This should have so much more views. So informal, informational and inspirational.

[@marodriguezsr]

I'm in the process of thinning out & pruning my trees for this year. One tree had a branch growing out near the base of the tree i had to chop off. I had to chop half of it using my left swing & it turned out ok. I am right handed but will continue to train my left hand to lead as well. Thanks again for all or your videos & advise. Oh for that tree I used that poly handle axe that lives outside. I cleaned her up & touched up the edge for this year. I will soon make a video on my few humble cutting tools that I use. - Marco

[@CliffStamp]

I have been doing left hand work recently, started four weeks ago, felt like I had never cut anything in my life. Totally awkward, I had to learn how to do it all over again, didn't even know how to grip, swing, release - felt awkward, humbling. If that was your first time switching, kind of impressive.

[@SkillCult]

Oh no, not first time, but if you dont' make yourself do it, you never get good unless working in the woods enough to need it frequently. I do sometimes find myself chopping away now with my off side and not noticing, but usually it's still a little awkward. I'm usually surprised that I do better than it feels like I'm going to do.

[@fredflintstone6163]

Clearing the area beforehand great safety move and nice big chips 😁🤠

[@SkillCult]

Yes, gotta check the work area. I caught a clothesline once with a splitting maul and that put the fear in me.

[@pkdiddy]

This dude is a chopping beast!

[@xJETSxCAUSExRELAPSEx]

Since ive been usin that double bit, ive put a small hand axe on my belt for limbing. Helps give me a nice little rest while i limb before bucking. Also realized you look like Rob Zombie.

[@SkillCult]

That's cool. Careful though, hand axes are more dangerous because of the short handle. Stay vigilant.

[@isaaccrockett6470]

I'm indoors in the winter in the city and the constant mosquitoes flying made me itchy. Good video

[@Luke_Likes_Lakes]

"get out of my way.. Log dude." really made the whole video for me

[@cha-ka8671]

Remember our forefathers cut on average 10 cords this way their entire life. For heat, cooking, and to deforest for farms and build homes. We’ve came a long way.

[@judyofthewoods]

Someone who knows how to swing an axe! It always amazes me how many people hold it only by the end instead of sliding one hand up when bringing up the axe before sliding it down on the stroke. So much easier. I tend to use a mix of axe and bow saw, using the saw for the horizontal cut where an axe is harder (cross-grain), and use the axe for taking out the chips on the diagonal (axe is better at splitting with the grain). When the tree is too big for the length of the saw and for it to go in far enough for the rear cut I cut it beaver-style - reducing the diameter on the sided and back. I also use the saw for snedding as the axe is harder on the joints for that. The horizontal cut at the base is still hard work with the saw, so I will try that with the axe as well. One amazing method I've seen for larger trees is to leave a thin wall in the middle of the back cut and towards the end you cut a hole on the tree side and insert wedges for the final push. A bit fiddly, but worth it for safety, especially if you don't have ropes or a winch or anything suitable to nachor them to, or simply belt and braces. But lol, I'm a 64 year old girl who still can't throw a ball.

[@SkillCult]

I've seen that trigger wood method. More people are using it with chainsaws now too, by boring a hole through the tree and leaving just a little hinge at the back to be cut when all the other cuts are set up. But more for leaners and trees that might barberchair. most of my trees have enough lean that I can put them about where I want without resorting to wedges. I rarely have to wedge anything. Hey, there's still time to become a quarterback! ;)

[@malJohann]

Casually watching random dudes processing wood again. Your captions were tops bro! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ForemanMade]

18:36 me when a random thought of something funny I saw in the past comes up while I'm doing something else

[@123TauruZ321]

How heavy is the axe? Just bought a new one meant for chopping which is 7 pound 15 ounce, with a longer handle too. The first one i bought was a splitting axe, a little lighter. Hope i can get through those spruce trees better with the new axe. It is very clear you have the practice and knowhow to make this very efficient... i spend much longer time. But it is a damn good workout.

[@SkillCult]

If the axe is ground right, with good technique it is not a horrible amount of brutal work, but a nice light aerobic. Heavy axes cut deep but you have to lift them over and over. this is 2.25 lb head. I like about 2.5 to 2.75, but they are less common and this is fine. 7 is a lot of axe to lift and not very maneuverable for limbing and general handling. try out a small short axe. I think about 2.5 to 3lb with a 28 inch handle is a good sort of non-specialized, all purpose axe for most work, excpept a lot of splitting or chopping big trees, which most of us don't do much.

[@123TauruZ321]

@@SkillCult I see! Thank you for the detailed information!! I'll see how it goes the next weeks with this heavy axe.

[@123TauruZ321]

@@SkillCult I tried the new 7 pound cutting/chopping axe today, it really cut deep and did the job well. As you wrote, it is heavy, but i get a good workout ^^ But for these 40-50 cm logs, it really makes headway. But in time, i will look for a lighter one, as you mention. Getting it super sharp will probably make a difference too. I can't belive the size on the pieces you chop off with that light axe. Another thing i did different, is i cut the tree off the root so it lay on the ground. I didn't think of that. I was trying to cut through the entire log one piece at a time. I rewatched your technique about cutting in from 2 sides, and that worked so much better ^^ I can't believe how much faster that is. I probably have to go in from 3 sides though, since the log is so thick. But that is much quicker than trying to go through the whole thing. I also see you cut at a big angle, maybe 45 degrees. I'm gonna have to work on that. I cut much straighter, which probably gives less effect over time. I am wasting many swings. Very inspiring video, thanks for making it!

[@123TauruZ321]

@@SkillCult Just took the time to upload 3 videos from what i'm currently doing ... video 3 is close-up. Would really like to hear your opinions. Video 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5aZnpp9fJZ3h9U Video 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4DchaGFqa6dq5Y

[@davidbarclay3651]

I'm reading The Axe Book. It's actually pretty funny. I had to go back to some of your chopping videos to see how you stand out of the way. Thank you.

[@SkillCult]

It's really a great book. Lots of real insight. His humor is amusing. Kind of dry and gently sarcastic.

[@johnworawan9495]

please do it in 1 hours version or more. and just record all of process. i need to listen this sound for relaxation. and after i find in youtube for a while. no one do this thing before. so, why u do not create the first of this. hope u do it soon. please.

[@SkillCult]

I've heard that quite a few times. Thinking of some ideas along those lines.

[@SuperFasterMaster]

Just found and really appreciate the channel, it's great. I was actually just about to put this video on a seperate screen in an effort to unglue my eyeballs from youtube and so I could get some work done. After John's comment I tried listening to simply the audio and damn, it's truly perfect. Like rain, crackling fire or cafe sounds the clarity and simplicity of you cutting that tree translate incredibly well to the imagination. Just like how simpson episodes work on the radio without missing anything, I could picture everything you were doing In short I believe in a series of pure audio clips with a nice picture of the type of tree which is being cut and processed on youtube or soundcloud. The amount of people that listen to these types of soundtracks while working nowadays is unreal. I've worked in companies where more than half the people would have some type of ambient soundtrack they constantly go to. I can only imagine the feeling that someone droning away at a computer job would get when they've been listening along and suddenly the tree begins to crackle and falls. Perfect

[@demastust.2277]

I really like hearing your axe whoosh through the air. That's awesome.

[@elemental4rce]

the sound of the mosquitos genuinely made me itch

[@TrollDragomir]

16:31 Itsy bitsy spider... OH SHIT I'M OUTTA HERE Awesome video, it's always great to watch someone who can work efficiently. I intend to try the cordwood challenge as soon as I have that much wood to cut up, the chainsaw noise is driving me nuts. Speaking of nutty noises - those mosquitoes made me itchy while watching :P

[@SkillCult]

Cool, I hope you can do it sometime. It's really fun.

[@x220rulz]

crazy how addictive buying old axes and axe heads and putting handles in them...im up to 8 so far...lol

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Great video to watch on this snowy day of Feb. 11, 19 Steven. I could feel the heat and the skeeters and it seemed I even sweat a bit, cool! I was trying to predict your next chop, which one would I do next? I was pretty close too. Made me want to go chop but not today. I totally screwed up on a 10" oak tree yesterday before the snow. I used a chain saw because I lack the time. One of those forgetting to place a wedge in the back cut before I got to that felling point. So I cut another section about 3 ft. Up and the top limbs rested on another tree. The tree was dead and bark off and pretty solid. Well it fell off the stump and drove it into the ground still being held by the other tree above. Ropes, chain and come along came out. Finally it fell where I hadn't planned but in a good spot. So 4 hours later I managed to cut the smaller branches before dark. I did have a friend helping and watching for top branches falling, a good thing. Now the main tree lays outside covered with snow and another project when the snow melts off. One gains confidence only to discover you ain't as skilled as you thought, forgetting simple things. This is when accidents occur. One always has to be cautious and aware and you always point this out. I do believe had I used my axe it may well have gone better. So my one hour job that turned out to be four will now be a few more hours. See, I was in a bit of a hurry, not good! I am always very cautious when using power tools but the injuries I've received over the years have been with hand tools. This is a good example of over confidence even with lots of experience. So Kind Thanks for this bucking without sucking video where I felt like I was chopping along with you. And hopefully your package will arrive today or tomorrow. I do have a tracking number, so you know. Hope your health is good and Peace Steven! DaveyJO

[@SkillCult]

It made it! I haven't opened yet in case I want to do a vid. I have to see how the week plays out. It's snowing here too and I need to get to town for supplies soon. Let me know if there is anything else you want from me or from this area. Plants seeds, scions or whatever. Glad that tree quandry turned out okay. I've hung up a lot of trees being careless or misjudging how easy it happens. I get kind of P.O ed when people say felling trees is safe if you just do it right. It's just not safe sometimes. Also good to keep in mind how fallible we are and how our judgement can go out the window, especially when tired, hurried, emotionally whacked out or stuff like that.

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

SkillCult So glad it arrived Steven. Seems almost amazing it did in our world of chaos. But here in the woods as you, we live in a natural world which is the real world/Earth for us. I have little space here for planting and not much sun for fruit trees although I've tried. But living in the middle of many Amish farms I can go a mile or two and have access to organic veggies and fruits. Have to be careful about fruits and all the spraying. My greatest return you already give in your knowledge and sharing. I have learned valuable skills indeed just in leather making alone. Still learning and referring to your vids which is great to have as a resource. So enjoy and use. I am very happy to help all efforts at Skillcult. I also discovered three more ledgers in the family records of Joseph Shanks. And another friend named Steve, I've taken under my wing and am teaching him my cabinetmaking trade. He has lots to do as a family man but we go a bit at a time. I gave him an axe head and some hickory and the next day he showed me the beautifully cleaned and sharpened head and the handle in the making. Of course I had him tune into Skillcult and you are also part of the inspiration. Steve is a fine craftsman in the making and has lots of patience which is certainly essential , as you well know. But it isn't about time it is about spirit. Soon I'll be getting some guitar strings. Often they have specials. If you need a set let me know what you like and I will be more than happy to send them to you. Thanks Most Kindly Steven. I have lots of work to do with four deer hide but the weather has sucked. One hide in lime has been in a block of ice quite a while. So the one 60 degree day it didn't thaws of course. Think it will be okay? About a month ago I would have been able to skud it but the hair was hardly moving. I'll certainly let you know how it goes. Good health and Peace Steven! DvaeyJO. ps. I also had an attack log that kept rolling in my way Sunday. Is this karma?

[@SkillCult]

@@daveyjoweaver5183 I actually have a large number of bulk Martin bronze wound accoustic guitar strings. If you use 13's I can send you a few sets. They are good strings. I bought 50 sets in bulk packs like they get in the stores years ago and kept them carefully. I may not use them all in my lifetime lol. People say they go bad, but they don't seem to to me unless you let them corrode.

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

SkillCult Thanks Steven, sure I can always use strings. A set or two would be nice. Now that's ovper the top home steading looking into the future! Guitar strings with other supplies. Wouldn't be surprised if you have a vault ther filled with several thousand rolls of toilet paper and axes of course. Thanks Much. I do have a few sets for both my guitars so there certainly isn't any hurry. When the Guitar Center has sales I usually get a few sets. The days of privately owned music shops are nearly gone. A long time family run hardware store closed down last year because of a huge tractor supply store opening across the road. I hate to see this. The new stores have no one who knows shit about anything. Many Thanks and Good Living! Davey

[@JoeBob79569]

I just use an axe to split blocks for firewood, but I've got to say it's really satisfying when you move past the "clumsy" stage. It's like you're no longer trying to lift and forcibly manoeuvre a big heavy scary weapon, and instead you're just kind of flicking a tool with minimal effort and maximum effect. The only thing that trips me up is sometimes when I'm splitting a small block, I overthink it and try to aim too precisely. I stare at the little block really hard, concentrate on it, wiggle my butt like a cat about to pounce, and then I totally miss the target..

[@SkillCult]

There is much to be said for being loose, physical flow and getting out of your own way mentally. Of course we can just overthink that too ha ha.

[@gregorymosher5008]

Flat ground. The flatter the grind the better for felling and limbung? I always just sharpened a heavy axe for felling and let my son limb with a hatchet or Swedish brush axe

[@SkillCult]

Flat grind cut's like a beast.

[@Moostery]

I finally found what amounts to my dream axe after a few years of searching for $5. First flea market of the year and I come home with a beautiful double bit collins 3.5lb axe. It just needed a bit of TLC. Handle needed some scraping sanding and oiling, the bits had to be reprofiled and properly sharpened, and the head was loose so it needed a new wedge. I don't have much of my own land but I'm going to try and find someone willing to let me chop down some trees so I can take a swing at this cordwood challenge. Ohh. And it's all thanks to you so keep up the good shit.

[@SkillCult]

Nice. Most forests in most of the world are messy second or third or fourth growth and could use some tending, so people should want you to get in there are do some work, but most don't know that. Good luck finding a wood lot. I'd approach people with a tending mindset, like you are there to ultimately affect forest health and safety. Usually that can be the case.

[@shermanhofacker4428]

Chopping wood instead of sawing may seem to create a lot of waste, but the chips burn also!

[@javanbybee4822]

Great kindeling!

[@SkillCult]

I actually made a whole video on the chips, just because it comes up so often lol.

[@ultraali453]

That was an excellent demonstration.

[@americanfortruth]

If I didn't want it there I would have pulled it out when it was a foot high. What about the scrap when it dries, will it be a fire hazard or use as kindling to start the fireplace?

[@SkillCult]

Yes, I should go back in time and pull out all the trees I'm don't want now.

[@mauser8515]

I love the madman laugh during the last few sections. I've done the same thing. Pure axe therapy right there. Way to keep the reaper at bay. Cheers Axe man!

[@SkillCult]

Yeah, well I live alone in the mountains, am a total introvert and have a twisted sense of humor :) so that happens quite a bit ha ha.

[@WeinsEarp]

Hello, very nice instructional video. I have learned a lot.Thank you!

[@SkillCult]

thanks. stay safe.

[@Tome4kkkk]

It's really impressive how you are able to hit the log twice on the very same line in a row. I'm about to experiment with asymmetric flat ground bevels. The reason is I need my carpenter's axe to be able to hold the edge when I do need to do some log processing. Initially I intend to turn the existing 30 deg total bevel into a 15+25 deg bevel. Any comments on that?

[@SkillCult]

I still consider my accuracy so-so, but it has improved a lot and good enough most of the time. At least when bucking. I'm not sure what you mean exactly by asymmetric flat bevels.

[@mvblitzyo]

your explanation of a 6 year was spot on, Ive tried opposite chopping a few times now LOL awkwerd is VERY true LOL .

[@SkillCult]

Yeah, it feels real weird. What I noticed is that even though it feels super awkward, I'm often surprised at how well I do regardless.

[@mvblitzyo]

SkillCult your a skilled man I take a couple swings n get frustrated , but I’m not one for giving up. 👍🏼

[@donscottvansandt4139]

Great video! I've noticed a lot of variation in advice about bucking/chopping... kinda like sharpening... I think it comes down a lot to what works for each individual... I say this with not much chopping experience! Lol but I have been using knives all my life and cutting wood... mostly with a chainsaw. But I'm learning and getting stronger... for me it's about using my body to be the machine... and fitness...I'm still very slow but that's OK with me. It truly is about the journey to me .

[@bfdadventure]

You are an inspiration. Thank you for all your videos and teaching.

[@SkillCult]

Thanks bud.

[@The2006200]

Do you like Montreal pattern axes like the agdor 28?

[@SkillCult]

I have not used the montreal but I'd like to for sure. They look great and some great axeists I know really love them. Check ben scott and owen jarvis.

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

Excellent job, thanks for Sharing

[@SimeonKelly]

I know this is off subject but given that you've talked about having Lyme disease and the reported upswing in new tick borne illnesses, and where I'm from pine trees are "known" to harbor a shit load of ticks, what measures do you take to try to prevent ticks? Thanks for your time. Greatly enjoy the videos.

[@crissignori7482]

What is the axe that you are using? Nice video .... thank you

[@SkillCult]

The budget line of council tool. That's the boy's axe. Sometimes the temper is soft, otherwise they are a good bargain. They have one line that is one step up in quality called the sport utiily line. Just a little more expensive, but probably more consistent temper.

[@crissignori7482]

@@SkillCult Thanks very much

[@batmanacw]

Great video. The tree came down really nicely with good control. Some of the limbing cuts looked a bit sloppy but they were not. Good control. The axe is sharp and cut deep. Over all very well done! I couldn't see the edge to tell how it is. It was sticking a bit for sure. I never get to chop fir or pine.

[@SkillCult]

I did a completely flat grind from the eye to about 1/8 inch from the edge to start with. it's also flat side to side I started with a flat ground bevel and slowly rounded it out by sharpening over time to slightly convex. I don't think rounding the bevel has really changed how much it sticks. I imagine that sticking is largely due to that large flat surface on the cheek making for a lot of contact. I just wanted to start with that flat all the way across as a reference point. I'll probably leave it the way it is and grind something else differently so I can compare them later. The fir can be a bit stringy, like some of this was, but even in cleaner chipping woods this grind is pretty much useless for throwing chips. It sticks pretty bad in oak too, but it's definitely worse in this pitchy fir. A couple minutes after you cut it, it's already bleeding out drops of pitch on the end grain. it does cut really deep though, which is satisfying, and it's great for limbing. I have a bunch of council boy's axes here and the forest service version on the way, so I'll probably just keep setting them up different so I can eventually do side by side comparisons in various woods. Not sure how much chopping I'll get to do this summer though. There's lots of chainsaw work around here that really needs doing.

[@batmanacw]

SkillCult this is where the higher centerline of a vintage axe can come in handy. Then you don't have full contact and you still get the deep cut.

[@SkillCult]

I have a couple of those around too.

[@cmygamelife]

Thank you. No one would teach me. Think im going to get use to chopping wood but wanted to see how to side swing

[@SkillCult]

Consider joining the axe cordwood challenge page on face book. Only practical axe skills. Also watch ben scott, owen Jarvis and kevin kevech on youtube. Stay safe.

[@sethmullins8346]

What weight axe was that? It looks like a camp axe or boys axe rather than a full felling axe

[@SkillCult]

2.25lb, the common boy's axe. Here is my basic take on them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJbKp5uIjLGio7s

[@tophat2002]

I just discovered the "settlers wrench". Have you used or scene that?

[@SkillCult]

No.

[@tophat2002]

@@SkillCult there's also a new steel being talked about. Maybe you've heard of it "Magnacut". More vanadium in it.. I guess it has great properties, maybe it will be in axe heads sometime.

[@jim1550]

Do you ever worry about catching debris to your eyeballs? 16:34 Run daddy longlegs!

[@SkillCult]

Yes. It does happen. I've been hit on the eye or close. It would definitely be safer to wear eye protection.

[@jim1550]

@@SkillCult It's one of those weird things we are OK with in the US I think. Lose 1/2 a leg or whole leg they've got a prosthetic that will work near 90% OEM. Lose an eye? Here's a piece of glass that doesn't move just so you don't have to wear a patch with no more depth perception.

[@itllkeal]

Nice to see someone limb a tree in the right direction. Chainsaws limb better in the opposite direction

[@ecorevurbanfarms5366]

good rhythm and swing, nice one,......

[@GFD472]

Your accuracy landing that ax is impressive!

[@SkillCult]

Yeah, I'm doing pretty good. Still room for improvement, but nothing that is slowing me down a whole lot.

[@lukeb6394]

wow that's beautiful skill you have there how long have you been doing this?

[@SkillCult]

Since in my early 20s I guess really. A little before, but not much. Most refinements though in the last two years from chopping a lot for my cordwood challenge.

[@lukeb6394]

SkillCult very cool and useful skill I will be giving this a try

[@SkillCult]

Well, it's dangerous as hell, so be careful out there. I hope to have some more axe use and safety videos out before this winter.

[@lukeb6394]

I will thank you and I'm very looking forward to seeing more videos on this ! :) Thank you

[@liamsibleyyt]

drumming alternating triplets using the moeller whipping motion refined my axe technique like you wouldn't believe! having that motion become second nature and automatic with a relaxed body improves every striking operation of any tool. the rhythmic alternation (R L R L R L) plants the ambidexterity pathways too so it doesnt feel so awkward off-hand or opposite hand. you can do this anywhere, anytime, empty handed, while doing something else, with no other knowledge of drumming.. the rhythm is the same as saying "DO-mi-nant, OPP-o-site" (if that makes sense?)

[@DogFishAttack]

Hi, what is the length of this axe and the weight of the head?

[@SkillCult]

It's the classic "boy's axe" or pulpwood axe. 2.25 lb on 28 inch handle. That is what I use for most work.

[@DogFishAttack]

@@SkillCult Thanks for your answer.

[@prioritytree]

what is your favorite axe head weigh for chopping?

[@SkillCult]

I'd say for an all around axe, I'm still figuring that out, but probably under 3 lb 2.5 lb and up. Depends on person environment etc. For length, probably 27 or 28, but under 30 inches.

[@robmckay4162]

Awesome channel. What size handle and head are you using here?

[@SkillCult]

Thanks. That's the classic and very common 2.25 lb boys axe on 28 inch handle.

[@robmckay4162]

much appreciated

[@loadeddog8015]

good job fella, .....Totally enjoyed it...... crikey you weren't joking about the mosquitos.

[@SkillCult]

thanks man.

[@petervanlanen2433]

How many pounds is your Axe and who is it made by

[@SkillCult]

council tool 2.25lb

[@cosmicbilly]

Hey bro! What is the worst injury you've got from using an axe?? Recently just had a glance hit my foot and needed stiches. Lucky i have strong wrists so it wasn't that bad. When i got home with my stiches i went outside and finished my bucking and splitting. Lol!

[@SkillCult]

Bummer :( Worst were both hatchets. One I just chopped my thumb, almost the first time I used a hatchet for anything except splitting kindling. Never did that again. second was unsheathing a deadly sharp hatchet me friend made me for the first time. it's was just a super clumsy sheath. No other cuts or injuries I can recall. Just some bruised shins from flying wood shrapnel when splitting with a maul. If anyone chops long enough, they will probably get some injury though. Stay safe!

[@trueinsider513]

3:50 i actually reached my ear with my right hand 😂😂

[@SkillCult]

They swarm on the camera when it heats up.

[@trueinsider513]

@@SkillCult Still great video, thankss

[@lukeb6394]

I'm very interested in how you will split these logs

[@SkillCult]

coming up!

[@lukeb6394]

SkillCult I know I heard you say that I'm very interested to see !! :)

[@Slumberjacksix]

Would it not be more efficient to split the tree before bucking it?

[@SkillCult]

It is a bit awkward to me to buck splits, but it's certainly possible, and maybe easier with a bucking platform. However, if the log is over about 9 or 10 inches, it's probably best to split first. The advantage here is that I can just smack them with an axe to split and not mess about with wedges and all that. That keeps things simple. It might make more sense to take the logs to the yard and buck there, but I like to buck in the woods.

[@EvanWharton]

This was great, thank you for this. We just moved to Alaska and our home has a wood stove so I'm trying to learn quickly how to process wood. I think you mentioned a book in this or one of the other videos of yours. What book would you recommend to read up on axemanship? Thanks again!

[@SkillCult]

There are two must have books, the axe book by Dudley Cook and Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski. There are links to both on my amazon store page. skillcult.com/amazon-store Don't rush the learning process. those things are dangerous :). I also have all of my axe vids under one playlist. kzbin.info/aero/PL60FnyEY-eJAb1sT8ZsayLWwFQ_p-Xvn7

[@christianwilliams4795]

When you're cross cutting on the ground, is it pure accuracy that keeps your edge from hitting the ground or is there a trick to it?

[@SkillCult]

Just accuracy. I do nick the ground here and there, but the more I'm chopping, the less I do it. The alternative is to put the log up, but that is a tremendous amount of extra hassle and work. I've got some pretty bad nicks, but never damaged an axe really badly. I also don't remove every nick. If it's big, I'll work on it more and the corners have to be sharp. I let small nicks work out as I resharpen.

[@BUSTRCHERRI]

Of course there's a trick to it. He has to offer up a bounty to the tree gods.

[@markluke8447]

You are good, nice video.

[@srugel44]

this is the greatest video I have ever seen on the origins of baseball. seriously. I never understood why a sweet swing impressed people, but when you consider that Abner Doubleday commanded men in the Civil War, men who used the ax daily and for vast engineering projects under the duress of war - brilliant. now I have to go watch Ken Burns' documentary "Baseball" and see if he puts that together as the origin of baseball. If not, I'm gonna call him a dummy and refer him to your video. ha. I love this video. Sweet swing, man, Ruthian.

[@SkillCult]

I was joking with someone about playing axe baseball, scored on how deep the cut. Home runs for cutting the ball in half. Maybe played with green softwood balls...

[@tsizzle]

Mosquito sounds was very fitting... it added a certain amount to tension to the video! 👍

[@7eis]

I wonder how much firewood is lost in those big chunks that are taken out. Did you give this any thought? I'm wondering if it would actually add up to anything significant..

[@SkillCult]

That comes up a lot. I made a whole video about it. I use a lot of them for kindling. It is a significant amount, but plenty of uses for them and no shortage of trees around here.

[@7eis]

SkillCult thanks for the swift reply. Your methods are definitely a sign of a patient man. I appreciate your videos even though I'll probably always just go grab the powersaw;-)

[@johnweide8822]

I found this video very informative however it has me itching..kept thinking what is landing on me....Makes me glad there is a Northern Michigan winter ...no mosquitos !!

[@SkillCult]

Ha, but I bet your summer mosquitoes are way worse than ours. west coast skeeters are very polite. It cools off at night most areas, and they go to bed early. during the day it's mostly the shady spots and if you keep moving, you barely get bit.

[@SaileAway]

Whata the length and weight of that axe?

[@SkillCult]

It's a standard boy's or pulpwood axe, 28 inches, 2.25 lb. Used heads are super common and new handles not uncommon, but lots of companies still make them too.

[@payday316]

I notice that axe it's biting into everything very good pretty awsome must be a very sharp axe

[@SkillCult]

It's the grind. very flat, thin down close to the edge. It was sticking a lot in this fir, but it was also very pitchy, so I'm not sure how much that was the grind or that tree. It seemed to do okay in hard woods.

[@SkillCult]

It was probably a weak grind, but it really did bite like mad.

[@scotiabushcraft9570]

What region is this? Fir tree? And what are the details on your axe? Thanks. Nice video and challenge.

[@SkillCult]

It's a Douglas' Fir. I'm in Northern California, mixed conifer and hardwood forests. that's the council tool budget line boys axe 2.25 lb, 27 inches.

[@pclarin]

What axe are you using? You should say . If you did, sorry I missed it.

[@Carebearcrbr]

Do those mosquitos not bite?

[@SkillCult]

not if you keep moving ;)

[@StuartOverton]

What do you use to protect yourself from mosquitoes?

[@arnon-jaya]

maybe venus-trap-plant kill mosquito. addition --- source:kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqvOYpWDZ9uJfLc (True Facts : Carnivorous Plants) from youtube-recommendation in kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4rdfmR7mcdpo9E (Cochineal Bugs Create Red Dye: A Moment in Science) from youtube-search (making carmine) result 6 addition ---- other carnivor-plant : (source:'Carnivorous and protocarnivorous plants' in en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosera#5_nov_2018_4_41_pm_est bottom-box 1)1.1)utricularia (underwater) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp_TiWieepuojbM (Plantas carnivoras, Utricularia.) 1.2)aldrovanda (underwater) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZW0hHuJiruDsLM (Closure of a trap of Aldrovanda vesiculosa (waterwheel plant), a carnivorous plant) from youtube-search (aldrovanda) result 1 2)like drosera/sundews: 2.1)roridula kzbin.info/www/bejne/j529p4eopd-VsKc (Roridula gorgonias capturing wasp) from youtube-search (roridula) result 3 2.2)drosophyllum kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5-4iHqFhdmDo80 (MOSCA ATRAPADA EN DROSOPHYLLUM LUSITACIUM) from youtube-search (drosophyllum) result 1 2.3)byblis kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3bZon9qYsdse5Y (The Byblis Liniflora taking on a small centipede) from youtube-search (byblis) result 1 2.4)pinguicula kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4K1dnSEp7ifjtU (Capensis Plantas Carnívoras-Hablemos de pinguiculas) from youtube-search (pinguicula) result 7 leaf is sticky like roridula 3)philcoxia has underground tentacle killing roundworms, maybe other worms who make beneficial- vermicompost:kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIWyY5mtrLWEgtk (Pretty Flower is Actually Subterranean Carnivore) from youtube-search (philcoxia) result 3

[@SkillCult]

Nothing. It almost always cools off at night, so they are really only out for a few hours.

[@practicallyIndependent]

Great video. Thanks. Curious though, doesn't using an axe waste wood due to all of the lost chunks?

[@FT4Freedom]

Yes. If you want clean cuts use a saw.

[@practicallyIndependent]

@@FT4Freedom Thanks. Great show

[@crackers_are_great_with_am9572]

@@practicallyIndependent the chips are on the floor, you can pick them up.

[@practicallyIndependent]

@@crackers_are_great_with_am9572 no thanks, lol

[@michalurbanful]

What axe was that pls?

[@SkillCult]

council tool boy's axe.

[@ModernGentleman]

Is that a Council Tool?

[@SkillCult]

yeah

[@ModernGentleman]

@@SkillCult they usually do make great axes. Great tools in general. Highly underrated company in my opinion.