Beginners Guide To Chopping Tools For Bushcraft, Camping And Wilderness Survival

[@chrismiksworld]

Man, I love this day and age. Things people used to only learn from father to son over generations are able to be shared with one another in an amazing way.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I agree! The internet has made learning online so easy to access! Thanks for watching Chris

[@ColinNew-pf5ix]

This video I could watch again and again Dave; more than any documentary. Thank you so much! Years of knowledge, passion and love for the subject of wilderness/outdoors. You could easily do seminars, workshops and sell dvds. You haven't sold out either with promotions. Nuf respect from England

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Colin!

[@PleaseDontCry2]

In diff times this could have been sold as a must have DVD and it would have been so worth it!! This video is stuffed to the gills with so much great information and tips. I have gained bountiful knowledge and feel like I was out there and gained years of experience. God bless you sir and bring blessing to all you are fortunate enough to see this. Also how beautiful those pine logs were you chopped 😍!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and found it that helpful! Thanks for watching and may God bless you too

[@NWAAdventures]

You are a wealth of knowledge, my friend. Excellent.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Brother Jim!

[@pjmnash]

yes, he is!!!!! He should be given a Ph. D.

[@Shastavalleyoutdoorsman]

This is a great instructional video Dave. I'm at axe guy myself. but I'm well aware how dangerous they can be for someone who hasn't used them their whole life. I'm going to refer people to this video every time they ask me for safety tips.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother, I'm glad you liked it. Oh man an axe can spell disaster in newbie hands if not instructed properly! Thanks for watching

[@mikesuch9021]

I have been handling and using knives since 1965. The Bolo has a shape similar to the Puma White Hunter Buddy Grant of the Grant Boys hunting and fishing camping store. Gave to me on my birthday one year. Knowing the benefits of having one with every time you need one. I sold a lot of knives. Everyone I know says I can hand sharpen a blade like nobody's business. And I take that as a high compliment. Being retired now and really enjoying watching your videos. Well that was a lot longer than I expected I just wanted to thank you actually. Love learning new stuff everyday.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for the comments Mike and I'm glad you liked it. Successful hand sharpening is definitely a skill! Thanks for watching my friend

[@flashforce699]

You got me to make my first blade system , I chose the Condor Plan A Bowie and the Condor Ripper . They are both designed by Julio Diaz and it works great , a big Bowie and a scandi ground blade compliment one another perfectly in my opinion. Thanks David for your knowledge and dedication . I actually talked to khukri house and they told me that small dull blade is a hardened steel , they said its used if you get dings or rolls in the khukri grind that you use the hardened steel straighten out the grind before you re-sharpen your khukri .

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Great to hear that! I forgot to method the other use of that small blade but us bushcrafters just use it with flint or chert.

[@paulhargrove8769]

My name is Paul hargrove I'm from North Carolina and I would just like to say thank you for everything you do on KZbin it's helped me a lot and I think it's important for this generation coming up to learn these types of skills because the way things are looking in this country they could very well need the types of skills that you teach.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello Paul and I'm glad you like the videos and have found them helpful! About 15 years ago I got stuck in a Dunkin Donuts in Asheville during a blizzard. Lol, I loved that town

[@primeshadow1860]

Paul, you should check out Bushcrafters USA forums. They have lots of useful info there, too.

[@tikkidaddy]

I lived there most of my life. It was a beautiful peaceful place back then, but I wouldn't go back to Asheville permanently now for anything... Sad that its been allowed to become a shadow of its former self

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Best chopping tools and how to chop I've seen in a long while. Thanks, Dave.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it my friend

[@sofakingphat8087]

This video reminded me of my grandpa. He was the person people used to take their tools to to have new handles put on. He would plain and little while brand new handles for hammers and hatchets and axes etc. He always had a tub with water in it so he could soak the handles and whatever tool he was putting the handle on so the handle will swell up and fit the head of the tool. It’s a craft that has been long since forgotten especially now it’s so easy to just go buy a whole new tool. I learned a lot from a man sometimes I even little my own handle out of a piece of Hickory. Thanks for the video.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

The world absolutely misses folks like your grandpa. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@benthere8051]

That's not a gear room, it's a museum. Your knowledge of camping equipment is encyclopedic. I do love my SP-53. Thousands of smilax briars met their maker with the help of my SP-53.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol, Thanks! That's awesome you love that SP53

[@juliodevin6261]

Instablaster

[@SKATICUS2000]

I thought I had a huge collection of various blades and cutting tools until I seen this video. My girlfriend gives me grief with my collection I could imagine what you go through. Plus the cost 💲. My bank account is still suffering with what I deem as a mediocre collection. I try to narrow my kit down to an all rounder, too made awesome options confuses the hell out of me. In all honesty I truly appreciate your videos you’re a treasure trove of information. Keep up the good work 👍.

[@CreekRanger]

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I thought I knew my outdoor cutting tools and outdoor skills but I am humbled by watching your videos and learning more than I have in a very long time. Wonderful review of tools and their use. Have you heard that the little notch in the base of a Kukri is supposedly if you are a Gurka you use it to draw your own blood if the blade is drawn without tasting blood? We used to tell that story to scouts around the campfire before sending them on Snark hunts. Fantastic advice on chopping techniques! We always adhered to the belief unnatural motions for which you have no muscle memory will get you hurt. We had one instructor who taught that there are only 8 directions to chop but I think he confused chopping with Kendo since he was also a Kendo and Iado instructor.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked the video that much! I've heard several different stories on that kukri notch but I never shared it with the scouts. None of their parents had a sense of humor. Lol. Take care and thanks for watching

[@Synthgunner]

Great video, very informative. I usually don’t get to watch a lot of your video because they are long and I work a lot....Came down with a cold or the flu so I’m laid out in the bed all weekend watching your videos and really enjoying them. Can’t wait to get well again and get back outside with my freshly restored BK9

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Get well and get back out there! Thanks for watching

[@pjmnash]

I always take a supplement which has zinc and echinacea etc. A chewable one at the first sign of sickness and have not had a cold or flu in two years and I am 73! I feel for you! 🤧

[@jimshort9266]

@@pjmnash… glad this remedy has helped you. After my first two sinus infections in my 40’s, I started using a Nettie Pot. I very rarely get any kind of sickness now. The annual winter cold is pretty much non existent now. I use it every day and the rare times I detect something I use it three times a day and it rarely ever takes hold. Been doing this for over a decade with excellent results.

[@robinchristmas6448]

Fun in the Woods. You have so much knowledge on how to use tools, what different blades are for and how to avoid getting hurt. You have such an engaging and enthusiastic way of explaining everything. Thank you!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Robin, I'm glad you like the way I do things!

[@dennispieper3080]

Hey Dave, great video. You were right on with everything, including the wrong way to hold the axe due to a bad habit. As a teen my family would camp and my dad and I would compete to see who could chop through logs quicker. He always won. I said it was because he was 6'8" and had better leverage than my scrawny 6' body. He finally pointed out that he had another secret. I swung wild and as fast as I could. He used less swings but was much more consistent with hitting the spot he was looking at. He told me to slow down and work at being accurate with my chops. He also stressed that this was not only for speed, efficiency, but especially in regards to safety. He said you don't have to be as accurate as sawing is, but you should be within a 1/4 inch of you mark. If you more than an inch off one way or another that's a 2 inch gap. If you're off more than that you're dangerous. By the way, I had to reteach myself this skill again with the Gerber machete I just got.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Dennis, I'm glad you liked it. You was lucky to have a dad that knew the proper technique. Teens do love to swing wildly, lol. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@John-w9m8d]

Been with you awhile, under different emails I have,, Older now, ( 64 ) Unfortunately Forced to Retire several yrs ago do to my health. ( All of a sudden getting poor circulation in feet ankles and lower leg ? Getting worse yearly, Everyone says nothing can be done about it ??? Neuropathy??? Makes me SOOOO mad, I been like you my whole life , now I use a frickin cane to walk because it hurts sooo badly just to walk. Life not fair sometimes, though it could be worse, right ? Anywho,, Thank you so much for bringing us outside with you, it brings me back to my good healthy days my friend. And I still LEARN SOMETHING NEW , every video of yours I watch To me that's Amazing and makes it worth it to join you on your vids. Great that you've brought your son along to learn, follow in Dad's Footsteps. There's a heck of a lot of gear there to turn over to him someday. Not only are you teaching him how to use Everything, BUT, just as important, You've taught him how to keep Everything neat, squared away, and in order . So important..... Stay Safe Stay Healthy Positive and Blessed my friend my Brother. God Bless 🙏 us All. Amen ✌️ Peace 🙏 Big Jim New Hampshire USA aka Boston Strong

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Ah man I hate to hear that Jim! I hope one day you can get that all cured up somehow. Unfortunately there's a lot of doctors that really don't care or are limited by insurance companies. Take care Big Jim

[@tikkidaddy]

Me too. Born with CP. Late 50s , neuropathic pain...much love sir.

[@markgibbs904]

When I was 20 I had a neighbor 65 who chopped a lot of firewood starting in boyhood. When he chopped a lying log he began his notch as wide as the diameter of the log. Alternating each swing, the axe went along the same path. When done it was as smooth as if it had been run through a wood planer. Never saw such perfection.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You don't see that too often nowadays with chainsaws everywhere. It's great seeing someone swing an axe that knows how

[@nickdelia3130]

This is a snapshot of how much I have learned from you. I was scanning the downed trees for fat wood before you mentioned it and got excited when you found it. Thanks Brother.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol, very cool Nick!

[@handiman5]

Fascinating information and presented well! The explanations you give are extremely helpful and easily understood by a novice like me! That's why I subscribed and give 'likes' to your videos! You are like an excellent college professor who is great at communicating his knowledge to others!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks John! I'm glad you liked it and how I do things. Thanks for watching

[@anneli1735]

@John M. Maybe you want to watch his older vids though - it’s a marvellous fundus 😜

[@David-vd7lv]

Excellent video! I have watched most every video you have, and this one is an Oscar winner. Many thanks

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that David!

[@jmiskinis]

Hi Dave, Thank You for creating and uploading another video, my friend. I look forward to watching it, and your recent camo-shelter video soon, but I have been a bit busy. I saw the video listed in my feed, and I thought it would be nice to say "Hello", and that the title reminded me of a comment that you made in an older video, about chopping, and the difference in "purpose" between small and large "choppers". :) I hope that you remember what I am referring to, and I thought it was one of the best jokes that you ever shared. Best Wishes to you, and everyone, and Thanks Again. _John_

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello John and I'm glad you liked it. Lol, yes I remember in the purposes between an axe and a hatchet! You got a good memory man. Thanks for watching

[@tylercolvin3782]

Mr Dave, once again you bring a topic to life with your honesty and enthusiasm. In all the how to's out there i have never been told that the curve of the blade face was connected to the density of the wood to be processed. There is a joy to chopping. The concentration and repetition of action are very rewarding. Your demonstration shows it is not a mindless activity. Your balance of activities in the wild, creating your personalized gear , and demonstrating the basic principles is what brings all the anticipation of a Reallybigmonkey production every 2nd Friday.😄 . After discovering your channel a few years back, one of the worst days was watching the last of your past videos and realizing I was going to have to wait for 2 weeks to see new content. Thanks for your time and effort.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Tyler and I agree, chopping and doing it well is very rewarding. I'm glad you've liked the videos so long. Take care and thanks for watching brother

[@spencerdavey3630]

Even if it was aimed at the beginner, it's always great to see you using your knives, machetes, and axes. It's always good to watch and have a re-fresher lesson 👍. Of course, the benefit of seeing that amazing gear room of yours is always a bonus. It's just awesome and every man's dream of the... Man Cave... 😁😁. I laughed when you said... I'm as old as dirt... I thought that was a great line though I don't doubt your probably a lot fitter than many your age 😁. I'd not seen the proper way to limb a tree so I took a lot from this latest and excellent as always video. Many thanks again for all your efforts on us bushcrafters behalves. Some of us need the most efficient techniques that don't wear us out.... Just in case we're..... old as dirt 😁😁😁👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it and learned some Spencer! 53 may not be considered old as dirt but I feel like it sometimes. Lol. Take care, stay safe and thanks for watching

[@fcernst]

Great video..I'm going to try using small chopped chunks in my twig stove for longer burns..thanks for the tip.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Frederick, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@powerplay4real174]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge pal, it always fun to see you demonstrate what you have studied and learned and you know a lot of knowledge about the Bush Craft , Camping and Outdoors and the tool that go with it. Thanks again 🙂

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome my friend and I'm always happy to share!

[@kcherrick2627]

Omg. 2 if my favorite all time videos are the machete and the big blade video. Now you drop this gem!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked them all Kc!

[@karlshook4586]

I have been watching you for years and I just have to say that you are a terrific instructor and you have a great way of explaining what, how, and why. Keep up the good work. PS you have a great personality too

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you so much Karl!

[@rickyfargason8859]

Hey Dave I love the video on chopping tools. Great advice as always. Thanks for what you do. You helped me in making tough decisions about selecting bushcraft items especially cutting tools. Unfortunately a lot of my tools were stolen at work just a week ago. I was a stupid idiot to think could store my stuff at work. I lost about $700 worth of stuff. Everyone out there, protect and secure your stuff. Makes me sick, but I learned a VERY valuable lesson. I'm trying to get over the shock of losing so much. I realize now I have to focus more on my knowledge rather than my tools. "The more you know, the less tools and stuff you need to bring in the woods." The one positive thing, if there is one, is the thief didn't take my new Ontario SP53! It was attached to molle behind a pouch making it hard to get out. Thank GOD!! And yes, that thing is a BEAST!! Also, this bad experience has made me consider primitive bushcraft skills. Using what's in nature rather than the lastest anf greatest tool. And I figure nobody wants to steal sticks, stones, bones and deer antlers... ,😂😂😂lol. Win-win. Thieves can't get any money from stones and sticks for drugs.😂😂😂 Again thanks for everything you do for bushcrafting. Have you ever considered writing a book on your bushcraft knowledge? You have an incredible wealth of knowledge people should learn now and into the future. I would definitely buy your book.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Ricky, I'm glad you liked it. Man thats horrible some jerk stole your gear. I hate thieves. I never thought about a book and honestly, Im a small fry on youtube and a small name in the survival bushcraft world compared to others. I doubt it would sell much. Thanks for the support and Thanks for watching

[@rickyfargason8859]

I thought about giving up on bushcraft b/c losing so much created a huge hole in me. Keeps reminding me of the loss. But then I thought why should I let a lowlife thief steal the thing that gives me happiness? He stole my things. I can't let him steal my happiness. It's going to take me a while to heal and trust others again.

[@Flashahol]

Very thorough and informative! Many thumbs up! I have what I consider a super cheap Seax that is a single piece of metal with paracord wrapped in an 8 for a handle, which is unraveling. It has a definitive knife drop-point, contrarily to what you showed for a Seax. It does have a 12 inch blade, so I simply call it a "That's not a knoife, THIS is a knoife!"

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and that does sound like a Seax!

[@EKEACRES]

I'm 50 years old, and sawing & chopping wears me out much faster than it used to. I now just prefer to baton wood from dead wood on the ground, lol. Great Video Dave. Thank God the warmer weather is coming now to get out in the woods more. Have a good one my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol, at 53 chopping wears me out too! But it's good excercise. Thanks for watching

[@sdavis8577]

Your lighting and camera angles were perfect when you showed all the items. When you were going over the beautiful Basque axe, there are a couple scenes where you held it still and you can see the cutting edge facing the camera with both faces of the axe clearly...very cool! If there is a knife, axe & machete museum, they need this video. Blessings Dave!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! Over the years Ive worked on the lighting in the gear room and I think its finally working right! Thanks for watching

[@alanrice39]

I don’t usually pack in a axe/ hatchet in the bush. I prefer a chopper. I feel it’s more versatile for what I do. I use my axe mainly at my river camp. I carry chopper/ machete, robust knife, usually mora as a back up , Swiss Army knife and a folding saw. Like you I like a machete, usually a short version. I try to keep my load as light as possible. At almost 65 with muscle and joint aches and pains. I agree 100% with your axe technique. Your the only one I have seen that utilizes machete. I have had love affair with machete since I was very young. The history on machete/ choppers was outstanding. Thanks Dave, great video. Alan R.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

From what you commented I'd say you and I think alike! I like an axe but down south I can make it anywhere with just a machete. Thanks for watching Alan

[@johnr.1749]

This has always been a mistery to me about the bushcrafting crowd... My grandfather was a native American guide that could survive weeks (probably indefinitely) of a haversack and swore by his Collins machete. That allowed him to go in parts of the forest off trail noone would. He would butcher a moose, process wood or anything with that thing. Also he was always carrying nails and bark.

[@juliusgonzo7527]

Well Dave, aside from the full comprehensive review of all the various machete types, you've just made "THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO CHOPPING TECHNIQUE AND SAFTEY", great job, I'm sharing this with my sons..

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Julius! I'm glad you liked it that much brother!

[@squirelova1815]

Man, you are sooo enjoyable and interesting to watch plus a real laid back sweetheart. I wish I had a tenth of your 'common sense' inventiveness and knowledge I Thank the Lord you didn't hide away all of that fabulous equipment and know how all for yourself but were responsible and generous enough to share with and educate others on their SAFE uses. Sincere Thanks dear sir. I NEVER buy any gear without looking it up here first, EVER.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you like what all I do!

[@squirelova1815]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 No, I don't like it. I Love it! I just I hope we won't all soon need our wilderness survival skills daily if Fauci & Gates & the CDC Corporation render America destitute and homeless. Your channel is an Encyclopedia of practical know how. Thanks again dear sir.

[@jayhershey7525]

The old-timer loggers I use to hang out with told me that they would hone one blade of a falling axe till they could shave with it, but leave the other blade dull for limbing. After they would fall a big old growth with the axe and a "misery-whip," they would use the dull side to scamper down the log in their cork boots and knock the limbs off with one swing each. They were some tough guys.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Really? I never heard that before

[@LordTimothyOfGlencoe]

You are too good bro, it’s science, I have a 1945 machete, British army issue, my relatives were missionaries in the Congo, they brought back many blades. They told me that it’s horses for courses, in Africa, my old friends were Gurkhas the kukri is a tool in the hand of old maliai and the boy, good job kind regards Tim

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for the comments and Thanks for watching Tim

[@steveturner3999]

Thanks for the blade info Dave. I bought an Ontario SP8 after watching my very first video of yours many years ago. You built a raised shelter using a tarp, mosquito net and breathable bedding material. I think your Dad filmed that one. I was hooked on your channel after watching it and figured if that machete (SP8) was good enough for you it was good enough for me. Bought a Cold Steel Finn Bear based on you attaching one to the SP8. Since then I’ve bought the SP53, 4 or 5 Mora’s, a Condor DuKu Mini Parang, several Bahco Laplanders and more. I’m really wanting a Camp axe and I really like the Marbles or a Council Tool but I’m leery of buying one online as I’d rather have one in my hand to decide. No one near me carries any of these type and I can’t travel to shop just for an axe. I used a pickaroon on my first job at a paper mill years ago and I love the length of them. Like a boys axe. Thanks again for the knowledge. Stay safe!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Steve and I'm glad you liked it. You have a fantastic selection of tools already! I know exactly what you mean by buying in person. I usually buy my axes when Im on vacation in Tennessee. Ive never ordered one online either. Thanks for watching

[@richardspennicchia1293]

No one I've watched so far explains things as well as you do. You are my top go to channel for not only what to do, but why it is the reason for doing that way.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Richard!

[@NothingMaster]

An excellent topic, and a highly educational and entertaining presentation, as always. 👍🏻👏🏻 P.S. For some of us chopping wood is not only a stress-releasing activity, but almost a spiritual experience. Always looking forward to your new videos.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Yep, kinda like taking out stress on a punching bag, chopping wood does the same thing. Thanks for watching

[@NothingMaster]

@@Reallybigmonkey1: Exactly, my friend; well said. And thank you for making these wonderful videos.

[@jhtsurvival]

Splitting it is an art

[@mccoyburgess844]

This was time very well spent, even though I now need to buy several machetes. I plan to have my son-in-law watch the last 14 or so minutes where you use the axes and hatchet. He camps a lot in developed campgrounds where he primarily splits kindling with a hatchet. One can learn a lot from watching the chopping, especially the safety practices you demonstrate. If you ever decide to switch professions, you should be a teacher. Your teaching style is exemplary, and you communicate your stated objectives well. Thank you again for your videos.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that McCoy! I'll probably stay a machinist until retirement but after that I honestly wouldn't mind teaching survival bushcraft and camping techniques. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother

[@ruththinkingoutside.707]

Perfect timing Dave! I’m just getting back from taking the enormous teenager to school for shop week 🤪 so I can have my coffee and soak up some “blade talk” from the machete master 😁.. I have the Condor bushcraft Parang .. treated myself for my birthday!! Lol .. I haven’t had too many chances to play with it yet, but I’m definitely going to!! Thanks for all the hard work you put into these videos and sharing with us! Hope you’re doing well my Friend! ATB~Ruth Ps. I keep a new pair of safety glasses in a sunglasses hard case in my backpack, that way they don’t get scuffed up and I ALWAYS have a set .. they’re excellent for night hiking or just really brushy areas too.. as a kid, I got something in my eye once on a windy day 😱🥺 it was excruciating and I ended up going to ER to get it flushed out, took a week for the scratches in my EYE to get bearable.. I can’t imagine trying to deal with that while alone in the woods.. safety first!!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Ruth! Be sure to put a lanyard on that parang and you wont get wore out swinging it. Good lesson on safety glasses. not many wear them or even mention them. Thanks for watching

[@knyazhefilms2154]

Thank you very much! Finally someone explaining this so nicely! Best wishes from Ukraine!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it my friend!

[@edwardschrader2853]

Your instruction videos are excellent

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Edward!

[@J-B876]

Really helpful video! I especially found the golok vs parang section helpful.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it JB

[@NorthGeorgiaSurvival]

Another excellent vid, Dave. I especially like how you took the effort to demonstrate that the best possible tool for us old folks to have with us in the woods is a well instructed and enthusiastic son! Keep the awesome videos coming!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Angus, I'm glad you liked it. Lol, nothing beats a strong healthy son! Thanks for watching

[@bendoucette3530]

Hello Dave, I'm not sure what I love the most from your videos, that I always learn something , or your voice. Thanks for another great video. Say hello to Nick for us. Ben and Sue from Nova Scotia

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that Ben and I'm glad you liked it. Nick says hello and Thanks for watching

[@geraldthompson6904]

Awesome as always David ,very enjoyable to watch and see these technics in action ,10/10 greetings from the UK ,hope you & the family are Good.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Gerald! I'm glad you liked it. All is well here with the family and I hope yours is too. Thanks for watching

[@geraldthompson6904]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 Always a pleasure

[@kevinbungles]

superb tutorial video, easy to watch, great explanation and just really enjoyed it Dave

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Kevin, I'm glad you liked it brother

[@neva.]

Great fun and excellent tips for one and all. Even for them old dogs whom wish to teach their children the correct way of chopping. Learning a method is easier than unlearning an old habit. Them young, how do you say "wiper snappers" often don't think about the physics and back strain of a task. They just want to get the job done as fast as they can. Thanks, Dave. Stay lifted & enjoy your weeks end! Please keep uploading and i'll keep watching. And by the way there are ONLY two channels on KZbin where as i have seen EVERY video that the creator has created, and your one of them!! !

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and very well said! Us older folks say work smarter, not harder. Thanks for watching and you have a good weekend too

[@justjackfromsc]

Great information Dave. You have a nice collection. Thanks for the video and God bless.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching and may God bless you too!

[@1.forestrunner]

The sax is not a machete. Machete comes from the Spanish language. The Sax (Seax, Sax, Saks) comes from North West Europa and started out as a knife. In old German it means "cut". The southern part of Europa and the northern part of Europa seem to have gone to a different development of farming tools based on the grain that was planted? In the southern part a straight slashing tool was used the Machete, in the northern part a curved sickle was used instead. The classic sax has normally a tip and can be used as a stabbing/piercing tool/weapon the machete has no such tip. The skrama is more a modern type of sax where a tip to pierce or stab is not needed. Great info Dave!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Well this isnt really a machete video, its a chopping video so I lumped all the machetes and large knives in one section. The manufactures have warped the definition of whats a machete and whats a large knife. Thanks for watching John

[@michellehiggs60]

It amazes us how much gear you got. Loved the video Dave cheers. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

It amazes my family too! Lol. I'm glad you liked it Michelle, Thanks for watching

[@alphaomegasurvivalsupply6548]

Another great video, I think the saw back on that sp8 was intended to cut aircraft fuselage to remove pilots but I don't know that for sure lol. Keep em comming!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it and I believe you're correct on that sawback

[@TressaZimmerman]

I had no idea there were so many different types of blade. Wow! So interesting and informative. Thanks Dave. Plenty of wood to practice.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Yep, lots of blades and a few I didn't even have! Thanks for watching Tressa

[@TressaZimmerman]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 you are welcome I really like your videos. The ones you did with all the rope was fantastic.

[@marciannanderson5075]

Another great informative video Dave! Thanks for all the safety tips you shared with us. Too many are so careless when chopping and I shudder. Unfortunately, you see unsafe methods on KZbin all the time so I hope all will heed your advice!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Youre exactly right, Ive seen some videos where the user has not idea of whats safe and whats very dangerous.Thanks for watching Marci

[@luisalexis24]

Brother you've inspired me to create a bushcraft education playlist. This'll be the first video. Great content man!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that Luis!

[@KingKong-bo7nk]

The short lanyard on the axe to find level just blew my mind never knew that till today

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked that my friend

[@Ty_The_Bonsai_Guy]

Very thorough video. Thanks for all info. Love your channel. 😁👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@invictus3598]

Great tips and suggestions for using all sharp things. Thank you!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it my friend

[@ralphkloeppel7073]

I love your videos and the knowledge you share. I am looking at the tops power eagle and the condor jungolo. Just wondering which you prefer or would recommend in your opinion. Thank you. Mountain man Ralph.

[@kyplummer3657]

I sat here and watched you chop all that wood😂, good stuff man. I enjoyed that! I need to chop some stuff!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that Ky!

[@margaretgibson7063]

Hello David. On the coping knife i was told the ridge back of the knife is for smoothing an edge on a window or metal edge to gain access to the cockpit of a plane. It kinda makes sense is a pilot is needing ti climb throught an opening to get out or to recuse. Who ever is using the tool. I hope that information is helpful.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello Margaret and yes, that is very helpful info! Thanks for watching

[@steveturner3999]

I read that somewhere as well. More of a rasp than a saw and able to rip through aircraft skin in a rescue situation. Glad you brought that up.

[@thehopperhopes6365]

The Randall Model 18 was this design , it was designed for helicopter crews in the Vietnam war , the sawback was designed to cut through the helicopter panels in case of a crash . I think Bill Bagwell discusses it in his book 'Big Blades , battle knives and bowies'

[@TerryC69]

Great video, Dave! I should also mention the comments. The folks that follow your channel, at least the ones that comment, offer a wealth of observations that I really appreciate. Good stuff all around!.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Terry, I'm glad you liked it. Yep, Even I have learned a lot from the comments section. Thanks for watching

[@SolitaireNZ]

Good to see the basics with all of these edges.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@pjmnash]

Wow! Amazing--this was just one of the most fascinating topics I've listened to in the past year. Thank you--and a "Hey, There" 2 finger salute to you sir! You really know your knives/machetes/cutting tools!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it that much! Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@pjmnash]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 I saw you have another exhaustive one on types of machetes. WOW!!! You 're the expert source I shall refer people to when I start up my MeetUp Prepper Group of Orange County CA!@

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@@pjmnash Thanks!

[@JamieHitt]

Maybe I am wrong. But after so many generations of us living in a world of concrete, steel, and various synthetics,… Some thing in our souls just yearns to manipulate a good old fashioned piece of wood.

[@justjackfromsc]

Absolutely. I believe that God designed us that way. I think nature is an important part of life.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are absolutely correct Jamie!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@@justjackfromsc Yep, nature is a healing to the soul

[@davidjacobs828]

Yes, a hickory pick axe handle into bill gate's skull.

[@AdirondackAmerican]

@@davidjacobs828 that escalated quickly 😂

[@buzzandselunsupervised649]

Great Video Dave. As always lots of knowledge based on use. Love what you do buddy!! Stay Safe... Sel UK 🇬🇧

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Sel, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@stumpyden]

That was very interesting from UK viewer cheers keep it up A1

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Denis, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@GruntProof]

Wow man your lessons are invaluable!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother!

[@mistastabs5840]

Thanks Dave for another great video...

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and Thanks for watching

[@hammerhound168]

Excellent lesson Dave ! Well worth watching multiple times. Should be shown in every boy scout hut, school woodworking class and as a safety class for loggers. Well done.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it that much!

[@igitahimsa5871]

Oh, Man :-)! First, yeehah! Hi Dave! Yep, already hit the like because everything you do is always good and well worth knowing, but it's 4:17AM and hope I can stay awake, lol. Wish me luck :)..

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Congrats, good luck and Thanks for watching!

[@sbntony8357]

All people = Beginner = or = even Experience People = Can Learning Alot from this Clip 👍 Keep the Good & Exelant work you do for Gaudiness people 👍 and God 🙏 bless us all .Amen

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you for the comments and may God bless you too Tony

[@insanogeddon]

One of the small side items on the Kukri is a honing steel to straighten the edges without removing blade material. Axe heads were named after area designed in - designs differed as different wood (or different solutions) in differing logging areas.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for the info

[@WORRO]

Absolutely a wealth of knowledge Brother Dave. Thumbs up video ~John

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Brother John!

[@ebikecnx7239]

Good knowledge. You remind me a lot of Mors Kohansky

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! That's an honor. Mors is one of my heros!

[@ebikecnx7239]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 mine too!

[@adcsak7935]

Thank you for showing us with your God given gift of teaching!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it!

[@bwhite3872]

Nice video. Helpful.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it

[@dontfearthereaper9528]

Dave i always enjoy your videos and your extensive knowledge on different subjects. Thank you

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Joseph, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@EatCarbs]

Good stuff brother Thanks for the video

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks brother Mark!

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

Thanks for sharing Sir! You have increased my machete knowledge 100x fold. Your gear collection is incredible... Your knowledge even more so.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome brother and I'm glad you liked it!

[@charlesreohr6236]

I liked your'e closing scene where you are walking through a forest of dead wood looking for something to chop.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol, wood everywhere but I was looking for the perfect log.

[@alx252]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 ... Can't see the forest because of all that trees :)

[@jimssurvival4994]

Thanks Dave, good info thats well needed to avoid injuries. Thanks again and stay safe and prepared

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Jim, I'm glad you liked it brother

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Beginners Guide? THIS COLLECTION needs an ANNOTATED CARD CATALOG! Very Useful Instruction on V chopping on logs that can be rolled and logs that cannot be rolled. Keep watching for the 'V and Shear' technique. That was completely news to me.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks James!

[@michaelmcfarland3300]

Hello David! I'm a new subscriber and I've watched several of your videos now. Really enjoy all the knowledge you have for survival/bushcraft skills and the tools you use. They all are great. Finally found someone that does what you do in North Georgia where I'm from and live. Nothing is better than the outdoors and enjoying it.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello Michael! Thanks for the sub and it's great to hear from a fellow Georgia resident! You'll find almost everything in these videos helpful for this area. Take care and thanks for watching

[@elgoogsucks9005]

Love the video. You should tell Nick that, if something ever happens to you, he could give away an axe/machete to each of your 150k subscribers. I don't know what he would do with the leftover ones.... : )

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Nick might keep it all or have a huge yard sale. Lol

[@elgoogsucks9005]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 Forget yard sale, he could open his own shop! Really Big Monkey Outfitters

[@charlesadamski_197]

I enjoyed that and I have something fun for you. I worked a couple years on Vancouver Island make shakes for U.S. roofs. . What we would do is take red or yellow cedar that was too big for conventional equipment to handle. These were typically around 8 feet across and 100 feet tall. They would break themselves into splinters if you tried to drag them anywhere. This was superior wood - 25 year life with grain Almost like a sheet of paper but with enough straight grain for rain to flow freely and smoothly off your roof because no knots. . Our procedure - saw through the tree at almost exactly 24 inches give or take 1/2 inch. Lay it down and split it into chuncks a jet helicopter could fly out and drop onto a semi- flatbed trailer. . Now for the axe part. . We used Swedish splitting axes - 4 lb head shaped like a hatchet because the flat side was for pounding in wedges. These are not sharp axes and they widen quickly to make the wood split faster. . Clearly no way to not have the handle meet the wood in a commercial setting like this. Since each wedge weighed about 1500 lbs we split them however they lay. . Protecting our handles. . We would wrap about 6 inches of the handle to the head with haywire. The wood could not damage that metal. Most of us would then wrap that handle with electricians tape for prettiness sake and leave our axes head in a creek overnight to keep the wood swelled tight in the head. . Our handles lasted for years. . When choosing a handle - no grain on the sides, only on the top and bottom so when we twisted it to split the wood the handle was twice as strong. . Just thought you'd enjoy that perspective..

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for sharing that Charles

[@kachiri]

Thanks for the video!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for watching!

[@tenjouin1]

This is a really good video! I learned a lot and I shall show this video to my pupils. Everyone should know these techniques, and everyone used to back in the old days. Thank you very much!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that my friend!

[@jamesstipe4275]

Your grip room is awsome Miss living on sand mountain

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks James, I'm glad you liked it. My Coworker used to live on Sand Mountain.

[@khakicampbell6640]

Great tips on the various grips for machetes with lanyards at 26:00! Thanks 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked that!

[@moosemanzz]

Thanks for the informative video. Actually, I would love for you to do a beginner’s guide to bushcraft saws!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. If I can get together enough good information I may do a video on that

[@moosemanzz]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 That would be great! I use saws much more than chopping tools. If you do a video on saws, I would love a detailed explanation of curved vs straight blades on folding saws like the Silky saws.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@@moosemanzz It slipped my mind but I actually did a video on saws already kzbin.info/www/bejne/joa8gH9taJacY9E

[@shaggyrumplenutz1610]

Tramontina makes some great machetes. Solid with good steel. Kukris are my favorite all-around outdoors tool. If I was going to be dropped in the middle of nowhere and got to choose one thing it would be a kukri (a good one though).

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds good to me. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@Jamal_Tyrone]

I've been using my Silky Katanaboy to clear a local woodland walk path where 2 trees seem to have fallen on top of eachother with the upper branches right across the path. Got about half-way and my arms were aching so maybe I'll finish it tomorrow weather permitting...

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Aching arms but its still fun!

[@troybranaman316]

This video was amazing as usual Dave!! Thank you for posting it ! Very informative and entertaining! I think I need that Marbles 2 bit axe 🪓now .I learned a lot from you as always!! Take care and stay safe my friend !!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Troy, I'm glad you liked it. That Marbles two bit sure gets a lot done to be such a tiny axe!

[@sgtboz9730]

I've always loved bowies and tomahawks. Big variety out there, and yes, they will get the job done. However, I've come to love the simple $22 Tramatina 18 inch machete. Was surprised at how great they are when I started working with one some years ago. Give me one of those, and a small pocket knife, Im covered.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

They are very popular. The folks on Bushcraft U.S.A. love them

[@oprophetisfake9482]

I don't have hardly any of this selection of gear that you have Dave, but it is still good to see what to get if I can invest more in gear and especially the knowledge of what to get, and even more what not to waste money on, when I do buy more stuff.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

No need to have a mountain of gear but, I like to show all the stuff I have so others can choose what's best for their particular environment. Thanks for watching my friend

[@sarahkelly7825]

When I first read the title, I thought it said chopping toes!!! I thought, he sure has a warped sense of humor😂😂😂

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Oh these are definitely capable of removing toes! Thanks for watching Sarah!

[@tikkidaddy]

Thats a common injury among axe people!😂 no joke...

[@paulhare662]

I'm sure that you have an episode dedicated to sharpening axes and hatchets but I wanted to share a technique that I recently used on several vintage hatchets. Credit goes to a gentleman named Felix Immler. The process uses a towel, a file and a felt tip marker. First scribble on the cutting edge with the marker. Second, fold the towel in half and set it on the side of the eye. Use the towel as the pivot point for working the file over the cutting edge. File until an even removal of marker is seen across the blade. Double the towel over and repeat. Keep doubling the towel and filing until the edge is reached. A remarkable degree of precision can be had using this method.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

If I'm reading this right, you're saying the towel "gives" allowing the file to shape convex instead of flat?

[@garys_shave]

I can't wait to see Nick and You dressed up in your new "swamp thing" camo

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Oh it'll be fun!

[@chakarataguon7929]

Learned a lot Dave! Thanx again for the great vid!!! 👍👊✌️

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Great to hear that and I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching