BIG Log Challenge 2022: First Swings with Custom Basque!

[@Brian2bears]

Mr. Codi...nothing but admiration from me. You look like you're eating well and hitting the weights....your form is machine-like and your breathing great. The film work/editing was nice. Ben/Kurt have answered the leg snap...I have nothing to offer on the Basque, zero experience...I love the old double-bit however....nice job young man...

[@Codi_Clapper]

I appreciate the kind words, Mr. Brian. I actually did hit the gym beforehand haha. I have been working on getting more relaxed, efficient form. Best advice I can give is to work on throwing the axe up higher before each swing. I think many of us learn bad habits from using short, light axes. It’s easy to whip a boy’s axe into wood using just arms alone. A heavy axe will tire you out unless you use your whole body. Glad you enjoyed, I always appreciate your feedback and enjoy your content. Thank you sir👍

[@feralgrandad4429]

That was nothing short of inspiring. Subscribing was an easy decision.

[@Codi_Clapper]

Thank you sir! I appreciate the kind words and support😁👍

[@Roqjoru]

Outstanding.

[@timwatsonphotography]

Spot on, mate. You’ve got great technique. Enjoyed watching this, as I do all of your videos.

[@Codi_Clapper]

Thanks Tim, that means a lot! I’ve been working on my form, trying different tricks to see what works. The biggest thing that I worked on is getting my arms up higher at the top of my swing. It has been hard to break the habit of short, whippy swings that I started out with. I think I’m finally settling into a form that is both comfortable and efficient for long-duration chopping. Thanks again!

[@timwatsonphotography]

@@Codi_Clapper Yes that’s what I noticed. Looks like it’s giving you some relaxed (free) power. I think it makes for better accuracy too if you commit to it. You’re obviously hungry to improve and doing a seriously good job. Here’s one to try out: line up your bottom hand with your navel, solar plexus, chin and then nose on the way up to the top of your swing - I.e. get your bottom hand on your centreline as early as poss. Works for me.

[@Codi_Clapper]

@@timwatsonphotographyThanks! Great, I’ll have to try it out. Keeping everything aligned ought to improve my balance, then comes opportunity for more power. I’d imagine that would work great with a club-grip style swing. I haven’t been a fan of gliding down the handle, as I tend to short-swing when I do it that way. Thanks Tim!

[@urbanlumberjack]

I love to see a double bit working hard!

[@Codi_Clapper]

Amen! I wish people would stop using them for splitting. Too much buckin Billy Ray going around lol. A double needs some bite for chopping😁

[@brettbrown9814]

Another great video Codi! Excellent chopping also. I've seen some Basque big log competition videos where they use 2 axes with the 2nd being a bit lighter and longer handled to reach the bottom wood. Well done!

[@Codi_Clapper]

Thanks Brett! I must have channeled my inner basque on this one haha. The double bit was the same weight, but man, that basque is a thumper with that race handle! Really busts out chips. The double saved my back in the end lol. I enjoyed this challenge, was a lot of fun. Thanks for watching😁👍👍

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I take that wedge out and just rehang it with a fatter wedge. Maybe also stick in a barrel wedge to push it front to back as well. Not surprised though. Every Basque I’ve had has come loose the first day.

[@Codi_Clapper]

As soon as I took the pin out, the head was noticeably looser. The wedge was indeed too small. I rewedged and put a small cross wedge in the back to push the other direction. There is still gap in the bottom of the eye, but hopefully that won’t cause much of an issue once I drill and reset the pin. I knew what I was getting into when I ordered a basque. It’s still disappointing they aren’t improving, but if a handle issue is all I’m dealing with then I’m not going to complain. I’d rather know it was put together right.

[@benscottwoodchopper]

really good work. The reason for snapping your legs is for power and does add a significant amount when timed correctly. it definitely is a lot more tiring and you wont see it used outside of things like stihl timbersports or australian where they cut one log.

[@Codi_Clapper]

Thanks Ben! Glad to hear that, I was having a hard time figuring it out. I was considering adapting my technique, but having heard this, I’m going keep my form as is.

[@940joey2]

Wow !!! Great job Codi !! Love that handle you put in that basque axe !! Man that looks like hard work, I give you an anyone else a lot of credit with the hit log challenge !! I’m going to have to take this on one day 👍 great job dude and excellent chopping !!

[@Codi_Clapper]

Thanks Joey!! That handle is great! Yeah, it was hard work though I can’t really say I ever got exhausted. Just took some time. Not sure if I learned as much from this challenge as the tree in a day, but was still a lot of fun! The best part about it is that you can consistently chop while keeping your form in mind, whereas chopping a whole tree keeps you preoccupied with how you’re going to open up the next notch. Would recommend if you happen to find a fallen tree around. Definitely the biggest wood that I’ve bucked! Thanks for watching!😁

[@uni3831]

whered you get the chainmail socks?

[@Joey-L]

Great work and super clean notches. This is definitely my favorite "mini" challenge and it requires much more technique and planning than I think it gets credit for. On the surface it just looks like chopping a log in half. I'd try your slip fit solution idea first as it seems probably the easiest fix. If that doesn't work move on to something more involved.

[@Codi_Clapper]

Thanks! I totally agree! I took sidewalk chalk and traced out the width of my notch. I think that is an important step in the planning process. Without doing that, I don’t know that my notches would have lined up so well. In terms of notching I found it more productive to chop away narrow strips of wood rather than the wide dinner plates that I started with. The innermost part of the log was so dense that taking big chips wasn’t effective. It just kept bouncing. Thanks for the suggestion, that’s what I’m going to try first!

[@MattKeevil]

Congratulations on a big log! Using two axes of different handle lengths is something I had considered and it looks like it worked. Probably more efficient than the 3-notch system I tried with just a long handled axe. As for tightening up the head, I've had good luck with dowel wedges when I didn't have enough shoulder for a new hang. I just drawknifed up a dowel wedge because it doesn't have to be perfect since it is just going to be hammered in. Maybe a dowel wedge in the widest part of the eye and add a step wedge towards the front of the eye. That is what step wedges are for, after all, even if they are considered passé lately. You can do the Skillcult trick and file notches in the wedge in it so you can pry it out more easily when you eventually do need to rehang.

[@Codi_Clapper]

Thanks for the suggestions! I should have mentioned, the wiggle is coming from the bottom of the eye due to gaps in the front and back. Not sure if the dowel wedge system would solve the problem because of that. I’m going to try to seat it like a slip fit first, then I’ll be removing the wedge altogether. I’d like to investigate what’s going on with the hang inside. How would you describe the 3 notch method? I’m going to have to watch your video again. That was the big red elm right? Thanks again, Codi

[@JuardianK]

9:50 inferior men FEAR and look down upon the shroom head (palm swell) but it offers ultimate performance and drives the ladies wild. Normal palm swells can't compete with the chad SHROOM.

[@Codi_Clapper]

You understand, brother🤣

[@KevinsDisobedience]

White oak, too! Big effort. Good to see Erin getting some more work from us idiots lol.

[@Codi_Clapper]

Thanks! This was a tough log. Very dense. Erin makes the best chainmail I’ve seen, excellent customer service!

[@axesofoz717]

Well done!

[@Codi_Clapper]

Thanks!

[@kurts64]

Nice work Codi! Cool you see you put that double to work. That Basque, pinned with a race handle, is that a factory offering? As for the knee snap, your thoughts and Ben's answer below are spot on. It is more tiring when your doing it full-on and deliberately, but if you incorporate it into your swing a even a little bit it can become habit and adds a bit of acceleration to the last part of the swing, and can help to add some "roll" to your bit to help release. Awesome effort man and cool that you shared your thoughts on it as u went. 👍 👍

[@Codi_Clapper]

Thanks Kurt! The basque w/ pinned race handle is a factory offering, yes. You can see the same axe being used in Bushcraft Sisyphus’s video, “Incredible Basque Racing Axe.” I requested they put a race handle on a 2kg head, which should be comparable to their lightest stock racing axe in weight. It came ground, but not sharpened, I had to do some file work to get it close to 20 degrees. The pin in the handle is not something I requested, but rather a standard option with the race handle. It is my understanding that on the race handle mod they lengthen and flatten the bit a little more on the head. I don’t have a stock 2kg head to compare, but I believe this is mentioned in Bushcraft Sisyphus’s video. Proportionately, it makes sense given the massive palm swell and longer handle. Thanks for sharing about the old-leg flick. It’s a good feeling when your observations line up. The more I chop, the more I notice I’m reaching the same hurdles and tricks that you guys have encountered in the past. It’s really cool that we all follow similar stages in development. Glad you enjoyed! I always look forward to hearing your comments👍😁

[@kurts64]

@@Codi_Clapper cool that you can get that model from the maker, seems ideal. Those Sisyphus vids are awesome, just re-watched a few a couple days ago. One of his vids about the Basque axe (it may have been the vid you mentioned) had a great discussion about handle ergos and endurance vs. his Jersey on the timbersports style race handle. How are you liking that double now you've given it a bit of a run?

[@Codi_Clapper]

@@kurts64Yes, that is the same video. He talks about how he can perform a more relaxed swing with the basque compared to the massive race handle on the jersey. Great stuff! I’m really liking the double! I considered sending it back when I received it, knowing how much work it was going to take to get it in working order. I held onto it for a reason, and having tuned it up, it cuts really good! Having cut it down a bit after rehanging, it is 33.5 inches long. I don’t notice the length much at all in terms of accuracy, in fact it is refreshing to go back to a shorter handle afterwards and feel unstoppable haha. It provides the perfect amount of challenge for my coordination and strength, and definitely carries over into building my axe skills. I filed it to 20 degrees for felling and 22.5 for bucking sticky wood. Not sure if it makes a difference, but still cool to have 2 axes in 1. Thanks for asking!

[@elemental4rce]

you chose some hard stuff! See if you can get a handle or two out of that me thinks 👀 Well done!

[@Codi_Clapper]

Haha, sure did! Not sure if you could see in the background I have a 30 inch section of the log standing upright. That will definitely be some handle stock if I can find a day to get it out of there lol. Thanks for watching!!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Coddi, I made a racing style handle out of white oak. Good lumber for it, it would seem.

[@Codi_Clapper]

@KevinsDisobedience Awesome, will have to try it out! If only I had a band saw lol.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Camera tip: when shooting selfie shots, don’t look at yourself on the screen, look at the lens. It’s weird at first, but just make sure you’re in frame and talk to the lens lol.

[@Codi_Clapper]

Haha thanks man. Yeah I was having trouble breaking that habit since I was moving around so much. Most people probably don’t notice or don’t care, but obviously you know looking at the lens makes a more personal experience. I appreciate the tip. 👍

[@gracemuller1025]

Way to go Axeman! Looks like a large white oak?

[@Codi_Clapper]

Thanks Grace! Yes indeed, Quercus alba. The best of the oak species😁

[@leegibbs5387]

Where did you get your Basque axe?

[@Codi_Clapper]

Basque axes can be purchased through Lamnia. They ship internationally. Bushcraft Spain is another option, but they sell thicker ground axes without mirror-polished heads. They are more of a satin finish and are hardware store grade.

[@jonugalde1275]

That axe is a slip fit one, a slip fit one with a racing handle. I would take out the pin and try to tighten it with its own wedge. Drill a new hole if you can't insert the pin. That's the standard procedure, good idea to try to use a new wedge it you are not able to seat it with its own wedge and/or you don't feel safe with the pin hole. Any length of racing handle can be done, look at the ones laying in the log close to the log the old man is cutting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5u7oo1tfN2EjrM Or take a look at the axe Bihurri is using. Day to day tasks have force me to not to use axes for some years but videos like yours make me will to retake my passion. Thank you

[@jonugalde1275]

Here Bihurri usin a long handle axe www.bihurri.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bi_5m-girten-luzeekin.jpg Regards

[@Codi_Clapper]

Mr. Ugalde, Thank you for the kind words and excellent advice! I will likely be removing the pin entirely and rehanging with another wedge. I was wondering, do they pin these axes for safety purposes, or is it to keep the wedge from backing out? What excellent videos! I had not seen those before. Than man has great power for his age. I enjoyed seeing those long handles for chopping big logs. Very cool! Glad to hear you still get out and chop, even if it’s just occasionally. I enjoyed checking out your channel. Like riding a bike, eh? Thanks again, Codi

[@jonugalde1275]

Hello Cody, thank you for your response. The purpose of the pin is both of them. It fixes the head, handle and wedge in one. In this respect the problem with slip fits is their eyes are slip fit. Slip fit conical eyes are not as good for wedged handles as the eyes made in purpose for wedge fit. I'm nobody to tell you were to spend your money, but if you liked racing handle I would suggest you to try it in the head it was intended to use in, a racing one. You will use a more solid tool in both aspects, building and performance. By the way, looking at the axe you are using I think you have direct contact with the maker. But in the case this is not correct try to get Basque axes from Lamnia. Some Spanish sellers are trying to surf the wave buying hardware axes, grinding them with power tools and selling them as Lamnia equivalent. Last time I informed myself about international experiences those axes were getting plenty of errors and fails. That time those were easily identifiable looking at the maker stamp, the interior of the stamp was black, only the name was polished. I have not idea about how they polish their heads today. I'm not against people finding cheap axes and selling them at a higher price. The problem is if they mess what they touch (in this case it looks like they affected heat treatment) and they profit selling potentially defective products making buyers lose their money and maker losing his reputation. Sorry for such a long message, but most of the last private messages I have responded were about it and I wanted to advise you. Regards

[@Codi_Clapper]

@jonugalde1275 ​thanks, I appreciate the advice and warning. All of the Basque axes I’ve purchased were from Lamnia. This last one with the race handle, I put in a special request to Lamnia to see if they would contact the maker. They agreed and 3 months later I received it in the mail. I requested a 2kg standard basque head fixed to a 70cm racing handle. I bought some handles from bushcraft spain before and was very disappointed in their quality. I have not purchased from them since. I too have heard that they grind and re-sell cheaper hardware store axes for premium price. Most people don’t realize or don’t care due to limited supply of these axes. Good point about the slip fit head being more conical. I decided to have the axe built this way, as I fear I would damage the thin grind of the race axe, and the race handles are hard to find on their own. Having taken it apart, I found the axe handle was poorly fitted, with a large shelf. This is what caused it to loosen so quickly. I think I should be good to reseat and rewedge without the pin. Thanks again for the thorough response! I appreciate the useful information. Best, Codi

[@four4bman979]

The 23 inches around the trunk is the circumference, not diameter.

[@Codi_Clapper]

I used a diameter tape. It goes by units of 1inch/pi. The circumference of that log is 23 inches (diameter) multiplied by the unit pi (3.14….). In other words, the circumference is about 72.2 inches. Thanks for watching!

[@four4bman979]

@@Codi_Clapper Where can I buy that special measuring tape?

[@Codi_Clapper]

@@four4bman979 got mine from Amazon. If you want a high quality, auto-rewind tape I’d recommend either Spencer’s Original Logging Tape (blue case) or Protape (black case). Both made from the same company, just slightly different styles. They sell different reels for different uses. For forestry work, you will want 10th of an inch on one side and 10th of diameter equivalent on the back. They are two sided tapes. If you think you’d just use one of those tapes occasionally, look up diameter equivalent tape measure on Amazon, I think there are some really cheap options.

[@davidblunt3501]

hey codi now don't laugh but,try this and beleave me it works pull head off lean it up w/120 grit sand paper also clean the inside of the head REAL WELL then use a dremal tool tocut in 4 straght groves (about a 1/16 of a n inch deep just the width of the dremel cutting blade on each inside of head (try to even space the cuts.I don't know if your axe handle has a wedge slot, if it does then do this dress it up with a hacksaw bade a few times, then saok the heck out of it with WATCO danish oil let stand over night then do it again until its full and wont accept any more . Now get your stuff together because it will go fast for the rest of itonthe inside of thead put a coact of the shoegoop all around , sllather it on ( youllwipe the rest of later) place glue on wedge and drive it home . let it se tover night. then drill your pin hole clean and set a NEW pin that fits very snug home it's done enjoy! If all that is holding on is the pin then skip to do this instead heat your axe handle head with hot air gun then rub 50/50 bees wax and parafane wax until you you have a solid coat on it then heat it up again until you see it being absorbed into the wood that includes the hole where the pin gos thru then scrape off all the wax that didn't get absorbed into handle head remember only wax the area that the axe rests on. now for the crazy part (but I have axe that has been on its handle for more than thirty Years) do like I said earlier with the shoe goop it works ! now srape down your handle and rub the WATCO Danish oil into the wood of the handle you'll be handing it down to your grandchildren if you try this out ! GOOD LUCK -DAVE

[@Codi_Clapper]

Dave! Love this idea! I really appreciate the thorough response. Unfortunately I already rehung with a thicker wedge and Re drilled the pin. I soak the wedge up with some stuff called swell-lock, which can be found on Amazon and is used to tighten up furniture legs by entering and expanding wood. It also provides a good lube to drive the wedge home. I haven’t had any axes come loose using this stuff. I just keep my handles oiled up with linseed oil. I will have to try your technique sometime, I generally don’t like to glue or use metal wedges just because I like knowing that I can drill out a wooden wedge easily and replace a handle without destroying the original. Thanks again for a great response! Appreciate you tuning in, Codi

[@MatthewAmsbaugh]

First!

[@Codi_Clapper]

😁👍👍

[@jason972]

You ruined a pretty axes head an drilled hole in it

[@Codi_Clapper]

I requested a standard basque head with a race handle. I didn’t drill anything, it came that way. Because the standard basque heads have such a conical, wide eye (they are slip fits) wedging them isn’t a simple task. Pinning the axe like all race axes do keeps the wedge from backing out, and gives another level of safety when competing. Nothing is ruined about this axe. Chops great! Besides, I have more basques than this. This is the only one with this setup, so I’m not bothered by it at all.