Boys Axe vs Big Axe

A quick bucking test on Aussie Gum between four classic bush axes.
Brades model 365 -2.75lb / 1.2kg
Hults Bruk Agdor Yankee- 2.75lb /1.2kg
Hults Bruk Agdor Tasmanian- 4lb /1.8kg
Keech Timberman Tasmanian- 5lb /2.3kg

[@glenurquhart2300]

67 blows for the 2 3/4 H B 36 for the 4 lb HB 29 for the Keech 71 for the little Brades. Had to watch it another time to get the count. All cut good But the difference in time and effort between the small axes and the 4 lb is very obvious !

[@kurts64]

Wow that's an awesome effort Glen! Didn't occur to me to count em, that's a big difference!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I love that you’re more comfortable talking on camera. Adds so much personality to your creative vids. Good comparison. Shows how much the extra weight matters on a big log.

[@kurts64]

Cheers mate! Still so weird not to be behind the camera though haha

[@KillingerUSA]

Great video Kurt!

[@kurts64]

Thanks mate!🪓

[@Hank_Scorpio__Globex_CEO]

Great and interesting video as always Kurt 👍 ...that being said, that snake gives me the creeps

[@kurts64]

Thanks alot Hank! Don't worry mate they give me the creeps when they pop up outta nowhere too!🤣

[@Joey-L]

Impressive as always. Love that Keech.

[@kurts64]

Thanks as always Joey! 👍👍🪓

[@skaagkaal2613]

Always great seeing you around Kurt on the other side of the world. End of the season is coming and soon you guys will be in winter. Life goes on. Keep having fun and be safe.

[@kurts64]

Thanks as always for watching mate! Yep it's starting to cool down here now, getting into firewood season. Hope things are good over there coming into spring. Will do!👍👍🪓

[@FatboyAussie]

When the music goes off. Love it

[@kurts64]

Hahaha perfect timing hey! Cheers mate👍👍🪓

[@3rtk2]

It's good to hear your opinion on the different styles of axes, adds so much more depth to your videos. And mate it's good to see an Oz perspective 👍 Keep going Kurt.

[@kurts64]

Gday mate, cheers for the feedback, that's cool to know. And cheers for watching! Are you in Aus?

[@mytimbersportsjourney]

Really good video Kurt! That keech is on a different level! Makes a boys axe seem like a hatchet. The lighter axes are definitely fun, but lack the mass to do much work.

[@kurts64]

Cheers mate! Love the keech🪓🪓

[@ethicalaxe]

Glad to see a real axeman say something about your notch being out of wack. I really struggle with consistency with the larger diameter timber. Just need a lot more practice and to keep up with it. Great to see you back Kurt. The sound of axes hitting timber is so pleasant. I would love to see a complete novice try to do what you're doing. It would really give people perspective who don't know much about this. I believe some strongmen did a felling competition and the dull axes with bad form really shows how tough it can be. It's much more skill and strategy than strength. Then there's the stamina it takes...

[@kurts64]

Thanks mate. I find even after doing this for years if I go more than a month or two without chopping it does take a few notches to pick it back up again. It's often just little tweaks but those little tweaks are the things that make a difference. I remember seeing a vid where a couple strongmen attempted chopping a tree. As far as novices go, I think there's a moment where the once the basic fundamentals are learned or pointed out, it all kinda comes together and skill makes a rapid improvement.

[@ethicalaxe]

@Kurt S you're right. Just a little guidance and some people can get good, really fast. I've taught a few people. 1 guy was really good at splitting wood on his second time out. He played baseball though. Wonder if sports with swings help?

[@kurts64]

​@@ethicalaxe yep practice with muscle memory is a big thing. I reckon most people who are used to repetitive actions, whether it's ball sports, fishing/lure casting, martial arts, if one has the ability to pick up and memorise repetitions they'll be able to jump ahead

[@ethicalaxe]

@@kurts64 I felt pretty awful at swinging axes in the beginning. It was not natural at all. Maybe that's why I was surprised teaching my friend. Was it natural to you when you started?

[@kurts64]

@@ethicalaxe I consider myself fortunate that I've been playing with em since a kid, my old man got me started on edge tools and bows from early on, and since an adult have always worked outdoors. Im lucky that most of my work days involve swinging something sharp, machetes, axes, prybars, mattocks, chisels. Can't get enough of it haha. I've taught a fair few folks through work over the years and it really just comes down to the basic movements, and learning to be comfortable with whatever tool enough to swing it with confidence. Once people start seeing the results of the little tweaks is when that skill jump happens, but that's when they've gotta be the most careful too

[@williefick]

Great stuff. Got also a 4lb HB Tassie. Tend to not use it a lot, because I feel to sorry for it. Swing more my 6 Hytests and Tuatahis. Phyton like that wil end up in the pot here and skin will become suspender.

[@kurts64]

Cheers Willie! Feel sorry for a HB? Never! One of these days I'll add some python skin for a knife sheath. Beautiful when it's done right

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Love it! No arguments from me. I think you summed it up well.

[@kurts64]

Cheers! Gettin quite a collection of the little ones now though, they are fun to use!

[@vintagefurness]

Learning a lot from your videos. I restore axes and will try and hone my skills of sharpening. I have some Tassie's that will be good choppers. Keep up the good work mate!

[@kurts64]

Gday mate, that's great to hear, cheers!👍👍🪓

[@peterfletcher8411]

Another intetesting comparative video Kurt. I never really knew anything other than standard 4.5lb... I would consider the lighter grade of axes into a totally diff category....camping/ hiking/ light work/recreational category... I couldnt help but notice un the comments, you said, Your old Man started you off on this learning curve. I remember as an 8 year old child feeling like I was the luckiest kid on earth when My Dad gave me a pocket knife for my birthday. I have since passed that knife on to my own Son . I have also made a neck knife and bow for him... I am now 61 years.... It all matters.....👍 Keep up your good work Kurt. Always a good watch.. Ps.... I dont mind pythons.....browns are a different story...

[@kurts64]

Peter, that's bloody awesome mate. My dad passed when I was 8, I've still got the knife he carried, an Irish made carbon and bone stockman style folder, as well as the SAK given to me by my uncle around the same age as a kind of "cheer up" gift. Both precious. Those formative years with kids definitely count hey, the more time spent with em, the more we can teach em and the more values we can instill, the better for everyone. Good on you mate. 👍👍 I don't like brownies either 😁

[@peterfletcher8411]

@@kurts64 I too now have all of my Dad's old knives and tools. Precious to me also. Thanks for sharing your story mate👍

[@aussiehardwood6196]

The Ist time I used a boys ax I didnt understand how folk could use them as their main ax. After years of only owning heavy mauls and 4-1/2 tassies, when I got a boys ax it felt a bit like a silly toy or a hatchet with a long handle, too long for kindling but not long enough or enough meat to do any splitting or bucking. Ive since changed my mind a bit & use one to snedd smaller branches off larger limbs. They certainly have their place although I understand why they are more popular in the States with the species they cut. I think they can do a lot more tasks with such a tool than we can. Nice video,I enjoyed that.

[@kurts64]

Agreed on the boys axe use. Great for smaller stuff, kind of a hatchet but with more reach and power and can press into heavier work if needed

[@pennsyltuckyreb9800]

It's for packing on foot. Unless you're just that crazy, most folks don't want to haul around a full size axe up and down mountains all day along with all your other gear. As a hiker/camper/bushcrafter you don't have the need to be felling and bucking large wood. It's not a necessary task, even in the most Northern winter environments. The absolute largest axe I have right now for packing is my Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe. I can easily fell a decent sized tree with it if I had to. Much larger than I ever actually use anyway. Properly sized axes/mauls are for serious work and the cabin/homestead.

[@kurts64]

@@pennsyltuckyreb9800 I reckon your spot on there mate. Will grab one of those Granfors one day

[@pennsyltuckyreb9800]

@Kurt S GB's are kind of a niche axe. I would say they aren't the best choice for all types of wood. They're designed with Northern European pines in mind. Mine has been great and blasted through both various hardwoods and softwoods over the years and held up fine. Others have been complaining about their quality lately so who knows if they're worth the price anymore. 🤷‍♂️ There's a "fail" video out there with a GB Scandinavian edge getting all chewed up but I noticed the guy was chopping and splitting Hemlock which is not native to Northern Europe and known here in the States and Canada to be particularly rough on axe edges. The resins inside can get hard as glass. Probably not the best choice axe if that's the tree you're dealing with on the regular. But you can find another video of a guy using the same GB Scandinavian on Hemlock and his edge was just fine. Maybe the other guy just got a lemon. I haven't been brave enough to tackle Hemlocks with it yet. I have a large selection of other trees to choose from in my area.

[@ervintaylor6508]

Great content man you're a living breathing intelligent articulate axe-wielding machine my friend keep up the good

[@kurts64]

Haha thanks mate, I'll try! Cheers👍👍🪓

[@urbanlumberjack]

Great chopping!

[@kurts64]

Cheers mate👍👍

[@mrpoopypants9586]

Mushroom? Python Pie? You know how to use those axes Kurt. And your arty shots are pretty cool, too. That Keech looks like a great axe. I'll have to keep an eye out. The chopping sequences, alongside each other like that is quite mesmerising. Would love to see you do some more technical tips with prepping axes, even chopping tips. Mostly just nice to be out in the bush, thanks for taking us. Cheers PP

[@kurts64]

Python pie😂 I've had red belly a couple times, python would be a bit chewy I reckon! Thanks for the kind words mate, I'll look into a grind/technique vid. Cheers for watching, glad you enjoyed👍👍🪓

[@MattKeevil]

Yasss, a carpet python! A couple more of these videos and you'll have me shelling out for a HB tassie. Great video!

[@kurts64]

Go the HB's! If you can get a vintage one your in business. One of these days we'll get around to tuning up the modern one. Thanks mate👍🪓

[@NorthernWoodsmanElite]

Great video

[@kurts64]

Thanks mate👍👍🪓

[@BushRats]

Good watch mate! 🤘🏽

[@kurts64]

Thanks mate, cheers for checkin it out!👍👍

[@lancemillward2462]

"Go the Keech"

[@kurts64]

GO THE KEECH!!💪😁🪓

[@brettbrown9814]

Excellent video Kurt full of great stuff. Love the commentary. Probably too mainstream but I'll say steak and cheese for the pie.

[@kurts64]

Cheers Brett! Close! I bypassed the steak n cheese and went for the Diane🤣🤣

[@brettbrown9814]

@@kurts64 Looks yummy. Might have to try to track one down!

[@sharamkh]

Man, can you swing an axe! Great precision 👏 Thank you for the comparison 🙏

[@kurts64]

Thanks mate, no worries! 👍👍🪓

[@PencilProper]

Another good one mate 👍great to see the difference between a boys and mans axe 😂😂

[@kurts64]

Cheers mate! Haha I nearly called the vid "Boys axe vs Man's Axe" but thought I might get in trouble🤣🤣

[@vincemedak9734]

Got the link from an axe page and I loaded KZbin so I could subscribe. Thx mate.

[@kurts64]

Gday mate I appreciate that, cheers for checkin it out!👍👍

[@boydpoindexter7741]

Finally, a good chopper!

[@kurts64]

Cheers mate! 👍👍🪓

[@Fogyt121]

Getting your beard all meatpied up is a part of the experience.

[@kurts64]

🤣🤣🤣haha yeah if we're not gettin all sauced up we're not doin it right!

[@bentonleach6730]

It is insane that this channel has under 1000 subs

[@kurts64]

Much appreciated mate! 👍 👍🪓

[@Murls]

great video Kurt, love seeing the difference between the axes, gee i looked up how much the keech axes are , $1200.00 if you can find them. cheers for all your vids, you do a great job

[@kurts64]

Gday Murls, cheers for checkin out the vids, much appreciated 👍 Yep unfortunately the cost of Keech axes has gone through the roof the last couple years, which is a shame as they're a pretty unique profile that a lot of people could get some use out of. Thanks mate! 👍👍🪓

[@mattoster0994]

Awesome vid mate 🤙

[@kurts64]

Thanks mate! How's things goin down your way?

[@mattoster0994]

Yeah pretty good mate can't complain looks like ya had a bit of fun with those axes mate that keech is still a beast

[@mattoster0994]

Hey mate whens the A2400 vid comin

[@kurts64]

@@mattoster0994 oh mate it's still in the works along with a couple others! I really have to get onto that!

[@MidwestFirecraft]

Great editing. Love the silence in your videos, no cars, or planes, just the wind. What kind of snake was that?

[@kurts64]

Thanks mate I appreciate that.👍👍 That was a carpet python, pretty common find around here, beautiful.

[@timwatsonphotography]

Nice one Kurt. Enjoyed watching this. To be fair, you swing a 5lb axe as though it was a 2lb-er anyway! Keep up the good work mate.

[@kurts64]

Thanks alot Tim, cheers for watchin mate!👍👍🪓

[@91donwilson]

Nice vid! Where do you get your sheaths/edge covers

[@kurts64]

Thanks a lot👍The sheaths are home made, usually 6-8oz leather, 1mm waxed thread and line-24 snaps. There's some leatherwork in some of my build vids if you want a quick look at the process. Cheers for watching mate👍🪓

[@glenurquhart2300]

Excellent vid Mate !!! Do you prefer either of those 2 3/4 lb to your 2 1/2 HB Montreal ?

[@kurts64]

Cheers! Whoa I dunno..I like the Brades in this one better than the smaller one from the last vid. I reckon: for an allrounder go the 1.2, for a limber/small wood go the Montreal, for a camp splitter the Brades. But any (including the Muller Canada) would make a good lighter axe when teamed with say a 4lb Tas. Definitely prefer 2.75lb over 2.25lb.

[@glenurquhart2300]

@@kurts64 ya, thanks ! I think I will plan on getting a 1400 g Rhineland pattern for a light axe

[@aussieaxedude154]

As much as I don't like snakes that python was awesome looking dude👌👌👌. Loved the axe line up the Keech is wicked but lets be real I like them all 🤙🤙🤙Keep them coming big shooter.

[@kurts64]

She was a big 'un! Cheers mate!👍👍🪓

[@bundufundi]

Almost unreal how neat and accurate your chopping is mate. Was the snake native to that area?

[@mikdune2038]

neater than his meat pie eating skills for sure!

[@kurts64]

@@mikdune2038 🤣🤣🤣🥧

[@kurts64]

Cheers Trev! Yeah mate there's plenty of em out and about, sneaky buggers👍👍

[@polderfischer8565]

Greetings to down under from sunny germany! I would not be able to speak while hitting the wood.....

[@kurts64]

Gday mate! Glad your winters breaking over there, getting that spring sunshine!👍👍🪓

[@lancemillward2462]

made a bottlebrush hatchet handle. interested how spotted gum would perform. like to see how you make your handles

[@kurts64]

Gday mate. Bottlebrush makes some nice lookin wood. Used it for spoons and wedges but not tried an axe handle. Actually have two bottlebrush spoon blanks next to me on the porch right now lol I don't make handles that often but when I do, they're usually roughed out either with a jigsaw or hatchet, then mostly shaped with an angle grinder and flap disc. Dusty but pretty quick! Cheers for watching mate👍👍🪓

[@lancemillward1912]

I'm going to try a japanese draw knife and spoke shave. I've been fine tuning with card scrapers. Trying some leather overstroke protectors, slings and other stuff in the bear future. So you use leather masks?

[@kurts64]

@@lancemillward1912 draw knife, spoke shaves and scrapers are great if you've got em, and a lot quieter and more pleasant to use than an angle grinder! Yep for leather masks I use usually 3.5 or 4mm(if I can get it) veg tan, and 1mm waxed thread👍

[@ivandogshit7880]

👍

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Fucking awesome gotta be the correct flavor!

[@kurts64]

🤣🤣🤣🥧 not a bad smoko at all!

[@aussiehardwood6196]

I got a little HB a bit like yours but I think its 2-1/4lb. It was blue when I got it. Edit. My HB says 1kg 2-1/4lb. U really place your ax well into the wood, no wasted energy. U could mill some sexy boards with that log, looks nice inside.

[@kurts64]

I reckon you can't go wrong with HB heads, my favourite production axes I reckon. Good value and last forever. Cheers, it is some nice timber, I'll hopefully split a few billets for handles out of the back of the log👍 thanks for watching mate

[@kangsankim8563]

Is it easy to find Keech Ax in Australia? I don't even know what the price is.

[@kurts64]

Gday mate, they're not too hard to find but prices are getting pretty high. $600 AUD is not uncommon these days and sometimes much more. 👍👍🪓

[@kangsankim8563]

@@kurts64 Wow, it's quite expensive. I should leave it as the Grail.

[@kurts64]

@@kangsankim8563 it is definitely crazy how much prices have gone up recently!

[@chimmy4244]

You're alot nicer to your snakes. Mine usually end up passing away soon after I see them! Totally agree on the axe weight lately it seems like I'll grab a 3.5 and up over the boys and cruiser axes. Cool out takes at the end😅😅.

[@kurts64]

Gday Chimmy glad you had a laugh. I think it's just the thump of a bigger axe, it's addictive 😂

[@aussiehardwood6196]

What 🐍 was that some sort of constrictor or python. He was sweet. Now...onto the ax's.

[@kurts64]

Carpet python mate. Pretty common round here, I've had a few living in the shed or the roof a few times. Pretty easy going until they don't wanna be haha

[@germansahidbeltranardila2985]

Huuuuuyyyyyyyyyyyyiiii osea q usted quiere decir q el diseño las características y peso influlle mucho en exelente hacha y metal también

[@kurts64]

Thanks for watching mate! Yeah even in small axes, bit geometry can make all the difference!🪓🪓👍

[@ellietaylorsversion4411]

Sorry about Lady Gaga, also my guess is Timbertown Angus Steak Diane 220g Pie?

[@kurts64]

🤣🤣🤣

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

Solution...for pies....a razer

[@kurts64]

🤣🤣🤣 NEVER!!!