SPLITTING FIREWOOD, CHOOSING THE RIGHT AXE

WHEN YOU ARE SPLITTING FIREWOOD BY HAND, THE AXE YOU PICK UP CAN MAKE YOUR LIFE EASY OR HARD, CHOOSE THE RIGHT AXE

[@WayHighChevy]

that's great advise to anyone "i don't need to go fast i need to enjoy myself"

[@benschlacher6131]

Well said - the main thing is to be an active participant and to enjoy the ride. Sitting back hoping for some sort of manifestation of what is supposed to be perfect (whatever that may be anyway) is a waste. Get stuck in and go at it my son is what I say.

[@jordandouvartzidis1745]

The term “friend” is now my favourite. Your listening right friends?

[@naufalghanimusyaffa1499]

Well ok friends

[@sirarcher9509]

Watching you split wood has transformed the way I attack a wood pile. It's gone from a chore to pure enjoyment for me. Keep the videos comming.

[@alexm6570]

why am i watching this guy split wood and why is he so good at it

[@TOTEA-]

yes.

[@hussssshie]

Ah, yes.

[@HJ-sn5gt]

Same....Good Guy

[@legendgod4092]

he is good at it because he has a lot of experience good technique and strength

[@Samooredad]

I am wondering the same thing but if there is a zombie apocalypse I want this dude on my team!

[@garyl148]

I've been splitting wood for 50 years and I still learned from this video. Never knew about that flip but I'm going to go out and practice it this afternoon.

[@americanguy2024]

let us know how it went!

[@zeez9053]

Just be careful it could maybe flick towards the leg

[@BlueNachid]

i got that flip accidantly but as i gripped the handle to strong i got hurt. greetings from germany and keep save

[@georgeisaak5321]

When i was a teenager i watched some old man splitting wood with an axe and i had the idea to go ask him if he let me try , long story short i ended making him laugh the whole time but i managed to finish the job ...he actually even paid me some money , not for the work as he said but for the entertainment ...LOL . I think there is no need to mention that i couldn't even bend my fingers after that and i had blisters all over . And that was it , out of the blue there is someone who actually is looking for someone to split wood for him ...i got the job , after a while i regretted i went there ...LOL that didn't stopped me though , the harder the wood the more i loved it but i still had too much to learn apparently so i see that old guy who laughed at me and asked for his advice ... He said the same thing as you did , don't try to hammer it , go with it ! I love this kind of work because it makes me feel useful plus you get to work in nature !!!!

[@shorty808100]

He was probably laughing at the way you were swinging the ax

[@Selet101]

Gonna test a few axes... Shows 1 axe at the start, brings out the adirondack and completely forgets what he was gonna do enjoying himself with that axe. lol

[@SeferGER]

Bit disappointed about that. Was hoping to see different axes in action.

[@bla2030]

@@SeferGER You are basically on the wrong channel, if you need precise to the point reviews. This is Buckin' Billy Ray style.

[@vincentpomerleau6865]

He's like the Steve Irwin of splitting wood

[@regisregum9463]

The kindness he shows throughout the video is actually quite nice

[@treggliebler6237]

You know when that right leg comes up, the wood goes down. Beast mode engaged! Keep up the good work, love the channel!

[@CBonesey]

Knotty knotty knotty... those are some twisted sisters! The flick has saved me some serious hours in the last couple years. Buckin’ !!

[@FitRider420]

Teach me the flick?

[@danielwancio3919]

Don't know if it's the Joe Strummer leg kick or the ax but that is the first time I have ever sceen wood run and try to hide

[@georgeisaak5321]

LOL epic comment

[@danielechols5326]

It's the flick!

[@thefjirnyjourney8756]

Always amazes me how easy he makes it look. I’m sure the rest of the family think I’m nuts with the amount of tree felling videos I’m watching. That familiar zing of the chainsaw echoing through the house lol. You always feel good after watching Buckin Billy. Keep up the good work guys’n’girls.

[@alansmith4734]

I saw a picture today of a Stihl chainsaw with a 3" bar, with the caption saying "When it's cold outside!" =)

[@bykrmom]

Hahahahaha

[@davidbarnhart6228]

😂😂😂😂

[@FishFind3000]

That’s when you need there heated handle model. Kinda sucks you can’t have that in the states.

[@Horsewithnoname88]

That Adirondack is a beast Buckin! Neat idea. I split a ton of knotted up twisted Ponderosa down here in the Sierras. Big stuff. As you’ve said I’ve also found that you’ve got to read what the wood gives you. I’ve also found that when you find a knot that’s been sawed during bucking you can actually split it. You have to hit it right in the center but it’ll go with surprising regularity if you’re aim is good. Great stuff as always!

[@thecheekyweta742]

Man, I enjoy watching you split wood with easy efficiency about as much as I love splittin it myself. Big thanks to you for the schoolin' on technique.

[@gravelyman]

Good video I hope everyone with questions on the live feed yesterday will watch this. Thanks Buckin.

[@DrakeMiester]

Ive always wonder the ins and outs on what axe works best for each type of application,and now I know why.Thanks Buckin '

[@1crazymage721]

Not sure how I found this/your video today but after watching I went out and chopped some old wood we had out back today for fist time in years. After feeling rusty for about 30 minutes suddenly it all came back to me and was all there - the overhead, the flick, the golf swing. Thank you "friend"...thank you I'm back into it again and feel like I earned tonight's beer and bonfire. Cheers.

[@chrissherman223]

I enjoyed this video very much. The history and axe geometry lesson was very informative. Billy, you’re a splitting MACHINE! Your tips are very helpful. Keep doing what your doing. I like all the variety. 💜

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

THANK YOU LADY

[@deaniverson4671]

That's a geometry lesson I can appreciate, that plumb is wicked!

[@joeyvalencia1152]

I love your stuff buckin !! You for sure gave me a new hobby🧐🗜⏳⚒ stay humble 🙏

[@chuck805]

Buckin' that Plumb Signature Double Bit is wicked! OMG I just love the geometry on her for splitting. Be safe and keep moving.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

COPY THAT OL' ;BOY

[@maraudermitchelli]

Because of you I’m going to start splitting wood during the winter, you’re inspiring!

[@benstayskal9804]

Just started this video, but I love the sound of that old truck!

[@fingolfin9086]

That and the fact that he left the door wide open when he got out and the truck didn’t make a single annoying ding. Gotta love it.

[@stanbrown915]

Forget about trying to pick your favorite axe, we can tell you love them all.🤣🤣🤣

[@jamesjohnson6239]

Im in the northeast and i always use the splitting mall. Love the rumble.of your.old.truck she runs like a scared rabbit! ! God bless you bucking Billy !!!

[@oldmanfred8676]

I usually split the way the wood grows! I love the Splittin’ vids!!! Big time!

[@TOTEA-]

splitting firewood is a good way to exercise.

[@heathworsley8347]

I learn something each time I watch a video you made! Thank you. And keep on loving life!

[@oldmilkmaid1955]

Hi. I also enjoy working-up our firewood. Since my husband's back has "gone out," he's unable to use a chainsaw or axe, and the log-splitter gets to him after just a few minutes. So it's all mine to do - and I love it! I'm even cutting and hauling wood for other folks now, and I'm 68, about 5'4," so I'm not very big. . . . I'm kinda surprised that you've never considered whether splitting wood right-side-up or upside-down is easier. I've discovered that most of mine (black walnut, honey locust, ash, spruce, whatever) splits easiest if I put it upside-down. . . . Yes, I've also discovered that splitting either away from, or right through the middle of a big knot, works better than trying to go just around, through all that gnarly wood. . . . My favorite axe is my (admittedly little) Fiskars splitting axe - it's sharp, slender, with a small wedge-shape built into it, and a flat back so I can hammer it through a wicked chunk with my maul or sledge. I like setting my chunks on a chopping block - I don't like sinking my blades into the dirt, and the block gives a nice solid base so the chunk doesn't sink into soft ground. I'm no Paul Bunyan, so I have to do what works best for me. I hate relying on a log-splitter - it's noisy, costs money for fuel & oil, and I can't readily take it with me wherever I go (the hitch is now busted, and the whole thing is heavy for me to wrestle on and off my truck hitch). I carry my Stihl Easy-2-Start 16" gas saw and my favorite axes in the truck a lot of the time, so I can work anywhere. (BTW, I LOVE this chainsaw!!! I've never been able to start and properly maintain a regular gas saw, and the two Lynxx cordless saws I bought at Harbor Freight run too slowly and the batteries run down too soon - I haven't touched them since I got this Stihl! The E2S has been in use for several months, but I've cut more wood with it than with any other saw in my whole life - it's EASY to start, run, and maintain with only my skrench and file. I've cut several cords of wood with it, and it's still running great. I do think I need to change the chain, though - it's wearing down, and I'm in the midst of two huge cutting projects, so I need all the help I can get from my equipment, and from anyone who wants to help! . . . Hafta get to work - thanks for the good video and great tips! I haven't used my double-bitted axe in YEARS, but that was my mom's favorite wood-weapon as a youngster, and she got to use mine a few years ago - she's almost 90 now, so her splitting days are done.

[@robertoliphant2851]

Man i learnt a lot tonight watching you . Thanks Rob from Wales uk.

[@lordrichard8184]

I never heard that growth thing before. From my experience it splits just fine either way. As long as you’ve got a good axe and good technique

[@Strong4life7]

Your tips and tricks are so valuable for a young guy like myself thank you never had back problems but even mine started getting sore watching lol stay safe

[@aaronastesana5464]

Love'n the vid! So many types of axe trajectories, nice to see a few go through some wood! Keep it up BUCKIN'! #BEKind! Buckin' Army, hope all are well!

[@alaskabradgilgus8477]

Great slow mo of the flick technique. Grew up on wood heat in Oregon and Alaska. Mauls have there place for sure!! Double bit sure is nice. Makes quick work of it. Like my rounds frozen solid! split like crazy. Not going burn them till next year anyway at the least. Winter Birch logging for firewood my favorite. THXS Buckin great info as always . Hello to all the Buckin Army . ALASKA BRAD

[@aaronneher4860]

I was told by someone I couldn’t split enough wood by hand to keep an old hardy furnace going in the winter. There’s just something that really gets me about spending $1200+ on a log splitter. $75 later I have a new maul that really means business, threw away the cheap $25 one from China. Watched a few of these videos of buckin and might find a good splitting axe as well and I know I can do it now. Awesome tips for a youngster!

[@thunderheads4103]

I forget where I read about them Tru Tempers(my favorites) with the phantom edges(I always called them fluted cheeks) were designed to help with the ejection of chips while felling. Teddy Roosevelt used them often on his excursions. Tru Trmpers are the best though. Being from Michigan, the old Timber Capital of the world. Made more money in Green Gold than anyone else, built the world for a period of time till we cut the land bare, my favorite pattern is the Michigan. I've got all but 2 are Michigans. Tru Temper 4pb double bit Woodslasher lable(still gots red paint in the stamp) a Tru Temper Flint Edge(i got cut by that one) and a Tru Temper Falls City lable with the fluted cheeks(was a 4lb but the poll was mashed so bad I had it ground down to a 3.5 on a 28 inch handle) and i also have a Tru Temper Vulcan 3lb double bit(a mean felling axe, thin, narrow bit. Sinks deep and sharp) and lastly a Gransfoes Bruks 2.5lb cruiser double bit on a 28 inch handle. That GB is a sweet little deal

[@ryancoke30]

Love the videos and your passion; you have an amazing outlook on things and a great message!

[@AuctionIndiana]

Welcome! Glad you are enjoying the Buckin Billy Ray experience! Be Kind Friend!!! 💚🌲💚🌲💚🌲

[@thomassojka2704]

Great video Buckin! You're right about the box store axes. Their main purpose is to sell and make the tool company money!

[@DELTAdarke]

Man I gotta say. I've been loving your videos, keep up the good work man!

[@marcostrentini6894]

I love the sound of that truck!!! V8 power!!!!

[@ghmakes7853]

A man after my own heart here, a love of splitting wood, instant sub - got an axe put in my hand to split wood before I was big enough to swing it properly - So the flick came early for me as I hadn't the grip to hold on to it! Geometry of the head is important, but at a pinch a slim/sticky head can become a better splitter just by grinding the edge bevel to be less acute. The up/down question? If I have a piece that doesn't want to split, or I want to split right through a big knot - It goes upside down. Couldn't tell you why, but in hard splitting timber, I always have those rounds upside down.

[@spencermcginty9812]

Did some of that tonight too buddy! The splitter had to come out for the stuff I had. I hope all is well up your way! Love to you and the family buckin❤️

[@ED-es2qv]

I was just gonna axe that question. Thanks Friend! You always brighten my day.

[@Nugliscious]

I'm happy to see that you're one of the friendly types. You are a good friend to have.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

I try

[@davedowding5883]

Really a great instructional video! I sure understand what a splitting axe is. What the profile is the really supposed to be. I learned about the curve of the handle is about and how to use it. I’ve watch this video about dozen times, watching your swings. There’s nothing like learning from a pro. Are there ideas what is attacking the balsams? Does present Fromm the top of the tree down? Does the inside of the log show any characteristics of disease? Do you see any signs attack from the bark/cambium outside to inside? Thanks to your video skills I finally started to understand the “flick”. Thank you!

[@anthonywatson7676]

Thanks! Great video!

[@iannlb]

Was so hoping to see you split with the new plumb double thx Buckin! That thing looks DEADLY!!!

[@450rmaniac]

Quite the eager beaver, Buckin! You would work circles around a lot of people my age and below. Most would have took a hour to find a log splitter instead of just getting to it. Great stuff, Buckin! Love the content no matter how is put up or what the topics are.

[@johnsuch2707]

Welcome newcomers love wins be kind

[@Tilas8]

I love to watch a man working hard. That is so attractive!!!! And I love to hear him talk about his axes.

[@aaronanthonymoat]

Got some really knotty spruce to split. Thanks for the vid. Really enjoying your vids from Ireland

[@fulldrawoutdoors1685]

I’ve been splitting wood and cutting since I was 6 but all I was ever told was to at it you’ll learn 😂 watching you fall buck and split has taught and saved me so much time and effort also never knew there was such thing as a splitting axe all I ever seen or had was mauls really cool to learn from ya man

[@unclearam2055]

Buckin' Billy Ray. The karate kid with an axe

[@tome.joyner887]

It is so soothing to just watch you split wood Buckin! It is like watching a magician at work. You know what is going to happen but you can't quite figure out how he pulled it off! Split on my brother!

[@CadillacZachOffical]

I'm a big fan of the classic single bit American felling axe for it's ability to do just about anything... But I like a nice double bit too if the shape is right.

[@bobpurs]

Good lesson, always learning from you. 👍✊

[@FrankieTubes]

The Adirondack ax is stunning! I loved it before you swung it. It only got better after that.

[@philbremenkamp7158]

Good advice a quick study of the knots and cracks can go a long way for success in your splitting even if you are using a splitter

[@iannlb]

I really thought that Adirondack was more of a gimmicky wallhanger and that the handle would feel awkward but it sure splits like a beast!

[@isaiahmountford5815]

Love the truck buckin

[@johnsuch2707]

Beautiful axe Brother

[@philipinchina]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@josandchagross2553]

Thank you for explaining the design geometry Plum crazy

[@vanPoll]

I learned a lot from ol' Buckin.

[@pimpballbaggz3114]

Are we not going to talk about the fact that he was shifting gears with one hand and in the other he was holding a camera like it was nothing😂😭

[@billageras9455]

For a newbe like me who is going to have you make me my first real splitting ax,this was a brilliant clip. Love your work Buckin

[@philipoconnor2236]

Great cardio workout 👌

[@robertdillon9989]

Watching you handle an axe is a thing a Beauty brother !

[@h4l414]

All my firewood is oak and the hydraulic splitter struggles....awesome to see your handy work with an axe.

[@Lukegrayart]

I'm trying to figure out why I love these videos so much .... and I think it is because he is attacking something difficult but hes is usimg the least amount of energy to do it. Highly energy efficient

[@gregstiles]

I see a bit of top tier salesmanship here Buckin.

[@climbe4422]

Heck i own a splitter but i still end up doing quit a bit of hand splitting . Sometimes i only have a few minutes so its not worth getting out the splitter so i hand split .or maybee i can't get the splitter near the wood.

[@Richard-ky8dw]

Boy I wish I had an axe collection like yours nice selection

[@x220rulz]

buckin you need to video every time you split wood ...very enjoyable to watch and listen to those axes at work

[@munched55]

I love these videos. Buckin', I'm wonderin if you think those beautiful but hugely pitted axes help or hurt with the splitting. Do they slow down the axe entering the wood and if so, does that help or hurt? Do the pits make it easier to pull out the axe? I love the way they look but they also seem effective as all get out.

[@johnsuch2707]

Love that axe splitting

[@bykrmom]

Hey everyone. Welcome to the new subscribers and the true blues. Billy, I love watching you split wood. Love the leg up and kick thing...I'm going to have to try that. I can split everything but oak now. Man oak is tough! I still mostly rely on my hydraulic splitter, but hand splitting is fun. Gets my tired old heart pumping.

[@jeffreyrubish347]

White Oak can be nasty. Red Oak, I think is easier.

[@drmautz]

Love that power kick, Buckin'. You could be a Rockette.

[@harleyzern6854]

Hey Billy, I’m new to the channel and have watched quite a few videos so far, I love them. I watched your video on how to sharpen axes and did mine and It came out really nice. I spilt all my wood with It now over my maul. My question is, with going through about an hour or so to sharpen the axe really good why to you choose to split It on the ground and have the edge hit the gravel? I use A chop block and It definitely stops the axe from digging in the dirt and dulling. Is there a reason for not using one? Thanks, Harley

[@j.c.lawntreesnow6272]

Hey buckin nice flicky split on those rounds. Say i have resurrected a double bit handle to fit an single bit eye there was enough wood below were the damage was from the double bit ended up being 28 inchs with a straight handle. Stay sharp.

[@stevenl8420]

Down here in TX we use a lot of hardwood oaks, hickory ect my question is 1 do you ever split oak and such like this? And 2 how long do you let pine season before you burn it in a house? Wood stoves aren’t very common down here most wood that is split around here is for cooking bbq but I want to get a wood stove for my house so I’m trying to learn about burning pine and sweet gum just different woods other than the “good woods” ( hardwoods) we use for cookin thanks for all your help buckin I really love the channel I learn a lot from you!!!!

[@joepapp01]

Is there a build video for the vintage Plumb "Au-to-graf" double bit that BBR deploys at around 19:33? Cheers!

[@garlandthomson]

love it ! great vid!!

[@staceymelville3062]

Another fine video thanks👍

[@Slyder2828]

I LOVE axe vids!!🌲

[@miscjames]

@Buckin Why do you lift your leg in the air right before you swing ? Do you find you get more power doing that? The reason I ask is i have always split with both feet planted in a A frame style stance.

[@Adam-Harmonicas101]

Been splitting down under for 40 years. Good therapy!.

[@rnandhay]

You look like you are having the time of your life great job.

[@foreverendeavors6210]

Been looking for a double bit handle, I think i just changed my mind to this setup!

[@gregcothrum4045]

Good video have a great week and stay safe 👍

[@therealgabrielcash]

I am new to the Buckin army but i love that with the few videos ive watched so far, ive seen the one where they fell this tree lol "be a gentleman in the tree, dont bury your grounders!" Lots of love, friends!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

welcome friend

[@AuctionIndiana]

Welcome! Glad you are enjoying the Buckin Billy Ray experience! Be Kind Friend!!! 💚🌲💚🌲💚🌲

[@Calebthelowber]

Im with you BR, never even considered that. I look for natural cracks and knots and thats about it. Anything else seems a waste of time

[@AuctionIndiana]

💚🌲💚🌲💚🌲👍

[@gusbuster8068]

Love the look of that double but axe Buckin!

[@pm270100]

luv that leg up swing think we will call it the BLOCKHEAD ///OR BLOCKBUSTER

[@famasmaster2000]

This looks like fun !!!!

[@nicofaro6652]

Hey Billy new subs from Italy here, i really really enjoy what you doing, i mean not the "video" itself but your approach to life in general. So, after long lurking a quick question: here where i live it's not that easy to find double bit axe, just becuase the tradition it's more on the single bit side, and the "splitter" style are for most part maul or really heavy stuff, but i really like to use more light stuff. SO the question is, what about commercial axe? something that i can easily find and work fine? like fiskars or other more or less known brand for the job? thanks, atb Nic

[@brianfreland9065]

My GF just surprised me with an old connie looking mann edge tools knot klipper axe head for me to work on and build back up! Cant wait to get home and get it ready for a log pile!