craftsman axe vs farm axe. Do you need a $500 axe?

Is a more expensive axe really that much better? Only way to find out is to test it! We are taking a look at the liam hoffman farm axe versus an old craftsman axe.
#liamhoffman
#farmaxe
#hoffmanblacksmithing
#craftsman
#craftsmanaxe
#axe
#vintageaxe

[@MattKeevil]

Cool video, don't let your camera man steal the show! It's hard to compete with a nice vintage Michigan. People don't appreciate Michigans because they're common, but they're common because they were effective and popular. I do covet that Hoffman though, but I don't have plans to spring for something like that anytime soon. As for handle length, I think it depends on the job more than height or anything else. Ben Scott is like 6'4" or something and he likes a fairly short handle for bucking and I do too. I 30-31" is pretty good in general but for limbing and standing behind a log to buck I do like 28-30" myself. Also, maybe we all have to learn the hard way, and I certainly have, but it's a really good idea to cover the edge when you're working on or around an axe and something that I try not to be lazy about. Little cuts are annoying but the not worse case. Especially if it's clamped to a bench because if it's sharp and absolutely rigid, someone can get a life-changing cut if they bump it with any body weight behind it at all (walking, stooping, standing up, reaching for something etc.).

[@LeonExcellence]

I have a Craftsman big C felling axe and man it cuts through all kinds of trees it’s my favorite axe!

[@RandomAmerican]

I can definitely see why! Wait until you see the new handle I think it's going to be really cool and fitting

[@rafal_porcelanowy]

Well, let's be honest: good tooned and maintained similar tools perform similar no mater how expensive they are if they are not total junk. I have modified polish JUCO 1kg axe and it does its job great - 15$. Got me self a 1,1 kg Hults Bruk and it performs marginally better (better edge retention) - ca.100$. Performance wise was it worth it? Definitely not, but it foundels my ego pretty well :) p.s. Than Hoffman looks gorgeous thou :)

[@RandomAmerican]

I couldn't agree more! The only time you really gain anything is when the steel is far superior and you're able to make the edge geometry and overall profile better because the steel can take it. But that's difficult to do because old steel is still really good steel most of the time.

[@johnmutton799]

You should always cut at a angle, it cuts better. The 90° should be done with a saw. The handle is fitted wrong on the first one. Should not have a shouldxer on the handle. I always fix up old axe heads.

[@ToolsandTime]

Cool video and nice comparison man!

[@RandomAmerican]

If you have any suggestions on how to make it better I am all ears!

[@dennisobrien3618]

I have between 15 & 20 axes, ranging from cheap Harbor Freight ones to $200+ models, yet I rarely use any. What makes the biggest difference in performance is being able to get the proper edge geometry. That said, a cheap axe in a competent axeman's hand will outperforn the most premium axe in the hands of someone who doesn't really know how to use it. I'd love to own an axe by Liam Hoffman. The price is less of a deterrent than dealing with his backlog, since his are in such demand.

[@RandomAmerican]

He actually just opened up his ordering so you can order any axe at any time but the back log is still 8-12 months

[@tymz-r-achangin]

Bottom line! The overwhelming majority of all the nearly 6.7 billion people DONT need a 500.00 axe. A 25.00-50.00 axe will get the job done just as good or near identically as a 500.00 axe

[@RandomAmerican]

You are absolutely correct. I have more money in expensive axes than I should and I still split it roughly 50 50 on if I get an expensive one out or a cheap old one. As far as capability it comes down to a lot of factors. Some old axes out perform expensive axes but it goes both ways

[@_BigLife_]

Great comparison video I enjoyed it. Really cool that your wife's out there helping you film. I can't get mine to help with content to save my life. Glad I found your channel.

[@RandomAmerican]

Mine still doesn't like it and she just gives me hell the entire time lol. I have to cut a lot of it out

[@_BigLife_]

@RandomAmerican at least you to are doing something outdoors together. There is nothing wrong with a spouse given you crap. That just means she loves you 😂

[@RandomAmerican]

That's what she tells me lmao

[@macfly4]

Great video! Especially for those of us just learning about the LH line. Sorry if I missed it but which handle length is on the Farm axe? 28” or 32”? Which do you think would be more ideal for someone one about 5’10? Thanks again

[@RandomAmerican]

Mine has the 32" handle. I'm in the 5'10" range flat footed and I would much rather have a 28" straight handle

[@macfly4]

@@RandomAmerican thanks. Putting in an order now and wasnt sure which way to go. Like the looks of the curvy but you feel straight ends up working better?

[@RandomAmerican]

The curvy seems like it has too much curve to it and it's hard to get your hand to do a full slide unless you are going all out on your swings

[@s.t.n.f.r.d.p.n.s7005]

i personally think that you would have been better buying a gransfors bruks with this money they are top quality they have nice handles hand forged heads i really wanna get one myself

[@RandomAmerican]

They are definitely good axes. I was always lead to believe that they do a lot better in softer wood but that's just what I have heard and read.

[@darrenbowers3267]

Good video no you don't need expensive stuff but it sure can be nice I tend to go that way myself. That being said I have two craftsman axes a boys and a 3.5lb one they are good axes. I have a True temper 4lb on a 36 and that is for sure a mans axe may be two much for me I dont really like to swing anything over 3.5lb or over 30 to 32 inch max. Darren

[@RandomAmerican]

I don't mind a heavier head but the super long handles just aren't for me. Maybe if I was cutting old growth but that's not anything close to what I have here haha. It's nice to know other share the same opinion as I do!

[@viktor-rp7xl]

wow the reseating the head at the end was the real viral moment, slicing hand open jeez

[@RandomAmerican]

Yeah I saw it coming but thought I was able to maybe avoid it. I gambled and lost lol

[@alekk2320]

If you just want something to cut, not much difference. If you want an heirloom you can hand off to your kids that has sentimental value and has been held by the hard working hands of generations, then yes it makes a difference. I have both.

[@RandomAmerican]

My problem is I love all axes that cut well but I have an extra soft spot for the ones that have been crafted with both care and skill. So I too am stuck buying both lol

[@viktor-rp7xl]

u got 4" to seat the head down further, just reuse that handle

[@RandomAmerican]

It will definitely get used for something when I find the right axe for it or even when I'm done with the cordwood challenge

[@viktor-rp7xl]

hit bench press and legs, and dont over eat, u will lose weight maybe, im trying to figure it out too My freaking brother is 5'10 lean me 5'8 flabby. Get into swimming

[@RandomAmerican]

My biggest problem is my wife cooks a lot and she's good at it

[@viktor-rp7xl]

@@RandomAmerican i want u to invest in a pool and go for a dip after chopping and not so much on expensive axes jk

[@RandomAmerican]

😂