Axe Selection and Use

www.thepathfinderstore.com
Dave Canterbury, David Canterbury, The Pathfinder School,Bush Craft ,Survival skills, Historical Lore, Primitive Skills, Archery, Hunting, Trapping, Fishing, Navigation, Knives, Axes, Fire, Water, Shelter, Search and Rescue

[@jonathanwilliams4348]

I can't think of a better survival instructor; humble yet full of knowledge and skill, this man is one high quality individual. God bless you and your family, Dave.

[@GabeMacDonnell]

For a bargain in a Swedish axe, check out axes by Hults Buks. They are the oldest axe maker in the world and their quality, steel and forging match SA Wetterlings, and come close to a good Gransfors Bruks, (some recent GB's have been mediocre...) Hults Bruks are usually labelled Hultafors or Husquvarna in the US, and it can be a little difficult to find all the models. Their Classic Forest, or Multi Purpose Axe are equivalent to the Swedish or Scandinavian Forest Axe, and cost about $65, not $130.

[@a_hedgehog]

out of all the wilderness survival videos I have watched, the method you demonstrated of wrapping a piece of rope around a log to chop it into smaller pieces is the most impressive thing I have seen. the next time I need to make a fire I will definitely use this method to save myself all kinds of time. thank you for this.

[@keikuru1]

Great video Dave, I recently received a gift from China which were a number of villager axes from small regions in China that are extremely remote, it's amazing how all across the world the design of the axe has stayed within certain parameters, it's a tool that anyone can use, strong or weak, big or small, you can wield it and generate a lot of force and do a variety of things with it. I used to be against axes, favoring travelling light with a small and large knife that I would baton with, but then I learned how to fix my own handles and now I carry an axe head with me in my BOB and camping bag so I always have an axe head with me that I can make a handle for even in the wilderness. It's such a versatile tool, the handle breaks you can just make a new one, the head will not break. Centuries old heads are still as good as brand new ones. I'd love to be able to send you a couple of unique axes I have. Thank you for all of your videos as always, I think you surely have already saved lives with your information. Even if it's just saving people from misusing an axe and chopping their leg off.

[@glynslloyd]

Best axe comparison on KZbin by far - great work. I've got the Wetterlings Forest Axe, it's never let me down or failed to do the job.

[@NorthSurvival]

Great video Dave, clear and good explanations, and fun to see that you have almost all Wetterlings and Gränsfors Bruks axes, i love them both. I have the "Wetterlings Swedish Forest Axe" and got a great review on my channel. Happy new year from Sweden. /Andree.

[@Patriot36]

That was very thorough. Thanks for posting it Dave!

[@charlieplaza]

I wish I could finally escape from the city and live somewhere that allows campfires, chopping wood, hunting for food, etc. My desk job keeps me tied to the damn city and I don't even know what I would do for a living "out in the mountains" so to say. I really like your videos, even if I don't get to use this information it's great hearing it. Keep 'em coming!

[@larryk113]

Nice video Dave. Your videos are the most informational out there.

[@sargefaria]

very thorough man, great job brother

[@DavidCanterbury]

Thanks Brother

[@LarryRobertsbc]

This was very informative. Great vid.

[@jeffshultz2744]

Dave that was excellent! Couldn't help noticing the basket in your back pack.

[@bushcraft2012]

Best axe selection video I've seen to date. Thanks again Dave!

[@henrypuyi5485]

Dave what a good video. I like the way you incorporate in a common sense manner the safety aspects of using the tools.

[@canesser1]

Great discussion and review of skills Dave, appreciate you including the Northern Boreal in there where we live up here in the Great White North. The Canadian jam knot might work well with the rope trick too, real fast and easy.

[@aceprepperlangley6916]

i loved it all, I was very un-knowledgeable in regards to the uses of certain axes, you have enlightened me into a better idea of what axe to take with me. thanks Dave!!

[@Peachwhaler26]

Very good video Dave, just what I needed. I have used a large fixed blade for years for my wood needs, but axes have always interested me and I hope to dive into that realm soon. Keep safe out there.

[@LoneWolf_prep]

Great stuff! Started using my forest axe more and getting more proficient with it, so this vid is a great help.

[@grupogatodomato]

Excellent my brother. Congratulations for the video. Beautiful collection. Love axes, hatchets and tomahawks. A big hug from southern Brazil.

[@daveinohio9383]

Dave, your usual best here in this vid !!! Thanks for bring back the stuff that was in my head somewhere... from a long time ago !!!

[@wyattoneable]

Your a natural at explaining things in such a way that is easy to understand. I've enjoyed your videos very much and always look forward to the next one.

[@attackmidgets]

Thanks for this video. I was just looking into getting an axe for this upcoming backpacking season. Love your videos Dave.

[@seanrich1367]

Very nice video Dave, Thanks

[@rogergraves3945]

Dave, I really appreciate your channel. All the information on gear and bushcraft techniques are always thoroughly and clearly explained. All videos a great help, and always interesting to watch.

[@liamaaronduran]

Love what your doing Dave really got hooked, changed my thinking on a lot about the outdoors and self reliance me and my oldest son (9 yr) really enjoy taking what we learned from your teachings out to the woods here in central Texas thanks .

[@DanShawDenverhomeremodel]

As usual, another useful video. Thank you Dave

[@Corcioch]

Great video - great tips and information. Thanks Dave.

[@LoneWoodpecker]

Thanks, Dave, great info. All the best!

[@jarodmorris611]

Watching you in your videos is like watching a fish practice swimming. This isn't a show for you. This is your life. I love it. Well done.

[@atranger1944]

Good video Dave. Let's see some axe camping !

[@wcknives]

Very good information Dave as usual. I heard some very good advice on axe safety from an old forester video. He said "the axe handle should never break the same plane as the ground". I thought that was very sound advice. Perhaps others could benefit from it as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@DavidJelsmaBanjo]

Thanks Dave! Important topic!

[@futuresonex]

Great video Dave! I have two axes that I really like a lot; a Husqvarna Multi-Purpose Forest Axe (26" & made by S.A. Wetterlings) and a Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe (19"). I've found both of them to be truly excellent tools, although when I first got it the Husky required a bit of sharpening to get that perfect edge. The GB was shaving sharp right out of the box. Of course, it also cost twice as much as the Husqvarna. The GB Small Forest Axe was the first axe I ever purchased. All I really knew about axes at the time was that they were for chopping wood and Ray Mears said the GB Small Forest Axe was a really good one. I've since learned a lot more, including a lot from you, and I've become a big fan of the far less expensive, but still hand-forged of Swedish steel, Husqvarna axes. That being said, I have never once regretted spending the money on the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe. Ray Mears was right; it's an awesome axe! For a smaller belt axe or tomahawk I've found that I like the Cold Steel Rifleman's Hawk. You have to work on it a bit when you first get it, but it's larger & heavier than most hawks and, consequently, cuts a lot better. For under $30 it's hard to beat!

[@EatCarbs]

Great video Dave.. Thanks.

[@dadladbushcraft7524]

Fantastic & informative video. Always look forward to your KZbin updates. Personally i am always impressed by your knowledge & honesty when reviewing but more so by your perfect manners . You always remember to thank your staff etc. (Keep up the good work Sir)

[@1koolhick]

Excellent video. The rope trick was very cool,beats chasing it.

[@eper1875]

Excellent timing. I was debating on what ax I was going to purchase and I have decided on a hunters ax. Thanks, you have saved me some money because I was leaning towards a small ax and I would not have been happy with that purchase.

[@urbanfoxbayane]

Excellent information as always. Thanks for the education.

[@kirkjoshua1958]

Opinions are like axes,there are a ton out there. But a honed woodsmen chooses quality...not because they look cool but because they get the job done. I choose a 19inch hunters Gb for a all around the house getter'done tool...and I Light,Cook,and Heat my cabin with fire for my family. Thank you mr.Dave for the super cool video! Keep em'coming brother!!!

[@dougallen7890]

Just ordered, Wetterlings Large Hunting Axe. Can't wait to use it.

[@IMDMAN2]

Great explanation of how to to choose an an ax an your reasons why Dave. Very new to Bush craft and have been learning tons here from you. I think i might try the Greenland ax. Looks like a quality piece of equipment at a good price point.

[@MikeJones-vb1me]

Nice collection!

[@ChrisFoley0803]

Very informative and nice rope-trick !

[@cloverncross]

A great video Dave you are ten kinds of cool brother! thank you for all your time and effort.Steve

[@bigben351427]

Wow I am so impressed by your knowledge and willingness to share what you know with others. You are truly a wealth of it. I am equally impressed by the value you offer both for your classes and the products in your store. You really seem to be offering great products at a fair price. I just had shoulder surgery and have not been able to sleep and have been watching all your videos. I would like to thank you for all you do for US and look forward to taking your basic class as soon as I am able with my son. I am physically handicapped and more than likely not be able to attain full qualifications but I look forward to learning as much as I can. Keep up the good work .

[@maritimespook]

Awesome video Dave that rope trick was genius,,,cheers from Canada brother !

[@cashcow1981]

Thank you Dave ,Great vid

[@0pushit]

Great info on selecting sturdy axe handles

[@SlimPickens001]

Great video!

[@knifemaker2472]

Another great video. Your explanations as they pertain to whatever environment I may be in, versus another, are spot on. We must be adaptable, and our equipment as well, but not be overburdened by single-use/task-specific tools, that may be the wrong choice.

[@RDM-fc6rd]

All that imfo helps alot. Great video! Cant wait for more.

[@debonairedragon]

Great video, very helpful

[@utubeaccess7]

Good vid Dave, thanks.

[@btam13]

Great video brother! Thanks.

[@Timber-Wolf]

Just to echo all the other comments, Great info, clear, concise and educational. Thanks Dave :) Also love that you included the safety tips. Those were passed to me by my Father when I had to chop the firewood.

[@DClient]

Great stuff Dave, I've been holding off on purchasing an axe cuz I wasn't sure which one to buy. I think I'm good to go now. I'll visiting the pathfinder store soon!

[@woguph]

Dave, I grew up cutting firewood and splitting it to heat the house. What you are calling a felling axe looks more like a boys axe to me. I think of a felling ax as a three pound plus head and 32-36" handle. We normally used double bit axes. We ground both edges fine and just had two surfaces to use before resharpening. A way to learn about your axes and hatchets is to find a downed tree and start cutting it up and splitting it. I rotated my tools for each section. One thing I learned is that a hatchet plus a baton is very effective, safe, and easy to use. I enjoyed the video.

[@DavidCanterbury]

As I said this is a small felling or Forest Axe, you are correct there are larger axes for sure I have a couple but they are truly beyond the scope of carrying without conveyance-

[@markbeaudon8852]

Dave - watching you on Dual Survival on Discovery World...Absolutely great!

[@billlittleton7894]

lot of information, great job, keep up the great work

[@JoseChung21]

Dave - I can't tell you how helpful this video was. Very well done and well thought out. I'd like to see a video on your thoughts on a large belt knife and a saw versus carrying a 19 inch axe. Love the new show by the way. Take care.

[@nettos75]

I took a Gransfors Small forest axe - 19", into the Sipsey wilderness in Alabama for a 4 day trip, and it was clear after the first day that I should have brought my Gransfors Scandinavian - 25"... I was absolutely wore out processing what we needed to cook and dry out with that 19" axe. All because I was trying to shave some weight. Never again. I am more comfortable using a longer/heavier axe combined with my belt knife anyway. I should have went with my gut on that in the first place. I like that rope idea. Great vid.

[@nettos75]

Stoney Lonsome Yeah the Sipsey is a great place. I love it there.

[@bossmodus5020]

Thanks Dave 👍

[@NoogaNewb]

Thanks, Dave. I'd like to see how you are teaching axe safety/skills to children. As a dad I would really appreciate it. Thanks again.

[@ClintonsK]

10,000 views.... On an axe Why hasn't a TV channel snapped you up Dave? Really appreciate all the tutorials and info you freely add up here... That's why within our circle you're known as Sir Dave

[@davewhipple6579]

Hey Dave, great video. As for a great "common man" hatchet , the Vaughan sh2 is IMO a really nice little unit. It has a very thin cutting bevel , can hold a pretty good edge..and its cheap. I like a longer handle than the one that comes with it from the factory though. And they are made in the U.S.A. last I knew. Great job, love to see all the great axes!

[@robertkoontz7865]

One of the best conservation of energy tips I've seen in bush crafting. Tied rope around log.

[@1crimm]

thanks Dave

[@nettos75]

Also wanted to add real quick - I had a reply asking about whether or not I considered a quality saw. I can't find the comment to reply directly to it... I agree about having a good saw. It's definitely an important piece of gear to have, especially on an extended trip. I had one with me, which is another reason I only took a 19" axe. I figured a saw, smaller axe, knife + all the deadfall laying around, no prob. But most of it was so rotten, it just fell apart and was too bad off to sustain a fire. So we ended up having to fell a lot more standing deadwood than we thought. Never know what an environment or trip will throw at you, lol.

[@JayDubz425]

Great information in this video Dave! I really like that rope technique. I used it after the first time you showed it in a previous video. I think from last year? Anyway u have a great selection of tools man. I'm going to be getting either a new granfurs or wetterlings on Friday from your store. Haven't decided which I'd like to get yet.

[@themoodybobby1]

when we burned wood all the time to heat pure old house i kept an old tire at the wood pile and filled it with wood to split and split it that way then filled the cart. very informative video as usual.

[@lmbcars]

Great great video full of good info loved it

[@Dragonmage967]

Great stuff here, never would have even considered the rope trick to keep the wood from going everywhere.

[@akn7able]

I carry a belt knife and a tomahwk and a folding saw for two reasons. I have Cerebral palsy and bulging disc in my back, so I try to pack as light as I can. Dave thanks for doing these videos I always learn something.

[@danpisula3531]

Great Info,Thanks

[@benm5913]

I am so shocked that the Bush Axe didn't get a good review here. I have seen so many different positive reviews that I had intended to buy one.

[@ericsmith1508]

that was a neat trick with the rope around the log! I do something similar with kindling processing. I saw a limb (usually dead if available) about wrist thick, near the trunk of the tree. Length I saw the limb to depends on how long I want my kindling. then a start splitting the limb just like you did against the anvil stump, tie some cordage around the middle to bundle it, then saw it off at the trunk. VOILA! kindling bundle ready to travel!

[@tomsmestead1012]

Dave, Since I have a woodstove to feed, I have a variety of axes, including an heirloom broadaxe used to build log cabins by my great uncles in Idaho back in the 1930's. When woodsloafing I pack either a traditional tomahawk on my belt or my Norlund hatchet, unless I'm setting up a semi-permanent camp.Then I'd go over to a single bit axe.Own a double but never much cared for it.

[@karlroberts1827]

Loved that ‘rope trick’. Keeps the wood together to be carried easier. Thanks.

[@chewyandjasper]

Great video as always. Wanted to say that in my neck of the woods....a Gransfors Small Forest axe is what i carry....easy to carry...fine steel...and big enough for the small trees that i have to work with. I live in northwest Kansas and trees are a bit far and "in be tween" if you know what i mean... I think you are so right about the fact that it depends on where you live, Bless you and your family my friend and teacher....

[@budmoore8144]

GREAT VIDEO ALWAYS LOVE TO WATCH A GOOD AXE VIDEO

[@mysss29]

I think this is the axe video I've been waiting for for a long time. That trick with the rope is so slick. Makes me think about how fat wood is sold in bundles....

[@jmarth523]

Great vid. I just wanted to add 1 correction, GBA and S.A. Wetterlings both use steel under .6 carbon content. That is not saying that the heat treat on the Condor is better because it has more carbon, but it has higher carbon than the other two manufacturers.

[@sirandrew8808]

Thanks for this video, I'm just getting into bushcraft and was planning on just a medium fixed blade. Then I got out there and started experiencing, yeah a fixed blade knife may be able to baton wood but it's one pain in the ass to prepare enough wood for all night let alone multiple nights. I think the 19in Gransfors Bruks would be just right for my area.

[@livingsurvival]

I like my Condor axe, glad to know the mask is of good quality.

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

Great video Dave. Clear, concise and informative. Thank you for posting it.

[@planejet42]

Nice video! I would love to pick up a Gränsfors Bruks axe.

[@andybraibish102]

Hello Dave, I am a really big fan and would like to say i enjoyed seeing you on dual survival. i was wondering if you have a video on tracking? and happy new years man. :)

[@timtrain35]

Another awesome video Dave, any opinions on double bit axes?

[@Uncas0813]

Great vids Dave. In the eastern' woodlands( I'm in Va) there is enough dead wood, within arms reach, to create fire, without having to cut down standing dead trees. I do appreciate that not all your viewers reside in the eastern woods, so..imho... they should look for dead fallen wood before they resort to cutting down trees...just sayin'. It would be awesome to have you explain to your viewers that the "flight" or "panic" that they might experience, when they are "lost" or "disoriented", is to stop and make fire, or some other task, to take their mind off the fact that they are "lost"... it will 'ground' them. Another thought I had, would be to explain the different "kit's"...I believe that your multiple "kit's" (scouting, 2 day, 1 week or longer) are separate "kits". Aren't you taking items from your main "kit" and adding or subtracting items with different 'bags'(packs)? The only reason I bring this up is if 2 is 1, and 1 is none, than a day trip should be planned, at least as far as gear is concerned, for 48, 72, hrs. ect.... better to have it and not need it...than to need it and not have it. I am not trying to be negative, or condescending...just inquiring, as I have friends who have many individual "kit's", one for scouting, a whole separate "kit" for 48 hr. emergency etc. Hundreds if not thousands of dollars, not to mention all that extra stuff. It seems to me, and I'm not sayin' I'm right, that all one needs to do. once one has the gear, is to just switch pack size, and add gear as they deem necessary.

[@Simplemansnature]

Nice collection, and thanks for the demonstration and tips on axe usage. I just refinished the handle on my Condor. I'll probably do a video on it soon. Do you think it necessary to thin down the cheeks on the Condor, or just sharpen it and leave it the way it is?

[@jorgamund07]

I'm constantly amazed at how much great education Dave gives us on KZbin. Greatly appreciated! Also, do you have any thoughts on alternate cutting tools, like machetes, parangs, or kukris? Not to replace the axe in felling trees or splitting wood. But down south where the wood never freezes, they're kind of standard for path cutting and clearing brush around a camp site, which axes don't do as well. They also work pretty well for processing tropical and sub-tropical trees like palms and fruit-bearers.

[@cwsmith17]

I just learned so much.

[@guitarslasher3100]

Really like that new tomahawk mask!

[@BigMountianBob]

Wow ive never heard of the rope idea before i will definitely use it thanks for the great video

[@shanebowie5704]

Thank you for the video you did an amazing job as always. Any good tips for how to carry and transport fire wood?

[@we-tha-ones]

esee 5 and condor woodworker axe great combo!!

[@connormyron.5366]

i already have the wetterlings small hunting axe and im really liking it but im looking to buy some land for firewood so ive been looking at the wetterlings forrest axe so this helped alot, thank you.

[@alzathoth]

a bungie cord works well for holding logs together for splitting too. :)

[@caleb4165]

great video could you do a video on replacing / crafting a axe handle in the field

[@Lars1540]

Dave I think a lot of people would love it if you could possibly do a video discussing the advantages and disadvantages of a belt axe vs. machete/large knife. Maybe some demonstrations would help people understand your reasoning better too? My reason for asking for this video is because I really agree with the point you made at 10:35 where you talk about a good belt knife and baton being able to basically do everything a hatchet can effectively do, which is the same reason I don't choose to carry a hatchet anymore, however I've found that even here in Massachusetts, I prefer to carry a basic 18" machete for my larger chopping tasks due to a couple reasons: 1. Mainly the weight - the machete is much lighter than carrying a larger boy's axe on my back. 2. If I choose to go off trail, I find a machete more useful for bushwhacking than an axe to clear trail and ultimately camp sight. Personally, I try not to cut anything down larger than about 4"-5" tops! So I find the machete to serve me a little better than a boy's axe. But I would love it if you could show or teach me anything new that might compel me to change and carry a heavier boy's axe! I really love it when someone can blow my mind and change my way of thinking. =)

[@Lars1540]

Pete Privitere not necessarily. The better your technique, the more you can accomplish in a short period of time.

[@Lars1540]

Pete Privitere True. But hatchets are heavier than a knife and more awkward to carry than a knife. If the knife can still accomplish what a hatchet can, then I'm taking the lighter and more easily carried knife.

[@blokefromthebush]

Hey Dave. Love the channel. Can you please recommend a axe for working with heavy Australian hard wool like redgun, jarrah, and mulga.