Head-to-head Natural SHELTER BATTLE Overnight - Axe & pocketknife VS survival knife & saw

Who builds the best Natural Survival Shelter with different tool combo’s and has a good night rest in his shelter? In our 'Axe vs Knife' video from last year, we had a little discussion on tool combinations: It was Julius who said a folding saw (Opinel no. 18) and large fixed blade (aka his beloved ESEE 6) would be a good choice. Dylan’s preference went to a larger axe (Gransfors Scandinavian Forest Axe) and a small pocket knife. We figured our winter bushcraft and survival trip to Poland was an excellent opportunity to put these ideas into practice: Winter shelter construction battle with folding saw and blade vs axe and pocketknife.
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Smooth Gefixt Winter Survival series: exploring the East-European Wilderness! An epic winter season with Bushcraft Battles, Igloo, Shelter Building, Extreme Winter Survival and more Adventure fun! We would like to bring you with us, sharing our love for nature, as entertainment or education, whether you are into hiking, survival, or somewhere in-between.
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Folding Saw Comparison: bit.ly/FoldingS...
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[@justinharmon5106]

I like that everything is a friendly challenge.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

You guys are so genuine. I never feel like either of you are putting on a persona for the camera. Keep the videos coming, thanks.

[@SmoothGefixt]

Thats cool kevin! thanks alot:) Cheers. Dylan

[@zorro7572]

hey! what does it mean to 'put on a persona'? i've been searching in google but haven't found anything

[@codycampbell8773]

Mateusz Mateusz he is saying they don’t put on fake personalities for the camera, to be cool or whatever .

[@maximilliansus6487]

@@zorro7572 a persona is a personality that is most of the time fake to impress someone

[@jennitza8067]

Bad comment kind

[@Stripeydave3]

Besides the useful knowledge here, the best part of this video is listening to the two of you bantering and keeping lighthearted in the midst of that crazy weather. Each encouraging the other and egging each other on really brightened my day. Looking forward to enjoying more of your vids! Thanks from California guys, great work here!

[@derekneumann]

"small is efficient, right?" ..... that's what I keep telling my girlfriend. ;)

[@gabrielunknown4475]

Nice one

[@josh-mf3pk]

Lol

[@jaydenmurphy4443]

Hahaha

[@l0nesh00ter2]

Derek Neumann lol

[@jesseybarra3408]

Lmao

[@matthall5769]

19:38 to 20:03. Phenomenal cinematography!

[@metrixshield8174]

From Canada here. My family always taught us you have to have an axe or hatchet in the northern wilderness, all other bkades are an accessory. I carry 2 knives, folding saw and an almost unbreakable hatchet. Love the videos keep up the good work

[@littletree343]

What kind of hatchet?

[@metrixshield8174]

Estwing, *ockford (Rockford?), 444 or 44A I've had it almost 25 years now. It's steel from top to bottom with a treated (hardened glaze) compressed leather grip. It'll likely out live me. Not sure if anyone will make a tool like that anymore, but if you're in North America and you can't buy a new one, you might find one used for sale.

[@kencom16]

Canada gang🇨🇦

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

For me it's a small forest axe and folding saw. Though I am in Australia where most wood is hard wood making axes less effective.

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

It's educational seeing even experienced woodsmen struggle. Thank you, gentlemen. Looks like I'll be hauling my hatchet along always, now. Also, love the drone photography!

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Great effort lads especially 3 hrs before dark. Would have been the axe all day for me. Hands down the best tool for the job. Good effort with the saw ☺

[@SmoothGefixt]

Thanks Rick! The support is appreciated as always:)

[@nathanadrian7797]

@@SimonWoodburyForget Many trappers cabins have been built with an axe, you only need a saw to square cut the door. the two tools are best together, but if you can only have one, the axe is the better choice.

[@justincase4382]

Simon WoodburyForget your trippin you can definitely build strong things with an axe, axes are used to build log cabins. In the long run if someone was living in the woods yeah you would benefit from having multiple tools. But in a short survival situation yes the axe would be great, but in the long run it would definitely still be a tool that would be used along with others

[@carlbernsen1290]

Thanks for another fun video. I think what this really shows is how much time and energy it takes to make even a semi weatherproof shelter, with good tools and experience, by a fit, healthy person with no injuries. Did you know it takes 10 times more energy to make a shelter than to carry a few kilos of camping gear all day?

[@keadanlayne4362]

Felt like I was watching a movie with those drone shots

[@nancodickbrouwer1896]

Axe is the better multitool,. can also use it as a hammer or a weapon and if need be easier to sharpen or to repair, with stuff you could find in nature

[@luer_vlogs]

just found this channel a couple weeks ago.. BUT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CHANNELLLLLL

[@richards6965]

I liked both shelters.. I think a cross between the 2 would be good.... If I'm in the woods for more than 2 days I'd definitely go with the larger shelter... But I'd need bedding on top of those sticks..

[@TheVergile]

for a 3 hour shelter build having a good tree to start and an axe is huge. If you want to build sth more stable for an outdoor weekend the saw really starts to shine. There are a few easy joints you can do with reasonable precision in a minute that will make a really stable construction with few material.

[@DaveSVCC]

So glad I found this channel. It's exactly what outdoors people want and exactly what's needed to get new people into it. Keep up the quality vids

[@areee999]

Axe+Survival knife with sharp spine. An unbeatable combo.

[@faintsmile3279]

Can't stop watching your videos one after another... Great job i hope you never stop doing this specially the 1v1 friendly challenges. Love from iran

[@GeneralPreparedness1]

That would be a very tough decision to make. For smaller stuff the saw is great, for larger, the axe definitely takes it. Combining the two, especially with a good knife is definitely ideal. There's a reason why there are so many different tool types and sizes, you're never going to have one tool that can do everything! Great video guys!

[@SmoothGefixt]

Thanks !! And you are right about all the different tools having an edge over others in different jobs:) Cheers. Dylan

[@justinfranks8222]

Great video guys. Really demonstrates why the axe is a better tool compared to a saw and knife in that situation

[@ARTHURVANPAS]

Difficult to say who would have gotten the upper hand if the rain would have stayed away, but I would still choose the axe in the end. Great video once again, boys!

[@jasperruss7569]

Love the drone shots, the scenery is lovely! Well done Julius and Dylan!

[@solsurvivalandbushcract6587]

Dude. I'm from New York. I gotta say, I'm lovin the beats you play. Awesome .

[@leojoseph6385]

Great video gentlemen! The Axe combination gets my vote as the Winner because it allowed you to Process more Wood in Less time, and is not as tiring as using a Knife and Folding Saw combination.

[@PackRunner3]

One of my favorite videos to rewatch you guys look like you're having so much fun

[@tomstephens3029]

Yeah, I'd go axe and fixed blade knife and if only one probably just the axe. Do feel it was slightly unfair though! I have the GB forest axe and it's the best axe for that task you could possibly have. That Opinel saw on the other hand, I'd have a longer saw and it would be a Silky. Now that would be a competition!

[@jaydenmurphy4443]

I really like the fact that you guys respect your fan base like your always replying to comment and stuff good job guys much love from the australian fam

[@SmoothGefixt]

Thanks Jay! If it wasnt for the viewers. there'd be no point having a channel!

[@Mr.krabz2182]

Your measuring skills are...unique! Amazing

[@MrSheckstr]

So what I take away from this episode in particular, and most of your videos in general is the most important resource in a survival situation is a companion. Someone there to watch your back and help lift the other end of the load. Always use the buddy system when going out into the Wild, and it’s best to avoid going out in groups so large that someone can go missing unnoticed

[@jm4672]

Y'all are real I think that's why I love yall.please please keep them coming

[@james35813]

I spent half the episode thinking you guys would get rained on. When it actually rained it was bitter sweet because I was right, but you were wet lol

[@1stcSOLDIER]

Lol yea it does rain sometimes when outside therefore anyone can be right knowing it rains outside...

[@implygaming439]

@@1stcSOLDIER it don't rain in space and that's out side HHHHMMMM🤔

[@justincase4382]

get bent are you trying to take away his thunder? Get it cause we are talking about weather. But for real, damn man just gotta get all snippy at people. Of course oh yeah well it rains outside derp any one can guess that derp.. dude he’s not all there, and then you just gotta come OUTTA NOWHERE unprovoked and be little us. 😞

[@justincase4382]

get bent on my bad dude I didn’t see right in the beginning you started with “Lol yea it does” my bad dude. You obviously meant no harm

[@mariegamble3053]

Julius you over think things. Yes think about what your doing but don't over think it. Rule of the bush, always use what is available..... Trees ect ect ect. Bloody great to watch you guy's.

[@ReasonAboveEverything]

I am rediscovering bushcraft. It's been too long since i was outdoors. You guys inspired me to continue on my bush wizard path.

[@val-xo7ud]

I think the axe and saw combo would be ideal 🤠

[@raygetoutdoors6151]

I like the idea of a small shelter, easy to keep warmer and less work. Good Job Julius. I like the Axe better than saws because a very sharp axe can be used for large and small work although more danger involved than using a saw. You both did great job. Keep the vids coming. You know it is a good idea to keep maybe 3 large heavy trash bags in your packs when out in the woods, could save your life. Does not take long to get hypothermia when it's 40 degrees and pouring rain. Ray,Oklahoma

[@SmoothGefixt]

We were out for a couple of days, and brought full kit so also a tarp:) But trashbags are a nice one for sure.. the only big downside for me is the disposable aspect of them.. id rather carry the weight and never use it, then to specificly go and buy trashbags for an in-case situation;) Thanks for watching and thank you for your comment:) Cheers. Dylan

[@nathanmason1943]

True great idea

[@sabrinacatlin6471]

@@SmoothGefixt Good strong trash bags can be reused a few times if no destroyed in the use. Destroyed or not, bring them home. They can be turned into plarn (plastic yarn) and used to make/crochet sleeping pads (for homeless or bushcraft), sturdy reusable shopping bags & lots more. Just because it is plastic doesn't necessarily mean it must be used once & tossed. Re-purpose, re-use. Beautiful!

[@LynnAlexandersMom]

what a delightful view. glad I fell upon it. thanks

[@Jytube231]

That tree is the real MVP ;)

[@jonnywalker5361]

Great video lads. Loving the overnight shelter challenge stuff. Keep it up from a fan from Ireland.

[@samwatkins9200]

Great stuff guys. Good to see a test that is not filmed in someone’s back yard. Nice to see it showed the reality of being out like that with the fire troubles etc. ie it’s not as simple as two strikes on a fire steel and your in business. Keep it up.

[@SmoothGefixt]

Thanks a lot!:)

[@sidneybakken8065]

this has to be the best survival chanal I have ever watched on you-tube

[@willtower1214]

Thx for the replies I love you guys content and you are so far one of my top favorite survival people to watch

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Just watched it again. Great work guys! Looks like you had a heck of a fun time out there regardless of the rain!

[@Kaptein_Kniv]

3:57 Doin' a pretty decent job of it for someone who doesn't have an axe.

[@kiernancrough617]

Spectacular video fellas! I keep coming back to learn more in preparation of my own outings into the great wilderness

[@SmoothGefixt]

Nice one kiernan!:) Thanks alot. Dylan

[@CorrixYT]

Whole another level of minecraft

[@eminemmarshal7081]

Yea

[@naturescritter4691]

Where did they get their expansion maps 😆

[@rowanfernsler9725]

Natures Critter world painter, it does wonders along with like 80 mods including the Super IRL one

[@kodiandroid8821]

pinecraft

[@bens_bestie3592]

Rowan Fernsler rl craft?

[@mariolosi4114]

Would love to see what you guys are eating! Something cool to add to future episodes. Keep them coming!

[@SmoothGefixt]

We didnt do this at all, although we thought about it.. we will tho in the future i think , as we actually spent a good bit of time scaling and calculating what we bring:) Thank you! Cheers. Dylan

[@gregoryhare6538]

Hay guys your camp out adventure. As i gave it a good look for what you two had personal with you and i seen the axe and i seen the usages of your knife and saw. It gives me something i have a choice of what i can take to use with me cool work guys. And i hope to get a lot of tips from all the bush crafters. Thanks to you all.

[@potatowhat8119]

For my survival situation, I use an axe and a machete. I'm an islander that has survived approximately 3 months with nothing but a machete and a Swiss knife. But I've come to recognize the usefulness of an axe due to recently cutting firewood but the usefulness not only lies in the power of the axe but also how handy it can be as a replacement hammer.

[@mikebond6060]

Thats was really cool to watch do more of those competition

[@Wyatt_Ali]

You should make a challenge doing this with only a EDC knife! I did that once! It was fun and i think you guys might enjoy it!

[@experimentalsurvival7142]

I've watched this so many times now :)

[@miracle1136]

Glad that you're both back on track with the new upcoming series :)

[@sachan9081]

De productie kwaliteit is serieus omhoog gegaan, goed bezig!

[@sebastianlatiff6388]

I think the ax is much better than the saw. Nice job on the vids!! Amazing stuff

[@wolfiebluewilliams488]

I love how there are two of you and you managed to keep it fun with all this you are amazing thanks for your videos oh and one more thing I subbed and liked

[@LadyGreenEyes964]

Overall, I like the construction of Dylan's shelter more, as it's higher off the ground, and roomier, but the insulation and bedding in Julius's look warmer, so this might be a bit of a tie. Seeing the problems with the weather is cool, too, as people would face such things, and it's more informative and educational than videos where nothing ever goes wrong.

[@SmoothGefixt]

Like your analyses and seeing you pass by all our videos leaving a comment. Thanks for the support!

[@LadyGreenEyes964]

Thanks for the videos! You take us places we can't all go, and we can learn a lot from these! You are most welcome for the support, and I hope the channel really takes off. Great content! @@SmoothGefixt

[@Musicguy1161]

Very nice video! A chance to learn a lot about tool choices as well as shelters and fires, I notice both of you tend to build lean to shelters as your first choice. Have either of you considered dome shaped shelters? Especially good for wet weather or situation where the wind is shifting a lot. A small dome for one or a bit larger for two, you have a small fire in the center of the dome with a vent in the very top of the dome. The dome also usually has enough room for you equipment keeping it dry and safe. I would have to choose the axe as my larger cutting tool. While it is heavier than the saw, it is better suited for larger logs and it is much easier to maintain.

[@SmoothGefixt]

should try out a few others indeed.. some reason lean to's always seem the quick solution;)

[@Paramyer]

So glad you're both back!! Literally one of my favourite channels.

[@buschcraftbros7434]

Great vids guys! Love the drone work as well.

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm9378]

I’m thoroughly impressed by his ability to chop branches so easily with the knife

[@Parko2017]

Great video lads!!! Really enjoyed watching it

[@averagejoe8213]

Another great video. You gentlemen are hardcore. Many would have gone home when the rain started... cold and wet, you both stuck it out. Truly inspirational video. Thanks guys!

[@1stcSOLDIER]

Good job! Fun friendly shelter building all the way!

[@troystin1870]

I’d go for the saw and the survival knife also the axe

[@titaniaix5931]

Why can't I have a best friend that does stuff like this I love this video

[@JoanneLeeJS]

I cant take my eyes off that river, it looks really nice for kayaking :D

[@SmoothGefixt]

brrr!! As temperatures were high for the time of year, there was a lot of melt water, bringing the waterlevels quite high... Some people from the area told us they go skiing on it sometimes in winter!!! in the summer its very calm and not very kayakable i think.. ;)

[@chuckwagon1892]

My first time watching this channel. I really like the way you guys get along and the friendly challenges you make. You're both honest and not pretentious. I wouldn't go camping without a knife 8 inches minimum, a good pocket knife, a saw and small ax. They are all important having their individual purpose, but your friendly challenge was fun to watch. Nice work and I look forward to more of your videos.

[@Willjayas]

Love these two

[@dylanwight5764]

Here's my two cents on the infamous debate: 1. Hatchet vs Machete: This all depends on the environment you encounter. In heavily wooded areas, the hatchet makes short work of hardwood and is far better at processing it whereas the machete can struggle against hardwood simply due to its lack of carrying force. In more tropical environment, the broader cutting edge of the machete combined with its thinner blade makes it more suited for processing stringier woods and grasses. In either case, just choose the tool more suited to the climate. Both are probably equal in value for their own reasons. 2. Folding Knife vs Fixed Knife: The fixed blade knives are generally more versatile and intrinsically more resilient to work with, but a good folder can perform light camp duties just fine, and often better than the thicker bladed fixed knives. Both are also excellent for battening and processing smaller firewood and hardwoods, but the generally thicker grind on a fixed knife makes it better as a rudimentary battening axe. I personally carry a folder more often since my "fixed knife" is typically my machete or hatchet anyway. 3. Saws are just great in general, if you have the space for them. Single Point folding saws vs three-point folding saws would be a pretty interesting test on its own mertis.

[@l.u.f.c4206]

Only fair for Dylan to make the fire, he had help from the tree 😉 another awesome video lads.

[@ViloAfi]

Comfy bedding .... sees pine cone... oh yeah looks comfy XD

[@Chreeeys]

I'm so happy I found your channel

[@oneofthechosen874]

Nice video. Saw all those wood and I was like, I could build a luxury shelter from those beautiful straight twiggies...and I'd go for an axe...or maybe a machette, faster and reliable.

[@kevinboock7143]

I’m going saw and survival knife. Thought the one tree for the saw was too thick and a few smaller diameter trees would have been a better choice imho.

[@azaba2007]

Awesome video. In fairness, i think the axe had the upper hand because it was a full size axe, which is way heavier and bulkier that the saw and knife used as contestants. I think a fairer deal would be if both sides had the same weight. Like if we use a 1 kg axe, then the other side can carry a saw and knife of 1 kg. That means one can use a bow saw and decent size knife. The result had been very different. Or if one uses say a 25 cm saw and a knife that ways only 600 gr, then the other side can only use a 600 gr axe or hatchet. That would be a much fairer contest and more interesting. Keep the good work.

[@Asylus]

Machete is my favorite survival tool, many uses.

[@geminigacha2533]

Love your vids! I would never be able to do anything close to something that extreme give them some respect

[@SmoothGefixt]

Thanks Mikayla Deters:) It's good to go a little out of the comfort zone;)

[@NeillWylie]

Good video for educating the kids this. Shows well the capabilities and limitations of the tools. Gonna be watching this with the younguns I teach.

[@whocares7864]

what we really learned from that video: teamwork is the best tool!

[@SmoothGefixt]

yep very true.. many hands make light work right!

[@guuswolletjes6867]

Why am I not seeing the reactions "like if you re dutch?". Those are always so original

[@SmoothGefixt]

Lol feel free!

[@josh-mf3pk]

I love watching your videos they really help me get better at bushcraft

[@peterlegyesi5794]

"I'm not using a tree, I'm not a tree-tear!" :):)

[@CptnHammer1]

If you're going to be heating yourself with a fire, maybe getting a silver 'space blanket' on the floor back and roof of the inside of the shelter could be a big help. it reflects the radiation from the fire back in instead of losing it to warming the material. This is dual survival but less macho and more real, keep it up!

[@kexikvideos7172]

With the franch quality this my man opinel

[@cliffordwright1603]

Just found your channel and subscribed. I’m binging now to watch the rest thanx

[@gutspraygore]

"It was there all of a sudden." lol! "I am not going to use a tree. I am not a cheater." Cue montage of him chopping up lots of trees. heheh Brilliant! EDIT: I mean brilliant in that the video is disarmingly charming.

[@s4n714g000]

A mora and that axe and I say you've got the best of both without going too crazy. Really nice concept for the video, the smaller shelter was pretty decent considering he struggled so much.

[@LatinKingsLS]

Damn i enjoy these videos of you guys! :) keep up the good work!

[@6Sisu9]

I'd rather have a axe over a saw. Great video fellas!

[@chicagovasko]

The guy busted me out laughing right off the bat hes like this side is yours and this side is mine. Idk y but that busted me out laughing.

[@Okokokiokokoki]

You do not have enough subscribers. It's unbelievable how good you vids are

[@SmoothGefixt]

Thanks alot Olaf:)

[@nocultist7050]

My favorite way of camping in the woods is to take only one match and sharp stone. You should try it, its fun.

[@No_one-special]

Nice challenge! I think you both built adequate shelters. Shame Julius had trouble getting his fire going, or he would probably have had the best night sleep. Your video shows well how much effort and time it takes to build a shelter from natural materials. You guys still managed to do a lot in three hours. Makes you appreciate a tarp, tent or hammock a whole lot more! And yes, if you would want to stay very long an axe would be the easiest to maintain and the hardest to break, so in that case it’s unbeatable.

[@SmoothGefixt]

Thanks C! You notice a big energy difference too after a couple of hours shelter build! And big up for the tarp thats there in 2 minutes;) True story about the axe too!;) Cheers. Dylan

[@MtGMagic]

Great job guys!

[@shamule0175]

Nice video but I couldn't help but notice your doggo wasn't there

[@kiryas401]

SHAMULE 01 m2 ..its cutee

[@darkfear4275]

SHAMULE 01 yes where is doggo

[@SmoothGefixt]

I Missed him alot too! myself and the doggo live in ireland, and to bring him down to poland would mean driving, which is not very nice for the dog but also for my wallet and the clock;) so he is greatly missed in these couple of video's... You will be seeing lots of him in our coming spring trip here in ireland!!:) Cheers. Dylan

[@ScaryStoriesInc]

Smooth Gefixt i was born in poland but I live in Belgium

[@fressejetzt840]

Dog* you idiot

[@daviyt9637]

Both of you can Build super shelter without any tools in 2 days. Thats a great challange. (At winter time) 😁😁

[@komitadjie]

Silky 240mm Gomboy might be a bit easier, that thing is the fastest and best-cutting folding saw I've ever used. You guys have some serious skills, dang!

[@SmoothGefixt]

It's a matter space and weight I gues. Thanks man!

[@cheyuu7896]

Hi Guys About firewood collecting: standing deadwood is called widowmaker for a serious reason. You push the stem/trunk, it breaks in its upper section, and falls the opposite direction of were u were pushing it, wich is right where u stand. Means u r right under it and it might hit and possibly kill u. I really enjoy your videos so please take a bit more precaution nxt time. ;)

[@SmoothGefixt]

lol! i did try to mention this to julius (he is aware of this danger) but he reassured me everthing was under control, hehe. Thanks alot for your input and for watching:) Cheers. Dylan

[@-----REDACTED-----]

If you know how to use it properly the axe is awesome. But if you don’t know too well then go for the saw. Personally I prefer small knife (Opinel), main knife (F1), axe/hatchet (a small Fiskars) and saw (Opinel).

[@stephen8015]

Looked up axe reviews and saw you guys on the first axe vs knife and I loved it. Very nice use of leverage/nature to win over the axe. I think you guys are funny without trying and I love that you leave up to the viewers to decide. I am a fan of the axe over knife. Keep up the great work.

[@SmoothGefixt]

Nice one! Thank you!