How well can a medieval BATTLEAXE chop wood?

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Adventurers need to chop wood as much as monsters.
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[@dragonhearthx8369]

I just finished your audiobook "shadow of the conqueror" and it was fantastic

[@KoreyMacGill]

Shad when's the sequel?

[@jmarch_503]

@@KoreyMacGill you know how long it took just for that one ?

[@Khornedevotee]

@@jmarch_503 Well it doesn't hurt to ask anyway. :) Shad might already have thought about beginning doing some test writing for the sequel or at least been thinking about what the story will be, which is why it would be good to ask. We can probably expect it several years from now. Probably not 10 years. It also depends on the time Shad puts into pushing for that release and how frequently he writes the story and whatnot, but as a writer I think that is something he does that a lot. But he'll probably release another book first. The more books you make and the better they turn out, the easier it gets to make a good story, and the sooner and more frequently you can release your next book, depending on how thick the book in question is of course. In this case it is the sequel to Shadow of the Conqueror. I'll have to look up that book some time.

[@Oligator.09]

Do you recommend it

[@dragonhearthx8369]

@@Oligator.09 I said it was fantastic, so *of course I would NOT recommend it* (sarcasm) But in all seriousness, if you like magic fantasy, you would like this.

[@ifoundjesusonthetoilet7055]

Next week on Shadiversity: How well can a medieval MACE hammer a nail.

[@WarriorVirtue]

That's not a bad idea. You could make an entire series on this premise.

[@daddyleon]

@no or maybe yes sewing with bodkin arrows and of course a reverse: penetrating breastplate with a can-opener

[@travismurtland3257]

So, this is actually a comment on your username, but you reminded me of a pastor who was told that no, he could not put up signs for his church inside an office depot, so he hid in the bathrooms and put them up in there. So I actually quite literally found a poster of Jesus while on the toilet, and you deserve applause for reminding me of the confusion and just general done with people feeling I had at that moment

[@rileyernst9086]

You surely mean a medieval war hammer.

[@daddyleon]

@@travismurtland3257 Well, sometimes you either find or lose your faith when you're in deep shit. But yeah, sometimes, you find the joke in taking the metaphor too literally.

[@franklingu2664]

Next: how well can a medieval longsword spread butter

[@Osiwan960]

lol nice...underrated comment

[@plt927]

A longsword would be really great to slice open a baguette or two

[@Osiwan960]

@@plt927 unless the baguette has been sitting on the counter for more than 24 hours coz then it becomes hard as concrete lmao

[@cgamejewels]

Good idea

[@keithkiebach8192]

Ayyyo fuck yeah. I wanna see that now

[@garrick3727]

"I am out here in the Shadlands doing some adventuring" DM: You encounter 1d6 Dire Kangaroos and a Giant Koala

[@davidweihe6052]

And biologists have recently proven that Dire Kangaroos are not really kangaroos.

[@leandersearle5094]

Just so long as he doesn't piss off the DM to the point of sending in the Emu.

[@Terminator484]

A flock of manhunting emus enter the map, scenting Ben's blood. Followed by a herd of alphabeavers. And for good measure, Randy Random throws in a maddened Thrumbo, during a sudden dry thunderstorm.

[@Jadener1]

Roll to see if the Giant Koala is in fact a Dropbear!

[@garrettandrews6007]

@@leandersearle5094 if that happens he has no hope

[@Just_a_random_fan]

Mrs. Shad : "If you're just going to play with that battle ax all day be useful and chop some firewood" Shad: "My gosh that's my next video!"

[@Besieged1927]

Firewood in Australia, in the hottest month of the year >.>

[@plt927]

@@Besieged1927 winter is coming...

[@CircaSriYak]

I wonder if Shad goes "Greetings, I'm dad." when he picks his kids up from school?

[@santi_super_stunts2573]

When they get in trouble he also says “Greetings , I’m mad”

[@Muster_Muckee_II]

@@santi_super_stunts2573 Jesus, hearing someone, who's normally known for being both very serious and polite, suddenly saying "Greetings, I'm mad" with little difference in tone would be terrifying !

[@Osiwan960]

when he feels awesome: "Greetings, i'm rad"

[@todorminchev2123]

Greetings im Sh..Dad

[@colemanbubar5098]

Wearing a kilt: “Greetings, I’m Plaid”

[@christianautilus374]

honestly, my history teacher was mentioning medival topics recently and sending us links to some guy's channel that talks bout this stuff and i sent him back link with shad's channel and said that this man uploads good historical videos so he can look him up. and he said that this is top tier quality content. shad ur oficially approved by an educational center

[@JosephFlores-yn4yi]

Who was the other guy? Was he any good?

[@shawnthefaun5847]

Nice

[@tyree9055]

Now that's a compliment, where's the honorary teaching title at? 🧐 😄

[@barneyfromblackmesa6021]

As he should be

[@VegtamTheWonderer]

While "axe-ident" was a good pun, I still think "the Shadlands" was the best pun of the episode.

[@Maktumekal_Ilzrei]

I didn't even get that joke until I read this comment.. Saw it a few times, heard it in the video, but it only clicked when you specially called it out as a pun...

[@SkyBorik]

Axe-inator

[@jafarselbee9666]

Long live king Shad, Lord of the Shadland and slayer of the wretched wood trolls!

[@arthas640]

I think his fans started using that name for his fandom originally

[@aetherial87]

Intreeguing

[@aeneas237]

The fact that I have never wondered about this is making me question all my life choices

[@lucifers.morningstar3805]

As it should. But it's alright Shad has provided some answers.

[@IPostSwords]

You know that really terrible claim that "falchions have an axe like balance and are thick bladed choppers"? You should test that one. Because I'm sick of correcting people about it

[@JC-sr9zf]

This. He's done a video about falchions/messers where he sort of mentions that myth and debunks it, I think, but I'd love to see a video where he tests one. I think it's about time Shad got a nice falchion.

[@IPostSwords]

@@JC-sr9zf I mean, testing it is a bit overkill when you can just bring up measurements from museum examples. Cluny falchion is like 1.2mm thick at the foible, after account for losses. Testing that in wood will likely just warp the edge.

[@user-cz9wu4zz8i]

Well, they can be.

[@mitcharcher7528]

He’s got a whole series about them. They are fantastic videos. Here’s the first: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYjEdmx3ptd8d7c

[@IPostSwords]

@@mitcharcher7528 I'm aware. But tests get more views than video essays

[@gamernoise]

This video is a bit choppy..

[@RTDelete]

Only 50 frames...

[@sterisk7743]

I just realized this was a dad joke

[@ilovemetalmusic310]

Or you axidentally did something that caused it to be choppy.

[@ABadassDragon]

I laughed at this way more than i should have

[@tj71520]

As long as you can get wood if you axe for it

[@jamesfrankiewicz5768]

Generally speaking, there are three main types of axe heads for woodman's axes: the splitting axe (maul), the felling axe, and the limbing axe. The splitting axe has a nice, wide wedge, and is usually the heaviest of the three. The felling axe has a narrower wedge and is slightly lighter than a splitting axe, but still somewhat weighty, as it is intended to be swung horizontally to gradually buck out chunks of wood to fell a tree; you can still generally split wood with one, but not quite as well as a dedicated splitting axe. The limbing axe doesn't have much of a wedge and is fairly light, so that you could swing it one-handed at branches that may be above your head, if need be; they don't usually work very well for splitting, and while you could use one to chop down a small tree, you wouldn't want to use one to chop down a large tree. So, you could say that the limbing axe isn't too far removed from simpler versions of the battle axe.

[@marine6680]

I believe a camping axe is meant to be a bit of a do all. It is thin enough to chop at small trees and limbs, but thick enough to split smaller pieces effectively.

[@jamesfrankiewicz5768]

@@marine6680 It's certainly true that an axe head can be somewhere in-between these main categories, and you can make hatchet versions of each, too. I myself own a hatchet version of a splitter; it does a surprisingly good job despite it's small size, just as long as you get good edge alignment (just adding two fingers from your off hand to your grip helps immensely) and drop your weight into the swing.

[@zacharyriley4122]

The number one axe for woodsmen over the last century or so is the double bit axe. One side is used for felling, de-limbing, and bucking, and the other side for bumping knots and splitting bolts.

[@andreasfenix1094]

@@jamesfrankiewicz5768 I totally agree and have a hatchet sized "axe" I spit with. In my mind , with such a small implement and limited leverage, it seems like it's more a matter of head weight and edge alignment than geometry.

[@andreasfenix1094]

@@zacharyriley4122 I really fuckin disagree with this opinion..... Double bit is useful in a logging context when you're de-limbing or hitting knots constantly and need to swap out for a keen edge... But I feel like, for an independent "woodsman"/outdoorsman, the combo of a smaller two-handed axe, a hatchet, and a good bush knife splits the jobs of the various blades better and leaves you both carrying and swinging less unnecessary weight.

[@maximilienrobespierre7927]

I just wanted to point out that Shad literally looks more mature after he started wearing a brigandine with a gambeson instead of a suit jacket with a t-shirt, and grew out a fuller beard.

[@1FatLittleMonkey]

Technically it's called a blood channel beard.

[@lanasmith4795]

I mean he is older.

[@zacharyriley4122]

He will always be [insert current age]-going-on-26-years-old.

[@reichstein011]

Maybe it's like the armor Thomas wore in "Magician", and Shad will gradually transform into some kind of super-human demi-god?

[@texasbeast239]

Not so easy to take him seriously when he's channeling Kevin Smith.

[@JillBearup]

Empirical testing FTW 😁

[@ABadassDragon]

Hey, Jill! Your vids are awesome!

[@shadiversity]

Thanks Jill! Indeed, there's so much more to explore, although I'll leave testing corsets to you ^_^ But hey, I have done dresses (or the medieval male equivalent) so that's something.

[@JillBearup]

@@shadiversity In my next video I’m testing various degrees of boob armour (made of cardboard, duct tape, chest protectors and plastic bowls 😂) so between us we’ll soon have all the bases covered 😁

[@smokenchoken1736]

So Happy to see you here in Shadland Jill ♡♡♡

[@BobHutton]

Shad has clearly done more woodcutting than Matt Easton (who is terrible at it), but his stance is a bit odd. Look at competitive woodcutters. They will always have their left leg forward (assuming they are right-handed and it is an event where they can choose their stance).

[@jackdaone6469]

Looks like Shad’s surgery was a success. Dude’s got more energy and enthusiasm than ever before!

[@lavatun]

Just as planned. . . .

[@ramennight]

what was the surgery again?

[@Drowko]

That's one of the first things I noticed. I was like damn Shad is looking pretty lively for chopping wood.

[@phosphatepod]

just replying to get a notification when someone says if shad actually did get a surgery

[@Illyrien]

@@phosphatepod He did, perhaps a year or two ago. He made a video about it.

[@joelatkinson7147]

I thought for a minute, "where is he" then went "oh thats right hes got his own land" then i realised, "hes making us watch him clean up his land"

[@Xion_Toshiro]

So... basically the Camping Axe is a sweet spot for Adventurers who choose the Axe then?

[@jackdunne6152]

Anyone else feel like his wife assigned him some chores and he decided to make a video about it?

[@hanalexcranealister6799]

Not gonna lie, it makes sense 🤣

[@lucifers.morningstar3805]

Don't tell his secret.

[@romiarkan450]

The lengths we men go to in order to make chores bearable is beyond imaginable

[@Liquefaction]

Greetings, I'm Shad. When you're out adventuring, can you find food in between the blades of grass? Let's mow it down and see.

[@cagthetism]

Hey, content is content

[@isaiahoconnor8236]

This could explain why Treebeard accepted Gimlis explain that his axe was only for orc necks!

[@johntheknight3062]

"Look mom, the strange man is choping wood in his armor again!"

[@berilsevvalbekret772]

As someone chops woods with her father for every winter I approve of this. You forgot to mention the absolute pain you are in for the first few weeks while you chop wood continuously. The shap your hands ebds up...

[@patprop74]

The biggest axe is called a splitting axe, it will do what the name implies, Splitting, you wouldn't debranch or chop down a tree with that, for that task you would use a felling axe, and a felling share more similarities with a camping axe and your small battle-axe, you can find lots of information on "Canada fur Trade Axes" However, as far as entertainment value lol which is the real reason we are here, This video was shape.

[@DjDolHaus86]

People in my area call big splitting axes (like a pointy sledge hammer) a 'maul'

[@GameHoardGame]

@@DjDolHaus86 yep, im in nova scotia canada, we tend to call them splitting maul. split with one side, sledge for your wedges on the other.

[@patprop74]

@@DjDolHaus86 it is often called a "Maul" here as well.

[@starwrs3468]

@@GameHoardGame in Alberta we also call them that

[@arbiterprime2145]

so you could do a double-bladed axe, with a splitter on one side and a feller on the other. would also work well in battle, make it an all in one weapon!

[@torva360]

"Ben, come say you're fine so you can't sue me later for a workplace injury." Need to get your squire some armor Haha

[@FirstNameLastName-tg3rc]

Tis but a scratch.

[@chronic_spot]

@@FirstNameLastName-tg3rc is just a flesh wound

[@NobodyImportant69420]

Alternative title: How Much Wood Could a Battleaxe Chop if a Battleaxe Could Chop Wood?

[@drahcir8402]

"Tis but a flesh wound." That's what they all say. Then your arms fall off.

[@fredfry5100]

That's what the Black Kight said when his arms came off.

[@aleriaproductions2869]

"The shadlands" I like that lol

[@mixter1257]

Better than Brookland, that's for sure

[@BobT36]

lol. Most people: "But I don't have one". Shad: "I don't have one on me...at the moment".

[@AzureSkyCiel]

You know, this makes me realize that the 'rarely used as a purpose built military weapon' battle axe of the Japanese, the Ono, was supposedly used mostly for cutting through castle doors. And, guess what; those axes were huge, six foot long, two-handed axes with a large taper on their head.

[@dominictemple]

We all just watched a video about how different axes chop wood and thought it was well worth the time, we are weird.

[@jmcc4566]

Up next on Shadiversity: How effective is a CAMPING AXE at cutting off limbs? (Feat. Sir Ben)

[@HiopX]

rip ben

[@xilpes6254]

'Tis but a scratch!

[@finnmacky7106]

"Your bloody arm is off" "No it isn't"

[@dcarbs2979]

Or splitting skulls, as they're made for splitting.

[@alexzander7386]

They would do pretty well actually, but not for long. Youd get tired hefting that chunky blade around, and since the head has much less flair it would have a smaller cut size, but tons of damage done to the impacted area

[@kitsinthewebs222]

As an Axe main, I approve this video.

[@williammilliron8735]

Finally someone who agrees with me, swords are just too long and pointy. A solid one handed axe is more practical and does the trick just fine.

[@SquishyFletcher]

@@williammilliron8735 For when they get too close to use the spear effectively...

[@Osiwan960]

what a coincidence, i was about to axe you the question

[@bachmann436]

One thing I learned from an audiobook, is don't jump off a cliff while holding two different stones, stuff happens.

[@danthiel8623]

Yes

[@bluenova123]

Since witches burn and wood burns, that means witches are made out of wood. Good video for which axe to take for witch hunting.

[@octomanuno2700]

I like to imagine that on weekends Shad will just put on his gambeson and grab 4 axes, some blocks of wood and a camera and then when his wife asks what he's doing he just yells "I'M GOING TO THE SHADLANDS" and then they both continue likes that a normal thing lol

[@ladyshadiversity397]

Haha! Yeah that's pretty much what happens

[@LindaGailLamb.0808]

@@ladyshadiversity397 So now that he's chopped the wood... are you all going to toast marshmallows around the campfire? 😁

[@sanguinemoon9201]

My wife has come home to me cooking or doing dishes in armor several times, I don't think she notices any more.

[@Damienx247]

@@sanguinemoon9201 But have you ever used a kettle helmet as an actual kettle?

[@Bruh-hq1hx]

@@Damienx247 wait thats genius there needs to be a video on if Kettle helmets are good for eating soup out of

[@claudiaxander]

Shad: I'm going camping! Ents: Shuffling away from Shads favourite camping site.

[@cantdestroyher7245]

I’m impressed that he’s swinging an axe around in the summer dressed like that

[@TheNeilBlack]

I'm impressed that he's existing in the summer dressed like that.

[@jasonswiatkowski9127]

Next video- mideval deodorant!

[@Heroesflorian]

4:30 - I half expected the fallen trunk to get wedged apart by the mighty Shad... but then I saw he wasn't even trying (for now).

[@iwersonsch5131]

Battlefield bows: Large Battlefield pikes: MASSIVE Battlefield axes: tiny

[@berndarndt9924]

There are no battlefield axes, since the weapon isn't made for a battlefield.

[@iwersonsch5131]

@@berndarndt9924 ah

[@TheNeilBlack]

@@berndarndt9924 You're literally on a video about battle axes...

[@berndarndt9924]

@@TheNeilBlack except the comment is talking about battlefield axes, not battleaxes. Reading is hard I know. And you don´t use axes on a battlefield because they are not made for it. You use axes if you raid a village and in uncoordianted battles.

[@TheNeilBlack]

@@berndarndt9924We have lots of accounts of axes being used on battlefields. Including their use by several kings.

[@galadbol]

Man, I feel manlier by proxy just watching Shad be an absolute Chad chopping wood like its marshmallows

[@lukewilliams8548]

I'm liking the Shadlands. A change of scenery to mix things up and add more variety. The castle and chair are great, it's just nice to also have a 3rd setting.

[@spankmymoomoo]

Shad's audiobook is highly recommended by myself, can't wait for any more to come about. excellently written with good worldbuilding and interesting characters. 10/10 would listen again.

[@BH-rx3ue]

I've updated my adventuring equipment list to simply include "1 shad"

[@Indy-qm4ev]

Summer in australia and this man is standing in the sun wearing thick black gambison, a dark brigandine and swinging axes. Am I the only one confused by this?

[@dionjaywoollaston1349]

He’s used to the heat, plus the less clothes he wears the more likely he is to get sunburn

[@bhesseling9949]

@@dionjaywoollaston1349 you would want to wear clothes that cover you, but not in dark colours and not that thick. You want to wear thin white clothing, this is just asking for a heathstroke

[@epauletshark3793]

Its shad.

[@hanalexcranealister6799]

Bro, I’m more confused about the creatures that he could find in the wild, in Australia, like damn I wouldn’t even go a cm away from the streets 🤣

[@athanh219]

@@hanalexcranealister6799 he has four axes

[@brightgamer8624]

Shad just wanted to say I LOVE your videos and they’re very informational I love watching you explain how to use medieval weapons and other things keep it up 👍

[@buruzn09]

“Axe-ident.” Love it! Not the injury, just the pun.

[@evalpenguin8797]

ben: *(gets hand cut off)* "TIS JUST A FLESH WOUND!"

[@mikesongnguyen8149]

Flesh is weak.

[@randommagos9001]

From the moment I understood the weakness of my flesh it disgusted me

[@tasselhoffburfoot3252]

I see we all are here to praise the machine spirit

[@lucifers.morningstar3805]

Monty Python: the holy grail.

[@abrahamlincoln9758]

Captions: "Greetings, I'm shattered."

[@SuperCityscan]

Me too

[@jackmcslay]

And he's in the Shadowlands

[@osu45d]

I'm also shattered!

[@Osiwan960]

...from Shatterath, Outland

[@AliceErishech]

KZbin also thinks he was talking about three-handed battle axes too.

[@dan36o67]

0:59 Shad: _Survival_ *Craft* The Actual game survival craft’s logo: aM I a jOkE tO yOu

[@cuddlemuffin44]

This is the best video you’ve released. The excitement and suspense before each strike is measurable.

[@Niskirin]

I'm starting to like the new main character of this anime. That log has quite the personality.

[@antoineguerrier2965]

I suggest "Bensbane" as that axe's name.

[@Heroesflorian]

One minute into the video and we've already seen... a variety of axes, the amazing shad intro, a listing of classic rpg elements, references to several cool (non-rpg) games, beautiful landscape shots with the kind of lively summer sunshine we're currently lacking in Europe, as well as the Shad himself... now, one could ask "but what about dragons?", but so far this video is a 11/10 at least.

[@Chris_W]

Just as a sidenote, it really does seem like you have a lot more energy in your presentation than you did months ago. I'm super happy for ya!

[@cyberdemon7694]

That one probably suffers the most from fantasy misconceptions, that idea that battle axes are these huge monstrous things that weigh a ton. When all of them are actually quite small and need to be pretty light. And also quite thin and focused.

[@answeris4217]

On a battlefield I doubt a big clumsy axe would be effective. Sure it will kill but you are going to be open for attacks for ever

[@michaelpettersson4919]

Conan fans will curse you for those words... 😂🤪

[@joanignasi91]

That axe went trough those branches like Covid went through my plans and aspirations.

[@Delta-ro3kx]

Damn I felt that.

[@lostathelney2166]

Ouch

[@mr.personhumanson6871]

Yeah same

[@snwmn4783]

That axe went through those branches like my parents went through my will to live

[@martinan22]

Its not coivd that messed with your plans and aspirations. Its the stupid governments crazy insane overreation to a virus that is only dangerous to people who are at death's door already.

[@MakatAlexander]

This was actually far more interesting than I had though. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Shad!!😁😁

[@igorporfiirio4915]

"to split wood with it would be sacrilege. This tool has but one purpose, and that is war." someone in a mtg card that I really liked when I started playing

[@PenitentKnight]

“How well can a Flamberge cut bread?”

[@DFloyd84]

Bread knives are typically serrated to better cut through spongy bread. I would expect the flamberge to perform poorly in such an experiment.

[@PenitentKnight]

@@DFloyd84 YES! Just like how in this video the battle axe performed poorly in chopping through wood,whilst the woodcutting axe performed well because of the wider head shape. In other words,the battle axe was just made for a different task.

[@Jaime13R]

“The Shadlands” I love that 😂

[@titanseye4578]

The next video I needed for my ranger. You are doing me a huge favor with your last two videos. Thank you so much

[@Swaffles870]

I love your vids! You seem to read my mind as to what I'm thinking of or had been thinking of. What sorcery to you wield?!

[@VinceW187]

My wife walked by asking why the guy on screen is wearing kilt, dont even know where to start with this one

[@danthiel8623]

Hehe

[@Greideren]

"He's shad, ruler of the shad lands and bane of dragons" You can add master of machicolations as well

[@umbasamufasa9676]

Normal people "better go clear that brush" Shad "AXE VIDEO IDEA!!!"

[@Dingo_Winterwolf]

I haven't seen you this energetic in a while, usually you're out of breath two minutes in. Glad to see you're doing better, Shad!

[@LukaSzent]

Shad, you swing that axe like a true lumberjack. Perfect form! 👌

[@Lewisking50]

How to know Shad is really in Australia: Random Didgeridoo sounds in the background 3:10

[@Archimedes.5000]

Oh you are right lol

[@aubreyackermann8432]

The ambient music is clearly modded

[@ricolange4978]

That's a plane

[@aubreyackermann8432]

@@ricolange4978 yes, but it's funny it sounds like a digeridoo

[@junichiroyamashita]

Reminds me of when i used to play Ty the Tazmanian tiger.

[@xXScissorHandsXx]

TY! This is definitely a case of seeing the title and a "why the hell havent I seen that before?" Good stuff 👍

[@superpowerhouse653]

To show you the cutting power of this wood cutting axe, I CHOPPED THIS WOOD IN HALF!

[@eyeballpapercut4400]

Me who's both a forester and a historical weapon enthusiast: *confused screaming*

[@DavidGuild]

Please do explain all the things he did wrong!

[@eyeballpapercut4400]

@@DavidGuild it's a joke as forester I would be terrified if forced to cut timber or split wood with that thin ax as a historical weapon enthusiast I would be horrified thinking of potential of utterly destroying the ax edge

[@ForeverDegenerate]

@@eyeballpapercut4400 Yeah... you make a good point that Shad didn't mention. Even if you COULD effectively cut wood with a Battle Axe, you wouldn't be able to cut much because the edge of that axe would dull REALLY fast and, as you pointed out, potentially break due to reliance on the edge to cut through more than the shape and weight of the axe's head. My take-away from this video and your comments is that if I'm going adventuring and I know I'm going to need to farm wood for fire, fabrication, and/or construction, a One-Handed Wood Chopping Axe is the way to go.

[@eyeballpapercut4400]

@@ForeverDegenerate It's better to just bring prepacked fuel like tiny gas canisters or paraffin blocks and portable metal stoves/fireplaces tho. Especially in my place where its tropical and only dry fuel sources are twigs and dry leaves at the perimeter of the forest not inside, or making wood chips and shavings with machetes. We only use axes when there is a log in the way. Smaller obstacles only need machetes and hand saws. Meanwhile the gentlemen in the woodworking shed will use three types of axes, but sometimes they'll just use power tools.

[@michaelo5665]

Let's also add that a splitting axe is by no means the best choice for chopping or felling. I come from a family of loggers and I often take three different axes out with me. Well technically two axes and a splitting maul. edited for atrocious misspellings

[@stiffiedickerson278]

When it came to cutting the smaller branches it's why we have the double bit Ax in many circumstances we have a long handle(fulcrum) and wide wedge for splitting. A narrower side for cutting good and sharp narrow wedge and at least one choke point to decrease the total length. Keeping the splitting end a bit dull isn't uncommon while the cutting end is quite sharp.

[@stephensteinhauer3346]

The ax I inherited from my grandfather was a double bit. It traveled to Kansas from the East Coast in a settlers wagon. As a curious kid I asked him why it wasn't symmetrical, and he took me out in the yard to show me the difference between cutting and splitting.

[@stiffiedickerson278]

@@stephensteinhauer3346 absolutely the double bit ax is a powerful tool for wood harvesting mine is from Michigan a bit wider bearded on one end. Its a really helpful tool from both ends. Not too good as a weapon though sadly lol

[@whearts]

In my part of Texas, where we have as much rock as dirt, one side is for cutting below the ground line and one side is for cutting above the ground. Above the ground is where you are not chipping the blade and can keep a keen edge. My job as a child was to clear fields of cedar, juniper to the rest of you, and the knee high or less was easily chopped with the chipped blade while the shoulder high cedar used the keen edge to chop limbs to clear the way to the trunk and then the chipped edge to cut it off below the dirt line. Get back to me when you are chopping 2,000 finger to ankle thick trees a day and I'll show you a Shad that has Abs like Ahnuld the Burburiyun.

[@SaltySlug]

Been a subscriber for a couple years now and you still never disappoint

[@Scoob505]

I love this guy, haha, he is so sweet and enthusiastic, and shares my passion in this stuff.

[@symphonicconvergence5974]

Man now I just want to see a one handed vs two handed battle axe test, perhaps with living trees vs deadwood, how does the axe damage vary through long term vs short term use? Man so many questions this video proposes, hopefully this is the start of a greater axe trend

[@skylerstevens8887]

I think your axing to much.

[@brotherandythesage]

Just like Tod's videos brings up more questions than answers.

[@osek64]

"it's just a flash wound" - Ben the black knight :D

[@SullenSecret]

Thank you for making this video and testing these in various ways. I've always wandered about this. Great job, as always.

[@Zolcos]

Designing an axe for both carpentry and fighting is exactly what the Vikings did. Thrand tested some axes like that.

[@AtlasdeStKnight]

I'm glad someone mentioned the Vikings. A lot of the Viking's weapons had to be multipurpose/based of common tools. Seax knives, axes, spears, etc. Most weren't just soldiers or raiders but also farmers and craftsmen. They even had a word for peasant armies. Plus they were traveling and so they made every pound count

[@JL-ti3us]

That full-sized axe swing made me scared😂not because of the power or anything, but just because Shad made it look so easy. You may have had a future as an executioner had you been born in the middle ages shad😂I love all the videos you’ve been doing lately talking to everyone from Sargon to Critical Drinker to the community of the Sword. Keep up the good work sir.

[@richardaubrecht2822]

For splitting wood, you just need to make the axe moving. Gravity does most of the work. You'll get more tired with small axe than with the big one.

[@mrfreddorenton]

Axe 1: EASY! Axe 2: DECENT! Axe 3: WORKS WELL! Axe 4: HAPPENED EXACTLY AS I WAS EXPECTING! Loved those post-axing exclamations Shad

[@fettsvette9435]

These are the types of questions I never knew to ask but always wanted to know. Thanks shad

[@chinitoliu]

Hearing Shad do battle grunts while chopping wood adds to the adventure

[@PontusWelin]

I can second that boom recommendation! I was pleasantly surprised! Before I got it, I was thinking “oh another youtuber with a book. Woopdieedoo.” But I had my audible subscription and wasn’t sure what to get next so I gave the book a go. And wow! It is genuinely great! I’m proud of you Shad! I’m looking forward to reading more in the future. 🤩

[@grimknight3121]

I too like that book.

[@DerNachtmar]

What we've actually learned today is that chopping wood is more difficult than chopping humans.

[@wisemankugelmemicus1701]

I would usually just say, “yeah, no shit” But most people don’t think about just how sturdy the average log of wood is, and how *not* sturdy the average human is

[@viviengemai9796]

@@wisemankugelmemicus1701 Now imagine fighting ents and dryads and start respecting the orcs of Saruman.

[@crappyusername69]

This is why I hate when treefolk are given the flammable property in games and such. We burn a lot easier than wood does too. Its thickness is the reason why we burn it!

[@reddytoplay9188]

@@crappyusername69 that just means it burns longer. It takes damage longer than humans.

[@rusdanibudiwicaksono1879]

@@crappyusername69 To be fair, poor treefolk basically doused in _molten iron._

[@IceBlueEyesX]

Glad I stuck around for the ending on this one. Rather interesting video, overall. I'd always been curious about that, and what actually would work (wood work) versus what fantasy in media makes you think would work.

[@mikaelgobeilvelasquez7396]

I just got your book. I'm looking forward to starting it.^^

[@mew357941]

Here we have Shad, in the Shadlands, shading.

[@aubreyackermann8432]

Maybe spell it Shadding so it doesn't look like he's taken up art

[@mew357941]

@@aubreyackermann8432 I see I see. But I can't edit it now since I'll lose the heart thing. Sorry. 😅

[@baronvonbrunn8596]

Now I know why in Australia it isn´t uncommon for people to have more than one axe, at least two. One type for woodcutting, one type for snakes.

[@szucsattila1417]

This video is a perfect example of edutainment. Very educative, very entertaining and just naturally good. Very well done!

[@jasonschumacher1412]

listened to the first 2 hrs of Shad's Shadow of the Conqueror because I finished Brandon Sanderson's stormlight archive (very good and long books, more than 130 hrs between the main books, not including Edge dancer) and was very glad I did, I can tell its gunna be a good fantasy even if your coming from something as large and good as Sanderson's books and quite a bit different feel which is a nice change, also you can feel Shad in his writing which is a great thing in this case, also the narrator has great voice acting making each character feel special without overdoing his work, and Im thinking about reading some books narrated by him just for his performance (also the sole reason I remembered to get Shad's novel).

[@DZ-1987]

I have a feeling that says "There's going to be woodcutting elites that are going to say 'you're cutting the wood wrong!' won't there?"

[@TomaszDurlej]

I was thinking about saying this. Yes he isn’t doing it in good way. But doing it in good way will be changing nothing. Battle axe isn’t woodworking axe, just isn’t. It can be used for some work, shure.

[@candyman9635]

Hi Woodcutting Elite here. I have 47 axes of varying lengths, I have one that I use to slay the redwoods. It's 7 meters long. You know I'm serious. He's cutting the wood wrong.

[@notonlyhuman6073]

Shad: I’m out in the Shadlands doing some adventuring The same fallen tree from the last 4 videos: 👀

[@tanmad21]

I think if Shad went adventuring he would probably just split the wood with his bare hands - Captain America style.

[@gaberielpendragon]

For splitting branches I always found heel strikes to work well with one end on ground the other on a log. The saw or axe always felt like more work for the same result.

[@kleinjahr]

He's a lumberjack and he's ok...

[@RauMichael]

He sleeps all night and he works all day

[@de14jabs]

Cuts down trees, and eats his lunch...

[@peterholley5802]

He goes to the lavatory

[@J.R.Penrice]

I wish I was a girly, just like my dear Papa.

[@Aikurisu]

Careful, Shad. I swear that Ent hiding in the background is preparing to strike after seeing you hack into his dead waifu again and again...

[@richardbonnette490]

Just glanced at this video after never watching your videos for awhile and I have to say, your editing skills have definitely improved. Your added images are more immersive and relevant. Keep up that good work!

[@StrikaAmaru]

13:00 and that's why just about every axe I ever saw had a wedge splitting the top of the handle - to increase the handle's diameter, and tightly affix the axe head.

[@akumaking1]

I can’t recall the exact phrase, but the Warhammer Drawfs believe no tool should have a single purpose. Edit: I mean, Warhammer Dwarfs dislike swords because they're only useful in war, but they prefer pickaxes, hammers, etc.

[@Mike23443]

Ah yes, I'm sure glad my surgeon is using a scalculator rather than just a scalpel.

[@dionjaywoollaston1349]

@no or maybe yes as well as a fourth and fifth use: annoying the elves and yelling profanity/insults at them. The dwarves are basically a combination of the Scottish and Germans, extreme vulgarity mixed with top tier craftsmanship

[@the11382]

@@Mike23443 a what?

[@Mike23443]

@@the11382 You know... a scalculator. A scalpel and a calculator put together. Because no tool should have only one use.

[@DFloyd84]

Alton Brown, of Good Eats, has said that he doesn't like specialized kitchen tools for similar reasons. However, the only single-purpose tool he keeps in his kitchen is a fire extinguisher.

[@byronvonedmund]

Imagine Hector from FE7 using Armads just to chop wood

[@phenjaws569]

Funnily enough, in the mobile game, when you talk to axe wielders, most of them will say something about chopping wood.

[@PistolDoom]

I had a thought about designing an ‘adventuring axe’ where the axe head thickness is between a tool axe and a battle axe. Something that can be used for making camp but in an emergency it’s a suitable weapon.

[@kiethepl33p45]

lovely video as always Mr. shad :D