Lets talk about axes! ........Radical Bushcraft (part 3)

Which axe is the right axe for you? What makes an axe do certain tasks well? Lets talk about axes and what to look for in an axe.

[@underthecarolinasky2363]

Dave, My father was a tree guy for over 60 years. He cut down trees all across the country. In the 60's he was a topper for the Davey Tree Company. Everything you said here today is exactly what he taught me! -Mike

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Mike!!

[@dragonangel1786]

Thanks for sharing your years of practical experience. I love your no nonsense approach to things. Keep the great videos coming, Dave.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks CA!

[@Whipple1]

Worked in the woods falling PA hardwoods for several years. Carried a 4 1/2 pound single bit axe for two things: pounding plastic wedges to keep my felling kerf open and fir the occasional job of chopping out a stuck chainsaw. Don't think I ever sharpened that axe more than once a year. Good info Dave. Cheers! Whipple1

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Brother!

[@masonyuzwa8717]

Hey im from pa !

[@dogie1070]

I never understood the difference between a hatchet and an axe. Thank you for explaining it so well!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@wituikbws]

Finally, someone in this community to point out the issues with modern “bushcrafters” and their fancy, overpriced, inefficient, mainstream “have to have this to be a bushcrafter” gear. I specifically love your hatchet point. I could never understand why most people on this platform carry a tiny hatchet. Like you pointed out though, those people probably don’t go that far into the back country where they actually have to rely on a real axe. Great video! Keep them coming :)

[@Bushradical]

Thanks!

[@themadleaf]

Bushradical let's you know the truth, and the truth will set you free! Lot of common sense there. 👍🍻

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@bobashmore6442]

Finally! Someone who understands the difference between a knife, a hatchet, an axe, and a maul and what each of them are for. My father taught me which tool was which, what each was used for, and how to use them when I was in the Boy Scouts and everything he said was nearly identical to what you just did, so the content is and has been well known by me but you're the first person I've seen on KZbin who knew it. There are a LOT of people who needed to hear this, thanks for passing this on so clearly.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Bob!!

[@keithclark6122]

Hey Dave! You're wrong! Not really, I just wanted to be the first to say so. Real world perspective gathered by experience and first hand observation, youtube needs more of this.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Keith

[@MostWantedOHA]

more good sound common sense , thanks Dave .!!! an be Radical Eh' ....!!!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks MWOHA.

[@BabakPA]

That was invaluable advice and I could not agree more! Thanks for the video

[@Bushradical]

Thanks!

[@standswithfish]

"An axe with a small handle is a hatchet". Thankyou! I do like my "hand axe ", but it's really a hatchet. Nice vid!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@toddm149]

Thanks so much for this video you did such a good job of not just explaining but giving very good visuals!

[@brentreynolds5812]

Great advice! Thanks Dave!

[@glendacrouch1877]

You always teach me so much!

[@doesabear__inthewoods7128]

This video really opened my eyes to my collection of axes and how I sharpen and use them. Thank you.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@littlepony6762]

Very interesting, remember my dad taking an axe and small hatchet with us camping Thank You 👍

[@mapesdhs597]

I realise now that when I had to cut down a storm damaged tree a few years ago, likewise some branches, I was only 'correctly' using my maintained-sharp (smallish) axe entirely by accident. I've so far never had to split wood, but now I know what to look for and use should I ever need to, which definitely isn't my sharp titchy axe. :D Thanks for the excellent guide! Dealing with another larger storm damaged tree some time after, I found my late step-Dad's likewise smallish chainsaw. I asked the local pro tree felling guy to do it (he had a proper chainsaw, and of course the experience, was happy to pay him for the work), but he persuaded me to try it myself. Got the job done kinda messily on the first attempt, tidied up the stump nice & good the next day. Trying these tasks for the fast time, one quickly acquires newfound respect for those who do it daily in their profession or chosen lifestyle with relevant skill, efficiency and safe practice.

[@PavlovsBob]

Wise words from solid experience. Well done Dave as always.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Bob

[@chrislonsberry4571]

I love your perspective on things and this is no different. Use your tool in the manner it was meant to be used. From a previous video, the most important book on axes is the book of personal experience! Great video! Keep em coming!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Chris!

[@robertalbert623]

Great video!

[@mr.waynes7555]

I fully agree with all that you said, I used to heat my house strictly from the wood stove for right at 11 years...go out cut down dead n standing buck em up into wood stove size, bring em home and then the splitting starts, get them all split during the week and when the weekend gets here, go do it again, and don’t stop until I’m sure I will have enough to last into spring, every year repeat. I feel very fortunate that I never seriously hurt my self.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks MR.W!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Great advice and tips.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Lonnie! And thanks for the hospitality, the great visit and the wonderfull dinner. Please tell Connie we said thanks again, we had a great time and it was awesome to meet you both.

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

@@Bushradical I read your message to Connie and we are both really glad to have met you folks. That was a great time we had and we are looking forward to the next time whenever that may be. I personally am REALLY looking forward to trying someday in the future a certain fresh squeezed lime and coconut milk drink recipe that you folks told us about. It sounds almost good enough to justify the multi hundred mile round trip just to try it out. Take care you two.

[@larrytischler8769]

Do much debunking in so little space. Thanks for clearing up the fog, Dave

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Larry

[@MrFlyrod7]

Great info Dave. Your right too. I glanced off a tree, in the 70s, I was felling as a kid and it went through the steel eye and leather of my WWII combat boots. Ended up with stitches, but still had my foot due to the heavy boots. Great wisdom sir and thanks.

[@howardmanuel]

You told us good stuff. I learned when I was a kid. We used 12 cord of firewood a year to cook and heat the cabin I grew up in. Bowsaw sledge hammer wedges and axe got wood ready to use. I believe I have Grandfather's double bitted axe. He cleared land for 25 cents a day.

[@diannaharrison5931]

Thank you Dave. I always thought that from what I heard. Nice.

[@OzMan9989]

With about 2k views, you probably saved 100 toes. 😀

[@Bushradical]

LOL, I hope you're right! Thanks

[@AlmostHomestead]

Good info Dave. Really enjoying this series.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@bushlifeaholick790]

Spot on!! I’m glad you set allot of ppl strait on this one

[@Bushradical]

Thanks!!

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Thanks Dave! Good info, ur saving limbs & digits!!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks C2F!

[@Glennoutdoors]

Great video very informative . I always thought an ax had to be razor sharp but now I understand thanks again .

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Glenn.

[@masonyuzwa8717]

I love this vids, diffent from the norm, and will hopefully help ppl out in nature, i knew a good bit because im from the sticks of pa, but did learn a couple things, ! 👍

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@scottsmith4111]

Hey Dave great video I thank you so very much for this video very educational I've been wanting to know a lot of stuff about axes and you explained it very well

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@johnmadden6656]

The Radical Bushcraft series are right on point. I dare you to go into the internet acclaimed most important bushcraft skill of batonning wood with a knife (as in when you need to). That will get some feelings hurt. BTW, I've seen a couple your videos where you are splitting wood while it's on the ground. I have never tried that. Always put it on a stump. Since that seems like 3 times the work of just splitting it on the ground I am going to give it a try.

[@randysilvers3738]

A lot of great information on this video. Safe and practical. You may have prevented some trips to emergency rooms. I may have been one of those. It makes sense with you explaining it and it was like a light bulb being turned on. Thanks for what you do..

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Randy!

[@jonathanjones5282]

Really honest information. I use a chainsaw and a mail,I have no central heating only wood stoves and this system as worked well for me for 5 years. Great videos, thanks.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Jonathan

[@ardysmith9987]

Agree 100% , I'am 50 an I only tell my kids an grand kids these commonsense things because the worst people to waste your time telling is , people who woke yesterday an believe they know work . My motto is teach the ones I love and try an help out the young who I care enough about not see get hurt. I great-full to know your channel because people see you speak truth . Keep up the good work.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Ardy, I appreciate the comment.

[@davekibbey7944]

Again, you give good practical information and advice. Use the right tool for the job at hand. My splitting tool of choice is and 8lb. splitting maul.

[@Bushradical]

Right on, Thanks

[@imhigh0013]

Loved this content; it helps me understand some basics that I simply missed growing up. One that stands out I mention because most guys will want to own one. A small axe/hatchet with a hammering opposite side. Its called a carpenters axe. It is best defined by what narrator says, its a cutter used for hewing and shaping. Never knew that as a kid. Glad this fella points it out. Makes sense once I learned it was a ' carpenter' axe. Great for a carry kit.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@TressaZimmerman]

That was a great explanation. It made perfect sense. Thanks.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks TZ

[@VortalexTheDruid]

This is a very well done video.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@Sketcher93]

Wow you were moving through that pile of wood. Thanks for sharing the radical wisdom ❤️

[@Bushradical]

You are so welcome

[@huaweipesiartrip2778]

Dave...thanks a lot bro...for acknowledging bushcraft tools base upon functionality...

[@Bushradical]

Thanks!

[@gosmoothgolight7567]

Thanks for the fine food for thought, sir! I just picked up a military surplus bow saw to process smaller limbs for my wood gassifier stove. Finally Boondocking full-time! I appreciate your insights ... God Bless :)

[@Bushradical]

Be safe out there Dave And keep me informed on good stories!

[@DanoLXF]

We can always count on the most sound, no BS advice from you Dave, thanks for sharing.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Dano

[@Blackopsmechanic338]

I learned a lot from this. Thank You. Peace

[@treyezell36]

well done & explained thanks ..... take care

[@stevenbaxter8452]

I really like the way you explain things. It just makes sense. Thank you for taking on the monster, hopefully you don’t get too much grief from the armchair critics.

[@yxcvmk]

The way you swing the axe is like an art for me, when I struggle with the large wedge style axe to split a few pieces of ready to use, bought firewood smaller, if the pieces are too large. Thank you for the input and the visual impressions!

[@Bushradical]

You're very welcome

[@gamecocks1958]

Great video Dave, you are a great teacher and you explain what you know in a way that anyone can understand it. I really have learned a lot from you and the best thing is your videos give me a lot of good material to try on my on. Thank you !!!!

[@Bushradical]

You're very welcome, Thanks Bradford

[@dalesknifes7982]

Totally agree with it and learned some thing I didnt know and didnt think about when using and sharping an axe

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@bryanmoir3184]

Smart , practical advise!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@NorthernWoodsmanElite]

Great tips !!! Thank you for sharing

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@Thornbeard]

Before I moved to Alaska I grew up around the timber industry in northern California, Humboldt county to be exact. Your information and advice is spot on.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Jason

[@stuartkcalvin]

Great insight, I agree with you.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks !!

[@cherylt8590]

Ty for all the imformation on axes,and my dad never sharpened his axes he used in the woods for years to split for firewood,I have one of his axes now in my old barn,and it's huge lol👍😊...

[@Bushradical]

thanks Cheryl

[@ruthiewrangler9864]

Good information. I have a splitting mall and that's what works for me. 3 family households heat with wood so we split a lot of wood. But we are getting soft and have a splitter for the larger oak. Also two Gerber Hatchets. 1 on the Quad and one in the Jeep. I always enjoy hearing your opinion on equipment and daily living events. Thanks Dave and stay safe out there.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Ruthie

[@DavidRoush1689]

I appreciate the last two videos from this series.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks DR!

[@alanwilliams5836]

Great topic Dave! ... right on the money. I keep my camping hatchet sharp as can be, and I keep my splitting ax "tongue-safe". I mostly use saws for felling medium sized trees (I don't do large trees). Them I cut to length, again with a saw. Then I split them with the splitting ax (or a maul). Same as you are demonstrating. If I'm making kindling, I'll use the hatchet at that point.

[@Bushradical]

Right on , Thanks AL!

[@QuartzUTG]

i have always found best success with a maul for splitting and traditional axe for felling. you are definitely correct on everything you said on here. I am sure you hurt someones feelings somewhere, but sometimes truth hurts. good info. thanks again Dave!

[@michaelzimmerman8959]

Good info, thanks dave.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@backdoor5993]

Hey Dave, thanks for your insight into axes. Your repeated reference to a framing hammer was especially helpful as a reminder that not one size fits all. A tool should feel comfortable in its use. Good talk, thanks!

[@Bushradical]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JoshuaSmithHomesteader]

Dave that was axeually just spot on. Take us on a hike in Alaska and tell us another good story. Cheers!!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks JS

[@returntoyehovahthelord6185]

Dave, Good stuff. I for one learned something. Thanks.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@MichaelR58]

Dave, thanks for sharing 👍

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@mn7803]

Good points! Thanks.

[@kirkhobbs9003]

That's an awesome vid Dave - perfect - you did a great job on the axe scene - you have a blessed day mate - kirk out for now

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Kirk!!

[@doughroasterbushcraftandsu3947]

One of the best discussions I’ve seen on social media thanks for the common sense approach 👍🏻 new sub for ya brother

[@Bushradical]

Thanks fort the sub!!!

[@doughroasterbushcraftandsu3947]

Bushradical you’re welcome thanks for the reply can I just ask would you like another go at Alone but on your own like Brooke did Dave?your shelter was awesome btw and the draughtboard (checkers)I’m English lol was inspiring 👍🏻

[@juliemaddux9833]

Thanks for the info. I totally understand the difference.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@adamslater4592]

Talk about a common sense video on axes. People definitely needed to hear this. Shit, even I needed to hear this. I’m actually in the market for a solid heavy axe. I’m not gonna be felling trees, I’m not gonna be doing fine wood work with it. I need a splitter. This makes me feel a lot better about goin to menards and buying a true temper for 30 bucks and being done with it. All I need it for is splitting wood for the fire pit anyways. When I do need a fine carving tool I have my gransfors camp hatchet. And I actually do use it to carve with. I make spatulas, slingshots, handles for knives, I carve spoons and other things I probably forgot about. When I’m carving I’m not gonna be lookin for the boys axe. Thanks for the video. This will save somebody’s shins for sure. One of my favorites. Later Dave. Trenton, ND

[@Bushradical]

Thanks A million Adam. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jordanl7459]

I really like this one. Thanks

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@grumpyjohntxredneckrc6346]

Great Video Dave! PS I Have A Few Of Them Old 1st Style Hatchets That You Shown, Butt It's A Roofing Hammer For Splitting/Nailing Wood Shake Shingles & Wide Blade w/Nail-Puller Is Also A Gauge For The Overlaps! Later & Newer Models Have A Square Cross Hatched Head For Pounding Larger Headed Roofing Nails/Tacks & A Razor Blade Insert For Cutting On Modern Tab+ Style Shingles... Thanks

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@woodsweezell7596]

Good info..all correct.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@jimrowland6089]

Good stuff Dave.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Jim

[@deerfarm5982]

Dave...great common sense axe talk....thank you!!! i believe the same way!!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks DF

[@frederickvansickle2416]

Good stuff!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@zRockin1]

Hi Dave, I totally agree, Rock On!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Z!

[@antpilig6256]

Good information 👍 thank you 😊................JJ..

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@alexanderweaver9182]

Thank you, Dave. I'm a novice and always thought axes should be sharp like knives...ehh! Glad you put me straight!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks AW

[@PATCsawyer]

Nice explanation of chopping (which few people do) and splitting (which is the primary use of today's axes). I actually chop so my axe IS razor sharp.

[@tylerbarton7485]

This needs to have more views. This is the important stuff!!!!

[@tonygaetani1892]

You make a lot of sense Dave!!!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@shawnr771]

Good solid information. I live in Texas. I do not have to split a lot of firewood for the winter. Most of the wood I collect from trimming neighbors trees, storm broken limbs etc, throughout the year. A large axe is pretty much not needed for me. Use an electric chainsaw for length cutting. I use a hatchet to set a groove and then a wedge and a 6 pound hammer to dplit This also much easier on my body. I can sit on a bucket and work.

[@Bushradical]

thanks!

[@kickyourfacification]

Thank you. I’m new to axes 🪓 and I put my splitting ax in my shin…5 stitches…it was razor sharp.

[@1tallo]

Great video Dave! However, I carry my great grandpa’s Snow & Nealley (LL Bean) Hudson Bay from the 30’s when back country camping. Original handle. It does everything I need it to extremely well. I love that old axe and will pass it to my son when the time comes. When splitting wood for my house, though, I use a maul and an old Collins that was also passed down. I only use the Hudson for kindling around the house. Have a great day!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks 1tallo.

[@ed5042]

excellent!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@randygarmon7382]

Lots of solid information Dave. I think this very same thing when I see guys with their surgically polished camp axes trying to split fire wood from a standing position with the wood knee high. Pretty to look at but scary to watch them being used sometimes. Safety first or at least third! Good subject!

[@Bushradical]

THANK RANDY....well said!

[@brianmulligan6239]

Great info!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@GaerHampton]

Great video Dave! You pretty much say about everything that I've figured out over the years regarding axes.........but which few people to nobody ever says. Especially in the case of the sharpness issue. I'm still trying to figure out what camp hatchets are actually supposed to be used for. They seem to fall into one of a few categories: 1) to perform tasks that you can probably do better with a fixed blade knife 2) be a good way to cut off a finger or two 3) be way too short and light to actually chop much of anything. My hatchet pretty much just lives in the garage. I'll take an axe with me over a hatchet any day, even if I'm going to be carrying in my gear for a camp out. I did see an odd sight last fall while up in Colorado hanging out at an outfitter's camp for a few hours. They were using an Estwing axe to split firewood (aspen). I can't think of a long-ish axe that is less suited for firewood splitting! Oh well, at least Estwings are durable, which might come in handy when you have city slicker clients in camp.

[@Bushradical]

YES!!! I totally agree about the estwing axe. Its about the thinnest axe money can buy. And its light.

[@andrewsarles3520]

That ash splits nice yeah! Nice info!

[@Bushradical]

Yeah it does.

[@drunkenblacklocustbushcraf2857]

I just listened to "Axe" by The Steel Woods. Then I came back to watch this a second time. Rock on Dave!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks DBB!

[@TonyGeneseo]

Cool video and absolutely true ! Grew up cutting 10 cord tree length w my dad and brother. With chainsaws obviously. And we were the “ wood splitter “ ! And like u said if it wasn’t 10” or so it didn’t need to b split ! We mostly used a splitting maul but did have a wedge and sledge for any huge stuff. Dad welded a piece of pipe to the head to protect the handle. Made it a little heavier but it saved on handles cause u over shoot a lot when ur young. Lmao. Great video ! Brought back a lot of memories of splitting wood. Hope all is well Dave

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Tony

[@EKEACRES]

Well Done Dave. Thumbs up.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@mwnciboo]

Good point...I have a 3pt Hydraulic Wedge splitter, it is blunt as hell...but splits wood all day long never missing a beat.

[@Bushradical]

Right on

[@Starkraven100]

Well Done, Dave !!!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks !

[@SamuelLarsonAdventures]

Totally agree on your "axe theory" lesson. If you want to split any size of hard wood, you need a big-ish axe. When I was in northern quebec this winter the Cree split and burned a lot of live black spruce. It took way too many strikes to try to split these with the council tool woodcrafter that I brought (trying to save weight in my checked back). Great axe for small trees, carving, and photo shoots... not so great for getting after medium trees. I always believed what you've said and shared the same philosophy, but I definitely reinforced these beliefs the hard way!

[@Bushradical]

Right on! Thanks Sam. Have you ever read the accounts of Samuel Herne or John Rae.....? They were Hudson Bay guys and did some amazing trips in Cree country.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Oh that was funny. Hate mail. I had a Hudson's Bay axe from 12 yrs on. I loved that thing. I had a Nordlund for a while here but silly me sold it at the yard sale. But I had six different axes at the time. I collect them like stray dogs. I spent more replacing the handles than they were worth.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Jeff.

[@stephensgate1]

Nothing but the truth! Well said Dave. -Stephen, Ohio

[@Bushradical]

Thanks !!

[@rondakudrna2054]

Smart info!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@linklesstennessee2078]

Good information dave

[@Bushradical]

Thanks LT