My opinion of Cruiser Axes

Who doesn't love a cruiser axe! A nice small double bit, easy to carry, well balanced.......BUT, the pragmatist in me just has to tell the truth about what these little axes can and can't do well. In this video I want to take a very common sense look at cruiser axes.
Dave Whipple

[@SkillCult]

A few thoughts. If you don't think a felling edge is not any good for splitting, a double bit with one side ground for each task seems very versatile. An axe that size can do plenty of work. It seems like most I've seen are about 2 1/2 lb whereas the average boy's axe is usually 2 1/4 Both can do plenty of work. I like having a poll as well, but I also don't mind splitting the small wood that I chop with a small felling axe like a boy's axe that is ground for felling. I find it remarkably effective in green wood with good technique. Not the smooth sailing of using a larger axe or maul for sure, but doable. If you're sawing out big rounds of whatever tangly, spongy, dried, large wood, then a small axe obviously has limitations, but wood that is chopped with an axe is likely to be in a reasonable range for splitting with that same axe. I have always assumed that the cruiser developed for use by professional timber cruisers, for which it seems like a great compromise axe for all manner of marking, chopping, clearing brush, limbs and trees. It is capable of everything and is small enough to use briefly with one hand, same as the boy's axe, but more versatile and with the junk edge for rough work. I think I will continue to favor smallish polled axes for general forestry work, but am about to haft up a cruiser I have sitting around, so who knows. I've not used them enough to be sure I don't love one as an everyday axe, but I'm suspecting not. Context is everything though.

[@Bushradical]

I totally agree. Everything you said is reasonable and well thought out. A double with a blade filed for grub work does make a cruiser versatile. But I sure miss the poll when using a double. I just came to the conclusion after years of collecting and using axes that I can't find a use for a cruiser that a boys axe can't cover.... and have the advantage of a poll. Good comment. You obviously have some time on an axe. Good thoughts.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

It’s good to see you here, Stephen. In my mind, you guys have a lot in common-both of you guys have a very grounded worldview, which is why I keep coming back. Anyway, I’m headed out into the bush today, and I’ll be taking my boy’s axe and leaving my double-bit at home.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Spot on. There's getting by with what you got and there's just having the right tool from the beginning and not compromising and in a task where using a tool in a way it wasn't designed for can lead to a gash or serious injury out in the field, man, I'll stick to just using something for what it was made for. Personally, if I had to pick one do it all axe, it'd be a boy's axe in a Dayton pattern. I can do a lot safely with that, but I'd never over extend it. Luckily, me being an axe hoe, I never have to worry about which to use. I just bought everything I could ever want & need. Life is so much easier like that. Have a good feller, a boy's axe, a Hudson bay for recreational use and just picked up a nice little carpentry axe for crafting. But if it had to be one, give me that plain jane 28" boy's axe hands down.

[@user-ms5pf2we4e]

I have an old Genuine Norland Camper. I have used it for 40 years. I use it for driving plastic wedges to keep my saw chain going

[@1jlquinn]

Dave, I found your channel today quite by accident, and I've watched a few of your videos. This one about the cruiser axe really hit home. Although I'm now retired, in the last year I have rekindled a boyhood love of axes/hatchets, and I've purchased several. I've been really thinking about acquiring a cruiser lately, but I have a problem. I really have no use for it. I live in suburbia and my axe work is almost exclusively limited to clearing fallen branches and re-splitting some of the firewood I've ordered. Sometimes facing reality is tough. Keep up the good work with your videos.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Jim.

[@drq814]

I never thought having one in the woods for bushcraft. Thanks Dave.

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

I completely agree...not a carry axe. But I definitely would have one handy on site. Thanks for sharing!

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Thank you for your insight... I'm new to axes. Still learning...

[@Bushradical]

What do you plan to do most with an axe ( chop or split) ? I shot one other video about axes. I'll upload it in a day or two ...it might have some info for you too.

[@ahikernamedgq]

I really like cruiser axes; they're iconic and pleasant to look at. But, my favorite type of axe is a Stihl chainsaw.

[@AmericanWilderness]

As much as I love cruisers, I gotta agree with you Dave. Only way I'm carrying a double bit is if it's got over a 30 inch handle and has some good weight to it. But still that's only if I'm planning on felling a few trees. Not great for overall camping/bushcrafty stuff. -Josh

[@Bushradical]

Totally agree Josh!

[@gary8033]

Awesome video Dave. Question: How many axes, from a utility standpoint should a person have/need for "off grid" living? Thanks in advance and thanks for videos. They're practical and useful for me being from south central Michigan with plans of moving to my property in the U.P. 👍👍

[@codybrookehanson2346]

Good point on the poll. I have split lots of wood with mine though and it's my favorite in hand and aesthetically but it tends to stay out of my rotation... I can't seem to find a use for mine that one of my others doesnt do better.

[@Bushradical]

Right on

[@RobinEsch]

I appreciate this video, thanks!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks RobinEsch.

[@thomasdinkelspiel1098]

Polls are really nice but a chunk of wood works as good or better for pounding wedges. A double has far superior balance and feels better in the swing. As long as one bit wasnt thinned out too much, you can file up a pretty decent splitting grind. A cruiser is typically a quarter lb heavier than a boys axe as well. I love my cruisers but if never ever recommend one for any sort of new axe user. They are potentially quite dangerous. Lots of good points in your great video!

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Thomas. I like cruisers too, but I just can't find a single thing I need one for where another axe wouldn't be better. Thats just my opinion, but I still like them.

[@rogerjohnson3478]

What say make sense. But the double bit is all my grandpa Johnson had. That is what he used to spilt wood with. I wish I had learned more from him than I had. He was amazing.

[@elijahdimke5353]

I am mostly a large knife user but have single bit axe experience and never found myself using an axe for anything other that felting trees.I can’t get over the look or feel of the double bit,is there any safety advice that could be really important,it would be appreciated.

[@PATCsawyer]

What he said...... My only use of a cruiser axe was as a "show and tell item" while working at a Michigan lumbering museum. Quite fond of the Montreal pattern boy's axe though.

[@winterradicallds8353]

I love my cruiser axe how ever I do agree with what your saying I only use my cruiser axe for making cider kindelling my Grandfather had me making cider kindeling from the age of 9, I still use that axe to this day and im now 62 old habits die hard I guess.I really enjoy your videos keep making them.

[@steveschilt7942]

As a young kid I started out with a cruiser axe. As I got older I went with the felling double bit. Now I'm a old man I'd like to find a cruisers axe. Funny how time changes everything 😂.

[@Bushradical]

Right on

[@SuperFasterMaster]

If you don't mind me asking what's that single bit you pull in?

[@Bushradical]

? I'm not sure

[@drunkenblacklocustbushcraf2857]

I've used them for path clearing work. chopping green wood for removal seems to be ideal work for the cruiser.

[@Bushradical]

Light green wood work...sounds about perfect for a cruiser.

[@saginawdan]

I'm in the process of "restoring" a cruiser that's been sitting in my garage for years. Why? Because it's cool. Will I use it? Probably not, but I love looking at it and feeling the balance in my hands. Thanks for the video Dave - 🌲🌲🌲

[@Bushradical]

right on

[@lanedexter6303]

I still miss the Plumb Cruiser I had around 1974. More than just cool, the Cruiser is sort of the Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman Tool of axes. It's handy to have in the trunk, when you don't have a truck full of tools. It's not the ideal tool for the job, but it can do a lot of jobs and it's the one you'll have in the trunk or tucked under the seat when the unexpected need arises.

[@Bushradical]

right on.

[@davidsnow9453]

Straight up truth about ax's and thank you,... well heck I'm 64 started out life fetching water from the well, burning coal oil lamps, shoveling coal for the stove, useing willow sticks for fishing poles, gathering eggs from the hen house, and I've never owned a double head ax ever, not only that, I've never known anybody that's ever owned one, not even what I called old timers when I was youth, never seen anybody have a double bit hanging in the wood shed or barn,..I always considered the darn things a cartoon ax, something you seen a cartoon lumberjack carrying around or a Hollywood actor in a movie,..I was actually surprised once this KZbin video stuff come out to see so darn many folks out there in the woods talking about them and drooling all over them.

[@Bushradical]

Lot of them up here in Michigan, but it was really a lumberjack's tool.....and lumberjacks haven't swung axes for a living in 75 years or more. People still buy them and think they're great......me ...I don't care for them.

[@egbluesuede1220]

I have a few collectible cruisers as wall hangers. They are cool tho.

[@ADVENTUREKM]

I think your right about the cruiser axe seems like they maybe good for a throwing axe?

[@Bushradical]

You "could" trow it I guess.

[@user-fp1hw1yr7x]

I think of my cruiser axe like a pocket knife. it ain't near the best for utility, but it's nice and light, throw it into your passenger seat or even a hip holster, it works well enough in a pinch and it looks nice to boot. mine is mostly for my more delicate (relatively anyway) carving, cause I can really whale on stuff with one side for roughing and leave the other side razor sharp for finer work plus it feels really nice in the hand and it definitely fells and chops well enough to be worth taking with me, even if I ain't got a project in mind.

[@jackharrison1478]

Completely agree Dave, a cruiser is cool, but is more of a specialist than an all rounder pack axe

[@Bushradical]

Yeah, I love the way they look and feel, but I don't use them because a single is just a more versatile tool.

[@9252LIFE]

I wish you could write some books on all these outdoors/backwoods tools because I probably won’t have internet in a few weeks when I’m on my new off grid property up their! I’d buy the first one! Just sayin!

[@Bushradical]

Maybe someday. Books are expensive to produce> I would love to write a book but I know the numbers and its a hard go.

[@noyb72]

It would have been a good idea to explain what a cruiser is and what the axe was made for. Cruisers today use fancy calculators and spray paint, and might not even know what the cruiser axe is for. I agree that there are better axes for general use, because a cruiser is designed as a specific tool for a specific job. I disagree about the boys axe though, really great axe to cruise with, especially since you won't be blazing trees with it.

[@regalbowman3143]

Have you given thought to doing videos on bush saws?

[@Bushradical]

I don't have much variety of experience , but I'll do a saw video soon on what I use.

[@Bushradical]

Hey RB, I plan to shoot a saw video this week.

[@constantgardener4517]

Nice. Love my cruiser. Haven’t used it in……. Still love it. Kinda like the Honda Crx of axes. Cute, desirable…. Not so effective, limited capacity, possibly dangerous. Still love my cruiser. ( Still miss my CRX too).

[@barryhopesgthope686]

Ok, you answered my question from a previous post. A boy's axe do you mean an axe fit for a "little man", or the maker?

[@Bushradical]

A boys axe is a small axe. Usually 28" long with a 2-2.5lb head

[@benscottwoodchopper]

Gotta admit, i started out 2018 with 5 double bits, now i have 2 because i sold/given away the rest. Much prefer using single bits except for like you say the felling cut

[@Bushradical]

Totally agree.

[@americanaxetoolco2076]

The original use for a cruiser was marking timber! We have 300 of em! Timber cruisers carried them! But yeah I get your point

[@douglasgibson6592]

It great for protection.

[@LarsRibe]

yes yes yes...but they look so cool! :-D

[@Bushradical]

Hey Lars! yeah I know...they look cool. I have a few my self...but I just call it the way I see it. But they are super cool. Just not practical.

[@LarsRibe]

Very rare to see a double bit over here - only axes for throwing are double bit.

[@drq814]

Thanks

[@Bushradical]

Thanks

[@KaylynnStrain]

if I were to buy an axe it would be a single edge like the second one you showed

[@Bushradical]

That would be my pics too.. Thanks for the view.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

A cruiser axe is a utility axe mainly for delimbing felled trees and clearing ways int he brush for loggers to walk through. Of course you can't expect it to perform tasks well that it wasn't designed for. Now, having said that, it's a great camp axe. I mean what does someone have to do at camp? Clear some saplings? Split some 4 or 5" logs? How much firewood does a person have to split to get a fire going even in the winter? Nobody's going to build a log cabin with it, but it's a great little axe. As for bushcraft, I wouldn't know about that. Not my genre, but for a woodsman? There's a reason they were mandatory kit on a saddle. :)

[@Bushradical]

Why can't I expect an axe to do what it wasn't designed for? There are thousands of folks out there who take a tiny little razor sharp Swedish job out into the woods and think its awesome for splitting. I may not be an expert, but I have split dozens and dozens of cords of wood with an axe. About 5 a winter on average for 20 years, 15 of them spent in Alaska, a couple years were "off grid". I may not be right about a lot of things but I can't find a thing that a cruiser axe is good for that another axe wouldn't do better at. When I go camping I take a full size axe. period.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Well, if you attempt to split a 10" log with a cruiser axe, you're going to have to work a lot harder than had you used a boy's axe for example. Also, you're stressing the tool a lot more which is never a good thing. There's a reason axes are designed to be used in specific tasks. For example, for cutting firewood for a house, I'd use a heavier axe than a backpacking axe. For carving out a blank for a project, I'd use a smaller crafting axe. It's just that old "right tool for the job" mantra. As for Swedish axes, they suck. I've only had one good one, but they aren't made for American woods (probably because Scandinavia is heavily softwood forests over there). They just aren't made to withstand heavy work on American hardwoods. They chip easy and have to be re-profiled right out the box. I don't know of any woodsmen that actually use tiny axes in the woods around my way. :) For splitting kindling and for taking out saplings to clear a campsite? Sure, a cruiser would be fine, but it's not what one would use for example for a hunting camp or for major work in the field. It's just too short and too light. That makes it dangerous.

[@Bushradical]

I feel the same way

[@Bushradical]

Thanks for the comment!

[@redcanoe14]

I do not have one of these amongst my 30 axes, I have 2 double-bits and probably about 8 axes over 2.5lbs

[@Bushradical]

You can never have too many axes!

[@redcanoe14]

Haha!!...your my kind of man brother :)

[@J-S2014]

The only bad thing is the safety and they make set covers for your blades also you can turn your axe on its side if your trying to hammer in stakes or even nails

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Sarah

[@glenncampbell3428]

I agree with your idea of a single bit axe being better than a double bit axe for the woods. However, if the cruiser is the only axe you have it is EXCELLENT! The axeman will be able to adjust to using just the double bit cruiser. YET, i still prefer the single bit axes. If a person is in a fixed camp setting with no long distance walking the heaver 3 1/2 lb axe is just the ticket to use. However, if many miles of walking is to be done, the boys axe is the way to go. Heavy enough to do serious chopping, yet light enough to carry vast distances. The perfect survival axe is the boys axe.

[@Bushradical]

Totally agree. A cruiser would do just fine, but I would always take a good single. Thanks for the comment. Cheers!

[@CXonthefly]

A cruiser Axe really good for Paper Company cutting down paper trees

[@gobangs1117]

I think splitting zombie heads would it's niche.

[@Bushradical]

Zombie splitting machine!!! For everything else, idle take a single bit. LOL

[@1hillbilly]

Their good for throwing.

[@Bushradical]

There is always that I guess....

[@jimbobojim4634]

Do you have any axes you use for shaping?

[@Bushradical]

Not really. Every axe I have would either be in the group "felling" of the group "Splitting" . You mean like a small thin bitted axe someone might use to rough out a cigar store indian?

[@jimbobojim4634]

@@Bushradical my bad, disregard that. "Carving" axes is what I meant.

[@Bushradical]

What do you mean by carving axes?

[@jimbobojim4634]

@@Bushradical they're a smaller axe, I believe them to be thin, and I've seen a few videos of people doing a final hew with them. They have them on amazon, some are broader than others.

[@jimbobojim4634]

@@Bushradical www.amazon.com/McGowan-FireStone-Carving-Axe/dp/B0002AJ7DY/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1546389875&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=carving+axe&dpPl=1&dpID=31mIOqWsVwL&ref=plSrch

[@xWhiteRice]

gonna disagree. a full size felling axe isn't convenient for saplings. it's too heavy for a pack. and it's too heavy to be swinging overhead at low branches if you're clearing trails. But a hatchet isn't quite heavy enough to get the job done. And two bits means you can cut twice as long. Also I think you're underselling the work a boys axe or cruiser can do. They split branches for a campfire just fine, where a full size axe would be too big to hit accurately. I'm a big fan of my cruiser. It's my new go to when I need something bigger than a hatchet but smaller than a felling axe.

[@Bushradical]

To each their own, I just can't find a practical use for a small double bit.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

The cruiser shines when clearing underbrush and small trees when trail clearing or clearing an area for camp. The double bit style makes them limber and fast in hand, much more ballanced than an equal single bit. They also do most other camp chores acceptably well while not wearing you out as quickly over a long days work. That said, give me a good pulaski any day of the week if Im taking a full size axe these days.

[@Bushradical]

Ah! A pulaski! A very underrated tool. Are you a wild land firefighter. Those folks all use pulaskis.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

Bushradical not a fire fighter no, just a fan of this very multi purpose axe.

[@joshlower1]

They were meant for limbing trees and thats about it.

[@kenfrazier616]

the vikings

[@tomjjackson21]

It's a comical misconception that double bits are unsafe. None of us have had close calls with the back of our bits. A double is infinitely more versatile. 99% of our injuries have come from over swinging, or improper control. Cruisers allow for better control, as you stated. If an edge worries you place a guard over the side not being used. Even if your pole is tempered you shouldn't use an axe as a hammer. Carve a hammer instead. Cruisers are superior to a single bit excluding detail work. Their meant to have a companion blade. Even then if used properly they are superior for detail work. They allow you to stump one side and use the other for work. Spend some actual time behind a cruiser and your opinion will change. It may not be your favorite, but you'll grow to appreciate the design.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks for the comment

[@danielmart7940]

Funny)))) too light to split wood)))) Obviously he did not grow up using axes))))) Forger the weight)))) flip when you split))) if you don't understand what I'm talking about,,,it shows your lack of ACTUAL experience I use a 2 lbs double bit on oak just fine You must be one of those "splitting maul" woodsman )))) LMAO

[@Bushradical]

I split 5-6 chord a year for the last 22 years mostly with an axe. 2 lbs is way to light for any real splitting work, and a 28" handle is absolutely ridiculous to use to split with. You may take your fancy bushcraft axe in your back yard and play with it splitting little tiny stuff, but for any real work they're useless. If you look around this channel you'll change your tune fast. Ive homestead three different properties in interior Alaska and built 4 log homes. I know axes a whole lot better than you, i'll wager. It sounds like your feelings got hurt because I told the truth about an axe you love and you didn't want to hear it. By the way , Double bit axes of any kind tend to split worse than singles of the same weight. The eye is too thin and doesn't push the wood apart as well as a good wide poll. When you split wood with an axe the axe should be long enough to hit the ground....you must be 5'2" if your using a 28" cruiser to split wood.

[@danielmart7940]

Very funny))) like I said,,,you obviously don't know how to split wood)))) No use trying to give you lessons )))) Luke I said, just a little flip of the head. Your axe will NEVER enter the wood more than 1/2 inch. But, if you knew that,,,you wouldn't be as clueless as you are. I actually grew up in the timber, not in town. Also,,you can drive steel posts with a 2lbs double bit axe. So, you can drive wedges n tent stakes. But, like I said, ,you actually have to know how to use an axe))))

[@danielmart7940]

Wow, 5-6 whole cords a year ))))) for a whopping 22 years)))) I started later with an axe than my dad, grandad, and great grandad. I was 8))) so, that was 47 years ago)))) my great grandad taught me to fell a tree leaning at 45 degrees and have it drop 180 degrees to the rear of its lean))) But, that is the experience you find in timber people, and not from you-tubers)))) I prefer a Kelly axe over the softer plumb axe. I've never broken an axe head driving steel posts with the flat at the eye. Force equals mass times acceleration. But, no need for Ge-man swings. My great grandad was a sinewy and slight build around 130 lbs

[@danielmart7940]

I am only 5'4", so I can use a shorter handle))) but, I so have REAL experience also. Oohhh Alaska )))) that must mean you are the man)))))) I use my experience as my resume, not my location )))) obvious tell take sgn of wanna-bes. "BUT I LIVE IN ALASKA"))))))

[@Bushradical]

Anyone who talks about splitting wood with a cruiser has never done ANY real axe work. I don't care who you claim to be......your stupidity just shines right through. You are like a thousand other internet tough guys out there who just open a youtube account so you can talk shit. You probably don't even own an axe. You just want too argue with someone.