Testing Two Axes: The Connecticut Pattern & The Classic Dayton

[@robertodebeers2551]

It's encouraging to see a young man who knows how to use a single-bitted axe. I have two of my great-grandfather's double-bitted "Registered" Kelly axes that were probably forged before 1900. He use these axes on a homestead in Montana that developed into a family ranch that was in our family for 90 years. I grew up with axes, first splitting kindling, then stove wood, then cutting and peeling corral rails and staves. My dad's father was an artist with a double-bitted axe as well as the old-time long-handled pitchforks.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

That’s such a neat history. I grew up splitting wood, but I only recently took an interest in axemanship. A chopping axe is almost an entirely different tool. Been really fun to learn.

[@robertodebeers2551]

@@KevinsDisobedience Keep up the good work, Man, and watch yer fingers and toes.

[@MrDesmostylus]

Beautiful chopping! The woods look great at the moment.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yep, another month be too muggy and buggy to enjoy them much.

[@contemporaryprimitiveman3469]

I like this video. It’s hard for me to do comparisons because a couple small factors can change the dynamic so much. I’ve almost come to think of every axe as having its own personality.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

That’s a good way to think of it. Some axes suck in some woods or at some tasks, but excel at others.

[@chimmy4244]

Nice pace you had there. That seems to be another thing I need to work on. Sometimes I think about the limited time I have to chop and tend to unconsciously get in a hurry. Glad you made a point to mention your pace.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

It’s been something I’ve been thinking of. Especially those of us who are making videos, we tend to rush and hit harder because we can. But I’ve become more and more interested in rediscovering what axemanship would have looked like when guys were actually using these tools everyday, all day. To be continued…

[@chimmy4244]

@@KevinsDisobedience Looking forward to where you go with this!

[@johnclarke6647]

My 4# TRUE TEMPER Dayton is an excellent splitter. It has been my go-to axe for about 50 years. I have a 31 inch does foot handle in it, now. I think it had a straight handle in it, originally.

[@Joey-L]

Great video. I just came home from testing my new axe as well. A 4lbs True Temper Kelly Works Dayton with phantom bevels along side my Woodslasher Jersey. The Dayton has such a long bit preventing the axe from penetrating deep enough to make the high centerline or bevels effective. I was chopping red cedar, which perhaps was more in the Jersey's wheelhouse, but the Jersey did outperform today.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Sounds like a nice set of axes. That is the one issue with the Dayton. Long, thick bit. No real reason for bevels unless they move them way up. Better to just create a hcl imo. Can’t wait to see how many big logs you slaughter this year!

[@Joey-L]

@@KevinsDisobedience I'm on it.

[@MatthewAmsbaugh]

A nice slim handle is super comfortable to use all day! I like the racers as well, but most of my work axes have more of a traditional handle. Some nice chopping from ya. It’s good to get out, even for just a little bit. Been far to hot for any real work. Already ready for fall, so I can get back into the woods and enjoy a day of chopping.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yeah same. I chopped for like 30 mins and was done with it lol. Too hot.

[@940joey2]

Awesome video Kevin !! And I have to agree on your thoughts on the 2 different handles. The floater racing style is great but I can certainly work longer and find the thinner curved rounded handles to be more comfortable and easier on the hands. Love that 4lb Dayton as well that’s a wicked axe man 👍

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yep, love both styles, and they both have their place, but long term thin to win!

[@chrisf5841]

Nice work!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Thanks

[@kurts64]

Always great to see a chopping vid from you mate, 'specially if there's a bit of philo thrown in. Liking that passage, hadn't heard of the Dunning-Kruger effect, very interesting. That bird-through-the-hole trick wouldn't be a bad way to while away some idle time...

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Thanks, Kurt. Funny story behind the Psychologists (Dunning & Kruger) who came up with the experiments that would prove the rule. Happened right here in Pittsburg, actually. Remind me to tell you sometime. Guy put lemon juice on his face and was certain he could rob a bank because of it and get away. As for the ceremony, I think it was a funeral ritual if I remember correctly. Could be wrong about that, but was definitely a Greek ritual in any case.

[@brettbrown9814]

I always appreciate your high quality videos Kevin! There is so much great content in this one. l love your "Reading Tree" (7:58).

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Thanks, man, I do my best with my iPhone and iPad lol. Thanks

[@MiloKolb]

That would looks pretty stringy, nice chopping!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Some kind of poplar. I think yellow. Worst wood I have ever chopped. Elm and certain Maples suck too. Red oak is my absolute favorite.

[@kurts64]

Oh yeah forgot to say, cool thumbnail pic, that wood your chopping looks pretty cool with those dark lines running through it. Also like that opening location under the willow, from the "learning to see" vid👍

[@KevinsDisobedience]

You’ve got a good memory.

[@CatmanFS]

Recently found a Boy Scout Axe in a bucket of old rusted stuff I had laying around. Found a framing hammer handle at a hardware store I'm thinking will fit it nicely. Will be interesting to see how something on a smaller scale will compare to full size. Thanks for the insight and wisdom.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Doesn’t the axe have a larger eye than the hammer handle? I really need to hand a carving hatchet. Really want to get a Kent pattern for such a pattern, but they’re so hard to come by here in the states for reasonable money.

[@contemporaryprimitiveman3469]

Get one of killingers 14” hatchet handles for it. You’ll have to remove some wood for a good fit but you’ll be glad you did. I can send a pic of a finished one. I have some video of the rescue I should finish editing and put up here on YT.

[@CatmanFS]

@@contemporaryprimitiveman3469 I think that's exactly the one that I bought! I removed the labels and cant be sure now but I'm pretty sure that was the brand.

[@CatmanFS]

@@KevinsDisobedience It is a little "shorter" on the front to back, but I was going to play around with some fiberglass or some other glue/filler materials I have laying around, just to see how effective that stuff could be.

[@contemporaryprimitiveman3469]

My video production skills suck but I threw one together. See it here¥ kzbin.info/www/bejne/lavSnpx9aa-Bjdk

[@jthepickle7]

I'm in the very throws of seeking out the perfect axe, for me. I was born in Connecticut 68 years ago, lived in South Florida and finally bought the farm in East Tennessee - no palms, all hardwoods. Preparing for SHTF I feel I need a good axe, lest the propane delivery stops while we still need to heat the house. We have two man saws, buck, bull and hook saws - too many to count, but still no hatchet or axe. With Hudson Bay and Rhine, forest and carpenter axes to choose from maybe a Connecticut is what I need.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

It’s a decent all around axe. I hated it at first. And I’m still more a fan of Daytons than Connie’s. The perfect Connie is actually a Tassie, but they’re so hard to get here and expensive when you can get one. So given your origins, a Connie may make sense. They tend to be pretty expensive too, especially compared to Daytons. Hope you decided to stick around and explore the channel. Thanks

[@ethicalaxe]

You look pretty cool with the chainmail on the outside I must say. I agree with you on axe handles. I prefer the handle to be pretty small in the width department down low right beneath the fawn's foot. As for thickness, I think we all prefer a pretty thin handle. I'm still perfecting my handle shaping. Maybe I'm just not great at it but I like to think of it as ever-evolving. Every handle is a little different, even when using the same template.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

They just feel more comfortable that way. And maybe my wearing them on the outside will encourage others to buy some too. As far as handles are concerned, I agree it’s an ever evolving process. I keep experimenting, but I’m coming back around to my original conclusions once again. Slim in both directions and smaller swells on smaller axes (under 4lbs)-beyond that you do need something substantial to catch the axe from slipping out of your hand.

[@elemental4rce]

seem to be swinging very nicely these days! that connie SUNKKK!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yeah, I’m liking it a little more each time.

[@ethicalaxe]

@@KevinsDisobedience We need to get you a connie with a slightly better profile. I've noticed people preferring patterns over profile and I think that's a mistake. Not that you do it but it's very evident with people not into axes as much as me or you. Was selling at the flea market and a guy said he likes splitting with Jerseys. He picked up a super thin one and said it would be great for splitting. I feel Buckin' and Skillcult have really gotten people thinking more about profile and it's great. I'd like to spread the good word as well haha.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

@@ethicalaxe That’s a helpful way to think about it. Profile over pattern. I used Killinger’s Connie a little, and his has a much better all around profile. Mine sweeps in and hollows out pretty quickly-more like the Turps of Sweden. That said, I’m liking it more as I use it more. If nothing else, you gotta love the lighter weight with the extra wide bit.

[@thcolonyest]

I chopped 3 big red oaks in the past 2 days and it surprised me how tough it can be. hoping to make some handles from it.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Red oak is actually my favorite wood to chop because it chips so cleanly. A very crunchy wood. I’d like to see a red oak handle. I have a white oak on a Jersey I really like. Good to hear you’re out there chopping.

[@thcolonyest]

@@KevinsDisobedience yra man I try to get out at least 1 times a week but today my favorite axe a true temper unmarked crusier that is pretty big but thin for a crusier started to come loose. SMH I need to re hang it and leave it a little proud this time. Definitely have learned a lot since I hung it.

[@theshoemeister2582]

@@KevinsDisobedience I find chopping London Plane to be very satisfying.

[@leonludwig8306]

I am from Germany and get a Collins 4lb Dayton pattern as a gift from a friend so what would I tell about it ... the steel is hard af and holds the edge very good its 2 times heavier than a german pattern I love this new axe it's a very good Axe I think waht does you think about Collins 4lb Dayton axes

[@KillingerUSA]

great chopping Kevin!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Thanks buddy

[@spektr540hemi]

8:23, seems an excellent way to learn acceptance of being still...among other things.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

For sure…not easy for any of us these days.

[@knifenerd1776]

First time watching one of your vids. It won’t be the last. Which do you prefer , a drop forger or hand forged axe ?

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Thanks man, I love the look of hand forged, but prefer the price of drop forged lol.

[@richardharding7767]

Where’d you get those greaves? I’m a pro at getting in the way of the work I’m doing and would feel much better knowing I’m not going to chop through my tibia completely with some gear like that.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I’m glad to hear you’re interested. Erin from Lumber Jill made them for me. Please reach out to here and let her know I sent you. Thanks

[@rons3736]

Another great video! Keep up the great work. It is surprising how some trees tend to be more stringy and hold their chips when others give them up with ease. Maybe the sap content at this time of year give more tensile strength?

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I’d be guessing if I told you why that is, so I won’t lol.

[@jasonslade1253]

If you are with good company is it really waiting? ❤

[@cabinvibesebaystore8956]

New sub! Liked ✌️🙏🤗

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Thanks man, good to have you as part of the community.

[@brettbrown9814]

Top 10!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Hey 👋

[@Jesusiskingamen7]

What machete is in the thumbnail that you were carrying at the start of the video bro?

[@KevinsDisobedience]

18” Tramontina. Made in Brazil.

[@yakamarezlife]

Man ive been looking for a Baltimore partern for years

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Hard to find a good one

[@Codi_Clapper]

Nice to see some good chopping! Both lovely axes. Your swing is looking good too. It’s been very hot for chopping the past couple of weeks. However, this past weekend was cool and beautiful. I saw you sneak the basque in there. Is it getting much use these days?

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yes, much too hot. Yeah, I use the 1.5 more than the others. It’s probably my favorite. I would prefer if the handle was an inch or two longer though.

[@Codi_Clapper]

@@KevinsDisobedience I’ve been using my 1.75 the most. That extra half pound makes a noticeable difference from the 1.5 in busting chips. I’m seeing about making a 27” handle for it out of oak. For an all around axe, I’d have to agree the 1.5 is best.

[@danielvillani6801]

Could you tell me where I could find those shin guards

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Absolutely! So glad you asked. Erin @ Lumber Jill. thelumberjill.com/ They are absolutely amazing. Not cheap but well, well worth it! Let her know I sent you. She has a couple different options as well.

[@danielvillani6801]

Thanks for the info keep up the good work

[@danrockvam675]

It's amazing how calming this very zen chopping video was! Where did you get the chain mail from? As much experience I have splitting wood, I often think about what can go wrong when I make a bad swing.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I try to make it seem as fun as it actually is. Erin from Lumber Jill makes them.

[@joshkelloggKCR]

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever. My man John Keats said that. John Keats, that’s my man.” Junior - White Men Can't Jump. Also if you know the scene i would say it applies as well.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen the film. I remember the white guy’s gotlfriend’s accent clear as day though lol. Funny the stuff we remember. Cheers

[@joshkelloggKCR]

@@KevinsDisobedience The scene is a good example of the Dunning Kruger Effect

[@robertgraves3215]

So what is the winner on that type of wood? In a past video, you seemed to diss the connie a little. It seems like the Daytons are more popular ?

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I’m pretty sure this is yellow poplar. Worst thing I’ve ever chopped. Red oak is my favorite. Yeah, I’m liking the Connie a little more each time I use it.

[@timc46440]

Let's gooooo

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Thanks for watching, brother.

[@eddyarundale1566]

👋

[@KevinsDisobedience]

👋

[@blackhawk7r221]

The best axe is a saw, unless you enjoy wearing yourself out.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Couldn’t agree more. This is just for fun and exercise. Weird, I know.

[@KillingerUSA]

third!

[@spektr540hemi]

Yep, slow and steady wins this race. Fast and sloppy = injury and OUT of the race..dnf.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

True dat