The Axe - Most Essential Tool for the Bushcrafter, Prepper, Survivalist and Woodsman

The axe is our most important tool and essential for bushcrafters and preppers. Axe types and axe safety is covered in this video.
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[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

Check out my new channel kzbin.info/door/w24dZ7FgbolkClL48mfrgA

[@garyk8285]

Do you like Axes with fibre-glass or other materials on the handle?

[@ChrisFowler01]

Already subscribed!

[@jonathanjollimore7156]

Hey Professor AX I love your AX Men *I am sorry* I can't help myself...

[@Boreaser]

Den vid-eggede øksen som smykke og symbol er altså kjent fra de eldste tider innen den norske kystkulturen, der økser til båt- og skipsbygging sto sentralt allerede da norskekysten ble befolket - etter istiden. Det er således ikke en tilfeldighet at nettopp øksa ble brukt om riks-symbol da Magnus Lagabøters sønn Erik lanserte den norske riksløve, slik vi fortsatt kjenner den...

[@drinkwater1776]

Good tips on ways to prevent axeidents.

[@Igor-my6ml]

Hahha good one bro

[@DinoMan_6]

Hehehaha.

[@royeick2991]

I found another Dad lol, that was good

[@sundial6919]

D.R. goodun 😅🤣😁😊

[@gavinmays1496]

Done. You are done. Go home.

[@wtfwhereami]

Good tip for anyone that has to carry an axe without a sheath: if you fall, throw that shit away from you. Idc if it’s a $20 hatchet, or a $600 chainsaw, get it away from you. You can repair or replace any tool, you can’t replace you.

[@monkoko6441]

Yes I wouldn't like to end up as my own firewood.

[@wtfwhereami]

@@monkoko6441 I worked logging and forestry for a while, and I saw so many guys get seriously hurt because they were more concerned about an inanimate object than themselves.

[@monkoko6441]

@O'Irish McMan then you have a story for your grandkids lol

[@wtfwhereami]

@O'Irish McMan yup, same applies to bow hunting. Keep your arrows in something you can throw when you fall. Broadheads are lethal even stowed. Your life is worth more than any item.

[@bluemoondiadochi]

AMEN brother! my grandpa taught me the same, when he taught me to use the scythe and axe; always blade away from yourself, and hold it "by the neck" so you can throw it away from yourself should you trip and fall. dont ever dangle it over your shoulder. i was born in the capital city but he grew up in the village so he known the proper way to handle hand tools. i remember once saw the father of my friend handle a scythe without any rules for safety and i was "wtf dude"... Safety needs to be built into using hand tools.

[@bay9876]

Viking Woodsman holding his axe was something past century Norwegian villagers did all the time

[@ASMRWildianne]

My mum always kept a hatchet behind the door for any eventuality

[@bay9876]

If you kept chickens they probably knew where the hatchet was kept

[@duvian77]

Me too, and when the people enter in my home think that that axe is decorative.

[@shashasanders5591]

I got two by my inside door and saws and guns! I’m all for protecting and providing for yourself!

[@janeb1484]

yeh my mum had a firemans axe for years lol

[@Dutch_bastard_23]

I sleep with a bowie knife under my pillow and a 300ms break-barrel airrifle next to my bed. In the Netherlands it's legal to carry folding pocket knives up to 28cm, so I do that as well. Had a break-in and got threatened at university, so... anyone else this paranoid?

[@HarryKnuttsachs]

"I would stay away from Chinese steel." I didn't think it was possible for me to like your content any more than I already do, and then you said that. I love it.

[@justusforrster9264]

KZbin blackout August 1st-10th. So many content creators are getting demonitized. Channel strikes, etc. Blackout means we don't use KZbin at all for these days. It's time to fight them back and show them who runs this platform.

[@rooroo9216]

Ah I didn’t know about that, I will look more into that and take part, I like the sound of it too! The dictator bastards deserve it, that will also finally give me a good reason to do some tidying up around here or dig out some of those books I meant to read :D

[@voodlandroamer4543]

Let's do it

[@voodlandroamer4543]

@Thomas Yeats justus might be starting his own thing. Just because you can't find it on the net doesn't mean it's not possible lol. I'm not saying that's what you said. Let's join forces and try it out. We did this with gasoline a few years back. I don't know if it had an impact but it felt good to be a part of some kind of movement.

[@voodlandroamer4543]

@Thomas Yeats what's a fortnight holiday?

[@justinburch]

@@de14jabs I am making a point of following creators I like to the alternative channels. I am hoping our viking friend moves soon too.

[@JohnGault2398]

I was always taught that when buying tools, "Buy the best quality that you can afford."

[@drewbud8648]

My Father figure made me a beautifully crafted home made axe. I love it and he knows that I love blades and tools. Axes, machetes, knives. You name it, I want it. They all have their uses. He even balanced it if I wanted to throw it and made a leather strap for me to carry it around. Best thing ever. Even made a hammer for the back end opposite the blade.

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

That's wonderful!

[@drewbud8648]

@@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen thank you. I love him and it very much. it is very special to me. Love the channel and thanks for the tips on the firewood. I'll be sure to keep it in mind.

[@trapperscout2046]

An axe is very important. Many woodsmen of the past like Nessmuk often talked about the importance of it. I would also add that a Saw is another essential bushcrafting tool and would be ideal to use in conjunction with an axe. Saws makes certain tasks easier and safer than using an axe. I recall Dave Canterbury once saying something along the lines of "Don't do with your knife what you do with your axe and don't do with your axe what you can do with your saw."

[@Clint_Westwood]

In many cases, saving money is buying problems. If it's free, you're the product.

[@slowdancer5563]

Yup!

[@jillsmcfarland2001]

Yup

[@tomjjackson21]

An axe video was the first video of yours I stumbled across years ago. I really dig these type of videos. You have this wise, fatherly type persona. I've never met my father; I don't even know what he looks like. As a young man I subconsciously craved this type of content from someone like you. Agreed, you should do more of these types of videos. Axes are infinitely more dangerous than firearms. Unless pointing a firearm at someone, there's nothing to fear. Axes by design inherently lead to danger. Experience has taught me that being fearful of them, and overly working to circumvent that inherent danger more often leads to injury, than just respecting the tool, and using it with common sense. I've injured myself when I was younger because I was working so hard to ensure I wouldn't be injured. Just something to think about anyone that reads this response. Now I own several dozen vintage and Swedish axes. There's just something special about an axe. It's inexplicable, and you need to hold quality and vintage craftsmanship to really understand it. No one ownes just one axe though.

[@Dave-ty2qp]

You can build practically anything if you have an ax, a draw plane, and an auger bit. Thanks for the reminder of the dangers of an ax.

[@theloveflows8773]

I love how your camera makes me feel like I'm there, wish I was! I also love how you talk about what is in your heart, more men should. Much love from Colorado 💛🧡💚

[@brianmay3723]

An old Estwing roofers hatch found me 22 years ago. Closely resembles a tomahawk. With a little elbow grease she surpassed her previous self. When she is on a whetstone she sings. Great for cleaning up smaller bush. As well as cleaning fallen trees.

[@hansblitz7770]

I've had their medium size axe for years. It is a tough piece of steel. I'd never buy an expensive axe.

[@indybruh5767]

Estwing's pretty reliable. Been using their rock hammers for geology.

[@honortruth3600]

Something really nice about these practical daily living topics is they uplift one's spirits. Even if in little ways, we need to regularly learn and think about self empowerment - things we can do for ourselves, family, and community. Topics about the degradation of social stability and well being are important to discuss, but can be somewhat depressing. More videos like this in the mix can help to counteract the heavy feelings.

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

Yes, I am thinking the same.

[@thomasmusso1147]

Good Morning Bjorn, here from Switzerland .. A useful presentation .. thanks. Yep .. the Knife / Saw / Axe Debate 🙄😊. Each on their own do not make for a good 'Jack of all Trades'. They 'can' be used to perform all tasks but .. and so the Debate continues .. Quality and Price. I confess that I indulged myself some time back with a GB Mini Hatchet. A beautiful little toy .. akin to taking a beautiful 'city girl' out camping. Nice to have around and one is often surprised as to how adaptable they can be to Bushcrafting if they are of a good steel 😏. Anyway, the Swiss Forests are very well managed and there is always some larger 'duff' left behind so that one does not need large cutting / sawing / chopping tools. Brand. The Fiskars range of Hatchets and Axes are not a bad option for a Beginner. Reasonably priced, Sandvik Steel and of a Construction that is tolerant of Beginner 'No Should Do' Behaviour. A good subject .. the Practical Aspects of the Outdoors .. definitely an ongoing theme worth considering. I like your hat and the mosquito net application. I still have my Military-Issue 'Bush Hat' from the 70's. Unfortunately it has 'shrunk' with age (or I have developed swollen head sundrome). I bought a replacement some years back, packed it away last winter and for the life of me, don't know where .. age 🙄. Will have to scratch around .. again and I know that I 'will' find it the last place that I look. Take care ..

[@FireCreekForge]

A love for primitive wilderness living skills was the genesis for my journey building blades for the woodsman. Now I forge axes as well; I love the simplistic beauty and utility, and the work that goes in to making one is not simple or easy.

[@Junk_World_Templar]

These are my favourite type of videos you make, it's nice to leave the modern world and all the bullshit behind and just admire a good axe.

[@richardschiffer4740]

I baught the most strong axe I could find, here in Zambia. My son used it for half an hour and it broke irreparably. I gave up. Am not going to buy an axe anymore. Then I watched my local workers on the farm using their own hand made axe. I really got humbled. Their axes, as ridiculous as they look, they do the job as just as good as never break. Sorry, I don't have access to these good axes. Am not a camper, am trying to survive. Locals are a must for help and consultation 😆 I offer them a chain saw. They say, thank you, we prefer our axe.

[@lukewojtanowicz1991]

I am a farmer and an amateur blacksmith in America, and the axe is my absolute favorite thing to make. I must have over twenty of them, and your local farmers are probably making their axes out of plow steel. Anything manufactured by the big ag companies is going to be 10/85 to 10/90 high carbon, very good steel. Any halfway decent blacksmith cam make a blade out of that which will never wear out.

[@CarolAnnHenderson]

Thank you Bjorn!

[@corporaterobotslave400]

I add baseball grip tape to all my hand tools. Some types of tape are padded. These alleviate some of the shocks to your arms you get when pounding wood with an axe. As someone with nerve damage to my forearms (musician, motocross, shooting guns, etc) I can attest that padded grip tape helps a lot on knives, machetes and axes.

[@honortruth3600]

One important consideration in choosing an axe is the handle material and shape. Many out there are less durable than they should be. Usually a hickory handle is a safer bet. I've found that fiberglass and plastic handles don't seem to absorb shock well, and so start to hurt the hands and wrists quite a lot after prolonged chopping and splitting. Also they tend to be too slippery when used in rainy weather. Handle shape matters too since some are uncomfortable or tiring to use, and some are unnecessarily heavy for trekking. I generally choose either the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe or their Outdoor Axe (Bjorn's favourite), but yeah they're spendy. If I'm not on foot I like Cold Steel's Trail Boss. It's great quality and quite affordable, but too large for carrying long distances. An affordable pack axe I would go with is Marbles' Camp Axe.

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

Very well said. In a short video like this, there are always things I don't get to cover. These axes have hickory handles, and I do like that. But my favourite material is maple.

[@bilbo2016]

As a city raised American now retiring to a country cabin..this kind of video is very valuable! Thank you 😊

[@bobhead6243]

Luckily I was taught tool safety by my Grandfather , who was a Farmer with a lot of woodland on his farm , great childhood , and he prepared me to help him around the farm .

[@bobhead6243]

@Frosted Blake I'm up for that ! , Sword too .

[@allisonshaw9341]

All of us were taught that in my family, and as there were more girls than boys, we did our share of chopping wood and splitting kindling, putting up or repairing fences and buildings, and whatever else needed to be done. Granddaddy taught us to use tools starting at about age 5 or 6, geared to our abilities - including the ability to follow directions. I taught my kids as well. Heck, oiling and honing tools was and still is a group activity at the end of the day. Sometimes you hear the best stories that way...

[@bobhead6243]

Be Well Bjorn , Strength and Honour my Friend.

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

Thanks and the same to you!

[@terrysmith4465]

I love to pick up axes and hatchets at yard sales for a few dollars and bring them back to life.

[@Litepaw]

I would actually pay for a Nordic survival course taught by you. Like trapping animals, making a fire with no tools, and making a winter shelter. I was in boy scouts when i was younger but I've forgotten a lot of the stuff we were taught.

[@wtfwhereami]

Here in the States, an axe is a two handed tool, a hatchet takes one hand. But a hand axe is an axe head on a hatchet handle.

[@JustinL614]

So is a hand axe just a heavier version of a hatchet?

[@wtfwhereami]

@@JustinL614 or a shorter version of an axe. But yea, basically. It’s a compromise between the two. I wouldn’t cut firewood with a hatchet, and I wouldn’t clear brush with an axe. A hand axe does both, not quite as well as the other would though.

[@samuelferrell9257]

...and a "tomahawk" is a hatchet used for defense and combat instead of cutting wood.

[@wtfwhereami]

@@samuelferrell9257 negative, a tomahawk is just a Native American hatchet design. Axes designed specifically for combat are much bigger and have more heft to them.

[@samuelferrell9257]

...and just what exactly do you think the native Americans used them for? It wasn't cutting wood.

[@davidknudson8856]

I have a note to myself on the wall beside my door. It says, "go with presence of mind and deliberate action!" Has prevented many mishaps! Happy Days Bjorn!

[@zozosmom7024]

As always I love your videos. Not into Axes, but just love listening!

[@Vivungisport]

Same here Bjørn, I almost got all gränsfors bruks axes. The historical axes aren't yet in my collection.

[@bobhead6243]

Gransfors axes , I think are one of the best on the market .

[@trollpatrol8453]

@@bobhead6243 I agree. Hand made, hold a edge great, and has a 20 year guarantee. Well my small splitting axe does. I’ll update then I buy their hatchet too, cause I won’t buy anything but.

[@marytica123]

"AX TIME - SWORD TIME ! SHIELDS WILL BE SPLINTERED !" Bought several axes and hatchets at local garage sales. When gas runs out for your chainsaw, how will you cut firewood ?

[@bobhead6243]

It's good to see you teaching those who have not had the Learning , how to Be safe around tools used in Bushcraft , great stuff my Friend .

[@mrsorepaws9146]

Never really use axes much myself - usually, my broad-backed Bamsen knife gets me what I want. I do have 2 axes though: a Fiskars belt type hatchet, and an Øyo "Viking" axe. The latter came with a seriously crappy sheath, so I made a new one myself - and suddenly, working on leather turned into another hobby for me ᛞ

[@greatscot9597]

Another great video Bjorn, thank you. Here's another tip, when splitting vertical rounds like you were doing at the 6 minute mark, when you swing the axe, if you keep the handle horizontal at impact (the knob end of the axe handle not higher than the bit end) there's much less chance of a glancing blow (as opposed to missing altogether) coming back at you, it will typically swing quite wide and miss your legs.

[@Woodswalker1965]

Some excellent suggestions my friend, I love axes too😉. Cheers! 🍻

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

Yes, I know you do and you have made some very good videos on this topic!

[@Wh0l1v5]

It's so dry here (western US) that someone just driving on the side of the road can start a massive grass fire.

[@davidroach8866]

That smile, lol! A man is always happier with blade in hand.

[@genestone4951]

This is one of those channels where I upvote it when the video starts.

[@notsure6683]

There was this book on bushcraft that I bought by Dave Canterbury, and he got on his knees to split wood with an axe. I suppose there is no right or wrong way of doing it as long as you keep all of your limbs, but that is another technique. You may already know about it.

[@zanryoshin]

Thank you so much for your video Bjorn, I hope I can keep learning with you about bushcraft!

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

And thank you, Zan! I am honored if my videos get to be part of that journey.

[@kenlima930]

I know someone who lives in "Hachita" (small hatchet) New Mexico an old mining town named after the nearby mountain range.

[@randomthings3334]

I have my grandfather's hatchet, I use it to split my kindling wood for the wood stove. It's old but very sturdy and I remember him using all the time so his memory lives on.

[@cliffford2897]

My favorite axe or hatchet is a broadaxe. Long blade and flat on one side used for carving and building log cabins And flattening the sides of things. And they have A flat head on them So you can use a stick for batoning.🙂

[@BerserkerGang2019]

The mosquito net:) ! Totally rules! Never seen one Iike this .

[@ApocGuy]

most mil surp stores have them, same for airsoft stores (check online).

[@seaglasslove5009]

Thank you Bjorn! These tips where very helpful! Stay safe and well. God Bless us all 😇🙏🏻❤

[@Robbie7441]

A good hultafors axe will last you years 👍🏻

[@ktm42080]

I love the background, the forrest, in your videos. It looks like where I live and camp in Pennsylvania. And you always have interesting topics to talk about. Thanks for all your hard work! Peace

[@Myviewingtime07]

Great video 🙂. My dad’s dad use to keep a couple of hatchets around his cottage. He kept some outside and some inside.

[@ChrisFowler01]

Holy hell, that axe hit on the dummy!!! It should be a Gallagher type meme!!!

[@charlesrockafellor4200]

Good morning! (And for the record, I agree: possibly a small saw could do in a pinch, but something of the sort is perhaps more vital than most of the usual gear, though it all comes down to water, shelter, fire, and food.)

[@Mainedigger]

I have found some good axe and hatchet heads from people on the roadside here in Maine USA you find that a lot in the summer. Like finding that nice old blue steel I found a 1939 Boy Scout hatchet very impressive little hatchet. So anyone on shoe string budget next best thing find them older tools.

[@hansblitz7770]

The commercially available all-steel Estwing is a very serviceable axe.

[@BenzionMenashe]

Going to listen while i work, was always interested in axes and bushcraft, although there are not many opportunities in my country...

[@Kadotus]

You're giving some good advice here Bjorn! Respect the axe; you can't break the laws of physics, but the laws of physics can break you, *very* easily.

[@reginajohnson1818]

Thank you. Take care. My son loved tools and axes

[@louisecassidy5991]

Crikey Bjorn, you have not seen an Aussie splitting kindling. But whatever it takes, you've very safely made kindling. One thing you did fail to mention is not to watch the axe, watch where you want it to hit, take your stance, and MEASURE before you hit. Aussie eucalypts are hardwood, and take some power, I used to make splitting for the stove a hobby. Use the chi, the same energy for a karate chop, gather oneself, and with a full swing let the axe do the work. Good video, I love axes. Sadly, a collarbone broken and never joined, and 73 yrs old with no stove, I pine for the warmth of a fire.

[@The_Custos]

Yes, I got some hardy old ones in recent years. Get hammers as well.

[@lylemacdonald6672]

My 2 cents worth after decades of processing my own firewood for heating my house: When splitting firewood on a chopping block with a larger axe (or preferably a maul) I see many people swing standing tall and their shoulders are the pivot point; this allows a missed swing to hit the legs. As well, if the wood being split is contacted it is the corner of the blade making contact which is quite inefficient. Safer and more effective to swing with the arms almost in line with the axe handle and pivot at the waist such that the axe handle is parallel with the ground on impact thus eliminating any chance of a miss and hitting your legs. This way of swinging the axe/maul creates a longer arc which generates more power and the entire blade contacts the wood allowing its wedge shape to do the work efficiently. Be safe everyone.

[@heartemisart700]

Your tip on Mora knives led me to their axe as well, a great set, lightweight and agile! Thanks!!

[@kev1734]

I got a gransfors forester's axe thanks to you. Best piece of kit I've ever brought. Straps onto the side of my pack nice and snug. Perfect for almost every wood processing job. Very high quality. Great video I could listen you talk about axes and knives all day!

[@grumpyolesilverback7211]

Tips for using an axe was spot on especially the common sense bit. My contribution would be a means to sharpen the axe. A dull tool is dangerous. Increases the chance of the blade skipping away from what you are cutting. This goes for knives too. Great vid again, thank you.

[@victotyorvalhalla]

Excellent video brother! Keep them coming!

[@kookamunga2458]

There were axe throwing lessons being taught in my city .Anyone could pay a few bucks to throw an axe at a target . They had to shut down but I can't remember why .

[@crazyscott2646]

The number one tool to have! Thanks Bjorn. Blessings!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Good video Bjorn. It is always good to review proper Ax handling. Take care.

[@one_b]

My grandfather taught me when carrying an axe without a sheath to hold it down at your side with the axe head turned away from your leg/body, and not to swing the arm holding it while walking. That way it has the lowest possible risk to to you or anyone in front or behind. I am always stunned how much where you go in Norway looks like Washington state. That road you were on could be any number of logging roads into the forrests here.

[@tonymatthews445]

Where I live, it's been 30 Degrees C for days. I'm in a large city. Someone had a garden bonfire - it got out of control and destroyed 3 gardens 🤷‍♀️ On the axe note - most new wooden handled axes are vanished. I think this should be removed and the handle oiled. Boiled linseed is good. Also, if you can not afford quality new, try to find a good vintage one. I got lucky and found a Kent pattern axe for £5. Just needs some love and it will be great. Great video, by the way, thanks for sharing.

[@appalachianamerican3881]

Wow the definition in that camera is amazing.

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

Thanks for noticing!!!

[@aSimpleWanderer]

Hey Björn, I was wondering if you could make a video about some 'viking' style jobs that still remain in this modern era... Im not a fan of working on computers or pressing a button all day. I would rather find work where I can use my hands and learn practical skills, that can even come in handy in a shtf scenario.

[@Revsut]

Start a small garden to learn how to grow your own food, take up woodworking as a hobby to develop skills then you can market the wares once you get good at it. Not that hard to learn gardening or woodworking. You can start woodworking with a hatchet and a knife to carve items. Simple hand saw and a drill you can start making small pieces of furniture.

[@JustinL614]

@@Revsut Where did you learn how to carve wood?

[@JustinL614]

Why don't you try construction? I'm an electrician but I can pretty much fix anything because I have talked to and learned from other tradesmen.

[@ApocGuy]

farming, bee keeping, husbandry, wood cutting, carpentry, plumbing, electric power production (we dont have to go back to early 15th century if all things come apart, right? ), sentry/security...

[@learnmoreushe3678]

Thanks Bjorn! Very interesting for someone like me not quite into axes. But being an outdoor enthusiast, I must now add it on my 'to have' list for sure. On another issue, if you spoke on the methods of fastening axe head to handle I didn't hear it. In my part of the world, Zimbabwe, accidents from axe heads flying off during swings are not uncommon for the axe types where the handle fits into the metal. We have a common variation of fixture where the axe has a narrowed side that fits into a tapered hole bored on a bulging handle-head. The axe head is fastened by knocking it into the tapered hole, and does not easily fly off.

[@Hagmanoutdoors]

Lika bra video som vanligt Björn, hälsningar från din granne i Sverige.

[@DyDy-tc1sp]

This is awesome information and perfectly timed as I just purchased my first pack axe with built in knife (Gerber) part of my preparation for my little solo wood camp stove I purchased this axe size mainly to fix in my backpack and to have the means to chop wood for my camping ( yes I think I might look strange chopping wood while I am on my knees ) safety is first thank you for the tips much appreciated

[@goperfect1919]

Some of the simplest suggestions are the best.

[@catherinesigurdson4189]

Thanks for this teaching. It will be shared with my grandson. I see him in two weeks and we will be doing survival and safety training for fun.

[@alicewoodard2373]

Hi there Bjorn, have a good weekend, friend!👍♥️✌️

[@sensitivesauce7579]

Those small hatchets work for climbing. Not like standing trees but fallen trees on a steep slope at a angle. You can use it to clear branches or as a hand hold.

[@robertsimpson6324]

The angle of the blade makes a difference I thinned mine out and made a huge difference much better .would love to see some more archery mate

[@Son-of-Tyr]

The Axe is my preferred weapon. I have a variety of axes. Hard to choose a favorite but it would have to be my Gotland war axe. It's an exact copy of a 10th century war axe found in Fole, Gotland. Battle ready and beautiful.

[@Ilovesharts]

I love the Estwing camp axe. I hunt fatwood for ebay and it's the perfect tool. Small enough to carry for miles but small enough it has a fast swing and a good deep cut. I have some big knives but nothing does the work of a good axe. My dad was a stone Mason and I grew up working with him during the summers. On the job sites there were two rock hammers.. An Estwing rock hammer or a broken worn out rock hammer. I learned early about Estwing and they are great tools. Hatchets are only sharpened hammers and worthless for any big work.

[@glynnburchett5554]

Grew up with axe, and other blades, never thought people would need basic safety , but glad you made video, new generation, lacking skills

[@unitytira4954]

Thank you so for your insights and advice on using an axe or hatchet. I have the GB Wildlife and Hand Hatchets, both are dependable and I respect them both.

[@fionamcormac7786]

Thank you....

[@cesardrudi8238]

Good advice! When I was 10 years old I forgot to stand with my legs apart when i was splitting logs for our fire. I split the log just fine but the problem was that after the log came my lower leg…let’s put it like this. I have a scar to remind med to this day, 25 years later. I still love splitting wood and felling trees with axes in my own forest, feels like honest work.

[@kennethrimmer1883]

I really like my gransfors but recently got turned onto hardcore hammer hatchets. VERY sharp out of the box and good steel to

[@johngrant5448]

Bjorn, I bought my first axe a few months ago to put in my Go Bag. Its a Hultafors, I assume this is a good make but I have no previous experience of these things. I'm preparing for the inevitable hostilities.

[@Joshua82PDX]

Hultafors is a quality axe. They're made by Hults Bruk, which is considered to be on par with Gränsfors Bruk.

[@johngrant5448]

@@Joshua82PDX Thanks very much for that information Joshua, it's good to know that I've bought a good make.

[@KrugerrandFarms]

I am the proud owner of a Gansfors hatchet just like yours . About ten years I was doing a timberframe for my daughter's house and I was using it to hew a tennon on one of the timbers. I glanced it off of the wood and hit my wrist. Luckily I didn't hit any tendons but I bled like a stuck pig. Lesson learned. A hewing ax is beveled on one side so it doesn't do that so readily.

[@jeffmoore2351]

Agree with 75% of what you said. Down in the southern hemisphere our Eucalyptus species are much harder than the softwoods of the north. This being said a log splitter head around 4lbs is better on logs that need to be reduced. Hatchet's on smaller straight grained kindling. Travel well be safe Aussie Jeff.

[@jeffpittman8725]

I thought about buying a finished axe but decided to get a vintage head and haft it myself. Its been an amazing experience with some very good quality results.

[@JustinL614]

I bought a fiskars hatchet recently. Thanks for the tips.

[@johnbrengle1443]

Good lesson. Thank you for the advice and demonstrations.

[@lylemacdonald6672]

Greetings from Canada. Your little twist technique making kindling was slick. I always have a hatchet on my person while in the bush and a small axe attached to my quad and a large axe in the pickup. Yes I carry an 18 inch bar chainsaw in the truck/on the quad but I would never be without an axe/hatchet with file and stone. A small and large Swede saw tags along in the truck/quad as well.

[@Matty18795]

They are useful tools. I have some modern Fiskar axes but my favourites are what my grandad gave me they are Sheffield steel english hatchets. I've never sharpened them before but they get the job done easily. Pretty good for a tool nearly 100 years old

[@johndaugherty4127]

Thank you.

[@JB-ro3sz]

some great safety tips. as always very wise advice from a real man. thanks.

[@joegarry8983]

Axe or hatchet very important Bjorn, but good saw equally important.

[@lylemacdonald6672]

I am 66 and I have use the same hatchet since I was 18.

[@jerrysponagle3881]

Using a smaller hatchet head with a longer handle than when purchased, about 10" longer . It makes it easier to swing, throw, it changes the hatchet into useful tool and better weapon. Vikings one that a long time ago...

[@noodlemoon84]

XD the thumbnail.. haha that so the biggest I have seen you smile. Haha *happy Viking noises*