The Axman: US Forest Service Training Film

There have been several requests for information about this beautiful primer on axemanship (axmanship?) that I often reference in my videos. I never get tired of watching it and notice something new every time. It's a great place to start any journey to master the axe! What copyrights exist belong to the original owners, all rights reserved.

[@BombproofCraftsman]

I like to imagine my grandpa watched this on his first day in the timber industry, back in the 60’s.

[@tealtazmanian966]

"A Controlled AXE HEAD is safe and efficient." Is what my first FS Trainer told me back in 1968. I saw the OLD TIN Safety Hat they wore....We all wore them before they switched to the Plastic Safety Hat. Sure brought some great memories back. I read where someone mentioned how relaxed the men were....That was also taught so we could not only keep a good control of the head but also to last all day...usually a 12hr day including hiking time. OUR section used old Fire Hose and a bicycle tire inner tube stretched over them to protect the sharp head. Some other crews just had to have leather but that ate up their budget and so they didn't have as many extra Axes or spare handles. We always carried our extra tools with us including a small hatchet just for thinning the under growth around the swing area and smaller branches....no sense putting a big Axe in jeopardy of getting a ding in the cutting edge. Had fun watching and THANKS for sharing. It has some really great information for ALL OF US.

[@rowanwhitewolf5712]

Remember watching this in `74 H.S. Ag class. Fond memories! Been collecting and restoring Axes ever sense!

[@sergemaubec9865]

Make more videos! Please! I've watched everything and i love it! You're something else mate

[@bighaze51]

Great video!! I love how the Axeman was in no rush. Taking his time and doing it right. 👊👊

[@BushcraftSisyphus]

Just chopping this tree like a champ, NBD.

[@RickShort21]

This is old school gold.

[@lukemorarend2682]

Thank you for posting this! I’ve probably watched this 10 times on Jim Thode’s channel. It’s steered me in the right directions with my axe skills, hopefully it does the same for others. Thanks again! -Luke M.

[@BushcraftSisyphus]

Never gets old, brother!

[@KuukkeliBushcraft]

This was so nice to watch. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@MrDesmostylus]

Thank you for posting this. I love these old videos!

[@BushcraftSisyphus]

Me too!

[@jeffreyrubish347]

That's a classic. Thanks for posting.

[@traditionaltools5080]

I love it. Zero effort, total accuracy equals chopping all day long!

[@BushcraftSisyphus]

If only I could too!

[@jbranstetter04]

I'm glad it said The End because I wasn't sure if that was all or not. I guess it means that there is no part 2. It was a very good show.. I learned a lot.

[@farmerbob4554]

Interesting sharpening pattern on the axes in the video.

[@BushcraftSisyphus]

Yeah I got to try that!

[@lethenhitch9439]

No bumps to slow penetration.

[@jastimbal60]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing!

[@gabrielbizeau-regis6228]

I @#$% love this video! I sport this exact outfit when I go to foresty school! All I need is a metal red helmet now

[@Master...deBater]

My God that man was good! I didn't see one misplaced strike...and he swung that big axe around with the same skill and ease as Nicklaus swung a golfclub!

[@MG-hx3ym]

I’m NGL the main example guy here was a total boss at chopping wood

[@benbou]

I really love this film. Is someone know the release/creation date of this? I would like to add it to TMDB, but so far the only info I was able to find is "circa. 1940".

[@Chezzaze]

Hi there Sisyphus! I'm exploring a new concept, the hotrod axe! I just finished a project and it works quite nicely. The idea is to create a lighter axe that does the same work as a bigger one; equally well or better. I used to split with a 3.5 lbs Hultafors splitting axe, like the Sarek you have, but less finished. It did well, but I wanted something lighter, ie. a "hotrod"... I'm proud to announce that that the mystery axe I found, labeled "St. Tekn. Inst." does just that. It's about 200 grams lighter, with a fierce 20° angle with phantom bevels and a unique cool look. 30" curved handle. Probably a swedish axe, but no State technological institute exists, so that remains a mystery. I'll try to upload some vids in case you'd like to trade for a double bit of some kind. It really chops like a mofo. It was sticky at first, but I deepened the phantom bevels and now it's fine.

[@BushcraftSisyphus]

There you go! Tune that guy up! Glad it's working better!

[@theaxeman4429]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍