The Best Camp Tool Ever!

I bet that you can pick one up at a yard sale for under $5.00 An old axe can be so valuable around camp for so many different tasks, you don't even need to take care of it, use it and use it hard.
Like what you see? Want more? Visit us at...
www.coalcrackerbushcraft.com
coalcrackerbushcraft
coalcrackerbushcraft
Want to support us to keep making great video?
www.patreon.com/coalcrackerbushcraft
and as always....
Stay in the Woods,
Dan

[@stevecookson3201]

Back home in Maine we always had a "wood" ax and what we called a "ground" ax. One you don't care hitting the ground with. Used it just like you did in the video. TIP - Never let Dad catch you using the wood ax as a ground ax.

[@grattonland]

Ground axe is good an cutting roots when trying to pull out a stump. And you're right about not letting your dad use the good axe in the ground or hit the pole with another axe. I'm in New Brunswick, right next door.

[@theolurican3700]

A man can never have too many axes.

[@Vikingwpg]

I'll tell you one thing about those expensive Scandinavian axes as a Canadian, Scandinavia ain't that cold, not compared to Manitoba anyway. I had one of my expensive Scandinavian axes snap (the bit) when using it in -40. I now have what I consider summer axes (harder steel, holds an edge longer but more brittle), and winter axes (softer steel, less brittle). There's something to be said for the standard Canadian hardware store axe with it's softer, less brittle steel in the winter months. -40 is not the time you want your axe to crack.

[@nathanbailey9153]

@Derek Placeholder You are a funny guy Derek ... that made me laugh :).

[@generalhamalvis9209]

One of my favorite things to do is fix up old tools I find in Flea Markets and garage sales.

[@troydodson4837]

I have a huge collection of vintage axes because people just want to get rid of them for 5 or 10$, you knock the rust off of it and realize its a 80 year old USA made collins, quality of that caliber isnt found today.

[@ajester84]

I love finding them on the side of the road.

[@MrSheckstr]

I still use the hatchet my dad bought back in 1982, I even took it with me when I joined the army. Had a new sheath made when the old one rotted away

[@redhedkev1]

I just envisioned a new PBS show: "This old Axe"

[@WayPointSurvival]

There's nothing bad about a cheap axe with a good handle. Lots of uses. Great advice. Thanks!

[@mlsknnr]

I have a Hudson Bay style short axe that I have been using for over 50 yrs (handle has been replaced a few times). It has been used for everything, from chopping, limbing and splitting to building rail fence and everything in between except digging (make a digging stick with it) and it has never let me down. It wasn't expensive, holds an edge and has ridden many miles tied to a saddle or backpack. For backpacking or survival, I prefer a Tomahawk. Enjoyed the video, keep up the good work.

[@joetaylor2932]

Picked up a cheap ax at a yard sale for a dollar because I just knew it could be useful for something, turns out I was right. Thanks Dan

[@CleaveMountaineering]

I have a couple rigger's hatchets that are great since they have a real hammer head with a hatchet head on the other side.

[@magicdaveable]

I found a double bit head at a yard sale for $20.00. Put a really nice heavy duty but short hickory handle on it. Not for batonning but. I have a really nice "woods tool" for rapidly developing a large pile of burnable material. One sharp edge and one extremely sharp edge. I cannot find any manufacturing marks but the head is very finely forged. It has a hard tough temper that holds an edge tenaciously. I love really well forged steel tools. Mostly I carry my tomahawk when going into the woods.

[@madisonpoole7507]

I used to use my knife for carving, after taking your class last month I have switched to using the axe as my main carving tool and use the fixed blade and pocket knife for minute intricate details......which isn't very often. Thanks for introducing me to my most useful tool.

[@nealhumphrey8259]

I own a couple of those Scandinavian axes/hatchets and just love them. But 50 years ago I was on a job site and found an axe that had been left behind by some plumbers. They'd been using it in trenches to cut the dirt and roots. I fixed it up, kept it fixed up, and still use it for rough work.

[@dirtyhounddog6399]

I keep an old maul head in the garage for different tasks in my shop this is a great video to show how "junk" can be valuable

[@chadchapman1852]

Love it....I find myself reaching for my old “beaters” all the time

[@raylaylin4229]

7uuuuuuuuiukkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkjjjjj7uuú7uuuiiiiuu

[@jameskoenig7789]

One mans trash is another mans treasure.

[@davidfennelly8385]

I went to put a new handle on a axe that my wife picked up at a garage sale and thanks to watching a Dave Canterbury video I realized I had a norlund Hudson Bay patern head! It looks like the previous owner used it for blacksmithing big bur on the pawl but I love it! I put a council tool handle on it, its one of my prized possessions

[@B-leafer]

Something satisfying about watching you dig dirt, hammer metal and other things that would give me nightmares using my good axe.

[@charleswong6523]

Came here due to townsend, stayed and sub due to the content :)

[@douglasmaccullagh1267]

Thank you! A few points for the greenhorn - maker's stamp and glued handle!

[@tracy449]

Axes are practical tools.

[@farstrider79]

I love using my "good" axe for rough work like digging roots out. Saves it from sitting on a shelf! I hate clean pristene looking tools, means they're decorative not useful!

[@johnossendorf9979]

I love using all my tools. From the one's I abuse to the one's that I keep shap as a razer for when work needs to get done quickly and efficiently with minimal effort.

[@jameskoenig7789]

Depreciation is never understood, until it’s too late

[@jameskoenig7789]

Good thinking Kevin. That why I use my rifle as a crow bar. Because if I didn’t, I’d never get my money’s worth

[@farstrider79]

@@jameskoenig7789 I wholeheartedly endorse you doing that. As soon as possible.

[@ericfisher7220]

absolutely gotta love an AXE I just restored my poppop's double bit but I do take care of that one thanks Dan

[@thesportingprofessor3011]

I use a little Eastwing hatchet the exact same way.

[@squirrellysquirrel419]

I think I've watched about every Corporals Corner video you can watch. In a bunch of them he says to check you out. I'm glad I did you put out some amazing videos and I love your sense of humor 💗. I also love the fact that Mama Bear and Baby Bear get involved in your quests. The one where he made hot chocolate sold me. My to do list now contains corporal and you. Peace out, 🐿️🤟 and as soon as I'm all healed up I'm back in the woods.

[@Mandalore06]

I can't hear "Dutch Oven" without chuckling.

[@Mike-gt1cs]

Fart humor never goes out of style

[@MichiganHiker]

Good video my friend, use the tools you have to do the jobs that need to be done. You don't always have to spend a couple hundred dollars for something that will work.

[@billbucholz5125]

"This old axe" wasn't that a tool time episode?

[@mrkiky]

Man who has two hands: _it's like a 2nd hand_

[@Mr.MarkGuerrero]

Yeah, a sharp metal one😬

[@Jason-iz6ob]

@@Mr.MarkGuerrero Darth Vader’s hand then.

[@jeremyacord8155]

@@Jason-iz6ob He's more bushcraft tool than man, now, twisted and evil.

[@Dingdongwitchisdead]

When both are holding the axe, isn’t it like just having one.

[@tylerlewis2657]

Love the new intro

[@tamiaswildcraftingoutdoora3495]

This video was perfect. I truly appreciate the way you quickly energized a tool that is so often forgotten. Videography (if that's a word) was just bob Ross style. Kudos. With that said I'd challenge you to a more Lonnie style video with no editing. Let's face it this video here is gold because of that awesome pace you have. Do the same version, slow it down, then I'll say your a master artist

[@cloudraker100]

Beater axes are also good to lend to friends.

[@baldeagle5297]

That's why I carry a spare pocket knife. I never loan the good one.

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

I agree, the axe is the most important tool of the northern bushman.

[@brentweigelt5365]

Dan; You are Rocking!!! Great Tip!!!

[@troydodson4837]

The old usa made axe heads are the best, collins, true temper, norlund, keen kutter, sager chemical, etc.. DO NOT USE THEM AS BEATERS, knock the rust off of them and use them as your main axe, but if you have a no name turd of a head go for it.

[@bubba7626]

Great video! Good point in conserving your better tools! I love my cold steel shovel for a beat around camp tool as well. Excels at ground clearing, and chops like a hatchet.

[@crazyhorseranchaz]

Seen you on the other channel teaching how to survive. Good job man. Thanks keep it going

[@Hemp1972]

A glued in head is IMHO the same as a plastic plant. 🔆

[@russellrlf]

I have watched many of your videos. You are getting better and better. Love the music. I cannot wait for more. I started following because of your vids with Townsends. I am interested in your school. Perhaps one day....

[@halfcrazyoldchristianredne895]

Great vid, thank you bro

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

Great information as always my friend 😇🇺🇸

[@AppalachianWoodcraft]

Everybody should have one. I call them grub axes. Great vid. Brother

[@jeremyhicks6367]

Thanks for sharing! :)

[@Bushmanschool]

Thank you bro

[@mrhoff2339]

Sounds like this man has an axe to grind

[@jammyface3041]

I was dying inside when he was doing all of those terrible things to that poor axe😭😭😭. Lol

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Yep I've got a couple crap axes Very handy

[@almontepaolilli4909]

Great idea.

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very good. Thank you very much

[@pnyarrow]

Cheers once again.

[@manwichsandwich]

I know everyone is in love with their 300$ Swedish axes but I’m here to remind you THEY ARE JUST TOOLS. Tools are meant to be used and while they all have specific purposes, they should be able to be pushed into service in other ways when the need arises. I’m a fireman, I beat the crap out of my axes regularly. All it takes is a file to square em up and they are good to go. If you are so broke that you’re worried about driving a tent peg or chopping out a root with your ax then maybe you should buy a 30$ council tool axe instead of a 300$ Swedish one.

[@michaelmcclellan9422]

Finally, some one who gets it.

[@willfisher1464]

I have some crap axes,but I usually carry axes that I can shave with.

[@AronFigaro]

90% of the use of a fancy entrenching tool, 1% of the price! :D

[@shawncook5083]

Can you educate me, what harm is going to come to the axe if you're hammering with the back blunt side? We're still talking at least an inch of solid metal. Thanks

[@grattonland]

Most axes don't have a hardened pole (blunt side as you say), only the cutting edge is hardened. So if you beat the pole with a hammer or another axe, the pole will eventually mushroom. It can also squish the eye, so it will become wider and shorter which will cause the handle to become loose. If you beat it with wood or a rubber mallet, not a problem. Some of the splitting axes and mauls have a hardened pole to bang steel wedges to split large stubborn logs that can't be split otherwise. Those can also be hit with a sledge hammer without issues. I only hit my dad's axe once before he brought me back to order. I now have that axe, it's a Walters (made in Canada) about 50 years old, I just had a new handle put on it. It's a beauty to use. The Walters company closed a couple of years after he bought it, but they were around since the late 1800s. Nice good steel.

[@rickkerans8485]

Yhat is making great use out of what in garage sales is not an expensive item . Would definitely spare my good axe from abuse.

[@pamelagonzalez9567]

Oh, good info friend :)

[@danhold1]

good job

[@chriscopeland1455]

lol if your new axe cant do these things throw it away and keep the old axe point being carry a tool to use not stay pretty

[@ORflycaster]

This same philosophy of use is why I like older vehicles better than new ones.

[@seamorebuttz]

“This old axe” by Dan Wowack (This old house tv show reference) Just being silly, been in the woods too long!

[@bobburke2248]

One can never be in the woods too long.

[@rajibjoshi9647]

I use my hachet for spliting wood cutting line ( rope ) weapon in hand

[@artineogda]

I like Your intro.

[@riccartwright5623]

I've always liked a machete better than a hatchet but over the years ( may my tongue turn black ) i seem to be leaning more towards the hatch, i usually have both in camp but if I'm in the woods any more i tend to grab the hatchet .... thanks for the video

[@RockStudioLive]

My experience, too! My hatchet hits harder.

[@rajibjoshi8868]

I have a axe in my big backpack it's not full size but for camping etc. I think it is great for self defence also

[@LGSkywalker82]

Awesome

[@LostSourdough]

"we never want to hit metal on metal or hammer with our axe but in this case it's okay" *firefighters look around nervously*

[@RobertFrisbeeTAM]

No Shit.. We use our axes for driving haligans into doorways for forced entry. We have also been known to chop through metal roofing, cut metal roll up doors, and sever electrical cables with our Axes. ;D

[@LostSourdough]

@@RobertFrisbeeTAM pretty much everything but what axes were designed for, but we like it that way

[@godssideofthefirewithpasto9902]

Just wanted to know your opinion of using a tomahawk instead of an axe. And thanks for all the great content

[@spareamintz8708]

You keep saying, "Stay in the woods" But I never leave 'em. I live in them. 😁

[@txdean1166]

The ole axe

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

While I agree, I prefer the cold steel spetnaz shovel for these kinds of jobs. Cheap and sharpened so can be used to dig ofcourse, cut up roots, move embers/ash, basically everything except the wedging and carrying logs.

[@peacefulwarrior4078]

When I was in the scouts ALOOONG TIME AGO ,we were taught that the most dangerous knife / hatchet/ axe was a dull one ! Their theory was being that they were dull it made you less respectful towards them which increased CARELESSNESS WHICH AS WE ALL KNOW LEADS TO INJURY😳😱😁

[@michaelmcclellan9422]

I agree

[@mr.fisher3973]

Very handy tips - question- have you ever used the council tool woodcraft pack axe and if so what are your thoughts?

[@cookscatapults]

Hahahahaha Love It.....Thanks

[@michaelkolinski]

Can you make a video to suggest your top three camp hatchet suggestions?

[@shadowcastre]

Very good info..! I will add in... Its still a tool, even though it cheap, so proper care, cleaning, oiling, maintenance is key to longevity especially after digging in the dirt with it. Thanks for the video...

[@tamiaswildcraftingoutdoora3495]

shadowcastre I have two junk axes, that get left in the rain. In fact I left one for two winters in my pond after I forgot it there in low water. Easy to misplace (I have 2). The real charm is that they are often found laying in the most obscure places. Makes it way more fun to bust out your good axe all smooth and take down a big hemlock. I keep those in a sheath by the wood stove.

[@shadowcastre]

Benjamin Webster Then I guess we differ in the care and storage of our tools.

[@coocookachoo2806]

"This Old Axe", you might have a new PBS show there, where's Bob Vila?

[@thedavidwalker]

Man I LOVE your videos. All great info, but I respectfully disagree with you here. All the tasks you mentioned could pretty easily be done with a stick. It may be a little slower, but it’s not worth not carrying/bringing a second axe in my opinion. Even if it was a “junk” axe, if it’s all you had, you’d be best off taking good care of it and making it as good as it can be until you could get a better one. Just my 2c. Other then that keep up the great videos!

[@nicholasspychalski9805]

I just started watching some of your videos. What is your opinion of tomahawks? I currently jave a CRKT chogan

[@Dss-bm3rz]

Me : looking for good cheap body spray Me 2mins later: looking for yard sales near me

[@nobethanatos]

Question what's your take on tracker knifes?

[@ElderlyFatGuy]

My old beater ax was a pulaski, until I broke the handle. I'll re-hang it one of these days ...

[@squirrelsaga949]

Most of that can be done with a good folding shovel/pick tool. Just not the obvious but the few things you did that a shovel can’t do I would do with my good ax. And it is lighter.

[@loaferx5409]

You'se a fine bushcrafter, won't you back that axe up

[@RoarOfJahLion]

Wonder if he gets the reference, criminally underrated

[@davidc7889]

Can you tell me what is a good ax I can buy for survival It is not too heavy. Because of my lower back pain.

[@Ballenxj]

I understand why and where you are going with this, but I'd rather have a better American, Swedish or similar for a beater axe. I try to avoid buying Chinese for obvious reasons. I'm sure some of their stuff might be OK though.

[@davidn7457]

I use my good axe for dismemberment or skull splitting only. I use my crappy axe for blugeoning and skull crushing. Both work great!!

[@19JEFFRO67]

Fiskers or Gerber camp axe with fiberglass handle. Tough as nails. Way stronger than Hickory even

[@thaifoodlover5296]

Where is ur training site?

[@Dss-bm3rz]

You can also kill bears with your old axe

[@phillipdavis4507]

But the box is flat!😳 I'll fall off the Earth 😱

[@trashman49057]

I never find an axe that cheap. Hell they want $15 for a rusted up head that is barely salvageable at the local flea market. But i keep looking, they're fun little projects

[@MrSaNF]

Google "Klauenbeil", even two more possibilites to use.

[@ronmetz9172]

What brand of boots are you wearing in this video?

[@Texan-1911]

“It’s like a second hand” S/O to all my two handed people out there now it’d be a great 3rd hand as well 😂

[@kevinschmith9379]

I only have cheap axes. What’s a good one?

[@davidfetterly1067]

Like a second hand?

[@jasontindell6734]

God Bless everyone!!!! Jesus Loves you all very much!!!!

[@Hemp1972]

Holland just became a secular society! 🔆

[@Naughtz]

I can't find that vest anywhere?!!? looks to be Filson but not on website

[@michaelferry6880]

👍

[@johnfuller6338]

barter, sell, trade item for shtf, keep the good one for yourself, I have 6 I got at flea market an cleaned up an sharpened for trade items, but keeping my collins.