The Rubber Band Axe Trick: What Experts aren't Teaching you!

[@Georgecobb-s1v]

Dan, thanks for introducing the younger generations of outdoorsmen to Old School tactics! At age 83, if I flailed at saplings the way some unskilled so-called bush crafters do, I'd give myself a heart attack. Why does it take us so long to learn that working smarter trumps working harder: DO IT THE RIGHT WAY THE FIRST TIME! Thanks.

[@tg1cent765]

Great instruction and thank you for keeping folks educated on axe uses and best practices.

[@kingdavidapple]

When I was once a young fella working for the US Forest Service on a survey crew, we cut hundreds of saplings to clear the line in this manner with Sandviks. Those had longer handles than your hatchet, with a strap blade held in a C-frame. Bend the li'l tree & one swipe usually did the job. Even an uncoordinated guy like me got the hang of it fast.

[@johnroberts5070]

Hey there, Sandviks, Mine is hanging up in the garage. Used it on my traplines in the interior of Alaska in the 1980's and 1990's. That and my bow saw were always with me. My longest trapline was over 50 miles long.

[@kingdavidapple]

@@johnroberts5070 I sometimes wish I owned a Sandvik. Easy to sharpen & use. A good weight & length.

[@Doobie603]

p​@@johnroberts5070

[@PulpParadise]

Thank you for all of your direct, no-nonsense tips and tricks, Dan.

[@dhunterwetahook3995]

When I see your tutorial I've done most of that stuff all my life, then I realize not every body knows that kind of stuff. I still enjoy watching your videos.

[@peterellis4262]

So much this ;)

[@roel.vinckens]

A rubber band, an axe... And you are going to be living the dream! Could have gone in so many wrong directions, but you pulled it off again. And how ! Thanks !

[@cordellkent4790]

I have to remind myself that many people who are watching are urban dwellers. Unlike many of us who grew up in the (Australian) bush discovering this stuff for ourselves when in primary school.

[@victorzaidan6493]

I lived next to the Atlantic Forest from the age of 7 to 20, and I learned many things when I was an adult (I'm 23), for the simple reason that no one taught me practically anything my entire life. Only my grandfather, basically. People today don't have family, and when they do, they rarely teach them things, good things, useful things, because everyone wants to teach them shit. I learned this year or last year about twisting the seedling. I never needed to, because either I used a machete to cut it instantly, or I made small cuts around it (in fact, I used something similar, I twisted the seedling a little for this second technique, but not so much as to leave a good finish). In fact, I learned most of the things on my own. Like an ULTRA tip, which is to simply take off your clothes so you don't feel cold. If it's really windy, even better. You spend 2-5 minutes and you're completely dry, except for your hair and feet. Nobody teaches this on YT (I didn't see it, in this case), and it's WONDERFUL, AND CAN SAVE LIVES. And of course, the obvious: always have dry clothes too, and at least one face towel. But just the towel, even a big one, doesn't dry so well. Take off your clothes and use the wind, yes. edit: and obviously on YT I learned many many things too. Thank you people who make quality content 🙏🙏

[@jimbrown9885]

I recognize the sticker on that HF hatchet. I've got a GB small forest axe and 2 HF hatchets. Gotta keep the world in balance!

[@Hector-vx5yc]

Hi brother, Dan Wowak!! I absolutely love your channel and content you have become my inspiration, especially when I’m feeling down and blue. You get me out of the house and back in the woods. Love what you do!!! Thank you so much for your help. You’re an awesome instructor. I purchased some of your products and I absolutely love it. Thank you so much.❤❤❤👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@danielfegley2735]

Excellent idea, I've also found that when hiking through brush, it's easier to cut if I swing the machete upward against the way it's leaning.

[@mztwixed]

Thank you, Sir, for sharing these very important skills with us.

[@FerintoshFarmsPhotography]

Ah yes, I do this all the time, works amazing. I usually just step on it so I can cut it closer to the ground and not trip over the stump in the future.

[@Jesus4444me]

Great tip and great arms to match. Looking good brother! Thanks for the video

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. Great technique! I cannot wait to try it.

[@runningriverbushcraft]

Makes total sense 👏 Dan again Awesome Tips.

[@ra8640]

Great video as always! What axe is the one in your hand. Thanks!

[@kennethcruise7635]

great idea , so simple , yet great explanation .

[@Indy29045]

Exactly how my dad showed me 45 years ago in the hills of Susquehanna county. Cheers!

[@texasjoe3261]

Thank You For Sharing, Dan ! Excellent Presentation As Always.

[@freddyoutdoors]

Really enjoyed watching gaining some great tips for the Bushcraft too bag

[@peterbarlow8912]

Technology has brought us folding pruning saws. When I need saplings I go with a saw and a small Sandvik lopper.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks Dan. Take care 😊

[@KJ4RMZ]

Off topic. Best way to sharpen a Fiskars short brush axe?

[@shadowcastre]

For all the reasons and explanation.... This is why a heavy blade Machete paired with a Silky saw is far superior to an axe and why it stays home.

[@ericsfishingadventures4433]

Yeah the silkys are great!

[@2centsam927]

Silkys are great, l prefer the woodman's pal over the machete myself, however I keep a axe in both trucks, in case I need to tap a wedge or drive a stake.

[@shadowcastre]

@@2centsam927 Axe in the truck is handy. Conveyance and a serious need for chopping are my Axe criteria. I'm not a fan of the woodsman pal. In my experience.... It was designed as a do-all tool that in reality only does a few things poorly.

[@PulpParadise]

The same principle applies when using a machete as an axe. The point is to make work easier.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

Superior for saplings. Context matters, and axes are for tougher wood, which machetes aren't. Machetes are for new growth and softer wood, which axes aren't.

[@apar1560]

Nice advice 👌 THANKS. ...Alan 🇨🇱

[@tawnyard4649]

You’ve also needlessly bent your malleable green sapling. What if you need it straight?

[@jeremybryant5778]

This works well with knives too. I usually prefer a big knife over a hatchet personally

[@johnk5001]

In summary, If you pull the sapling taught enough, a pulled tight rubber band can saw through it.

[@mrkultra1655]

Thanks Dan

[@Edgeair]

Thank you

[@JoeSyxpack]

For harvesting saplings that size I usually use my parang machete. It just zips right through them in one swing and it's a quick process with no crouching or bending involved.

[@Storyideas81]

I like this idea. My only concern is that sharp stump is a big unnecessary risk.

[@waynesmallwood6027]

A Victorinox saw blade would've been cleaner.

[@markjones4457]

@@waynesmallwood6027 Regarding my hedge laying comment above, we usually clean up the cut sapling by swiping off the cut piece, to prevent cattle from injury and to help the sapling's recovery in growing, by preventing rain water ingress and rotting. during laying, also known as pleaching here in the U.K, the sapling remains attached to the base and is bent over at 45 degrees and woven back into the hedge. The cut base also back buds and sprouts new saplings helping to fill the gap in the hedge.

[@bangalorebobbel]

Great video and just to mention it: I totally agree with almost everything you said and did here except with the tool you used. Traditionally, means over the past 2000 years or so, most people out there in the woods would prefer to use a billhook for such tasks but not an axe. And yes, billhooks are kind of forgotten tools in the US but still common among the elder people in the UK and some other European countries, and a common household item in daily use e.g. in India. I'm not a big explainer and it is difficult to verbally explain (at least for me) why you would prefer a billhook over an axe in such moments and for such tasks, but I'm sure if you would try and compare it yourself you would immediately understand why a billhook is the better option. ;-)

[@markjones4457]

The bill on a billhook faces forwards and catches the sapling in it's curve, preventing it slipping off the blade. as does the short, usually pistol grip handle making the heavy, broad blade easier to control. Usually used for laying hedges, to rectify the issue of them thinning out at the base or becoming gappy due to bushes dieing. The thing id warn about with a bill hook would be to be careful of the bill whilst cutting downward, chopping on a log etc. It can catch you out by protruding past the surface you're cutting on and catching a knee or hand. In a bush craft situation, an axe is used due to it being a bit more versatile, and probably more readily available. Maybe especially in the U.S.

[@machineman6498]

Thank you for making this

[@freshairconnection4694]

This is also an extremely good example what to look for when felling a tree. When you cut into the wood under tension the fibers tear. In this application this is of course very useful. But when felling, remember to always start with the wood that is under compression instead of under tension. Stay safe out there everyone👍

[@johnboleyjr.1698]

"Perhaps it should have been the Rule of Wrist"

[@nathanwhite5602]

Good info

[@mannihh5274]

"What experts aren't teaching you!" - but YOU do - lol - that's a good one Dan !

[@ishoulduserumble]

Greetings from a few hills north of you

[@p.fleming2353]

Great info! Thank you!

[@danieltaylor3396]

That's not an axe, it's a hatchet.

[@exiledintheus7251]

It's a hand axe or hatchet

[@kevinsmith1955]

Hello from Whitehall PA brother.

[@serwhit2490]

Show how to process different wood diameters and lengths for different projects as found on naked and afraid survival shows

[@RobinHarper-tv9ih]

Never thought about rubber bands,but common sense always enters into the solution for some

[@blankblank9737]

Annnnnd, you just left a punji stick in the ground for someone else to fall on…

[@johnwyman5939]

Nice trick and demoing it... 🇺🇸🇺🇸🪓🔪👍👍

[@danareed1656]

awesome video!

[@fredflintstone6163]

Learned this forty years ago but thanks

[@leemckinney6471]

Awesome thanks

[@stranger3131]

Axe is ok, but to this day, nothing beats a good sharp rock and a dense piece of wood for hammering.

[@LittleJordanFarm]

Awesome

[@JOATMOFA]

What is a " *SURVIAL* " expert?

[@phillipholmes4466]

Identify the sapling first. Don't cut harwoods.

[@mudsslinger]

if all we mostly use is thumb size wood, then just use a SAW , it's a lot safer , less wait to pack , I have plenty of axes, but I usually only pack my silky gomboy

[@jasongarling20]

I thought you were going to put the rubber band as an engine to hold down ( put tension on) while you cut it! I suppose that's better than going full castration mode I guess!

[@rquest3059]

I've been called a major buck up many times.

[@ardeet]

Sounded like a stretch but quickly became useful.

[@the_russell_kansas]

113. Thank you. 💀☠️💀

[@The_Eastbound_Hyena]

You know this could've been a short titled: Just Bend The Damn Sapling.

[@SL-jj1ro]

Ok so I’m the guy that would continue to cut the balance down to the ground. I’d hate to trip a fall on one of those daggers left from that technique.

[@exiledintheus7251]

I was tought not to take sapling because it may harm ecosystem take fallen and standing dead

[@stanleydenning]

I'm chopping wood to build a fire. So, Why are we learning to cut green wood?

[@markjordan4916]

That axe looks like a little hatchet to me.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Maybe the same principles apply.

[@dbbeck90]

Survial lol

[@kamaeq]

Hatchet Also, you are cutting towards the ground, negating the bounce to a great extent.

[@4ager505]

Thanks for showing this. I hope you are well, your delivery sounded slightly different...dental work perhaps?

[@stevestumpy6873]

🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓

[@jarheadbrian7124]

Let’s hope nobody falls on the spear that you left in the ground when you removed the sapling

[@sonofbr]

Or. Or... use a saw.

[@Bushybazoutdoors]

👍

[@onionhead5780]

I seen a rubber band and an axe and I thought….bump fire axe?

[@JefCollier]

STAY IN THE WOODS.

[@ivan55599]

If experts don't tell, then what are you...?

[@seanleau]

Common sense..... Da...

[@johnofthewoods3902]

Another good, straight forward video. Keep em coming!

[@ericdpeerik3928]

I came here to learn how to cut a survival expert. Total clickbait!

[@JohnCurtis6140]

What??

[@Hugh_Hunt]

Survival, not survial

[@Moffit366]

Hatchet not axe.

[@wirawhitebelt7364]

👍🇲🇾

[@fearthehoneybadger]

I'd just use a saw.

[@wrath231]

Pack smart!

[@xploration1437]

Women…

[@TheCrepusculum]

so you are an real expert!

[@dammitdan106]

Saws are awesome good. But. Can't carve with a saw. Wasted energy to saw quarter every piece of wood into fuel. Hard to feather stick with just a saw. Can do all that with an axe. You didn't axe me what I think, yet you saw what I did here.

[@TheCrepusculum]

@@dammitdan106 what do you want to carve? it's about cutting off branches for building...

[@billg7101]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Katsoulinos]

Sorry to be that guy, but this is not expert advice. This is grade school knowledge and common sense...

[@Rzs31]

As if people don’t know this….

[@N8Dulcimer]

Your videos are usually much more informative. Everyone on the planet knows that when you put an object under tension, it breaks more easily. Most people learn as children to bend branches while chopping them. You stretched a 30 second demo into 7 minutes and gave it a ridiculous clickbait title that implies there might be an actual "trick" involved. Gotta say as a long time fan, this this is a brutal drop in information quality. 7 minute video to tell you not to just swing your axe like a machete at saplings? I'm not here for such beginner oriented content, and its a bummer that is what this channel has become.

[@walterconnell1244]

You left a dangerous spike on the ground

[@hisnameisiam808]

Whoever you are, Jesus(Yeshua in Hebrew) loves you! ❤️

[@AclockworkPurple]

Hail Satan.

[@AclockworkPurple]

Just knock it off…. Your behavior is embarrassing for everyone concerned.

[@xploration1437]

Um, he’s dead.

[@notfoolediknowthetruth3101]

​@@xploration1437"...I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am ALIVE evermore, and I have the keys to death and of Hades" (Rev 1:17-18)

[@xploration1437]

@@notfoolediknowthetruth3101 saying Jesus was god is blasphemy and you will burn for worshipping false gods.

[@MindsMouth]

Expert SURVIAL 🤡🤣

[@sharzadgabbai4408]

Waves HATCHET around without a mask for safety talking about axes?

[@mitchellgreene5981]

I'm still waiting to see a axe. That's a hatchet you're using

[@lawrencebuchanan4863]

A lot of talk for a simple lesson.

[@ericlarson7556]

Most rural boys know this already and are not experts. Another "content creator" with a video that teaches nothing except to city folk that will never utilize this.

[@donny9787]

You did an old video a year or two back on the same subject, ever since then getting good marshmallow/hotdog sticks with my pocket knife is a breeze

[@xandr13]

This video should've been 1 minute. You do talk way too much.

[@the.resintist]

I love my spear and Jackson axe/hatchet with is beautiful hickory wood handle 💪🫶🪓🏕️🔥😉👌👍👊👊👊

[@MrAdamNTProtester]

That's not an axe it's a hatchet

[@pirround8215]

Thats a hatchet..

[@alcatraz_bane]

Mmm... No. It's fast, but end is cracked. Wasted material.

[@the.resintist]

nice tip but dead wood doesn't bend as well but burns better. any tips on making that easier when solo camping please 👌😉🪓🏕️🔥💪🫶👍👊

[@the.resintist]

also I don't keep my axe/hatchet that sharp because I'm worried working solo I might have a accident and not have someone to call 999. not that I'm clumsy it's because I sometimes forget basic safety rules or it's dark ... any tips on that please.. yeah I know is this bloke crazy . hmmmmm slightly 😂🤣🏕️🙅🪓🙅🤦🧘🧘🧘🧘🧘🤷🤷🤷