Axes.........what do you have?

[Optimus Prime]

I am currently a city dwellar that lives in an apartment so I only own to axes at present. The first one is a midsize Camp Axe by Gerber. I love this little marvel for it is small enough to throw in a "bug-out-bag" or carry on a utility belt, yet it is large enough for all the general chores around a camp and make for a good last-ditch weapon.

http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data//500/7689Gerber_Camp_Axe.gif

The second axe I own is a full size single blade axe from Craftsman Tools. It has an indistructable fiber-glass handle and the reverse side of the axe head makes for one hell of a mallet. It can handle every thing that the mid-size can't. Though I am leary of using a big axe on such things as tress......I fill safer with a large bow-saw.

I also like Eastwing axes / hatchets and am looking at getting a full size Fiskars axe just cause it is Finnish and costs under $40.00.

Would like to get into "real" Thomahawks.......but that is a hole other thread. ;)

[5KNIVES]

Two Estwing Hatchets, a 26" Estwing campers axe, a Plumb double bit, and a brand new little Fiskars gardeners hatchet, that has a LOT of potential for camping and hunting, $20 in the garden shop at Wal-Mart.

Plus my pride and joy, the axe that belonged to my Grandfather, he got it from his Father. He always said that it was the finest axe ever made, and that in over 100 years of heavy use it only needed 17 new handles and 3 new heads, and was still as good as ever!

[Optimus Prime]

Originally posted by 5KNIVES
He always said that it was the finest axe ever made, and that in over 100 years of heavy use it only needed 17 new handles and 3 new heads, and was still as good as ever!

..........that's a good one! :D

[Optimus Prime]

Come to think of it.........

Gerber's axes are made by Fiskars..........same materials used, i.e. blade steel and handle composition.

Never the less, you can get the Fiskars one cheaper as 5KNIVES stated at Wally World.

[LHS]

I have a cheap-ass Wally-world camping hatchet for splitting firewood, but mainly I use my Spec-Plus Bolo knife for camp chopping chores. I used to have a nice hatchet, but I broke the handle off and never got around to replacing it. One of these days I'd like to pick up one of the little Cold Steel 'Trail Hawk' hatchets, as I think they'd be great for routine camp chores.

[5KNIVES]

I had a chance to use the Fiskars Garden Hatchet this weekend. Blade is thin, and came with a good sharp edge, could use it instead of a knife for a lot of things.

That thin edge met some hard elm knots and rolled. Took a minute to fix it with the file on the SAK. So it's not too hard to resharpen in the field.

I like this little fella, if you were to cut the handle off about half way down, you'd have a poor mans version of the Gransfors Bruks wildlife hatchet, for a fraction of the cost, it would easily go into a pack or even a large pocket.

I wouldn't want to use it for splitting. that wrap around handle is bound to get gouged up and damaged. And damaged axe or hatchet fastening is not something I want to be around.

Usually I'll use a ka-bar or the BK-7 and a club for splitting. My Kelly Kettle wants pencil size sticks anyhow, so it's no problem. Heavier stuff for a campfire gets to meet Mr. Woodsmans Pal (and the same club).

Tomahawks are great tools, and deserve a thread of their own.

Hope this is of interest to someone.

Have Fun.