trinity
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Post by trinity on May 11, 2020 9:54:50 GMT -8
Why do you need an axe or a hatchet to go camping? Sounds like you have an axe to grind. But my "Trollometer" is buried... Along with your hatchet? Note to mods: I recommend a lifetime ban.
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crawford
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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
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Post by crawford on May 11, 2020 10:09:29 GMT -8
Folks, there are still plenty of YouTube sites and such that indicate axes as common equipment. If this poster is new, negative comments could chase them off. Not trying to sound like a jerk, but not everyone is a troll, some folks just have different experiences.
Purpose is probably what folks here might need to understand to answer the question. I will at times (often Spring) carry a light folding saw for minor trail clearing on trails near my home. Spring sometimes sees downed branches, etc. I haven't really found much use for a hatchet as they don't do knife chores very well or ax chores very well. I'll agree with the Gransfors Bruk as being a top of the line tool. I'll also agree that a 3/4 size, or what used to be called a boy scout ax, is better than a hatchet if real cutting needs to be done.
If you are looking more into the bush craft side of things, there are some forums that would better fill you in on that. If you are looking to go lighter and smaller on gear, or if you want info on trail planning etc, this is the place.
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crawford
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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
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Post by crawford on May 11, 2020 10:10:06 GMT -8
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on May 11, 2020 10:11:40 GMT -8
I agree trinity, heavy tree choppers should be banned not only from this forum but from all recreational backpacking. As for big a$$ knives, that's a different story altogether.
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jazzmom
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a.k.a. TigerFan
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Post by jazzmom on May 11, 2020 11:38:09 GMT -8
Not sure what you're looking to do with an axe, but I have one of these "hand chain-saws" for car and boat-camping. I got it as a gift from a mountain-biker friend who uses it for trail maintenance. Easy to use, compact and light. www.bobwards.com/nordic-pocket-saw-original-orange-148622I don't make fires when backpacking, so have never taken it in that context but, in terms of size/weight, I suppose I could. Mine weighs less than 5 oz and the handles could easily be trimmed down.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on May 11, 2020 13:56:11 GMT -8
I'd go with a splitting maul in case you need the other end to pound in some tent stakes. Compromise tools don’t do it for me. For stake pounding I’d just add a five pound sledge to the kit. Canoeing in heavy forest country they’re both useful. Though, tbh, these days much more for blowdown clearing for my truck than any camping chore: I’d don’t make damaging rough shelters, I don’t make wood fires that aren’t nearly as efficient for cooking as my stove and there’s lots of rocks for stake pounding. And deciding anything based on a label is silly.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on May 11, 2020 14:57:51 GMT -8
Maybe we misunderstood the question. If I was going to camp between an ax and a hatchet, I'd want a solid shield of some sort. But not one so big I couldn't keep an eye on those 2, because you never know what scheme they might cook up.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on May 11, 2020 15:34:53 GMT -8
Compromise tools don’t do it for me. For stake pounding I’d just add a five pound sledge to the kit. 5 pounds is kinda light, dontcha think? What if there are a lot of tree roots or rocks? I'd go with 8 pounds, maybe 10 in some cases.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2020 11:54:40 GMT -8
Echo makes a 5 pound chain saw.....just saying...
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almostthere
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putting on my hiking shoes....
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Post by almostthere on May 13, 2020 6:35:54 GMT -8
If you are trail crew, and need to chop a crosscut saw out of a collapsed kerf, an axe is appropriate. A sharp one with a sufficient heft to make quick work of the pine in front of you. Ours weighs nine pounds. The saw (100 yo Simonds, with detachable handles) weighs fifteen. Be advised tho that the only helicopter ride my crew has ever had came out of an axe accident - the axe went through the branch, deflected off the bole and cut the shin to the bone. Very lucky the tongue of the leather boot was there to slow it down or he would have split his leg.
If you are camping or backpacking, wood no bigger than your forearm should be your target. Break it with your hands. Unless you're working under the umbrella of someone's workman's comp, or you're absolutely sure your medical policy covers EMT intervention in the wilderness, sharp tools heighten risk, and tools that are swung about are more risk than the ones you pull back and forth. Occasionally while leisure backpacking, I carry an eight inch Silky saw, to aid in firewood processing.
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Post by Lamebeaver on May 13, 2020 8:17:53 GMT -8
I wouldn't bother with an ax. If I need to cut down any trees, I just whip out my M2. Ma Deuce, don't leave home without her. Also handy for bears, horses and dogs running off-leash.
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ErnieW
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I want to backpack
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Post by ErnieW on May 13, 2020 11:38:32 GMT -8
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Post by Lamebeaver on May 13, 2020 13:06:03 GMT -8
Or you could use a big honking knife. Never know when you might need to baton some firewood, make a shelter......or build a cabin.
Some people will remember the thread I'm thinking of.
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Post by hikingtiger on May 20, 2020 6:25:00 GMT -8
Purpose is probably what folks here might need to understand to answer the question. Yep. Seemed like the OP was just asking if anyone owned and could confirm/deny the review of the Estwing with the special label. FWIW, I don't own one. I prefer something like this for finer work, and this for larger scale stuff and limbing trees. NONE of which go on a camping trip. Pick up deadfall, break it with your foot, done. And I need a pair of these to place over the door...you know, for self defense.
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Post by Lamebeaver on May 20, 2020 6:34:17 GMT -8
And I need a pair of these to place over the door...you know, for self defense. 700 euros would buy a really nice chainsaw.
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