Thank you, if a person knows nothing about axes (like me), then listening to someone who explains it like the way you do makes me confident enough to get the right one for me. Again, thanks

I’m not big on hatchets in general, except as a dedicated kindling tool. I don’t want to knock them, but I prefer a large knife and “medium” axe. My current axe choice (to buy soon!) is 23” handle, 1.5lb head and 2.5lb total. More than 3” if cutting edge. I suspect it’ll be awkward to pack. But the weight is reasonable. The length is good for bigger efforts. I like the GB small forest axe dimensions. 19-20” handle is even easier to pack. Less reach but same head weight and edge. This is what I’d travel with. I’m not anti-hatchet, so in a group, I’d love to have a couple people with hatchets and maybe someone with a full length axe.

It's interesting to me how axe enthusiasts wax lyrical about their favourite hatchet/axe, and I can see how using them can be a lot of fun. I enjoy working with an axe when I'm at home and needing to feed a wood burning stove. However, we're talking here about the use of these tools out in the wild. Clearly, to lug around a hefty 3 1/2+ lb axe while camping out in the woods is "a pain in the arse" - your words. But, to dial back to a little hatchet at around 2+ lbs, one loses a lot of functionality, to the point that it may not be worth toting around that extra weight. So, how does one reconcile this conundrum? Well, firstly what do we need the tool to do? We need to reduce long "poles" into shorter logs. Does a hatchet/forest axe do this well ? No. At best you'll get (eventually) a chunk with irregular ends which make it very difficult to process any further, as well as tired shoulders and arms after a while. (I'm not a great big strapping bloke, see.) So, what's the alternative? Clearly it is a decent saw (eg like a Silky Bigboy, maybe Gomboy) Outback version. For me this is easily the No1 tool, and not negotiable. It is, and remains, the most efficient tool for this work. Next, we might need to reduce the logs to usable size. A note at this point: Primarily I would look to collect wood in the sizes that I need when using them. Like, I would look for say 3-4 inch wood if I'm making a fire to boil water or cook a meal, as I probably won't need to render such logs down any further. The kindling and tinder needed would be collected separately in the sizes needed. If I need a fire for warmth for a longer period I'd need bigger logs, but I'd try to avoid the need to split down bigger logs. I'd rather spend the time looking for more suitably sized wood. Splitting thick (9"+ logs may sometimes be necessary as an exception to the rule.) Splitting such big logs can also be done using wooden wedges. All other wood processing can easily be done with a good large knife (weighing half that of a forest axe, and about the same as a hatchet). I own a Cold Steel Trail Master and I can do all that type of work with it, including to baton down smaller logs in extreme need. I do not see that toting a hatchet around as well could add value to that. I also do not subscribe to the "one-tool-option" school of thought, and would always also carry a belt knife/bushcraft knife, as well as a multi-tool knife. However, I do concede that in the case of some sort of regular camp site, lodge, or similar, or where there is a vehicle of some sort (car, truck, quadbike or animal) available, where weight is not that much of an issue, I would of course add an appropriate axe (something like an Estwing Camp axe, or similar). It's just common sense. Thanks for the video and your enthusiasm!

Very consise video. Thank you for the effort and time. I've been into bushcraft and camping since long time here and your points are in the good direction. Hope to see more of your videos. Cheers 🪓🪓

Amazing video, I've been camping since my earliest memories. I've had my Estwing camp axe for years and for the price it's hard to beat in my book and damn near indestructible.

Thank you for this video. Excellent discussion!

Nice overview! Thank you! 👍🏼

Great video, many thanks.

Very good video bud top quality information keep the videos coming 👍

Thank you for this video. I am just toying with an idea of purchasing a solid bushcraft axe and this helped me a lot. That Fiskars model looks like a good price/quality ratio option, although doesn’t look so classy as the others you presented.

I used to collect and mod hardware store hatchets. Yes, some are not good. But there's also brands like Estwing, Fiskars, and some others that are surprisingly good quality, particularly for the price. I agree about the tomahawks. They are cool little tools and weapons, but they are not best and processing wood.

Beautiful video 👏👏

My Fiskars broke on my third time using it. I feel like that plastic can be much more brittle in cold temps. I'll stick with Gransfors Bruk.

Great video.

I would have liked to see you mentioned the types of alloys used but thanks this was good

What are your thoughts about handle guards for hatchets, specifically the Wildlife Hatchet. Do they ruin the grip for fine carving work?

I went on my first bushcrafting camp trip for this last 1 1/2 months (bro and I bought some property and were looking to build), and I learned the hard way those cheap axes are not worth it. we bought a cheap 20 dollar estwing and it was garbage. I splite one piece of pine with it and the edge chipped and rendered it useless. Question: Would that Huskafor Ekeland hunters axe be good for general wood processing, splitting and felling for homesteading projects? My brother and I will be camping on our property periodically as we build a house for our family and want to be sure we some good equipment. We learned some hard lessons about equipment failure if you go too cheap and don't quite know what works best depending on the conditions you're working in. Thank you for the video, and I hope to hear your opinion on what might work best for my circumstance.

hello i just saw your survival knife video and was wondering what your opinion would be on the extrema ratio contact

this is very off topic (fantastic videos btw, i like how you keep things detailed yet easy to understand for anyone) where can i get those pants??

@skipper9400 I also bought a Council Tools Pack Axe, and have modified it to suit my needs...I did convex the edge, getting rid of the stupid scandi edge....IMHO it has no place on an axe...I have knives to carve with if I need to, however I rarely do that because I ALWAYS carry Jute twine, and Fatwood...cut the twine is 3 inch segments, break it down to fluff, and it will catch fire from any spark instantly, and if you have some shavings of dry wood, you're good to go....fatwood lights easier offa the jute and burns longer than plain shavings, and that's why I use them....I'm 76 years young now, and easier is better LOL.....I also ordered a Boys Axe handle, (they share the same Eye Size), and re-hafted the Pack axe with it, as the 23" handle it came with was too short....the 28" handle made all the difference in the world with the axe, as it is now a VERY good small firewood-camp wood splitter, and the extra 4" of handle is carried just as easily in a pack as the 24" handle...the difference in length is negligible, packing it, and you can always choke up on the handle, but you cannot lengthen it.....and it's a LOT safer splitting with it now, no need to get on your knees if you have a splitting block to put the wood on to split...all in all it's truely a great axe now, and I've had Granfors brux and all the rest...this is the best packing axe that I know of.....the other thing I would say to all who want to go play in the woods, is just this: TAKE A FOLDING SAW !! and here's why...cutting thru DRY wood for fire making, (or any reason), is just dumb unless you HAVE to, as that is a very good way to roll or chip even a good axe's edge, and there are plenty of good folding saws out there , I carry, (and love), a Corona RS 7245.........OnWard.........

Nice overview. Gränsfors 420 would be another option, a bit longer but cheaper. I'm wondering what type of pants you have here? Cheers mate.

Thanks again.

Where would you suggest to look for any of them ? That are really made to last and worth every cent. And what brand(s)? What is usually the price range for a good one(s). How about doing a segment on handsaws on how yo use them for survival situations

🙌 I'm your next subscriber 👏👏👍👌 regards Martin 🍻

Have you fashioned a sheath that mounts to your ghost grappler yet? :)

What the most common camping axe length?

Ok I have to correct him here. The tomahawk or hand axe were tools first then weapons. And the tomahawk axe ces in many different blade types and camp craft. In many cases the tomahawk can be your only bush craft tool. Also the " tomahawks" have the advantage of being removable from the handle for easier use in crafting and to make a canoe tool and other adventures projects. It was not originally a weapon. It was even issued to troops in the U.S. Indian wars it was such a useful tool & weapon. Get your facts straight. Also take an axe out with a tomahawk and compare the 2 your self.

sharp 🗡️🗡️

Every tool has advantages and disadvantages. Find out what works best for you and what you prefer then find the best quality tool you can afford. There is no right or wrong other than too low quality or cheap Chinese knockoffs.

No Estwing, solid 1 piece forged axe or hatchet?.. I'll stick with Estwing

Hello from Canada. Don't buy any axes from Princess Auto in Canada. Absolute cr4p! Don't chop and can not be sharpened. Weirdest thing I ever saw so don't take the subject of doing your axe research and evaluation prior to buying an axe. I would not have enjoyed being stuck in the woods with that cr4ppy useless Princess Auto axe.

Was that Fiskars axe the 14 inch or 17 inch? Also what size would you recommend for the most multipurpose or all arounder? Mainly useful for survival