I’m conflicted. Hatchet is hard to beat for driving stakes and splitting small stuff, but the weight puts it in the liability category.
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Note: Trip reports from countries other than the USA & Canada go in the "Canoe Destinations and Routes" forum.
Hatchet or Saw?
- Thread starter Black_Fly
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I have seen two people put axes in their feet. Not good. Both were young
No axes or Hatchets on my trips, solo or group. I call 'em the "trip-ender".
Saws? Sure!
Saws? Sure!
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I carry both. Since the beginning, I've been toting a Silky folding saw and a gränsfors bruks small forest axe. (The axe is sharp so, as always on trips, I'm careful.) For this summer's trip, I've been considering upgrading the saw to a 650mm Katana Boy but I might be better off to carry pruning shears (I'm anticipating lots of Alder clearing on ports). I doubt I'll carry both but a saw and the axe will go.
We have always carried both with no problems, but mostly use the saws. And the kids on the trips don’t get to use the axe.
BOTH! Different tools for different uses. The saw cuts to length and the blade cuts to width.
TOOLS: Well, sometimes I carry my Estwing 26" ax, sometimes a light hand axe and sometimes just a thick bladed 6 1/2" sheath knife (it's handy for making kindling by pounding the blade with a stout stick). Always with my Sven Saw or my Silky Gomboy.
TOOLS: Well, sometimes I carry my Estwing 26" ax, sometimes a light hand axe and sometimes just a thick bladed 6 1/2" sheath knife (it's handy for making kindling by pounding the blade with a stout stick). Always with my Sven Saw or my Silky Gomboy.
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I used to carry an axe for group trips in case I had to make a paddle. But I always kept it hidden especially if people were drinking.
I don't like these axe throwing events/outings/establishments because I was taught by my Grandfather to treat an axe with caution because it can be a dangerous tool if not used properly and with your full attention.
I like the idea of carefully limiting use of potentially dangerous objects - totally something to keep in mind if I do bring an axe. Thank you!
On a camping trip?
Some people don't have enough respect for cutting tools. You have to plan to be safe, always considering the potential consequences of your actions.
One thing to think about if you plan to have a fire is that you can hurt yourself gathering and breaking wood without a saw or axe too. I've hurt myself doing it. More than once I stomped on a stick to break it and got hit hard with the fling end piece, There's other ways I've hurt myself too. For me it's safer with tools.
One thing to think about if you plan to have a fire is that you can hurt yourself gathering and breaking wood without a saw or axe too. I've hurt myself doing it. More than once I stomped on a stick to break it and got hit hard with the fling end piece, There's other ways I've hurt myself too. For me it's safer with tools.
Low angle, absolutely! Basic training with edged tools starts young. I carried a hatchet as a youngster, made some mistakes, learned from them. Certain strokes will generate glancing blows. Keeping body parts clear of the strike zone, away from any glances are key. I’d venture to say that most injuries occur to experienced choppers.
Yes, I learned those same lessons and when I look back at the ridiculous things I did with the axe and hatchet I'm extremely grateful I got through the main learning phase un-maimed.
Alan
The cheapness of the Fiskars hatchet makes it my best candidate for a "stashing" hatchet. If someone finds it, I wouldn't really mind losing it (though it would be even nicer if they just used it and stashed it again.)
It is very easy to screw up what is normally simple and safe if you are tired, disoriented, or bug-crazed. I typically bring a little hand axe but it's more because I'm fond of the thing. I don't think I've ever used it on a trip. A folding saw is safer and generally more effective for anything that I can envision doing - the one exception being any sort of hammering.
Since I cook over a fire whenever possible, I bring both... and yes, I've hurt myself before out on a trip, even though I consider myself skilled with an axe.
Camp on Funger Lake, Wabakimi using a stick stove
Camp on Funger Lake, Wabakimi using a stick stove
I used to mostly use a saw for cutting sticks to length, and rarely needed the axe. Over time I realized that it was quicker and easier to do that same job with an axe. Now, the only time I need the saw is when I want to cut a log that is thick enough that I intend to split it.
Anyone ever whacked sticks on a rock? For campfires, much wood can be broke down quickly that way. Just pine, however. Worked good out west where rocks stick up all over. One whack and it’s broke, ready to burn. Called it making wood.
Yes, I've processed firewood that way many times. It probably takes more energy than using an axe or saw and having less control it has also lead to injuries.
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