Back garden axe work

[barbourdurham]

While pottering about in the garden this evening clearing overgrown hedge, I came across an old pine log which was nicely seasoned and meant for the log burner. Once the chores were done, I fell upon the idea of using my axe to make feather sticks. Having never done this before, I gave it a go........

I split the pine log down into sticks with the axe

Holding the axe by the head (GBA Small Forest)I made best attempt to make feather sticks. I found this rather tricky as I couldn't seem to get the balance point right on the axe. I found that it was better (although far from perfect! ) to hold the axe as far up the head as possible, while trying to use the middle of the cutting edge to shave the feathers. I eventually shaved as many feathers as I could, then cut them off and made a nest.

I placed the shavings on a bed of split pine and lit them easily with a ferro rod

Within a few minutes I had a nice bed of coals, so feeling rather bushy, I cooked a quick snack of dandelion root

Cheers!

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk

 

[crosslandkelly]

Very nice.

 

[beezer]

nice job. i have been thinking recently if a little axe could replace a knife for all but the most delicate carving jobs. good to see that other folk are possibly thinking like my self.

 

[Dreadhead]

Nice one, I'm a kukri man use it for just about everything, great for splitting then making wee feathery sticks

(ignore the fact it looks like i'm chopping on a log wedged into my lap, I was using that as a dinner plate)

6 by Hamish Odinson, on Flickr

 

[barbourdurham]

nice job. i have been thinking recently if a little axe could replace a knife for all but the most delicate carving jobs. good to see that other folk are possibly thinking like my self.

I'm toying with the idea that my axe can do all the jobs that my woodlore can do and all of the heavier stuff as well, obviously. I may head out on a few trips with just my opinel no7 to accompany my axe and see how it goes.

Interestingly enough, in the northern forests the axe is the main tool, with a smaller belt knife for more delicate tasks.

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk

 

[Johnnyboy1971]

I'm looking at the carpenters axes for this reason. They have a much shallower bevel and a straighter edge. Ok they won't be as good for splitting and the edge will be more delicate but for my needs I think it may well work.
Alongside this I would carry a small fixed blade for really delicate tasks as well as food prep.

 

[Drsin01]

I took my axe out this weekend with the kids. They are both well trained to use an axe with supervision. Although whilst my back was turned my sons friend (who was told not to touch the axe) decided he would have a go a splitting. It turns out he was trying to split rock! Grrr.

Sent from my ONE A2003 using Tapatalk