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Crow Hunter
03-23-13, 17:29
I am in the process of buying and trying out different setups for woodcraft/survival/SHTF foot travel and have been doing research on what different people use/recommend.

It seems to be small variations on several different "themes" for a lack of a better word.

Theme 1: Sharp light knife, saw

Usually a Mora and a folding or Saber cut style saw

Theme 2: Sharp light knife, Machete

Mora or SAK with a Machete/chopping knife

Theme 3: Heavy "do all" knife

BK2 or ESEE 6 or other "sharpened prybar" design:D

Theme 4: Medium knife and axe/hatchet

Bushcrafter type knife and an GB small forest axe

I really don't know how I want to do it so I have been collecting a little bit of everything to test it out for myself.

I have found that I personally don't really like big, heavy knives (Ontario Ranger Afghan).

I like the machete okay. I trimmed back the edges of a 1.5 acre lot with a 22" Ontario and it worked good on softwoods like maple but it wasn't so good on hickory/dead cedar. Doing so "crafty" work up close wasn't much fun at all. The 22" blade is just too long. I am going to get either an Ontario 18" or a Condor El Salvador and try that next.

I have used an axe all my life and I am comfortable with them. I got an Estwing Campers Axe and while it is okay, I don't really like it. Hard to choke up on it and the balance is weird to me. I just got a Wetterlings Small Wildlife axe in today that I am going to try out. I much prefer it's balance even with a slightly shorter handle.

I also recently got in a Mora Companion, an ESEE-4 an Izula and a Pocket Chainsaw to test out.

I really like the light weight and the handle and feel of the Companion. I like sturdy feeling of the ESEE but it seems like the handle needs to be wider and more rounded.

I still need to get a Silky/Bahco folding saw and I am thinking about getting an ESEE-6 to try out as well.

As to the "themes" I am leaning more towards the Multitool or SAK, Medium knife/Axe combo at this time but I want to test more before I decide. I like the fact there is some overlap between the tools and I am pretty comfortable with a 4-5" knife and I have nearly 30 years experience with an axe. My machete experience is fairly recent other than playing with some when I was younger and really long heavy knives have so far proven awkward for me.

So what do you use?

Maineshooter
03-24-13, 21:06
I have been thinking about adding one of these to my gear bag:

http://www.woodmanspal.com/

I have hefted one and know may old timers who have carried them. They are not cheap because they are not cheaply made. Feels like a heavy duty piece of kit to me that would have a multitude of uses out in the boonies.

Crow Hunter
03-24-13, 22:13
I have been thinking about adding one of these to my gear bag:

http://www.woodmanspal.com/

I have hefted one and know may old timers who have carried them. They are not cheap because they are not cheaply made. Feels like a heavy duty piece of kit to me that would have a multitude of uses out in the boonies.

I actually have one of those too. :D

It was the first thing I got when I started fooling around with this several years ago to cut trails on some property I have.

It is very useful for close stuff and the handle is really nice and comfortable, but the reach really short and the weight just isn't forward enough for me to get a good swing with it.

I actually keep mine in the tool bag of my ATV. It works really well for trimming off saplings at or below the surface of the ground so you don't risk puncturing your tires. The blunt tip lets you hit the ground with it and you don't damage the blade. The reverse curl is pretty useful for catching greenbriars and pulling them down/cutting them.

I have the military model with the guard on it instead of the one you pictured. Get the one you have pictured, I don't really like guard although the leather washer handle is very nice and comfortable. I think if it had a much longer handle on it, like a brush axe, it would be more useful to me. (I think they actually make one like that)

I like mine but it is too heavy and somewhat limited in its capabilities for it's weight, especially carrying it on foot. That was why I bought the 22" Ontario Machete. So that I could have more reach. But it is a little too heavy on the weight forward bias and it tires me too quick. I am on to the 18" model next. :rolleyes::D

Razorhunter
03-25-13, 10:11
I too hate a 22" machete. 18" is the way to go. The U.S. issue Ontario is definitely the best I've found. The only gripe u have with them is the stupid ass square shaped handle scales. I will replace them with more rounded scales made with a more grippable material. You could also hit the stock scales with a knifemakers belt sander, and round them over yourself.

If anyone knows of a better machete out there, by all means, im always interested.

Ironman8
03-25-13, 10:29
My personal opinion is that, if you're carrying two cutting tools (which I recommend), then a good "double-toothed" (not sure if that's what you call it) saw is the absolute way to go if you plan to cut down any significant amount of limbs, trees, ect. It will do the job faster with less output by you. It is also typically lighter and more compact than a hatchet or machete.

The second tool should be a good, full-tang, 3/16" thick (minimum) knife with a blade in the 4.5"-6" range. I prefer carbon steel blades too btw. This can be used instead of the saw (ie. batoning/chopping) in case the saw goes down, but will also perform the smaller, more delicate tasks such as skinning small game.

Dave L.
03-25-13, 10:35
My current primary [Midwest]tools are:

- Estwing Hatchet w/550-Cord Handle Wrap
- Becker BK-2 Campanion Knife
- Leatherman Wave
- Mora Clipper or Bushcraft

EDIT: When I go light, I have a 21" bow saw blade that weighs nothing, to take the place of the hatchet. Making a bow saw is pretty simple and makes a great fast-cutting tool.

After field dressing a couple deer this year with the Mora, it stays in the pack no matter what.

Ironman8
03-25-13, 10:39
My current primary [Midwest]tools are:

- Estwing Hatchet w/550-Cord Handle Wrap
- Becker BK-2 Campanion Knife
- Leatherman Wave
- Mora Clipper or Bushcraft

After field dressing a couple deer this year with the Mora, it stays in the pack no matter what.

I didn't mention it since it seemed like he was sticking to two tools, but the third tool would be a Leatherman Wave as well. :D Should always have a MT with you!

And my fourth tool would be my fixed blade self defense knife...just because it's small, light, and wouldn't cost me anything to pack with me. Plus I like the idea of having something readily accessible for defense...although I still need to get that HPG Kit Bag...

Crow Hunter
03-25-13, 11:54
My old Leatherman Wave is a fixed item in my kit. I have found it useful for too many things to not have it with me.

I live in the southeast US and we have a pretty good mix of hardwoods/soft woods and it honestly doesn't get cold enough down here MOST of the year to really need a large amount of wood in a survival situation.

But having spent most of my life playing in the woods and usually carrying an axe doing it. We used to build forts and bridges and what are now termed "debris" shelters for fun when we were smaller. Oak doesn't make a long lasting bridge, cedar will last for a decade or more. :) We usually carried scout folding knives and axes with us.

I have used saws quite a bit for tree trimming chores. Usually a pole saw with 6'-18' extensions. It is quite useful and easier to be selective with the saw than it was the axe but I never thought about carrying one into the woods. We didn't have any folding saws.

I was really interested to see what others use and why they chose what they did.

I will ultimately wind up buying a little bit of everything and trying it out but it is good to see/learn from what others have found didn't work for them in a similar biosphere.

Crow Hunter
03-25-13, 12:04
I too hate a 22" machete. 18" is the way to go. The U.S. issue Ontario is definitely the best I've found. The only gripe u have with them is the stupid ass square shaped handle scales. I will replace them with more rounded scales made with a more grippable material. You could also hit the stock scales with a knifemakers belt sander, and round them over yourself.

If anyone knows of a better machete out there, by all means, im always interested.

I am thinking the Ontario 18" with the injection molded handle and just cut off the guard or I think there is a .125 Condor model that comes with an injection molded handle.

I don't really like the handle on the 22" Ontario I have either. It gives me blisters if I use it for long without gloves.

PlatoCATM
03-25-13, 21:46
Look hard at Tramontina and Imacasa before the Condor at Machete Specialists (http://www.machetespecialists.com/machete-brands.html). I have a 14" Tramontina, which fits nicely in a regular joe backpack. If I bought another 14" it would be the bolo style for a little more forward weight when chopping. I have a condor also, but don't think it's any better than a Tramontina. The Ontario is shit, even if you think it's cool or that you want the saw back model. Buy one from South America, where they actually use them for daily life. The only bad thing about these might be the handles, which can be removed or reshaped fairly easily.

blade_68
03-25-13, 23:27
One of my go to is Ontario short bolo machete I've been using and carrying around for over 20 years all over the world and a Coldsteel SRK. I have a bow saw and ax or hatchet both jeeps. I carry quality lock blade, stockman pocket knife and a leatherman or SOG one.

NWPilgrim
03-26-13, 01:11
I didn't mention it since it seemed like he was sticking to two tools, but the third tool would be a Leatherman Wave as well. :D Should always have a MT with you!

And my fourth tool would be my fixed blade self defense knife...just because it's small, light, and wouldn't cost me anything to pack with me. Plus I like the idea of having something readily accessible for defense...although I still need to get that HPG Kit Bag...

That is pretty much my standard tool set as well:
- Buck Vanguard 4", thinking of upgrading this year to a Bark River Bravo, though the Vanguard has served well (originally $35)

- folding pruning saw: mainly for cutting limbs or small trees for firewood or cutting samplings to make a shelter. These come in a variety of sizes and I have a small 4" saw and larger 8" saw.

- Wave multitool (which also has a small saw)

I may carry other specialty tools at various times, but these three would be my most used and never-leave-home-without-them set.

Razorhunter
03-26-13, 08:43
Look hard at Tramontina and Imacasa before the Condor at Machete Specialists (http://www.machetespecialists.com/machete-brands.html). I have a 14" Tramontina, which fits nicely in a regular joe backpack. If I bought another 14" it would be the bolo style for a little more forward weight when chopping. I have a condor also, but don't think it's any better than a Tramontina. The Ontario is shit, even if you think it's cool or that you want the saw back model. Buy one from South America, where they actually use them for daily life. The only bad thing about these might be the handles, which can be removed or reshaped fairly easily.

Plato, I'm interested in what makes you say the Ontario 18" machete w/sawtooth spine is "shit"??? Just wondering what your reasoning is? My main gripe with most machetes, is they are either too long (over 18" sucks IMO), or they are way too flemsy. Handle scales usually suck on most machetes as well, but that's easily fixed most of the time.
What I like with the 18" Ontario, is its rigidity, while still maintaining a thin enough blade. Interested in your thoughts please....

fyrediver
03-29-13, 19:01
My cutting tool inventory is an Estwing Camper's Axe and a 21 inch Sven folding saw. Of course I've got a moderate fixed blade knife and a Leatherman Wave as well, but for larger cutting jobs like clearing a road of a downed tree (like last week!) the larger tools just do a better, more efficient job.

I've also got a Tomahawk and a Gerber folding saw if I have to go even lighter, but the larger ax and saw is my preference.

I'd prefer an 18 inch buck saw with metal and wood blades but haven't made one yet. Some day perhaps.

RioGrandeGreen
03-30-13, 23:32
Good quality Bolt cutters.

Chain link fence and most padlocks are defeated.

Armati
03-31-13, 21:15
In a survival situation, you need to think long and hard about any energy expenditure/risk you may take. Think what you may realistically have to cut.

Here is a solution to the problem:

Knives - If you look at history, it is quite common to carry three knives - a small utility knife (Swiss Army, Multi-tool, patch knife), a medium work knife, a large fighting/utility knife.

A machete or hatchet would be worth putting in your kit. Mountain men swore by the hatchet. Many cultures swear by the machete. The Woodsman's Pal would also be a good bet.

For real wood cutting, a bow saw is almost mandatory. The bow saw is very light weight, and arguably more effective an useful than an axe. Blades are light weight and you can keep different blades to handle modern materials.

Consider a set of bolt cutters to manage other modern materials like locks, chains, barbed wire, fences, and rebar.

themighty9mm
04-04-13, 13:32
My current tool kit looks like this.
esee izula, esee 4, cold steel frontier hawk, bahco folding saw, leatherman (I think its the wave)

I also have but will never use again a becker bk-2 and I found it to be garbage for use as anything other than a wedge with a handle. And I simply don't have to many uses for a wedge in the woods. And it has never seen even from the factory a good hair shaving edge. I think it is just to thick to be a good knife. And a becker/esee necker knife. Was warped from the factory and did not inspire confidence. Other than that a good knife. I have also used the gerber lmf 2. It was an ok knife, but couldn't make use other the serrations, had not real need for a glass breaker, and found the sheath to be far more of a pain that it was worth (was made to be capable of jumping) from a plane, and the knife was very heavy in the grip (due to the glass breaker pommel)

just a scout
04-20-13, 22:07
My personal opinion is that, if you're carrying two cutting tools (which I recommend), then a good "double-toothed" (not sure if that's what you call it) saw is the absolute way to go if you plan to cut down any significant amount of limbs, trees, ect. It will do the job faster with less output by you. It is also typically lighter and more compact than a hatchet or machete.

I think ripsaw is the term you're looking for.:D

LMT Shooter
04-21-13, 02:42
I've used the Ontario machete & thought it was barely adequate. I have 2 older Cold Steel kukris, a 12" & a 15", and they both kick ass as a medium/heavy chopper. They have been discontinued in the US made Carbon V alloy version but are still avaliable as imports in other steels, but I have 0 experience with the newer ones. The sheaths leave something to be desired but have held up well for years, they just don't look & feel too trustworthy to me.

Cold Steel SRK's in Carbon V have been excellent for me, also.

Gerber Multiplier's, I have several & have few complaints. The wire cutters on some models are less than perfect, but my expectations of a multitool are that they will do a job, but not as well as a dedicated tool, and the Gerber's have done that for the most part.

Gerber folding saws (don't remember the model I have/have had 3 of them) cut well when new but do not hold up to prolonged use. The blade to handle junction is the weak point on them, with the newer imported ones being inferior to older US made ones. My newer one(s) have thinner blades more prone to bending & have proven even weaker at the blade to handle junction. I've been wanting to upgrade to a Silky folding saw.

hatidua
04-21-13, 17:38
I also have but will never use again a becker bk-2 and I found it to be garbage for use as anything other than a wedge with a handle.

Sounds about as useful as my ESEE 5.

Southern Cross
04-26-13, 00:21
The best advice I have ever been given about assembling kits, survival or otherwise, was to get out and see what you actually need. Years ago when I started prepping I bought just about every piece of survival whizbang out there. After spending three days "extreme camping" I realized I basically had nothing of use. After that I streamlined everything...got the kit much much lighter...and did my best to focus on skills. I learned that nearly every packaged survival kit was garbage and reading and skill development was what I needed most. And of course those most important thing in any kit...next to water of course...is a serious camp knife...if you can more purpose specific blades too. Not that I an an expert by any stretch...But water and something to cut with will keep me alive...I hope anyway!

Pilot1
04-26-13, 07:02
Sounds about as useful as my ESEE 5.

Ha, yeah. I have an RC-5, before the name change from Rat Cutlery to ESEE. It has a very narrow purpose. It is a downed pilot tool which can cut through aluminum, and plexiglass to egress from an aircraft then be used as an acceptable survival knife. When kept to this use, it would work well, I suppose. I fly a small, piston, airplane and keep one strapped to my leg when flying in the Rocky mountains, or other hostile terrain liked, occupied, communist New Jersey, and the like. :) I keep a Fallkniven F1 in my flight bag.

The ESEE-5, BK-2, etc are not the best general use, woods knives, but they do work for what they are. I have an RC-3, and RC-4, but my BRKT Bravo-1, and Fallkniven F1 iare the ones I gravitate to for general woods use.

PatEgan
05-01-13, 13:50
Just curious, but what does the ESEE 5 lack that the Fallkniven F-1 has? I have no experience with either knife; I just like to get informed, end-user feedback on gear.
Thanks in advance for your time,
Pat

pinzgauer
05-01-13, 16:56
The best advice I have ever been given about assembling kits, survival or otherwise, was to get out and see what you actually need.

The scout troop my boys came through had an annual "#10 Can" campout, where your entire kit had to fit in a #10 can. (About 3/4 of a gallon)

We did allow pocketknife, reasonable belt survival kit (Altoids tin up to smallest Otterbox type), and rainjacket beyond the #10 can.

Learned quite a bit doing this with them:
- You can camp comfortably in 3 season weather in the SE without much kit. And could survive even in winter with similar.
- The most critical items are the things you should have in your pocket anyway (Good knife, leatherman, mag bar, some cordage, etc)
- You really want a metal cup, can, or bottle to boil water. The improvised stuff works in a pinch, but it's a huge win to have a cup or similar
- There is a sweet spot between the 1/4" thick survival focused blades and pocketknives. For me, a Grip or similar sized sheath knife is ideal. But the Grip goes with me as much as possible.

So now I'm more into a 1 Qt Nalgene bottle sized kit. Belt kits helpful, but will be rough if nothing else. #10 can volume is almost more stuff than practical. But a nalgene sized kit will fit in packs/bags, on belts in a pinch. Nesting Glacier SS cup, inexpensive sheath knife as backup (Cold Steel Canadian or similar), one of the Nalgene type pouches from 5.11 or similar. Making these up for vehicles and my hunting day pack, etc

From a tools perspective, it varies. For my person:
- Full sized Griptillian or similar in pocket
- Leatherman wave on belt
- small lighter
- Add a basic Helle Fjellkniven or Canadian Army sheath knife if in the woods

In vehicles:
- Folding Sven saw & spare blade
- 18" type machete in nylon pouch with file
- Basic hand tools (4 in 1 screwdriver, Crescent, key sockets, wrenches, etc)
- Misc other stuff (cordage, snatch strap, small air compressor, flashlights & spare batts)

Crow Hunter
05-02-13, 13:20
Just curious, but what does the ESEE 5 lack that the Fallkniven F-1 has? I have no experience with either knife; I just like to get informed, end-user feedback on gear.
Thanks in advance for your time,
Pat

The ESEE 5 is a HUGE prybar type knife.

I had a Ranger Afghan which is similar sized with a .25 spine. It was just too big and heavy and I didn't feel comfortable using it.

I currently have an ESEE-6 with a set of ESEE-5 scales mounted to it. I like the canvas better than linen micarta for feel and grip.

I did a comparison between the ESEE-6 and the ESEE-3 and I much preferred the ESEE-3 for nearly all of my "knife" uses. I noticed based on finish wear that I was pretty much using the ESEE-6 "sweet spot" that matched the blade contour of the ESEE-3 and the -3 cut much better due to the thinner blade.

The F-1 is much closer to the ESEE-3 in size/weight/blade and I personally would much prefer to use that size/weight blade than the heavier ESEE-5 for anything short of cutting my way out of a crashed aircraft.

But I am not any type of an expert. Just trying to learn the hard/$ way. :D

SSGGunBunny
05-15-13, 07:20
I like redundancy, my bugout bag weighs close to 40 pounds but is well equipped with just about anything you would need and could carry in a pack. In regards to edged tools, I have a folding camp saw, a Walther machete, a Gerber multi-tool and my Gerber combat knife that I was issued when I first went to Afghanistan.

I spent my adult life in the infantry and still hike, really hike - not walking nature trails. So the weight of my bag doesn't bother me over long distances but others (like my wife) may not want to carry one with that much weight or more.

blade_68
06-25-13, 23:14
Pinzgauer I carried a water bottle pouch like you said on a drop leg mount loaded about that way in Iraq, and 2-4 M4 magazines. Go figure I have one in my jeep with the cup, lid, burner, spork, 550 cord, ect. Last winter on night shift I'd stop and brew some hot coffee with it :D

gojira70
08-06-13, 18:13
I have been thinking about adding one of these to my gear bag:

http://www.woodmanspal.com/

I have hefted one and know may old timers who have carried them. They are not cheap because they are not cheaply made. Feels like a heavy duty piece of kit to me that would have a multitude of uses out in the boonies.

Made up the street from me in BOYERTOWN PA ... U S A!

ra2bach
08-07-13, 13:08
been over this before. in the other thread, "which three knives", I list my Fallkniven A1, Mora Companion, and Fiskars 14" hatchet. A1 rides on my belt, Mora and hatchet stay in the pack...

just for day hiking, I drop the Mora and hatchet and just go with A1 and multitool - a Leatherman Core - the forerunner of the Wave...

Edit to Add: I meant to say I always have a multitool of some kind with me, sometimes the Core (because of the large pliers and awl with sewing loop), but usually the Leatherman Blast which adds scissors and Phillips and Flat Tip Eyeglasses Screwdriver Bit. I also use the Bit Adapter that gives me 1/4" driver for sockets, and hollow ground and Torx/allen bits...

soulezoo
08-08-13, 19:52
I've got a lot of "stuff" from the last 40years of doing this. Starting with the old boy scout folders and a buck fixed blade up to just about everything now.

I have all kinds of knives, folding and fixed, big and small. I have Gerber folding saws, different hatchets and a combat tomahawk, a gerber parang and several leatherman type tools (multi-plier, crunch, wave, MUT).

What I use depends on where I am at and what I am doing.

Two I always have is the Wave and my Fallkniven S-1. If it came to just one, the S-1 is it, hands down. Everything else I have is interchangable to circumstance. If in just woods, I take folding saw and hatchet (both light enough). If vines or brambles or vegetation is expected then the parang goes but is otherwise too heavy.

If "weaponized" then the MUT and tomahawk are used along with the S-1 on a batbelt with mags and trama kit.

sewvacman
09-08-13, 09:13
+1 on the woodsmans pal. It's the only "machete" that doesn't tear up my torn rotator cuff and it takes out tree limbs and undergrowth efficiently. A great tool. If it had some sort of saw on it then itwould be perfect. They do make longer models now for those who need it, my shoulder says I don't.lol

I have one in my truck and my BOB at all times. I also have a leatherman and a Spyderco captain as well as whatever knife happens to be in my pocket. (usually a 3" straight edge spyderco of some sorts)

Mbrokaw89
06-08-14, 17:35
I cArry a leatherman mutt, a KBAR MINI OR SOG SEAL PUP, and a dog tomahawk. The tomahawk cuts decent little branches, tomahawks or a hatchet is a must have. So many uses.

Gadsden11
06-08-14, 17:56
Among other things bladewise, I have been carrying a pair of needle nose vice grips. They come in handy lifting pot lids etc., but if you throw a sawzall blade or two in your kit they actually can be placed into the vice grips and locked down for saw usage. Processing fire wood is very easy thus way. Would I want to fell a significant size tree this way? No, but it adds versatility to your kit as you can use different blades for your situation.

Jonah2014
06-10-14, 15:43
I live in the North eastern woods and all I ever use is a 4 inch blade and a hatchet.

Try ESEE 4 with a Husqvarna Hatchet, itll satisfy most your fire building and shelter needs. Both pretty cheap also.
If you want to get serious Look at Busse offerings and gransfors bruks.

Let your surroundings determine what tools you use.

Jonah2014
06-10-14, 15:45
Among other things bladewise, I have been carrying a pair of needle nose vice grips. They come in handy lifting pot lids etc., but if you throw a sawzall blade or two in your kit they actually can be placed into the vice grips and locked down for saw usage. Processing fire wood is very easy thus way. Would I want to fell a significant size tree this way? No, but it adds versatility to your kit as you can use different blades for your situation.

Oh yea, the third tool I always carry is a Leatherman Wave... many uses

ra2bach
06-11-14, 10:37
Quote Originally Posted by themighty9mm View Post
I also have but will never use again a becker bk-2 and I found it to be garbage for use as anything other than a wedge with a handle.

Sounds about as useful as my ESEE 5.

yup. unless you somehow find yourself trapped in a 55 gal steel drum! lol...

ra2bach
06-11-14, 10:46
Just curious, but what does the ESEE 5 lack that the Fallkniven F-1 has? I have no experience with either knife; I just like to get informed, end-user feedback on gear.
Thanks in advance for your time,
Pat

it's not what it lacks, but what it has. and that is unnecessary thickness and weight...

the ESEE 5 is a sharpened prybar. too thick and heavy for many woods tasks unless you include pounding it into a tree and hanging a Buick from it...

the F1 is a light, thin bladed knife that a chef would be happy to use but sturdy enough for any woods task you would reasonably throw at it. I, and other people, feel that anything you need something larger than a 4" knife for, would be better done with a step up above a 5" blade, like a camp axe or larger knife bordering on a short machete...

Crow Hunter
06-11-14, 12:51
I was just thinking about this thread on Sunday.:cool:

We have recently had several storms in the area that have taken down some trees so I thought it would be a good idea to do some pruning/cutting here and there.

So I got out the pole saw, my machete and my Estwing hatchet.

Based on the amount of work I had to do for net result of wood cut and the overall handiness of it, I think I am going to modify my tool selection.

I think I am going to go with a smaller easier to slice with knife and a saw that might need to be backed up by a hatchet. The saw used MUCH less energy than the hatchet (and safer) and still cut through some pretty tough pin oak/red oak/hickory limbs.

The machete was really only useful when I was taking down really soft willow limbs because it was easier to swing akwardly than the hatchet.

The hatchet was much easier to choke up on and do fine tasks than the machete.

I am thinking that in my area (West Tennessee) a good folding saw and a good knife should be in my "Oh shit" bag and just live in there. I am still on the fence about a hatchet. I need to do a little more playing around with it other than just cutting down small trees and stumps. I have a Estwing Camp axe that is just a little too big and heavy and a Wetterlings hatchet that is just a little too small.

I need to hunt around and see if I can find a "Goldilocks" solution for the hatchet/axe problem.

soulezoo
06-11-14, 14:06
I was just thinking about this thread on Sunday.:cool:

We have recently had several storms in the area that have taken down some trees so I thought it would be a good idea to do some pruning/cutting here and there.

So I got out the pole saw, my machete and my Estwing hatchet.

Based on the amount of work I had to do for net result of wood cut and the overall handiness of it, I think I am going to modify my tool selection.

I think I am going to go with a smaller easier to slice with knife and a saw that might need to be backed up by a hatchet. The saw used MUCH less energy than the hatchet (and safer) and still cut through some pretty tough pin oak/red oak/hickory limbs.

The machete was really only useful when I was taking down really soft willow limbs because it was easier to swing akwardly than the hatchet.

The hatchet was much easier to choke up on and do fine tasks than the machete.

I am thinking that in my area (West Tennessee) a good folding saw and a good knife should be in my "Oh shit" bag and just live in there. I am still on the fence about a hatchet. I need to do a little more playing around with it other than just cutting down small trees and stumps. I have a Estwing Camp axe that is just a little too big and heavy and a Wetterlings hatchet that is just a little too small.

I need to hunt around and see if I can find a "Goldilocks" solution for the hatchet/axe problem.

I would suggest looking at the Gerber line of camp axes for that "Goldilocks" solution. There are three (or 4?) lengths of hatchets to camp axe size all of which are lightweight for packing. You won't be Paul Bunyan with any of them, but that isn't the purpose either.

Crow Hunter
06-11-14, 20:19
I would suggest looking at the Gerber line of camp axes for that "Goldilocks" solution. There are three (or 4?) lengths of hatchets to camp axe size all of which are lightweight for packing. You won't be Paul Bunyan with any of them, but that isn't the purpose either.

I will do that, thank you for the suggestion!

Jonah2014
06-11-14, 20:25
it's not what it lacks, but what it has. and that is unnecessary thickness and weight...

the ESEE 5 is a sharpened prybar. too thick and heavy for many woods tasks unless you include pounding it into a tree and hanging a Buick from it...

the F1 is a light, thin bladed knife that a chef would be happy to use but sturdy enough for any woods task you would reasonably throw at it. I, and other people, feel that anything you need something larger than a 4" knife for, would be better done with a step up above a 5" blade, like a camp axe or larger knife bordering on a short machete...


Thats why I sold my ESEE 5