Not many have experienced a good axe <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Most are used to horribly set up forward cutting edges that they come with. Even if you make them sharp, the geometry is all wrong.

Good axes died with the invention of saws. It is a dying art.

I would even go as far to say that there a NO good production axes. You need to make one into what you want these days.

B

Brian< Ive thought about making an axe, I remember my grandfather had a really great axe, seemed like it would chop about anything with little effort, but I never thought more about it than that, until trying to purchase one, and just like you said, from what I can find, they just seem all wrong, almost everything about them, defiantly not the same anymore, So for a while, large blades have become, the norm for chopping for me, and now I'm used to it, or addicted... either way, I'll always love the knife, but wouldn't mind coming across a good axe again.

Since the only axes I have used were production axes from Plumb, Gerber, and cheap hardware store ones, you may be right, Brian.

Here is some good reading to get you excited about it: An Axe To Grind.

There are also plenty of things that a big knife is better for. I was just mentioning one thing.

As with everything, it is all about what is important to you.

Besides, whatever "weapon" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> it is that you choose, you are likely to get so good with it, that changing isn't really a good idea <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Plumb makes good stuff HD.

I guess I should elaborate just a bit further though.

Back in the day, when axes were relied upon heavily for work, they were not sold "setup and ready to go either." They were often left too thick, with not the greatest geometry (just like today).

The difference being that folks took the time (and had the knowledge) to put the correct grind on them.

These days, you take that same bad geometry, hit a good piece of oak, watch the axe bounce and wonder why people use the things <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Not really "needing" one either, there is no reason to take the time to learn how to make it better.

So, there are still good production axes. Just none that I classify as "ready to go." Despite what many think, not even Gransfors.

B

Good info you posted Brian. Thanks for sharing- much appreciated <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

thanks for the thoughts brian much appreciated!

i like saws too! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

+1 on the info Brian! I really enjoyed reading your blog.

I recently got a Gerber hatchet based on the good comments and was a little surprised by the cutting ability. The edge was dull and to be honest I didn't expect a razor edge but it was closer to blunt.

I filed it down and I will admit it did better than my Ranger, but not by much. I was ready to go Gransfors based on the destruction tests (since that is exactly how I plan on beating the thing, J/K!) but I think I'll study up on it before making a purchase. I like the link and will use that info to sharpen my Gerber.

I saw the Snow & Nealley Axes at your store, what's the geometry like on those?

Art, you sir, are a posting FIEND.

We joined within days of each other, and you are almost a freakin' JYD.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Way to go man.

Hahaha! Thanks, I have MC, Bob and DotD to thank for that. We started the race in late Decemeber I believe. All I have to say is Death chat and a whole lot of time on my hands...

for a second i thought someone was gonna shoot a dogfather.