Thanks for the support all. It's amazing how hard it is to get my head out of the game. I've already caught myself running over video ideas at least twice this morning and many times yesterday. Time to think about changing my timing belt! It's finally sunny! hopefully I can get a little more organazized and efficient. See ya!
Wtrite them down on a pad and put them away on a memo spike/in a drawer for later then you dont losen the ideas but can focus on what needs doing. weve just had (and its pathetic) Storm Doris (yes doris) pass through the UK - result so far ive found 2 trees down .. thats it... according to the news it was the apocalypse .. either way more wood to chop... But instead ive been getting the ivy (main use of the axe)
7 лет назад+1
That's always the trouble when forming new concepts imo. They spiral around and grow, and they have offspring regardless. Meditation has always worked for me. Clears out the cobwebs.
I'd much rather you take a break than fall to pieces. I think other viewers feel the same. if they don't screw em, OK maybe not literally but figuratively lol. life happens to all of us, you're not alone in that. take the time you need, I for one if still drawing breath will still be here. wishing you all the best, take care of yourself!
Have a productive break. I cannot believe the quality of the images you take, combined with such useful info. I know a bit of how much effort goes on to create even a crappy video, so I know making your stuff must consume a huge amount of time and mental space.
you do realise that you will have to step up to cover the lack of videos - Im thinking a 24hr live stream of the life of your oxon (head mounted cam maybe?).
That would be a cool image. I'd need a different camera. I think Tim Harrigan did some logging videos like that, but he had the camera mounted on the log.
Take all the time you need friend. We all need to step back from the edge sometime and hit the reset button. We'll all still be here when you come back re-energized with new and interesting projects.
Just got the Hudson bay axe by snow and Nealley in Maine (main place) at the Amish store as they own the company now for 57$ only reason it's high online is because it's going through diffrent dealers and buyers etc
We all need a respite from the droning of things left partially done or completely undone. That noise in our head is magnified when we have other pressing personal issues with which to deal. Take some time off and belay those things. We'll still be here, because we know that you'll be better for the time spent, and we know that you will come back renewed and ready to provide more of the quality craft, adding to that volume of excellent material that you've already most graciously provided. Take care my friend. Steve
I'm glad to hear you are taking some time for yourself, you deserve it. I'm going to miss your videos so I'll be here waiting for your return. Take care, and don't you come back till you're good and ready :)
I just found your channel and you seem to have great content and advice on axemanship. I recently found a need for a bigger axe than my little Estwing sportsman hatchet and really like the form factor of the boy's axe. Unfortunately, the axes I was finding at my local hardware stores were either fiberglass which I cannot stand or axe shaped objects with a warped handle. I was looking to buy the Council Tool boy's axe since everything I have seen has given it positive marks, but they only have the Velvicut line available for that size and I was not interested in spending about $200 on an axe. After doing some looking I found this S&N axe and it looked like one I could take a chance on and I am glad I did. I agree, $70 is too much for this axe and amazon is now selling it for more like $80, but I was able to find it new on ebay for $60 and I do find it worth that. My axe's handle had straight grain and was well hung. I agree that the shoulder is way too fat for my preference but I was expecting to do some shaping and refinishing to get a tool to my liking. I was pleasantly surprised that the rest of the handle fit my hands well and I don't think I will need to do much work there. The head is definitely a harder steel than my Estwing, but It is not too hard to file. All in all, I got what I wanted, a good basic tool that I can refine to my needs and not feel like I am buying junk. I guess what I am trying to say is that I'm glad I missed this review before I ordered my axe because I might have passed on a good tool. I wish you well and I look forward to seeing more content from you.
Dont forgot to rest even if it means more time out. Modern life perpetuates the myth that rest is wasted time, far from true, its vital! Preventative rest is far better than convalescence after burnout. I believe you have a solid core of viewers who will be here when you return. Stay safe.
I think you have the best video content hands down. I implement your teaching daily on my homestead. Keep up the good work and stay dry with all this rain.
Do what you gotta do man, we'll be right here when you get back. Amazingly awesome content and love the way you are 'real'. Enjoy the time off, rest and re-charge your brain.
I think you might be right on handle breakage and flexibility. The Husquevarna broke on me, but I have found the Hults Bruk and Gransfors Bruks and have had no problems.
I think if you go to either extreme, you eventually incur more breakage, but in between there is a lot of leeway to suit taste. That is my theory anyway.
I totally agree on the handle thickness. I have the S&N Hudson Bay and it has the thickest handle in my collection. They aren't doing anyone any favors with these thick handles. See you in a few weeks!
Hope the weather doesn't interrupt your plans, my California friends are getting the shit kicked out of them. Good luck and God's Speed on you projects.
Barco boys axe $30 at the hardware store made in the US. The one I got is great had to be profiled but everything else was awesome very surprised you should try it.
I've heard some bad press on their axes and it doesn't look much better or cheaper than the council tool, which I like the form factor on. Maybe I'll check it out sometime though. The council appear to vary in quality as well though.
Just a thought, but could you build a roof over the trailer for now with standard construction 2x6 rafters, 2x4 top plates supported on braced 4x4 posts, sheet metal roof, no insulation or walls for now with an eye to replacing the trailer as funds build. When you're ready, remove the trailer and finish framing the walls, etc. This way you're not putting $ and effort into an old potentially unhealthy trailer but still fix the leaking problem. I'll bet you could do it for $1000 mostly for the metal, lumber is reasonably cheap. Use 10' posts so you can add rim joist and floor joists later and have a crawl space.
have a good break ! I know the feeling too much to do so little time because everythings being pulled 96 ways. reset and re-energise. and we will be honoured if you manage to take us along with you..just dont edit :d
after they came back. some of their new axes are showing up with much thinner handles. Maybe they're listening. If so, I'm not going to hear about it lol.
Your content is great! The best I've seen! At least Tori the subject matter I'm interested. It is tough to find balance, but without it you are just spreading your self to thin. Good luck
Just got to this. The axe reviews are much appreciated. I'm busy modifying stiff handles to see how it works out. Great stream action! Do you fill a pond or tanks or is this a common occurence up there?
I think it's good to pick an axe you don't need to care about too much and just keep using it and tuning it down alternately to see what it feels like. I have not ponds or large tanks. That is not too uncommon, but it was a really wet year.
No, I like it okay, it just needs more work. I'm just distracted with other projects. I can't just fix it, I have to make videos, so it keeps getting put off. I still have a busy spring ahead of me video, homestead and project wise, so it's not going to be till at least this summer. I'm good at starting axe projects lol.
You talk a lot about axe handle finishes and i was wondering if you had any experience with Pine tar mixed with linseed oil. Its a bit of work to apply but i am a big fan of the finish it leaves, very tactile and durable.
No, I have not, but people keep mentioning it. I had some ideas about doing mixes of different stuff for handle impregnation including pitch. I'm not really familiar with the pine tar, just with naturally occurring forms of conifer resin, so I'd probably use those. Seems like a great idea though. It might be an east coast v.s. west coast thing. I remember reading about making some kind of pine tar cooked out of fatwood in the foxfire books, but not much else. I've just used pitch for that sort of thing, but cut into oil with sometimes beeswax or a solvent like citrus oil.
I bought one a little while ago. Actually got mine NOT from Amazon. Paid $64.oo for it. Just didn't want to pay an outrageous amount of money for a more-or-less full-sized axe (yes, I know some will say the head is not heavy enough). I mean, considering the fact that the Amish were the ones who bought the company; and brought it back to America.... you have to expect a couple of imperfections. I doubt their beliefs allow them to use modern-day equipment in making these. I just wanted a good, full-length axe. Don't plan on using it too often. My 8-inch bastard file and my dedicated axe sharpener.... all the tools I need to make it woods ready.
there isn't much worth comparing that is domestic, new production. To have enough, you'd have to buy a bunch of imports with are expensive. just get a Council tool, or better, finsd one fo the millions of old used ones floating around out there.
Axes at those kinds of boutique prices just don't really interest me much. Not saying they aren't worth it, or that's not what they need to charge, just not necessary and not my practical focus.
take the time you need to reset and revive your body and mind. don't put to much pressure on yourself to preform. the important thing is to regain your energy and settle your mine so you can move forward in a peaceful and productive manner that benefits your needs.
Just bought a really cheap axe (7 pounds UK... 10 dollars US...) as a result of your videos. I just wanted a beater as a project. I want to thank you for the videos. you can inspire people without even realizing it! (btw it's mostly mild steel, i think, but may try case hardening it. The handle is best not spoken of)
Well, I hope it works out. Some of them just aren't worth the trouble and some are. If you have Bahco that might be an affordable axe over there that is decent. I haven't used them though. Also, I hear Hults are actually pretty affordable over there. Not super cheap, but here they are more than a beginner axe probably ought to be. Of course that is all relative to people's situations.
I'm beginning to believe that thinner handles actually have a lower risk of breakage. The easiest way to break a (non-defective) handle is to bury the head in a soft piece of wood and then push or pull the handle from side to side. A stiff handle will break right under the head with a small amount of displacement, but a thin handle will just flex out of the way.
Yes, I just did a video on that subject, basically how large differences in thickness, size and stiffness can end up concentrating stress instead of distributing it. As far as over all breakage goes though, it may depend on the stress, where and how it is applied. Also, chopping style.
I am new to this channel and i already love your videos about axes, and i would love to see you review one of John Neemans axes. They look amazing but are just so expensive
I'm guessing my review would probably be something like, this is nice, but needs tuning like everything else, and it's too expensive for plebes like us lol. Watch the video making firewood the old way. Looks like a thick ass hickory handle, sharpens the axe in the field with a fancy super fine japanese stone with a nagura stone even, lol, and the guy shows moderate to poor axe skills, inaccurate and over eager. Then once felling is done, the axe gets put away and the saw comes out. Maybe the axe heads are fine, I'm not sure I'm the very best person to judge that, but those videos don't inspire confidence. I can't afford to review stuff like that and I would recommend it to very few people anyway. Most of us need to get a cheap or affordable axe and use the crap out of it with impunity, break the handle a couple of times, mess it up, file it, and figure out what's up before even thinking about anything expensive. Council tools seems to fit the bill for a new axe, though quality control is a crap shoot, from what I've seen, probably better than a 50% chance of getting something straight with a good handle. Old used heads are probaby still the best way to go.
I did quite a bit of research on the S&N versus every other USA or European maker. Even up against Hoffman, Northmen, Autine, and Kalthoff. For dollar spent, value received the S&N was an incredible bargain. The biggest selling point to me was the use of 1080 mid-high carbon steel. Other USA makers were using 1060, and Taiwan uses 1045, and the Swedes won’t even tell you - Granfors uses recycled auto parts??? But the higher the number 1045,1060,1080 etc denotes the percentage of carbon in the alloy. An amazing chefs knife would be around 1100 or 1% carbon. Striking tools need to be a bit softer to prevent cracking, so 1080 is an excellent excellent steel at 0.8% carbon where I believe the Council Tool was 1060 or 0.6% - and this partly why you can buy a council cheaper. Also Council is a major forge with high production. The Snow & Nealley are ground and heat treated by the Amish, and they don’t let the Amish reputation down. It is a very fine axe for dollar spent, and I’ve found the 24” Hudson Bay axe to outperform the 20” Hults Bruk Aneby.
I've only seen this one in person, so I can only really comment on it. Compared to the average vintage axe, this was much rougher finish, but better than most councils I've seen for sure. Still, nothing to write home about and nothing at all compared to the high finish on Hults or Helko. Fit and finish as far as hanging was just bad, with a fundamental flaw only fixable by re-carving the entire handle around the offset eye portion. Design wise, the handle is just terrible. I is absurdly thick in any measure, enough to put a lot of stress on the area just below the eye where the handle is thinnest and most vulnerable. Someone pointed out to me that their new 3.5lb axe has a slender handle, which it appears to be in photos, so hopefully they are catching on, but it is obvious that there are no competent axemen that have anything to do with the design part, which is probably true of almost all axe manufacturers now. I've seen even worse handles from them in photos too, with radical shoulders at the eye and a shoulder in front, all of which I consider to contribute to unresiliency in a handle. The steel and tempering may very well be good and the handle can always be thinned, though it's a bit of a project. Not impressed with overall craftsmanship and from what I've seen so far. I sincerely hope they get it together completely though. I'd love to be able to recommend another American axe company. Interesting about the steel. I don't care much about steel though in general. Iv'e never broken an axe catastrophically and rarely see them severly broken. As far as holding an edge, unless way too soft, I've never found that to be a major problem in practical axe work as far as greatly increasing or decreasing output and ease of work.
Take care, at least I will get a chance to catch up on a backlog of content since I am a recent subscriber! The earth will heal you given a chance...but you know that...
dear Stephen take your time man.you have ,in my opinion (and as my friend says opinions are like arseholes everybody has one)put out more quality content that anyone else on you tube.much respect and thanks for sharing your wide set of skills ,experience and knowledge. I'll be looking forward to seeing you on RUclips when you get back. thinking about it I think you all ready are back.i remember the video with you cutting your dreads off and discussing punk and in this one you have hair.so this comment is totally irrelevant. oh well,I'll still post it as a bit of support for you and your excellent channel.p.s.You have actually given me the confidence to buy old axe heads and make them into functioning axes.cheers.
In this case especially, and in many cases, I'm convinced that excessive thickness increases the stress and likelihood of breakage near the eye of the axe. If you are sure you want thicker handles, I'd tend toward scandi axes, as the eyes tend to be larger. ruclips.net/video/DrghRcqbVis/видео.html
Let's pretend your axe handle were to flex a total of 10 degrees along its total length. If your handle is close to evenly flexible, it will have 1 degree of flex for every 3 inches of handle; a small amount of flex and less stress. Now, pretend your handle is super thick except right at the head. You now have 10 degrees of flex concentrated on a 1/4" area, many times more stress for the same flex.
That's a useful way to get people thinking about it. Concentration of stress. I have a couple of lecture videos on that, basically about shaping axe handles for stress distribution, rather than stress concentration.
Save your pennies and go Swedish. I love my Hultafors and it wasn't too expensive. The quality was worth what I paid for it. Thinner handle too. And I know how you feel about the Huskys, that's cheap Sweden.
Actually the husqvarna it turns out are made by Hultafors now, and I think all the husqvarna are available branded as either. If I remember, Hults doesn't have anything around this size. Quality isworth paying for, but most people should be buying a cheap axe to learn on, use, abuse and modify, so I'm just looking at the more affordable options.
SkillCult I own both and while I agree, there is no comparison between them. I had to do a lot of work to my Husky. I'm going to hit the bell. You work hard to give us great content. I've learned more about axes and their handling from you than anyone on RUclips.
That is interesting. I've never seen both models in person side by side. I wondered if they were specified differently at all or if there were a difference in fit and finish.
SkillCult The edge on my Huskys hold up nicely. I was chopping dry birch with no dulling. I still want to thin down the handles for less shock. Thanks for sharing that.
Could it be that the handles are made thicker because the wood is so much weaker than in the old days? Plus the axe manufacturers probably have lawyers on retainer and they need to add their two cents worth.
I gotta say, however much I would love an American axe, Swedish axes (in England at least) are cheaper and come with a seemingly better quality. This is my opinion, though I'd like to make clear: I would marry a Swedish axe just by looks.
Yeah, I know what they say, but I never really got it. Most of what passes for objective or is pushed as fact is opinion and that's mostly what we have to work with. But WHO'S opinion is important. The handle is ridiculous and shows a total lack of understanding of how the system works. That's because axe manufacturers are now rarely axe users and they especially don't understand handle resilience/strength. I did see that they at least have a new 3.5 lb axe that has a traditional thin handle and I'm hoping they saw the three videos where I mention how absurd their handles are and adapted now. Maybe you have a newer one with a better handle?.
@@SkillCult I wasn't referring to opinions are like assholes, I meant everyone has one🤣. I do believe my Browning outdoorsman axe beats most though. Idk if you've tried one before but I reccomend you buy one,that one has a light handle and a thin head and cuts through wood light butter. You should do a review on that one.
@@Krod50 Yeah, like I said, I know. I'm a youtuber with over 6 million views, people try to use that shit on me all the time. I just think it's dumb. As far as I can tell it's just a way to dismiss the value or potential value of what someone has to say. Like I said, subjectivity is what we mostly have to work with.
less than worthy - but likely still better than a horde of other lesser axes - just not the $70 price tag. we have the same problem here in europe - we have to go scandinavian to get quality.. which sucks as the UK used to make some amazing tools.
Thanks for the support all. It's amazing how hard it is to get my head out of the game. I've already caught myself running over video ideas at least twice this morning and many times yesterday. Time to think about changing my timing belt! It's finally sunny! hopefully I can get a little more organazized and efficient. See ya!
Wtrite them down on a pad and put them away on a memo spike/in a drawer for later then you dont losen the ideas but can focus on what needs doing.
weve just had (and its pathetic) Storm Doris (yes doris) pass through the UK - result so far ive found 2 trees down .. thats it... according to the news it was the apocalypse .. either way more wood to chop... But instead ive been getting the ivy (main use of the axe)
That's always the trouble when forming new concepts imo.
They spiral around and grow, and they have offspring regardless.
Meditation has always worked for me. Clears out the cobwebs.
Great thoughts! I've changed my mind about axes' handle since I got your point of view. Thank you for sharing!
I'd much rather you take a break than fall to pieces. I think other viewers feel the same. if they don't screw em, OK maybe not literally but figuratively lol. life happens to all of us, you're not alone in that. take the time you need, I for one if still drawing breath will still be here. wishing you all the best, take care of yourself!
well said
Too right mate!
That goes for me too. Look forward to your next video..... but only when you're ready. :-))
Have a productive break. I cannot believe the quality of the images you take, combined with such useful info. I know a bit of how much effort goes on to create even a crappy video, so I know making your stuff must consume a huge amount of time and mental space.
you do realise that you will have to step up to cover the lack of videos - Im thinking a 24hr live stream of the life of your oxon (head mounted cam maybe?).
That would be a cool image. I'd need a different camera. I think Tim Harrigan did some logging videos like that, but he had the camera mounted on the log.
Take all the time you need friend. We all need to step back from the edge sometime and hit the reset button. We'll all still be here when you come back re-energized with new and interesting projects.
I'm going to miss the videos mate but take all the time you need! I hope the break is wonderful :)
Just got the Hudson bay axe by snow and Nealley in Maine (main place) at the Amish store as they own the company now for 57$ only reason it's high online is because it's going through diffrent dealers and buyers etc
I'm always interested in your axe handle critiques. There are so many details to look for.
We all need a respite from the droning of things left partially done or completely undone. That noise in our head is magnified when we have other pressing personal issues with which to deal. Take some time off and belay those things. We'll still be here, because we know that you'll be better for the time spent, and we know that you will come back renewed and ready to provide more of the quality craft, adding to that volume of excellent material that you've already most graciously provided. Take care my friend.
Steve
I'm glad to hear you are taking some time for yourself, you deserve it. I'm going to miss your videos so I'll be here waiting for your return. Take care, and don't you come back till you're good and ready :)
I just found your channel and you seem to have great content and advice on axemanship. I recently found a need for a bigger axe than my little Estwing sportsman hatchet and really like the form factor of the boy's axe. Unfortunately, the axes I was finding at my local hardware stores were either fiberglass which I cannot stand or axe shaped objects with a warped handle. I was looking to buy the Council Tool boy's axe since everything I have seen has given it positive marks, but they only have the Velvicut line available for that size and I was not interested in spending about $200 on an axe. After doing some looking I found this S&N axe and it looked like one I could take a chance on and I am glad I did. I agree, $70 is too much for this axe and amazon is now selling it for more like $80, but I was able to find it new on ebay for $60 and I do find it worth that.
My axe's handle had straight grain and was well hung. I agree that the shoulder is way too fat for my preference but I was expecting to do some shaping and refinishing to get a tool to my liking. I was pleasantly surprised that the rest of the handle fit my hands well and I don't think I will need to do much work there. The head is definitely a harder steel than my Estwing, but It is not too hard to file. All in all, I got what I wanted, a good basic tool that I can refine to my needs and not feel like I am buying junk.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I'm glad I missed this review before I ordered my axe because I might have passed on a good tool. I wish you well and I look forward to seeing more content from you.
Enjoy the time off man. Feel better. Sending g positive vibes. 💪
Thanks for the review, and enjoy the time off!
Dont forgot to rest even if it means more time out. Modern life perpetuates the myth that rest is wasted time, far from true, its vital! Preventative rest is far better than convalescence after burnout. I believe you have a solid core of viewers who will be here when you return. Stay safe.
This is a big idea. Life takes time
take your time man, get your shit together! we'll all be here when you get back!
I think you have the best video content hands down. I implement your teaching daily on my homestead. Keep up the good work and stay dry with all this rain.
Beautiful scenery & the lighting & camera work was perfect. Almost as pretty as Vancouver Island where I reside.
Do what you gotta do man, we'll be right here when you get back. Amazingly awesome content and love the way you are 'real'. Enjoy the time off, rest and re-charge your brain.
Lovely moss in that tree behind you. I hope I can get to somewhere as natural as your location on day
I think you might be right on handle breakage and flexibility. The Husquevarna broke on me, but I have found the Hults Bruk and Gransfors Bruks and have had no problems.
I think if you go to either extreme, you eventually incur more breakage,
but in between there is a lot of leeway to suit taste. That is my
theory anyway.
I totally agree on the handle thickness. I have the S&N Hudson Bay and it has the thickest handle in my collection. They aren't doing anyone any favors with these thick handles. See you in a few weeks!
Take care bud. We'll see you in a couple weeks.
Stay safe and as dry as you can!
Good review!
Hi Steven, I echo the sentiments of others: your content is amazing, and you produce a lot of it! Take the time you need. :)
Keep the spirit!
I know this is an old video, but have you seen the Brent & Cochran Axes made in Maine?? The company is only a handful of years old
Too expensive for my tastes, but cool to see someone making wedge axes!
Thanks for the information
Good luck 👍 I'll be here when you get back
Hope the weather doesn't interrupt your plans, my California friends are getting the shit kicked out of them. Good luck and God's Speed on you projects.
Barco boys axe $30 at the hardware store made in the US. The one I got is great had to be profiled but everything else was awesome very surprised you should try it.
I've heard some bad press on their axes and it doesn't look much better or cheaper than the council tool, which I like the form factor on. Maybe I'll check it out sometime though. The council appear to vary in quality as well though.
That's why I don't like buying axes online I want to see and hold it before I buy it.
Edholm, thank you.
Just a thought, but could you build a roof over the trailer for now with standard construction 2x6 rafters, 2x4 top plates supported on braced 4x4 posts, sheet metal roof, no insulation or walls for now with an eye to replacing the trailer as funds build. When you're ready, remove the trailer and finish framing the walls, etc. This way you're not putting $ and effort into an old potentially unhealthy trailer but still fix the leaking problem. I'll bet you could do it for $1000 mostly for the metal, lumber is reasonably cheap. Use 10' posts so you can add rim joist and floor joists later and have a crawl space.
have a good break ! I know the feeling too much to do so little time because everythings being pulled 96 ways.
reset and re-energise. and we will be honoured if you manage to take us along with you..just dont edit :d
We all need a week or two to literally and figuratively sort our lives out, see you when you're back in control!
I have a vintage snow and kneally axe head and the steel is really nice and hard steel I'd say probably 57 to 58 Rockwell
Is this done before they were bought out and brought back to USA??
after they came back. some of their new axes are showing up with much thinner handles. Maybe they're listening. If so, I'm not going to hear about it lol.
SkillCult,, thank you for the reply, your video helped me on my decision to go with the Council,, @ 1/2 the price it’s a no brainer. Thanks again.
have a good vacation. best wishes from Kansas.(we could use a bit of that moisture if y'all could spare some)
Your content is great! The best I've seen! At least Tori the subject matter I'm interested. It is tough to find balance, but without it you are just spreading your self to thin. Good luck
Just got to this. The axe reviews are much appreciated. I'm busy modifying stiff handles to see how it works out. Great stream action! Do you fill a pond or tanks or is this a common occurence up there?
I think it's good to pick an axe you don't need to care about too much and just keep using it and tuning it down alternately to see what it feels like. I have not ponds or large tanks. That is not too uncommon, but it was a really wet year.
You do you. RUclips will be here when you get back.
Do you plan to finish tuning the Husqvarna multipurpose forest ax or is it so bad that you are just gonna scrap it?
No, I like it okay, it just needs more work. I'm just distracted with other projects. I can't just fix it, I have to make videos, so it keeps getting put off. I still have a busy spring ahead of me video, homestead and project wise, so it's not going to be till at least this summer. I'm good at starting axe projects lol.
You talk a lot about axe handle finishes and i was wondering if you had any experience with Pine tar mixed with linseed oil. Its a bit of work to apply but i am a big fan of the finish it leaves, very tactile and durable.
No, I have not, but people keep mentioning it. I had some ideas about doing mixes of different stuff for handle impregnation including pitch. I'm not really familiar with the pine tar, just with naturally occurring forms of conifer resin, so I'd probably use those. Seems like a great idea though. It might be an east coast v.s. west coast thing. I remember reading about making some kind of pine tar cooked out of fatwood in the foxfire books, but not much else. I've just used pitch for that sort of thing, but cut into oil with sometimes beeswax or a solvent like citrus oil.
I bought one a little while ago. Actually got mine NOT from Amazon. Paid $64.oo for it. Just didn't want to pay an outrageous amount of money for a more-or-less full-sized axe (yes, I know some will say the head is not heavy enough). I mean, considering the fact that the Amish were the ones who bought the company; and brought it back to America.... you have to expect a couple of imperfections. I doubt their beliefs allow them to use modern-day equipment in making these. I just wanted a good, full-length axe. Don't plan on using it too often. My 8-inch bastard file and my dedicated axe sharpener.... all the tools I need to make it woods ready.
Need to compare a few Boys Axes now 😊
there isn't much worth comparing that is domestic, new production. To have enough, you'd have to buy a bunch of imports with are expensive. just get a Council tool, or better, finsd one fo the millions of old used ones floating around out there.
Would love to see you do a review of an Autine axe.
Axes at those kinds of boutique prices just don't really interest me much. Not saying they aren't worth it, or that's not what they need to charge, just not necessary and not my practical focus.
take the time you need to reset and revive your body and mind. don't put to much pressure on yourself to preform. the important thing is to regain your energy and settle your mine so you can move forward in a peaceful and productive manner that benefits your needs.
Just bought a really cheap axe (7 pounds UK... 10 dollars US...) as a result of your videos. I just wanted a beater as a project. I want to thank you for the videos. you can inspire people without even realizing it! (btw it's mostly mild steel, i think, but may try case hardening it. The handle is best not spoken of)
Well, I hope it works out. Some of them just aren't worth the trouble and some are. If you have Bahco that might be an affordable axe over there that is decent. I haven't used them though. Also, I hear Hults are actually pretty affordable over there. Not super cheap, but here they are more than a beginner axe probably ought to be. Of course that is all relative to people's situations.
we all need a break from time to time. see ya when we see ya. take it easy and enjoy ✌
I'm beginning to believe that thinner handles actually have a lower risk of breakage. The easiest way to break a (non-defective) handle is to bury the head in a soft piece of wood and then push or pull the handle from side to side. A stiff handle will break right under the head with a small amount of displacement, but a thin handle will just flex out of the way.
Yes, I just did a video on that subject, basically how large differences in thickness, size and stiffness can end up concentrating stress instead of distributing it. As far as over all breakage goes though, it may depend on the stress, where and how it is applied. Also, chopping style.
Enjoy your time off mate. maybe I can get some stuff done now instead of coming home from work and watching your videos haha ,see you soon bud .
I am new to this channel and i already love your videos about axes, and i would love to see you review one of John Neemans axes. They look amazing but are just so expensive
I'm guessing my review would probably be something like, this is nice, but needs tuning like everything else, and it's too expensive for plebes like us lol. Watch the video making firewood the old way. Looks like a thick ass hickory handle, sharpens the axe in the field with a fancy super fine japanese stone with a nagura stone even, lol, and the guy shows moderate to poor axe skills, inaccurate and over eager. Then once felling is done, the axe gets put away and the saw comes out. Maybe the axe heads are fine, I'm not sure I'm the very best person to judge that, but those videos don't inspire confidence. I can't afford to review stuff like that and I would recommend it to very few people anyway. Most of us need to get a cheap or affordable axe and use the crap out of it with impunity, break the handle a couple of times, mess it up, file it, and figure out what's up before even thinking about anything expensive. Council tools seems to fit the bill for a new axe, though quality control is a crap shoot, from what I've seen, probably better than a 50% chance of getting something straight with a good handle. Old used heads are probaby still the best way to go.
I hoped you would be skeptical, and i also think that they are more in the realm of display axes
I did quite a bit of research on the S&N versus every other USA or European maker. Even up against Hoffman, Northmen, Autine, and Kalthoff. For dollar spent, value received the S&N was an incredible bargain. The biggest selling point to me was the use of 1080 mid-high carbon steel. Other USA makers were using 1060, and Taiwan uses 1045, and the Swedes won’t even tell you - Granfors uses recycled auto parts??? But the higher the number 1045,1060,1080 etc denotes the percentage of carbon in the alloy. An amazing chefs knife would be around 1100 or 1% carbon. Striking tools need to be a bit softer to prevent cracking, so 1080 is an excellent excellent steel at 0.8% carbon where I believe the Council Tool was 1060 or 0.6% - and this partly why you can buy a council cheaper. Also Council is a major forge with high production.
The Snow & Nealley are ground and heat treated by the Amish, and they don’t let the Amish reputation down. It is a very fine axe for dollar spent, and I’ve found the 24” Hudson Bay axe to outperform the 20” Hults Bruk Aneby.
I've only seen this one in person, so I can only really comment on it. Compared to the average vintage axe, this was much rougher finish, but better than most councils I've seen for sure. Still, nothing to write home about and nothing at all compared to the high finish on Hults or Helko. Fit and finish as far as hanging was just bad, with a fundamental flaw only fixable by re-carving the entire handle around the offset eye portion. Design wise, the handle is just terrible. I is absurdly thick in any measure, enough to put a lot of stress on the area just below the eye where the handle is thinnest and most vulnerable. Someone pointed out to me that their new 3.5lb axe has a slender handle, which it appears to be in photos, so hopefully they are catching on, but it is obvious that there are no competent axemen that have anything to do with the design part, which is probably true of almost all axe manufacturers now. I've seen even worse handles from them in photos too, with radical shoulders at the eye and a shoulder in front, all of which I consider to contribute to unresiliency in a handle. The steel and tempering may very well be good and the handle can always be thinned, though it's a bit of a project. Not impressed with overall craftsmanship and from what I've seen so far. I sincerely hope they get it together completely though. I'd love to be able to recommend another American axe company. Interesting about the steel. I don't care much about steel though in general. Iv'e never broken an axe catastrophically and rarely see them severly broken. As far as holding an edge, unless way too soft, I've never found that to be a major problem in practical axe work as far as greatly increasing or decreasing output and ease of work.
Take a break, have some rest, get things done. I'll wait. Cheers!
Take care, at least I will get a chance to catch up on a backlog of content since I am a recent subscriber! The earth will heal you given a chance...but you know that...
Take care of yourself.
dear Stephen take your time man.you have ,in my opinion (and as my friend says opinions are like arseholes everybody has one)put out more quality content that anyone else on you tube.much respect and thanks for sharing your wide set of skills ,experience and knowledge. I'll be looking forward to seeing you on RUclips when you get back. thinking about it I think you all ready are back.i remember the video with you cutting your dreads off and discussing punk and in this one you have hair.so this comment is totally irrelevant. oh well,I'll still post it as a bit of support for you and your excellent channel.p.s.You have actually given me the confidence to buy old axe heads and make them into functioning axes.cheers.
Yeah, this is really old, but seriously thanks :)
Take a break. Always care for your well being first, otherwise you cant be of service to anyone else. Good luck.
May be strange but i prefer a thicker handle.
In this case especially, and in many cases, I'm convinced that excessive thickness increases the stress and likelihood of breakage near the eye of the axe. If you are sure you want thicker handles, I'd tend toward scandi axes, as the eyes tend to be larger. ruclips.net/video/DrghRcqbVis/видео.html
Let's pretend your axe handle were to flex a total of 10 degrees along its total length. If your handle is close to evenly flexible, it will have 1 degree of flex for every 3 inches of handle; a small amount of flex and less stress.
Now, pretend your handle is super thick except right at the head. You now have 10 degrees of flex concentrated on a 1/4" area, many times more stress for the same flex.
That's a useful way to get people thinking about it. Concentration of stress. I have a couple of lecture videos on that, basically about shaping axe handles for stress distribution, rather than stress concentration.
Save your pennies and go Swedish. I love my Hultafors and it wasn't too expensive. The quality was worth what I paid for it. Thinner handle too. And I know how you feel about the Huskys, that's cheap Sweden.
Actually the husqvarna it turns out are made by Hultafors now, and I think all the husqvarna are available branded as either. If I remember, Hults doesn't have anything around this size. Quality isworth paying for, but most people should be buying a cheap axe to learn on, use, abuse and modify, so I'm just looking at the more affordable options.
SkillCult I own both and while I agree, there is no comparison between them. I had to do a lot of work to my Husky. I'm going to hit the bell. You work hard to give us great content. I've learned more about axes and their handling from you than anyone on RUclips.
That is interesting. I've never seen both models in person side by side. I wondered if they were specified differently at all or if there were a difference in fit and finish.
SkillCult The edge on my Huskys hold up nicely. I was chopping dry birch with no dulling. I still want to thin down the handles for less shock. Thanks for sharing that.
Could it be that the handles are made thicker because the wood is so much weaker than in the old days? Plus the axe manufacturers probably have lawyers on retainer and they need to add their two cents worth.
I suppose, but it doesn't really work since the eye is the most vulnerable part on the these small eyed American axes.
I gotta say, however much I would love an American axe, Swedish axes (in England at least) are cheaper and come with a seemingly better quality. This is my opinion, though I'd like to make clear: I would marry a Swedish axe just by looks.
Please don't make an enemy of me 😓
Hiatus!
sounds like a disease ;)
seattle boi vibes
grain this grain that. handles need to made from branches.
Well you know what they say about opinions. I think you just got a dud.
I own it and sharpened it on a paper wheel sharpener and it's a beast.
Yeah, I know what they say, but I never really got it. Most of what passes for objective or is pushed as fact is opinion and that's mostly what we have to work with. But WHO'S opinion is important. The handle is ridiculous and shows a total lack of understanding of how the system works. That's because axe manufacturers are now rarely axe users and they especially don't understand handle resilience/strength. I did see that they at least have a new 3.5 lb axe that has a traditional thin handle and I'm hoping they saw the three videos where I mention how absurd their handles are and adapted now. Maybe you have a newer one with a better handle?.
@@SkillCult I wasn't referring to opinions are like assholes, I meant everyone has one🤣. I do believe my Browning outdoorsman axe beats most though. Idk if you've tried one before but I reccomend you buy one,that one has a light handle and a thin head and cuts through wood light butter. You should do a review on that one.
@@Krod50 Yeah, like I said, I know. I'm a youtuber with over 6 million views, people try to use that shit on me all the time. I just think it's dumb. As far as I can tell it's just a way to dismiss the value or potential value of what someone has to say. Like I said, subjectivity is what we mostly have to work with.
Do your thing bro. Too bad the Snow and Neally was Shit.
less than worthy - but likely still better than a horde of other lesser axes - just not the $70 price tag.
we have the same problem here in europe - we have to go scandinavian to get quality.. which sucks as the UK used to make some amazing tools.
Meditation maybe? Don't start drinking whatever you do, doesn't work.
You need more government to fix your roads
Hultafors is sexier, and cheaper !
They aren't cheaper here n the states, or I'd probably recommend them or try one.