Wonderful dissertation on a historical masterpiece. Because neither of them were lumbermen they didn't need a lumberjacks ax. Again , Well Done! You and Mr Lockart have brought forth a wonderful representation and a historical treasure.
Thank you my friend. I am leaning toward finding another version of the same measurements but different grind and compare. I believe the chopping side could be refined a bit.
@@honorableoutfitters I agree! But be careful I've seen many improvements routinely damage a good piece of steel,(don't ask me how, I still shed tears). Well Done and Carry On! Prayers for all of yours and Merry Christmas! Rick
Outstanding! Buying one! making one! But definitely on my bucket list! I have worked with leather so first things first! Gotta find some good steel! Maybe down on the tracks!
While I can totally respect the historical significance of the Nessmuk hatchet, I can't replace my little Silky saw for everyday use. It's just so much safer. I think he would have agreed had it been available at the time. ;) Great video!
Great video brother, I think I prefer the Kephart primarily because of the length of the handle. But on the other hand the mustache and vests are looking great!
I have two Council Tool Saddle Axes(one Velvicut and one Sport Utility) and I would honestly prefer either of them over this due to how much extra effort would need to be expended to achieve the same end.
Good video. I bet it will take some time to get use to those little hatchets. To build up the confidence is to use them and learn what they are capable of. Good video. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.
Beyond shorter logs and meat processing I probably won't be using it much..maybe I need to get used to it but I would prefer to carry my Scout hatchet. Even the Kephart is not my favorite tbh...game processing is really the only purpose I can think of. That being said, it still performs better than I had expected.
@@honorableoutfitters ya I guess you are right. But when I was watching the video that's what I was thinking. That I would want my boy scout hatchet. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts. Oh when I was little. Grandpa said to reprofile the bit end because they would bounce and come down on the scouts hand and finger. So keep that in mind when teach.
I've got an axe even smaller it's the Gransfors Brux 'pocket' axe I bought it a long time ago purely cos I managed to get it for a ridiculously cheap price after it arrived I realised it's really designed for wood carving so it's never even left the house
Thanks friend! A bigger hatchet is my preference too but I suppose if you are an ultralight backpacker where every ounce matters it may be better than nothing.
Judging by the image vs yours, I'd love to have one made with a slightly longer handle (~2") and a head heavier by just a few ounces. Ive also always wanted one with raised, squared flats on each side of the head for pouding stakes with some light edge covers on.
I so much wish the handles for this size and Hudson Bay axes were more readily available. I've got a hudson bay sitting under my desk that really needs a new handle. I've been told that House Handle can provide what I need(if I call them), although they don't list it in their catalog.
House Handle is a great company that I have used before and they have great customer service. I suppose if you have the time and want to take it on it could be a cool project if you have the tools. I am fortunate and have a pretty well outfitted woodshop at my disposal. For straight handles turning a piece on a lathe and then shaping using sanders make quick work out of it all. When I worked on a living historical farm we had draw knives and shaving horses to use which certainly gives you and appreciation for the power tools. :) Cheers friend.
👍 Good description of this tool. Seems to be an accurate reproduction of the original. I was not that impressed with it’s performance, but believe that might be because the log you were wacking on was too large for this tool. I believe Nessmuk used his hatchet on smaller pieces of wood where it would have done a remarkable job. In any event I always learn something interesting from your videos.
Thanks for the thoughts! I plan on making another video showing it being used in more typical field uses instead of the "extreme" situation on such a large piece of wood. Nessmuk would have certainly used it for things not much larger than wrist diameter and animal processing. For it's size I think it does pretty well and it certainly splits a large log way better than I had expected. Happy holidays brother!
Not denying your assumptions about what each forester needed, but I have a different idea of what Nessmuk might have wanted. Despite the name "pocket axe", I think he might have preferred a slightly longer handle, an educated man remembering Arlchimedes' concept of the longer lever could move the earth. Secondly, the illustration of his tools shown in your video is just that: an illustration; it is NOT a picture, thus it is someone else's idea of what Nessmuk would prefer to have. Having the knives shown as kit, why not have a combination axe-head, including a hammer? A wood-splitting wedge could be made by any of the three tools, freeing the axe's face-grind/thickness to whatever the owner's preference might dictate. With the owner's experience in the field, and being aware of his own ability to carry kit, he can make a firm choice rather than having two different axes and no hammer. As far as uses to be accommodated, a well selected "wild" stone could be commissioned to sharpen or adapt an angled edge, if needed, used with a bit of "wild" water. Again, no criticism of your assumptions (unless they are, in fact, authenticated in Nessmuk's writings). I just think that the man would prefer to have two distinct tools in one item than two specific (and slightly less adaptable) edges
I always thought the picture wasn't to scale and assumed that the head was likely about 1.5lbs. Mind you, I haven't read any of his writing so that was a lot of assumptions!
It could be and we will never know but he does call it a pocket axe which is why I lean toward the small side being fairly accurate. The mystery makes it a bit more fun to experiment with.
I'm not sure that the dimensions 'as made' match the side view of the original. Nessmuk was 'an old sea dog' and may have spun a bit of exaggeration into his writing. Still, I would guess that he was sparing in selecting firewood. He probably used small-diameter sticks, chopped more of them, and kept smaller fires closer to his shelters.
Beyond shorter logs and meat processing I agree brother...maybe I need to get used to it but I would prefer to carry my Scout hatchet. Even the Kephart is not my bag tbh...game processing is really the only purpose I can think of. That being said, it still performs better than I had expected.
I don't have a Nessmuk small ax in my hand, but based on my own use of axes and my experience with different axes. Nessmuk's hatchet, although a piece of history, is a pretty poor coup as a backpacker/hiker's tool. For example, Fiskars X7 or in Finland today one of the traditional ax models, Billnäs, which, as small axes of the same weight, do all the same things as Nessmuk's small ax, but a hundred times better. The replica of Nessmuk's small ax itself seems strange, as the profile of the blade is too thick to work as a splitting ax, and as a hatchet, both features must have been important to Nessmuk as a man of the wilderness. That's why I'm left wondering if the blade shape of the Nesmuk replica hatchet really was this!?
I am absolutely inclined to agree with you. I think this version's "chopping" side is ideal for splitting thickness for its size as it is rather impressive for that use but the chopping side could use a narrower profile.
There are alternatives for sure. Just be careful with chopping with an average full tang woods knife as it will dull, bend, chip, or possibly break the knife. If you prefer blades for that kind of work a machete or banana knife would be your best bet. Thanks for your thoughts!
I prefer other styles myself but if I was going in an area where splitting was likely or cutting through rib cage I would consider it for it would make quick work of it.
That hatchet looks nothing like it. also, the picture shows everything in the same page. Doesn't mean that was actual size. But the hatchet has curved blade for slicing timber. Also he would have split sticks, not great big logs. Or he could have broken it. Use common sense!
Used to split wood and I could tell the splitting end right away!
lol, one certainly will when they try! Happy Thanksgiving my friend!
Wonderful dissertation on a historical masterpiece. Because neither of them were lumbermen they didn't need a lumberjacks ax. Again , Well Done! You and Mr Lockart have brought forth a wonderful representation and a historical treasure.
Thank you my friend. I am leaning toward finding another version of the same measurements but different grind and compare. I believe the chopping side could be refined a bit.
@@honorableoutfitters I agree! But be careful I've seen many improvements routinely damage a good piece of steel,(don't ask me how, I still shed tears). Well Done and Carry On!
Prayers for all of yours and Merry Christmas!
Rick
Great review. Much like a Fort Meigs pocket axe except a double bit.
Good call! I never knew Fort Meigs had an axe like it until your mention, thank you!
Outstanding! Buying one! making one! But definitely on my bucket list! I have worked with leather so first things first!
Gotta find some good steel! Maybe down on the tracks!
I love it brother! I hope you share it on the FB group or join the Guild and share it on there!
While I can totally respect the historical significance of the Nessmuk hatchet, I can't replace my little Silky saw for everyday use. It's just so much safer.
I think he would have agreed had it been available at the time. ;)
Great video!
Kephart suggested a pruning saw be taken as well so your wisdom is certainly solid my friend!
Awesome. Thank you so much.
Thank you for the support!
Great review. Such a small but mighty tool.
For what it is, it surprises me! Thanks for the support!
,,,hello my friend,, great video,,i enjoyed watching,, love the axes,,,
Thanks for the visit brother!
Great video brother, I think I prefer the Kephart primarily because of the length of the handle.
But on the other hand the mustache and vests are looking great!
Between the two I agree. One can use the Kephart in a double handed fashion and it is still lightweight.
Excellent!
Thanks brother!
I have two Council Tool Saddle Axes(one Velvicut and one Sport Utility) and I would honestly prefer either of them over this due to how much extra effort would need to be expended to achieve the same end.
I have a lead on the original and I have plans on being more accurate with the next one...I can't convey how excited I am over it.
Good video. I bet it will take some time to get use to those little hatchets. To build up the confidence is to use them and learn what they are capable of. Good video. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.
Beyond shorter logs and meat processing I probably won't be using it much..maybe I need to get used to it but I would prefer to carry my Scout hatchet. Even the Kephart is not my favorite tbh...game processing is really the only purpose I can think of. That being said, it still performs better than I had expected.
@@honorableoutfitters ya I guess you are right. But when I was watching the video that's what I was thinking. That I would want my boy scout hatchet. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts. Oh when I was little. Grandpa said to reprofile the bit end because they would bounce and come down on the scouts hand and finger. So keep that in mind when teach.
I've got an axe even smaller it's the Gransfors Brux 'pocket' axe I bought it a long time ago purely cos I managed to get it for a ridiculously cheap price after it arrived I realised it's really designed for wood carving so it's never even left the house
Have you ever used it to strip wood projects such as walking sticks or furniture with any comfortablesuccess?
@@honorableoutfittersnot really doesn't suit my 3XL hands
Watching this, I appreciate two things:
1: The historical reference to a classic writers tool.
2: That I have a Woodsman by Origin Knives!
Thanks friend! A bigger hatchet is my preference too but I suppose if you are an ultralight backpacker where every ounce matters it may be better than nothing.
I prefer an over long handle a la Kephart as it provides a counterbalance if I grip it part way along.
It's growing on me...it has taken awhile but I have come to really appreciate it.
Judging by the image vs yours, I'd love to have one made with a slightly longer handle (~2") and a head heavier by just a few ounces. Ive also always wanted one with raised, squared flats on each side of the head for pouding stakes with some light edge covers on.
The flats are a good idea friend!
Nessmuk hatchet seems cool for 2 bits but personally i prefer a flat end to batton the bit to split logs.
I am inclined to agree with you I think. The little Nessmuk splits amazingly well but if it were to get stuck in the middle of a log, what then?
I so much wish the handles for this size and Hudson Bay axes were more readily available. I've got a hudson bay sitting under my desk that really needs a new handle. I've been told that House Handle can provide what I need(if I call them), although they don't list it in their catalog.
House Handle is a great company that I have used before and they have great customer service. I suppose if you have the time and want to take it on it could be a cool project if you have the tools. I am fortunate and have a pretty well outfitted woodshop at my disposal. For straight handles turning a piece on a lathe and then shaping using sanders make quick work out of it all. When I worked on a living historical farm we had draw knives and shaving horses to use which certainly gives you and appreciation for the power tools. :) Cheers friend.
@@honorableoutfitters I've got the tools(drawknives all the way up to lathes as well), but no source of good hardwood, and not much time or space.
👍 Good description of this tool. Seems to be an accurate reproduction of the original.
I was not that impressed with it’s performance, but believe that might be because the log you were wacking on was too large for this tool. I believe Nessmuk used his hatchet on smaller pieces of wood where it would have done a remarkable job.
In any event I always learn something interesting from your videos.
Thanks for the thoughts! I plan on making another video showing it being used in more typical field uses instead of the "extreme" situation on such a large piece of wood. Nessmuk would have certainly used it for things not much larger than wrist diameter and animal processing. For it's size I think it does pretty well and it certainly splits a large log way better than I had expected. Happy holidays brother!
Yikes! I feel like I’d still want my Gransfors Small Forest Axe.
I would too, even Kephart's small tomahawk style would be better in my opinion because I like using the poll for stakes or other similar tasks
It would be better than nothing but I'd never choose such a hatchet. When I take anything like that it's a Council Tools Camp Carver or a tomahawk.
Not denying your assumptions about what each forester needed, but I have a different idea of what Nessmuk might have wanted. Despite the name "pocket axe", I think he might have preferred a slightly longer handle, an educated man remembering Arlchimedes' concept of the longer lever could move the earth. Secondly, the illustration of his tools shown in your video is just that: an illustration; it is NOT a picture, thus it is someone else's idea of what Nessmuk would prefer to have. Having the knives shown as kit, why not have a combination axe-head, including a hammer? A wood-splitting wedge could be made by any of the three tools, freeing the axe's face-grind/thickness to whatever the owner's preference might dictate. With the owner's experience in the field, and being aware of his own ability to carry kit, he can make a firm choice rather than having two different axes and no hammer. As far as uses to be accommodated, a well selected "wild" stone could be commissioned to sharpen or adapt an angled edge, if needed, used with a bit of "wild" water. Again, no criticism of your assumptions (unless they are, in fact, authenticated in Nessmuk's writings). I just think that the man would prefer to have two distinct tools in one item than two specific (and slightly less adaptable) edges
Great thoughts and I agree with most of them! I think the unknown contributes to some of the interest in Nessmuk's ways and tools.
I always thought the picture wasn't to scale and assumed that the head was likely about 1.5lbs. Mind you, I haven't read any of his writing so that was a lot of assumptions!
It could be and we will never know but he does call it a pocket axe which is why I lean toward the small side being fairly accurate. The mystery makes it a bit more fun to experiment with.
I'm not sure that the dimensions 'as made' match the side view of the original. Nessmuk was 'an old sea dog' and may have spun a bit of exaggeration into his writing. Still, I would guess that he was sparing in selecting firewood. He probably used small-diameter sticks, chopped more of them, and kept smaller fires closer to his shelters.
Beyond shorter logs and meat processing I agree brother...maybe I need to get used to it but I would prefer to carry my Scout hatchet. Even the Kephart is not my bag tbh...game processing is really the only purpose I can think of. That being said, it still performs better than I had expected.
@@honorableoutfitters My early scout hatchet worked well. I mainly worked with smaller maple and sections of cedar rail fencing in my farmboy camps.
I don't have a Nessmuk small ax in my hand, but based on my own use of axes and my experience with different axes. Nessmuk's hatchet, although a piece of history, is a pretty poor coup as a backpacker/hiker's tool. For example, Fiskars X7 or in Finland today one of the traditional ax models, Billnäs, which, as small axes of the same weight, do all the same things as Nessmuk's small ax, but a hundred times better. The replica of Nessmuk's small ax itself seems strange, as the profile of the blade is too thick to work as a splitting ax, and as a hatchet, both features must have been important to Nessmuk as a man of the wilderness. That's why I'm left wondering if the blade shape of the Nesmuk replica hatchet really was this!?
I am absolutely inclined to agree with you. I think this version's "chopping" side is ideal for splitting thickness for its size as it is rather impressive for that use but the chopping side could use a narrower profile.
I think a modern knife would be more effective for chopping and splitting and a knife is more versatile overall. Safer, too. Just my thoughts anyways.
There are alternatives for sure. Just be careful with chopping with an average full tang woods knife as it will dull, bend, chip, or possibly break the knife. If you prefer blades for that kind of work a machete or banana knife would be your best bet. Thanks for your thoughts!
Good job on the video and the history lesson on the Nessmuk Axe. But the Nessmuk axe looks pretty useless to me.
I prefer other styles myself but if I was going in an area where splitting was likely or cutting through rib cage I would consider it for it would make quick work of it.
Sorry, brevity has never been my strong suit.
No worries and I appreciate the thoughts!
That hatchet looks nothing like it. also, the picture shows everything in the same page. Doesn't mean that was actual size. But the hatchet has curved blade for slicing timber. Also he would have split sticks, not great big logs. Or he could have broken it. Use common sense!