Hey All,
G. Fred and Teresa Asbell are working on a new lightweight belt axe and they're looking for feedback. :readit:
By the way - we are planning on more than one kind of sheath for the axe so if you have sheath ideas please share those too. :bigsmyl:
Some specs so far:
1095 Carbon Steel
Hardened and Tempered
Prrox. 10 1/4" long
Blade Face 2 1/2"
Each one is hand made so no two of these will be exactly alike.
Everyone should expect the same quality as you've seen in our GFA knives.
Thanks in advance! We will pick a winner in a couple weeks or so.
Todd Smith :archer:
Wow, what a great gesture and idea. Definitely will help, me when I down one of the big trees I usually never miss.
Sounds like a tools that could come in handy use!
That looks fantastic! Sure handy.
I like it and that is very generous of the Asbell's
Looks very nice. I like the dark color. A dark colored sheath would match it well
That looks pretty decent!
Nice looking axe. Looks practical. Maybe a leather sheath with a shoulder strap ( for those who have no outside belt to use). The strap could also have a strap to go around the chest area for more stability.
Looks good to me. Would certainly come in handy.
Josh
That's an awesome little axe!
Very cool, definitely like the shoulder holster/Sheath idea. Would like to see one double bladed instead of the flat edge. Also maybe extend the metal past the bottom of the handle by an inch with a hole so we could attach a leather wrist strap?
Nice! Looks strong enough to do some decent chores and blind building but light enough to carry well over a long hike.
A shoulder strap/sheath would definitely be the way to go that you can wear across our body opposite your quiver.
The back edge could have a wider section or small hammer poll for striking maybe?
Awesome little axe! will work good on these Texas Cedars and Mesquite's!
I definitely like the shoulder strap/sheath idea.
LD
Looks very handy and easy to carry!
Looks nice! I like the idea of a shoulder strap sheath too.
I love their knives and wool
Love the look and size of it.
That would be nice for field dressing all the trees I kill.
It'd would be perfect for brushing in tents for turkey or deer, or just brushing myself in when sitting on the ground.
Great looking camp axe!!!! I sure would be interested in so nice and made in America.... hard to find these days. A gentleman I know makes some very nice revolver holsters and a few of them can either worn on a belt or you can buy yhe extra rig to shoulder carry it which I think we be a great option as not every instance does one ...... more practical as situations change depending upon what your doing.
That is a classic design and 1095 is an excellent high carbon steel.
A good camp axe is worth its weight in ...
pretty much anything! Looks good!
Looks like a great addition to the gear list for packing in. small, fairly light and tough as all get out, would love to try one out.
Very cool. What do you estimate the packed weight at?
Sweet little axe..
Great looking axe !
I agree with some type of modular sheath. Especially if the new Asbell pants have belt loops :scared:
Looks good. Actually been thinking about asking my wife to get a Japanese bearded hatchet next time she goes to Japan, but this may be another possibility
Great looking, I am going to need one of those
It looks good. That size would also easily fit in a fanny or day pack.
I like it. I think a sheath that is tilted or canted at Ann angle that can be belt clipped in is ideal.
I like the shoulder style sheath systems myself. Great idea! Thanks!! :archer:
If they are the same quality as the GFA knives, then you can't go wrong. I have two of them and I think they are my favorite hunting knives, one lives in my bow hunting pack and the other on the strap of my possibles bag for flintlock season.
Looks good. I'd carry one hunting, hiking or camping. The idea sheath would be one which could be switched from a belt to a shoulder strap or attached to a quiver, it it could be made.
Love the idea - we use them - prefer a shoulder harness but belt sheath is workable. I guess I have liked the idea since seeing Glenn St. Charles wearing a small ax when I saw a Fred Bear movie late 70s. A bowhunting club rented the reel to reel film. But back to an ax as a bowhunters tool - we use mostly to split brisket - then to cut ribs away from the carcass.
Good luck and good hunting<><
<--------------------<<<<<<
That looks handy and would work well in a drop in flap over sheath .
Looks nifty! There is just something very wholesome about a hatchet. Put a notch on it on the under side of the head to be used as a bottle opener. How "Americanly manly", popping a cold beer near the fire with your hatchet at the end of the days hunt!
Wow that's just what I have been looking for. Sure will come in handy for brushing in ground blinds. :bigsmyl:
Nice
That's a nice looking tool! The Asbel's put out nothing less than top quality products that will last!! Thanks for showing it off Todd!
Steve Jr
Thin bladed hatchets like this one are great to quickly take the skull cap and antlers of critters. Pound it with another hatchet, hammer, or in a pinch a solid rock, and you can pop the skull-plate off in a few minutes. Easier than a saw.
Got to make a hatchet and knife combo sheath for these and one of your knives.
Looks very handy. I could find many uses for an axe that size.
QuoteOriginally posted by MCNSC:
Got to make a hatchet and knife combo sheath for these and one of your knives.
I agree!
Just needs some way to attach it to my belt
homebru
I like it but my OCDness is making me say the part where the shank meets the head on the hammer side, the arc need to be more symetrical. Also could a strip of metal wider than the head thickness be added to the hammer side for those of us who like to use the hammer side for tent stakes and such? Of course it would be feathered into the head on each end with no harsh edges to hang on things. If your interested I could do a sketch and e-mail it to you. I could see this hatchet with handles matching the riser wood on my bow!!!!! Oh yeah!
Very thoughtful of the Asbell's it looks great.
I'd love to have one. I've been looking for a nice light weight axe to carry hunting.
Nice size axe, small, good for belt or drop in backpack, Made in the USA all good
I would like to have one as well. Doesn't look very bulky or cumbersome.
That looks real good to me. An axe comes in handy a lot!
Bisch
Nice size little axe. If that is the same quality as their other products it will definitely be a keeper.
That convertable sheath is a good idea and the knife and axe combo pretty cool. That's why you ask the folks on TradGang!! Thanks for all the suggestions so far!! Todd :archer:
Geez, could of used that this weekend. My broadhead is still in the pigs skull and will not bulge.
I will just give a sincere appreciation for the gesture and a fine looking axe. I like the size & style a lot. Thank you
Looks awesome! I have a serious knife, hatchet, tomahawk, axe fettish...almost as bad as tools, bows and guns. I'm always looking for another to add to the collection. Every Asbell product I've owned has been top notch!
I like it! Looks much like Chet Stevenson's broadhead axe.
Awesome generous gesture, looks like it would be very handy. For me, the most valuable feature would be a belt sheath that would allow quick and easy one-handed removal. I usually leave my camp hatchet at home due to the weight...this looks to solve that issue.
Beautiful design
I've been looking for a light weight axe for my pack. Handy tool to have along. I'll take one for sure. Just a sheath to protect the edge works for me. Means everything that it's made in USA and from good people :)
My suggestions would be:
1) Drill some holes down the handle to skeletonize that part some and reduce packing weight. Keep the heft in the head, as that's what does the work and it will be more efficient as such.
2) Sharpen at approximately a 40* inclusive angle to get a good blend of penetration and edge durability in the steel.
3) Run the 1095 heat treat on the low end at 58-59 hRC to improve edge durability.
4) For the sheath, I would look at what Eastwing does with their hatchet/axe sheaths. They have a very good design that is simple but works well and allows for belt or pack carry. Maybe even include a couple small brass D-Rings at the top so folks can attach a sling if they want for baldric carry, lashing to a back quiver or pack, or packing on horses. No need to get fancy with the leatherwork, but something solidly built, with good protection, and with a versatile design would appeal to almost all users.
Big enough to do the job, light enough not-2-forgotten when packing up. Concept is solid
I know you want to keep weight down but a wide-flat enough poll/butt to hammer a tent stake or small nail, maybe leather handle scales held on with Chicago screws, leather would never break and the screws would make handle replacement or upgrade easy. For the sheath make sure it could be attached to a pack as well as a belt, so maybe small loops at the top. Great idea can't wait to see what you come up with
I have used one similar to that for quartering elk. Cut a heavy limb to use as a hammer to strike the back of the axe to split all of the way down the spine and through the pelvis.
Very nice - looks handy.
I would suggest a bit of a curve and smooth edges on the poll as the used may be more choked up on the top using just the head like an ulu than as a stake or nail driver. You don't want "hot spots" in your palm.
I had one similar when I was a kid. They are a very useful item for the hunting pack!
Thanks for the chance, very generous!!!
What about handle material or wood options like available with custom knives? Seems simple enough and doable:)
Great idea. I would carry it in a sheath mounted horizontally on the back of my waist so as not to have another shoulder strap to contend with and out of the way of my back quiver and under my waist pack.
Deno
I would like the handle to be almost up to the axe head for finer cutting work with the axe.
Very nice!
A man can never have to many axes or knives....
,,,Sam,,,
Would be very handy around camp!
look good in my bag..How about sheath with bungee on so it cam hook to outside pack.
Looks great. Very generous of you.
Great looking belt axe, thanks for the chance.
May I suggest a 8/32 tapped hole in the head to help in the removal of field points or broadheads from trees or for sharpening purposes.
I had the same thought about skeletonizing the handle, and that would also provide an attachment point for a wrist lanyard. I would go one step farther: flare the ends of the wooden grip and then wrap it with paracord. That would provide a better grip surface, the paracord grip can be easily replaced or removed, and you would also have a quick supply of line to use as a tether when you are using the axe up in a tree stand or on a ladder ,clearing shooting lanes,etc.
I thought about adding a nail-pry at the top of the blade in line with the handle, but that would stick out of a sheath and adds significantly to cost due to lost material in cutting out that shape. A pry/chisel could be easily added to the base of the handle but that would be an issue when using the axe unless it was covered, and that get's you into more complicated design and manufacturing processes, like a removable protective butt cap on the handle: a fancy threaded/knurled cap or a simple cap that slides on over the prybar and is secured by a brass machine screw threaded into the prybar section, maybe a knurled head / coin-slot screw like was used by Bear with the original screw-on bow quiver....Hey, maybe I should make an axe!
Will the hammer side of the blade hold up if Roger 'Sledge' Norris needs to open a paddle-lock at Shrewhaven Camp? ;)
Looks nice! I like the idea of a shoulder strap sheath too.
Looks Nice, could used one last year as my Knife didn't win the battle with a small ash tree.
Chet Stevenson carried something similar. Great idea.
Very nice and a great gesture!!
I would like to have the sheath made to attach to a pack or a belt.
This one looks like it will handle tons of camp chores as mentioned!
A sheath that would strap on to a pack would be pretty handy.
Looks like a great addition to a already impressive line up ... put me in would love the opportunity to try it !
Looks good. Make sure it is thick enough at the end to Hammer an occasional nail. Also a nail pulling notch would be nice.
Now that would come in really handy. Good looking to boot!
I like the idea of Mushing out the back edge a bit for better hammering. Looks sweet.
Oh yeah! I like that! :thumbsup:
I think this would make an excellent ax to rough out a selfbow from a stave. Thin, light, and sharp, easy to control.
Thanks for all the feedback so far! You all have shared some great ideas. It will be interesting to see the development of this axe and the sheath/s that end up for sale. Thanks again!! Todd :archer2:
Very nice rustic look. Great for use hanging stands and for short work at camp. A belt sheath would be good. Also maybe a slip sheath on the back of the Asbell haversack.
A sheath that straps to pack or belt and a hammer end is a good idea.
GOOD LOOKING AXE!
Size seems about right.
I'd vote for keeping it one sided...never know when a make shift hammer could be needed.
I prefer a bit of a hook or horn or whatever it's called on the end of a hand axe handle...really helps on cold or wet days especially with thick gloves.
I think having a good sturdy loop on one of the sheath designs would be great...or at least a "belt loop" going the other way so a vertical strap could be used.
Outstanding.
Outstanding.
Very nice ! Thanks for your generosity :)
I will be honest and say I didn't read 7 pages of opinions.
I would like to see a hole in the bottom handle to accommodate a leather strap. I have a 4" scar on my right leg as the result of a hatchet that came out of my hand. :banghead:
A shoulder sheath could be an accessory item you could carry. And or a hip sheath.
I like the 10" length. Easy to pack and will work decent enough.
Look like another great product to offer :)
I can see where that would come in very handy!
This hatchet is the perfect size and the chest or shoulder strap is an excellent idea...
Thank you, Alan
I would keep one of those behind the truck seat.
QuoteOriginally posted by Zradix:
GOOD LOOKING AXE!
Size seems about right.
I'd vote for keeping it one sided...never know when a make shift hammer could be needed.
I prefer a bit of a hook or horn or whatever it's called on the end of a hand axe handle...really helps on cold or wet days especially with thick gloves.
I think having a good sturdy loop on one of the sheath designs would be great...or at least a "belt loop" going the other way so a vertical strap could be used.
Took the words right out of my mouth! :clapper: Should be a good one!
Looks like the Asbells will be getting more of my money :archer:
I carried a tomahawk while stump shooting. This look like it would be even more functional. As for the sheath, it might be nice to have a sheath with a strap that could be slung over the shoulder or the strap removed could be attached to your belt.
I agree with everything that nineworlds9 said. A shoulder/chest (or even a back) rig for the sheath would be perfect. Thanks for the opportunity!
Looks like a handy tool for the Trad hunter. Great gesture.
Beautiful craftsmanship! Thanks for the opportunity!
Very nice. Would definitely be an asset in ones arsenal!
I use a hatchet/belt axe every week when I break down and tie up my cardboard for the recycle pick up. More versatile than a knife. I can open up any box, score to fold the huge ones, and cut the dragline to bind them up. Looks like a winner.
Thanks
I'm wondering if the final design should be a more rounded handle a little larger?
Looks like a great blind builder, treestand trimmer, and pelvis splitter. I would put a small simple edge guard on it, and carry it in my haversack. Great work Fred and Teresa!
great looking, sure would be a nice addition.
One can never have too many axes... and that one looks like a nice little axe for the pack!
Very nice. May need to replace my Rapid River Redi-Axe finally.
It would help if the back edge were thicket so you could drive tent stakes and such. It would add a bit of weight but would make it serve more uses.
I could have used one today.Got in a little bind working on a bridge never know when you might need a nice hatchet.Kip
looks sweet
would be a good all around tool from camp chores to aid in field dressing big game.
An axe like this would have a permanent place in my summer camp kit and ride in my pack during elk season!!
Great work! :thumbsup:
Nice looking traditional axe. I'd like to see an option for it to come with an ankle strap if possible.
Looks great
can't tell from the picture but a flat/wide back edge for hammering is a plus.
if that had a single bevel it would be about perfect for working staves... maybe there could be 2 versions?
Many years ago Craftsman offered a small lightweight axe similar to this and it stays in my hunting pack. The situation usually dictates how much field dressing I do, but it has come in handy to split deer pelvis and sternum by batoning.
This seems like a essential tool to have in your pack or on your person for the just in case. A shoulder strap like others have commented seems like a good idea.
Looks like a great tool to have when in the field. I like the shoulder sheath very nice!
Should be great for blind building and walking thru the woods days.
This looks like a winner, what is the thickness? I rarely carry much more than a medium knife, but something like this which could serve several functions in a lightweight package would definitely find a place in my pack..
I like it.
Looks good. Maybe a sheath to go along with it?
QuoteOriginally posted by Roger Norris:
Looks like a great blind builder, treestand trimmer, and pelvis splitter. I would put a small simple edge guard on it, and carry it in my haversack. Great work Fred and Teresa!
I gotta X2 this one 'cause I was thinking the exact same thing (great minds think alike!). Just a small leather piece to cover the edge, and throw it in my pack and carry it on up the mountain. Really good looking item!
Very nice Axe and thank you so much for your generosity. :thumbsup:
Looks awesome ! :thumbsup:
Looks like a great addition to any hunters kit.
I like it! Looks like a great item to carry for all kinds of situations.
Like it.
Great idea from Fred G. and Teresa! No doubt this will be another quality product from these two.
As far as a sheath idea-a buffalo leather would be nice.
Looks like a must have...........
Haven't read the others comments so I may duplicate someones thought already shared.
Didn't see any other pic's put the one view.
Very nice traditional looks and I'm sure it would be a very complimentary tool to have while hunting and around camp.
Not able to tell how wide or thick the back of the hatchet is , but it looks thin. I would want to have enough material in this area to provide strength and power to drive in hammering operations.
Also the spine in the handle shaft look thin, but again its hard to tell.
I would ensure those areas are sufficiently beefed up to handle the task it may be used in.
Overall a fine looking hatchet and one that would be proudly carried.
That looks awesome! Would be very handy and I can think of multiple uses. Great job!
Looks very nice. What is the approximate weight?
QuoteOriginally posted by Benoli:
Looks very nice. What is the approximate weight?
Teresa told me it is less than a pound. :archer2:
Pretty Cool!
Nice, I like it just like it is, as long as the back is wide enough to hammer stuff.
I never go hunting without a haversack to hold my "possible's". :saywhat: ... that looks like a perfect size for a "Haversack Hatchet" All it would need is a leather edge cover. The GFA (good for all) hatchet. ;)
QuoteOriginally posted by Ron LaClair:
I never go hunting without a haversack to hold my "possible's". :saywhat: ... that looks like a perfect size for a "Haversack Hatchet" All it would need is a leather edge cover. The GFA (good for all) hatchet. ;)
"Good For All" :thumbsup:
Weight and thickness of spine will determine functionality. I have a hatchet very similar to the one shown. Use it primarily for skinning and light work on small limbs when building blinds, etc. Great to have in your pack. Anything the Asbell's offer will be better than the one I have. I'm sure of that. :thumbsup:
Definitely like the idea; very practical.
Looks good. Many helpful comments of which I really can't seem to add to. This could replace my Estwing if the weight is kept down. Can't wait to see how the final product turns out!
Bill-
I think it is really good as is. I would certainly be proud to own and use it. Things that would make it a little more apealing to me are a more rounded handle, slightly enlarged handle end so your hand doesn't slip off when bloody, and a leather shoulder sheath. Pretty groovy as is though.
Thanks to all for the great feedback and all the ideas. Teresa told me that she will be drawing three winners because she was so impressed with all y'alls suggestions. :)
There will be a lanyard hole in the handle in the next batch of prototypes and multiple sheath options.
She will be drawing the names sometime later this week. Thanks again!! Todd :archer2:
Sounds GREAT!
I've never used a belt axe but it looks very handy!!!
I like it. Seems like a very functional tool.
Two things to possibly change. Increase the cut out behind the edge near the heel so you can choke up and do more knife type work with it, making it more versatile. Also, round, harden, and polish the poll so that it can handle some batoning. With it rounded and polished it could be used to help remove hides and make it more hunter friendly. The rounded, polished poll would also be more comfortable when placing your thumb or palm against it for finer tasks.
Jeremy
This little axe looks very packable and handy for several tasks.
Dave
That is a dandy. It would be great on the trap line, as well as for hunting.
BTW - As soon as we have this new little axe ready to sell, we will have it listed on our new website. :readit:
More on that later. :bigsmyl:
Good luck to all - hope you get drawn!!
Todd Smith, :archer2:
Nice looking axe, but I cant see me packing that around. With my big belly, and skinny ass ,I have enough trouble keeping my pants up without that pulling them down ! LOL. Just never had a need for anything better than a 4" knife blade. something just big enough to gut,skin, and debone a deer.
It looks like a handy piece of gear.
I'll throw in a couple of thoughts. Yes, it looks like a nice lightweight hand axe. Driving wooden stakes could be problematic. If it had a little more of a hammer width it would be better. Looks interesting. Jeff
Be great for canoe trips and camp chores. Love it.
Looks good, you might want to put some sort of curve on the end or a swell in the wood so your hand doesn't slip off the handle as easy. Specially in wet weather or if you are gutting an animal with a little blood on your hands.
And the winners are...
Hunting Badger
Caddo
Broken Arrows
Congratulations TradGangers!!!
Thanks to all for the suggestions - you've been a big help.
We will let you all know when they're available on the new website.
To the winners - please send Teresa your names and addresses via email to: tasbell22@msn.com
Thanks again!! Todd Smith
CONGRATS!
Congrats to the lucky winners ! A big thank you to the Asbells and to yourself :clapper:
Along with a belt sheath; this would be perfect!!
Kenny :bigsmyl:
Wow, it looks very handy! If I don't win, I'm going to have to order one.
Congratulations to all the winners
Congrats to all the winners!
Congrats to the winners!
Thanks for the chance!! Congrats to the lucky winners. :clapper:
Deno
Congrats
Thanks for the chance and congratulations to the winners
Love it! Looks very light but well made!
Congratulations to the winners!
Congrats :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Could use it on a scouting trip to build some brush blinds or for short backpacking trips with the kids.
Congrats to the winners!!!! Looking forward to this coming out on the website, I will definitely have to order one.
Jason
Congrats to the winners and thanks for offering these!
Specs and axe look great so far. Would like to see a "wide" spot, like a circular,rectangular,or triangular area (about 1/2" or so) on the back of the Hatchet; for minimal hammer type usage. This would make the Axe more useful. Very interested in this product.
I would like a little longer handle in order to generate more force in the swing. 14" would ideal. I like the natural wood color, but because there is no flair at the end of the handle, I would either wrap Para cord or friction tape on the end of the handle to keep it from slipping out of my hand.
The blade looks fine but I would build up the heade to be twice as thick as it is now so it could be used as a hammer.
I currently carry a machete when clearing brush for ground blinds and trail cams, but this axe is very appealing as long as it was functional.
I am one of the lucky winners of the fine Belt axe.
This axe is small light weight and comes sharp and does a great job for what it was design for(light work), but if you want to take the time to tackel something bigger this axe will work.
The thing I like most with this axe is I could field dress any criter needed from small game all the way up to a Moose. I made a sheath and placed some Para cord through the hole in the handel now this axe is ready for the field.
Fred & Teresa carry great products, now I just have to find the cash for one of their Wool Pathfinders.
Dave
looks great, perfect to split the pelvis open.
Your axe looks like it will do the job.
Great looking axe! Think the size is perfect love the look. Thanks for the opportunity.
That's very generous of them! Always enjoy and get good use our of their products.
Nice looking tool. I carry an original Belt axe from Hudson Bay fur traders, this looks even better.
I got one from them at the Tennessee Classic and Love it, I use it roughing out staves and works like a champ. Light and very sharp.
Pappy
Beautiful little tool. I think I will be getting one.
G. Fred is generous to a fault.
Make it as light as possible.
Might have the back of the hatchet flattened so it can be used for light pounding.
Are these available yet? My dear wife has been asking me for Christmas ideas.
I like it, looks like it will fit the hand great
Looks great, just like the rest of your products. Hopefully I will be wearing it with Asbell wool jacket.
Looks like it could come in handy how much does it weigh