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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Izzy on November 07, 2013, 09:31:00 AM
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Looking to get a short Axe or hatchet. I have always used a machete for most tasks requiring more than a knife. I'm thinking a good Axe will serve me better. What are some of you fellas using?
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I've had and used a Gerber ax. It's not the shortest one,but it's not the big ax either. I love that thing. I put it along with my Gerber bone and wood saw and I'm set for anything.
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believe it or not Cold Steel makes a cheap axe called the Trail Hawk that i have used, abused and keep on using. i'm a little harsh on equipment and this one has stood up, very light weight and cheap.
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I have 2 that get the work done in camp or on the hunt. My carry hatchet is a Gransfors Bruks mini hatchet. Does all I need to do from field dressing game to preping a fire. Small, light and will fit in a pocket, on the belt or in a pack. Back at camp I use a Granfors Scandinavian Forest axe. Expensive tools but they are 1st class, come sharp and touch-up quickly.
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Ron LaClair has a nice little camp or trail axe....check his shrew website.
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I have to side with Kenny on this one!!!!
Cold Steel's Trail Hawk, and it's brother Frontier Hawk, just can't be beat for the money!!!!!
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I have a Trail Hawk. I cut the handle down to 18" and removed the paint on it. It's a great little hatchet for the money.
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i have BEAT mind and blade help up good even whacking through CHAIN.... bought a spare handle but doubt i'll ever have to use it.
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I'm with Airdale on this one. Gransfors Scandinavian Forest Axe has been the best tool I've added to my kit in a long time. Between the SFA and a good knife, I feel like I've got all my bases covered.
Not too big, no too small. Keep it sharp enough and it'll carve beautifully as well as all the chopping you care to do.
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Originally posted by Izzy:
I have always used a machete for most tasks requiring more than a knife. I'm thinking a good Axe will serve me better.
That's funny, I was thinking just the opposite and have been researching machetes! :biglaugh:
I have a gransfors wildlife hatchet and it is a very, very nice tool, but I was thinking if I had to carry just one, maybe a machete would be better. Actually, I'm not sure I would use either while hunting... prefer a folding saw to cut larger stuff and hand pruners for the smaller stuff.
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Nittany hit it on the head, i take my axe all the time but use my folding saw much more.
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Check the " Uluchet " Awesome 9" hatchet that can be used as an Ulu for skinning! D2 steel and super strong synthetic handle. will handle everything from moose to Deer.
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Wetterlings axe and Bob Dustrude saw.
(http:// [url=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/202/5lkg.jpg/] [img]http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/3974/5lkg.jpg)[/url]
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us) [/IMG]
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pm sent
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The Gerber mid-size hatchet has worked well for me for many years. My folding saw gets more work but my hatchet is always there when needed. :thumbsup:
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I probably won't be carrying it much while actually hunting but want it as a camp tool. If I draw my elk and moose tags next year I can see putting it to use then. Thanks for the responses fellas.
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Gransfor Bruks. I love my Scandinavian forest axe, but the small forest is more handy, cheaper, and comes in a very close second. One of the above and a sawvivor live in my truck.
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I used an old Buck for close to 40 years and now use a Timberline
model called the Bush Pilot Survival Hatchet. Overall length is just at 9 inches.
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I use a tomahawk from Fort Turner. He makes a number of sizes and I use the smallest for everything from splitting kindling, splitting a pelvis, or driving tent stakes. Top quality tomahawk that you can get shaving sharp.
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Eastwing
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If you happen to be going to the PBS Banquet in March, I donated a beautiful new Damascus hatchet with an antler handle for the auction. It's REALLY nice. bw
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Cold Steel Trail Hawk is a great little hawk. With a little work you can even customize it. Here is mine w/ the head stripped of paint, a mustard patina applied and some burning on the handle for decoration. Holds an edge well too.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z56/Rover-rich/2013-10-13104851.jpg)
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I use a Gransfors Small Forest Axe. Fantastic small axe for hike in camping, setting stands and clearing shooting lanes. I have several hatchets, tomahawks, and axes, but the Gransfors is my favorite.
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I have a gransfor game ax is a little larger than a hatchet with a rounded back to help skin.
I would love to see how people carry there's Mine lives in my truck and would take with if could find a good carry method.
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Boy those Gransfors are really nice. I might have to get me one of those.
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Hatchets are heavy and bulky. I have a couple I carry for muzzleloading and camp.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Accoutrements/Haversackandcutlery.jpg)
The small one is a H&B Forge Squaw Hawk and the large one is a JT Forge English F&I War issue.
A better choice, IMHO, is a Finnish leuku knife and a ratchet pruner. Lighter, smaller, multi-use.
The upper knife is an 8" leuku (by Puukkojunkkari) and will lop a 1" branch with a single strike. (The lower is current Finnish army issue and a sweet blade). Great combo for hunting and camp. 1095 steel and Rockwell 60 to 62.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Accoutrements/DSCN1069_zps17c8d816.jpg)
Add a pair of lightweight Fiskar pruners and you can quietly and easily build camp, make kindling, build a ground blind or clear a shooting lane.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Bowhunting/DSCN0735.jpg)
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Izzy, If it will be more of a camp tool and less of a daily Carry, you may consider just getting a good quality Hatchet with a sheath, This way you can keep it in your car and have it at the ready.
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These Bowie knives are heavy enough for hatchet use....top is a LaClair Bowie, bottom is Idaho Knife Works Natchez Bowie.
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/IMG_0039.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/IMG_0039.jpg.html)
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The Woodmans Pal is a great hatchet/machete also....
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/PICT0037.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/PICT0037.jpg.html)
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Izzy - especially if its more for camp, I really like my 26" Estwing. Pretty light really, and bombproof. If you watch close when the Iditarod sled dog race is on tv you'll notice it's what most of the mushers use, a pretty good testimony. You can really get some work done with it. I've packed it a bit and it carries well in the hand or in the pack.
I've also got the smallest size gerber hatchet, it's very light and used to keep it in the seat pouch of my snogo. It's ok but probably too small really. I was chopping alder to clear the trail for my snogo once in below zero weather and the blade actually started flaking off; after awhile it looked like it was knapped ! It was the cold, and it was below zero but I don't remember it being too far below. A friend reground the head and its been fine since.
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Thanks for the responses. Boy do I suck at will power, just what I need an axe collection now. :banghead:
Sure are some nice vintage ones out there.
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Fiskars is my go to. Many models to choose from. The splitting hatchet and axe is awesome. BILL
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If you don't want a collection don't pick of a Gransfors. You can't touch one without feeling the handmade quality and immediately start shopping for another!
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Originally posted by Biathlonman:
If you don't want a collection don't pick of a Gransfors. You can't touch one without feeling the handmade quality and immediately start shopping for another!
^^^^YEP!
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trust me bro buy a cheap Cold Steel to just play around with until ya find what ya want, chances are you will be happy with it though.
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Ken, that's my plan. The problem is I have 2 or 3 more on my must have list too.
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X2, what Kenny said, if your gonna carry the extra weight, a nice hawk can't be beat, but if you want the best of both worlds, a woodsman's pal is the ticket.
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I got a Woodsmans Pal.......best money I ever spent, great making blinds and working around camp....... :thumbsup:
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Axes have a strange way of multiplying, I may post a pic later to illustrate my problem...
In my opinion the best value for the money is buying a vintage head and rehanging it if needed or buying a new Husqvarna axe or hatchet. They are Swedish built by Hults Bruk/Hultafors and perform as well as a Gransfors at a much more reasonable price. I paid $69.00 for my Forest Axe, you can't find a better axe for the money when buying new.
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Wetterlings large hunter's axe. (big hatchet sized)
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Any of you old guys remember the "Skatchet???
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I second the Gransfor Burk. I have there Woodsman hatchet (i think that is its name). wonderful hatchet for campfire chores and in the woods for triming lanes.
chris <><
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I just love this little hachet for sharpening ends of boughs to build brush blinds. Very small and light.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Archery/IMG_1697.jpg)
I don't have a sheath for this WW1 bolo but it's made to do heavy work. A serious tool used in a pinch to do amputations in the war.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Knives/IMG_1503.jpg)
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For camp use, you might as well admit that nothing beats a single-bit axe. As many have said, the GB Small Forest Axe is unbeatable. For wood-making, brush-clearing, pounding and many more chores, the axe gets the nod. The Small Forest Axe will fit in most daypacks if you need to carry it for some reason. When you really need to get a lot of work accomplished, grab an axe and get busy. :)
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Go to home depot and buy either Estwings camp ax or the shorter version for about 45.00 its american made and I gauranty you cant hurt it. Holds a great edge and easy to get sharp.
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I rehafted a boys axe head that a friend gave me. He found it for $2 at a junk store and after using a wire brush to knock off the rust and putting an $8 premium handle on it, the little boys axe is perfect. I use it for hunting, hiking, and backpacking. I made it a mask from some scrap 10oz leather and sharpened it up to where it'll shave my hairs off my arms in one pass.
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I always used an Estwing sportsmans axe, myself.
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Ron LaClair sells neat little hawks that work great. I carry one quite a bit in the woods, instead of any blade. I do also have access to my son's kukri and let me tell you, THAT is a brush cutting tool.
ChuckC
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After spending three weeks in an Alberta moose camp and helping split firewood for cooking and heat I was really impressed with the outfitter's Fiskars splitting axe. I bought the chopping version when I returned home. While I'm no expert "Axe Man" it is the best axe I have ever used.
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Hi Ron,
I have had my Shrew Hawk now for 2 years, and it is absolutely fantastic. I showed a friend of mine, Bart Lancaster, who is one of the top outfitters in North America, and he liked it so much he ordered four. Last year I cut up an entire moose with it and chopped through the spine with no problem. I split the bull into four pieces using only the hawk. Being a taxidermist by trade I know good steel when I see it. After 2 years of using it I have not had to sharpen it once. Fantastic steel. Please let your blacksmith know I appreciate so much the product he is building. I just helicoptered into some of the most remote wilderness in North America spending a week there, and my Shrew was with me. I realize that your blacksmith is getting older, and one day I will not be able to get another, so I want to order 2 more. One is for my son who one day will grow into it, and the other one is for a dear friend who was with me on the trip in the mountains by chopper. He told me if I ordered again to please order him one, so I will get it for him as a gift. I will order both hawks with a belt sheath. Also feel free to use this letter to promote the hawk. I feel when I find a good product I like to share it with everyone. It is very rare that this happens now in our disposable world. This product is worth every penny and alot more. Once again thank you for providing a quality product.
Best regards,
Roger Britton
Majestic Mounts
Telkwa B.C., Canada
http://shrewbows.com/shrewhawk/
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Most of the time a hawk or hatchet will get left in camp or in the truck. With the light weight of the Shrew Hawk and the Frontiersman carry system, it's always there when you need it.
http://shrewbows.com/shrewhawk/
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Hawk_holster.jpg)
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Love my ShrewHawk. Ron, I have a call into you for one of those fancy shoulder sheaths.
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Yep,Gransfor is the way to go!!!!
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF7276.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF7276.jpg.html)
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(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF7284.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF7284.jpg.html)
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Looks like Santa is bringing me a GB forest axe. Bidding on Norlunds and buying a Cold Steel as I wait for St. Nick. Thanks for all of your time and replies fellas, much appreciated. :notworthy:
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I'd suggest the small leather handle hatchet by Estwing. I love mine.
Sportsman axe.......E14A is smaller than the E24A....and is my favorite.
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I just carved that handle for this one from a kiln dried plank of Hickory yesterday. I forged the head from wrought iron and forge welded a steel bit in for the edge. It's about 16 inches over all. It's got some "bite" to it.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/10837133044_ddd09c6eec_z.jpg)
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Lin, are you still making these?
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/dc1340cd020f2963aad683bef1a50b4d_zpsbdd4a09b.jpg)
I've lusted after that one for years...PM me a price if you do please.
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I love my Shrew Hawk. It goes with me on all my scouting expeditions. I even used it to split some maple and oak firewood in the back yard this summer to get a fire going in the new back yard fire pit.
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I have the Shrew hawk and the Cold Steel Trail hawk. I also have a few others, but those are the two that get the majority of the work.
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I've never felt any need to carry or even use a hatchet. I have a couple of big knives that do anything a hatchet can do. A two handed axe is nice at camp though and in some areas required if you have a fire.
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SteveO,
Yes, from time to time.
Paul_R quote :
"I have a couple of big knives that do anything a hatchet can do."
I like a big knife too and certainly agree. But there's something about axes. I cant help myself. :rolleyes:
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Originally posted by Ray Lyon:
I love my Shrew Hawk. It goes with me on all my scouting expeditions. I even used it to split some maple and oak firewood in the back yard this summer to get a fire going in the new back yard fire pit.
Yep, backyard firepit is a big winner but the best is splitting wood for the tipi stove...not a giant canvas Ron LaClair type tipi, but an ultralight Kifaru setup :) Those little stove need a lot of tending and the ShrewHawk is perfect for the size of fuel it needs.
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This is Squire Boons Tomahawk, he was Daniel Boons brother.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Squire%20Boons%20hawk%202.jpg)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Squire%20Boons%20hawk.jpg)
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My Blacksmith C.L. Matteo went to the museum where the hawk was, he took measurements and pictures, came home and made this copy. I had it in camp last week and everyone had to handle it.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Squire%20Boon%20copy%202.JPG)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Squire%20Boon%20copy.JPG)
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now that is cool Mr. LaClair...sure makes my estwing look plain lol
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Ron,
That is a classy Hawk. Is your blacksmith going to make you some to sell?
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Originally posted by thumper-tx:
Ron,
That is a classy Hawk. Is your blacksmith going to make you some to sell?
X2
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Yes he can do that. I'll have info on my web site soon.
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Ron,
WOW. That Squire Boone hawk replica is outstanding. Just beautiful. Maybe I know what I want for my birthday now.
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X2 for Fiskars axes and hatchets.
They are the antithesis of "Trad" but for a knock around they are exceptionally functional.
with the teflon coating they cut faster than any Grunsfors. they are just not as pretty
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Nice piece. I will buy a Boone Hawk if they become available.
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I must have caught Ron just right between hunting camps. My Shrew Hawk shoulder sheath was waiting in the mail pile when I got home today. Stellar service...thanks :thumbsup:
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Fanto, buddy your experience is nothing like mine! I've got both and a Fiskers can't hold a candle to a Gransfor!
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Ron LaClair... you said you were going to have your guy make some Hawks of this style for you to sell but I still do not see any on your website. Is your plan still to do that?
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Iz, go to Lowes & look for a Bahco hatchet. I've had one for 5 years & have used it enough that it's on it's third handle. I've used hatchets & small axes on a daily basis since I was a kid & this is the BEST I've ever come across....
(http://www.modernbike.com/images/Product_Images/main_2126205020.jpg)
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This is a Vector Hawk, made by a friend of mine. I designed and made this sheath for easy carrying with the ability to be rapidly deployed with one hand. I hadn't sharpened the blade yet, when I made this sheath and took these pics a couple of years back. It was brand new at the time.
(http://ktmpilot.smugmug.com/photos/i-HfhPMQJ/0/M/i-HfhPMQJ-L.jpg)
(http://ktmpilot.smugmug.com/photos/i-hFJRHB7/0/M/i-hFJRHB7-L.jpg)
(http://ktmpilot.smugmug.com/photos/i-dPvZ9wX/0/M/i-dPvZ9wX-L.jpg)
(http://ktmpilot.smugmug.com/photos/i-KQ4wRDb/0/M/i-KQ4wRDb-L.jpg)
(http://ktmpilot.smugmug.com/photos/i-4RbzC64/0/M/i-4RbzC64-L.jpg)
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I have a husqvarna hatchet that is awsome great steel and takes a razors edge and only cost 35.00,give them a look.
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Hey Ron I have a tomahawk like boones. But it's a pipe also. Is yours a pipe? Btw. Love your shew hawk got it a few years ago
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Ron LaClair... you said you were going to have your guy make some Hawks of this style for you to sell but I still do not see any on your website. Is your plan still to do that?
He just hasn't had the time to make any of the Boone copy's yet, in fact he just finished up some orders that were supposed to be for Christmas. He keeps telling me he only has two arms...sounds like an excuse to me... :dunno:
The original Boone hawk is a pipe hawk. The one that I have is not a pipe hawk, it has a solid hammer pole which is more practical for me. He can make them as a pipe hawk but it would be more costly and not as useful IMO
The handle on mine has been redone and this is how it looks today. I carry it in a Frontiersman sheath that I modified.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Boons%20Hawk1.JPG)
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Here's a picture of my Gransfors Burks. I made the sheaths with a holster clip - really handy to clip on a pack or belt.
(http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af81/CraigSchoneberg/DSC_00054x5.jpg) (http://s996.photobucket.com/user/CraigSchoneberg/media/DSC_00054x5.jpg.html)
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This is a replica of a Ca 1750's British Light Infantry axe copied fromone excavated at Ft. Ticonderoga, made by Jack Vargo out of Watertown NY. I've never carried it while bowhunting, but I always have it when I'm out with my flintlock. I actually collect original 17th and 18th C axe heads.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee393/seanb45/IMG_0741_zpse0bf8faf.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/seanb45/media/IMG_0741_zpse0bf8faf.jpg.html)
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also consider a hunters/canoe axe as well...good vintage axes and hatchets made by likes of Norlund, Plumb, True Temper Mann, Stanley, etc...hand forged with two part heads...softer for main head and carbon steel for bit for holding an edge.
Gransfors Burks makes a nice Hunters axe today still.... not a belt carry setup but easily for backpack and canoe carry that will do double duty as camp axe for downing or clearing trees and even quartering up an elk or bear to pack out a bit easier than true tomahawk.
That being said...still a tomahawk has an allure to me so both are applicable for different tasks and needs.
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This is a great thread! The Gränsfors look amazing and now, thanks to you guys... I think I might have to invest in one. So, for basecamp use to chop up some local timber to feed a shepard stove would you go with a small forest axe or maybe a small splitting axe? :campfire:
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(http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/rraming/AO_leather_axe.jpg)
I have two of these I have had for over thirty years - would love a new pipe axe but can't justify buying another. This model is not light - all steel
Weight is a huge factor, I would think little heads and wood handle - I have always like Ron's stuff. There was also a guy who sold a few on the sponsor classified area like a year or two ago - really fancy and like 400 bucks (pipe axe type)
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Well, since Ive started this thread Ive gone silly buying hawks. Ive bought a Condor Greenland pattern, an awesome Fiskars, a Harbor Freight fireman's axe which Ive customized and a Cold Steel Trail Hawk. I have a Gransfors Bruks coming next month.
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Great stuff fellas. Rob, they don't sell them at my Lowes. Great hawk Major. And Craig, that clip sheath is real handy looking.
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Hawks are almost as addictive as bows!!
I had 3 for a while, but a few months ago gifted one to my brother. My current favorite is a very simple French trader's hawk hand forged out of 5160 leaf spring steel by an American blacksmith with a simple hickory handle. Thing is tough as nails.
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Nice Boone Hawk! I have a La Clair Hawk and while the quality is right up there I do feel that it is a little light and the handle is too short. To each his own. I have a Vector Hawk that I prefer over it. My Vector hawk is a brown/rust handle with a black head. I have a cold steel hawk in the vehicle and a Fort Turner hawk too. I'm not an expert but I've used the La Clair and the Vector Hawk quite a bit. For camp I like an axe. A Council Tool Hudson Bay Velvicut model or an Older Snow and Nealy Hudson Bay model for canoe or base camp. A full axe at home and my inlaws cabin, working on cleaning up 3 axes and rehafting them when the garage warms up...
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Originally posted by Izzy:
Well, since Ive started this thread Ive gone silly buying hawks. Ive bought a Condor Greenland pattern, an awesome Fiskars, a Harbor Freight fireman's axe which Ive customized and a Cold Steel Trail Hawk. I have a Gransfors Bruks coming next month.
:clapper: When in doubt - GET THEM ALL!
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Huh... I dunno how I missed this thread the first time around.
I'm another died in the wool Gransfors Brux axe nerd. The two I pack most often are the Small Forest, and their newer Outdoors Axe (which is very tomahawk like) Not a lot of guys knew about the Outdoors Axe, it debuted in 2009, but wasn't on their website until recently.
Stolen from interwebs pic
(http://www.woodland-ways.co.uk/images/products/medium/image_4429.JPG)
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I have a La Clair Hawk and while the quality is right up there I do feel that it is a little light and the handle is too short. To each his own.
Michael, the Shrew Hawk is suppose to be a light weight ax that is convenient to carry and doesn't get left in the truck or in camp. For someone that wants a bigger hawk then the Trappers Companion will fill the bill.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Trappers_Companion.JPG)
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I'm like Dan. I don't know how I missed this thread first time around. I am enjoying it.
I have a Trappers Companion w/ the shoulder rig and I really like it. With the shoulder sheath, it is always there, but never cumbersome. I carry it not only hunting, but also knocking around on my land. Very high quality.
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I love axes and I have a bunch of them. Having said that I'll take a folding saw for hunting over an ax any day.
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Believe you me Ron I have looked at your Trappers hawk more than once--top quality--with the 4 hawks that I do have--numerous axes, hatchets, and other sharpies---there is only so much money to go around--really do like the frontier sheath with the Shrew hawk I do have!--like you said too light to leave behind---
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This is my new hunting hatchet. This is not just any hatchet, it's a gift from Daniel "Yononindo" from across the pond. Daniel shared some of the history of the family that makes these, the actual makers initials are imprinted on each hand made hatchet.
Daniel and several of our Texas TG members met at Bob Sarrels Shop and visited for a while in one Texas's few ice storms. Between the shooting and BS'ing we had a large time. Thanks Daniel :)
When I made it home through ice, sleet, and snow I put the hatchet on my handmade quiver. It not only looks great, it has proven to me quite useful on a few occasions already.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab194/caughtandhobbled/Quiver_zpse40b8775.jpg)
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I do not reccomend the Cold steel company hatchets. I'm not sure what the steal is. But it may shatter on impact.
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Here's a better look at the Trappers Companion
http://shrewbows.com/trapperscompanion/
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The Gransfors Brux Outdoors axe looks very interesting. It's either that or a Small Forest axe for my first one. Many of these axes posted are amazing functional artworks. Must learn more about them...
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I've got a couple of Gransfors axes and they are quality all the way through. Even the handle wedges are nice!
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Near and dear to my heart. I have all the Gerber Fiskers and you can not go wrong with them. I have the Eastwings as well the curved hachet is low on my list and the camp ax is good but light it gives up a lot of chopping force to the Gerber. Gransford the best but I own too many to make the investment. I have a camp ax made in Vermont it is perfect except for a wood handle that can break. It has the best chop to weight ratio with the Gerber close behind. AS FAR AS A HACHET the Eastwing shingle hammer with the full size cutting bit is about the most versatile woods ax I have found. That being said My truck has the camp ax from Vermont the Eastwing camp ax and the Cold Steel kukri. J.Michael
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'Nother Vote for ColdSteel for a good selection of Beginner Hawks/Axes. Wont break the Bank either!