A load of old billhooks.

[Bundleman]

Now i love my axes as much, if not more, than the next man.
But i find a good billhook very useful and practical for a lot of things when out and about.
Personally i favour the hertfordshire pattern...

Anyone else use them much?

 

[monkey boy]

iv never used one, i wouldnt mind having a go

 

[ged]

My grandmother always used to use one. After she died I tried to get hold of it, but nobody in the family will admit to having it so I guess somebody likes them at least as much as I do!

I wouldn't generally carry one on my person though, they're generally a bit on the heavy side and awkward, er, to boot.

 

[toilet digger]

i use mine for hedgelaying (surprise surprise)

 

[WolfCub]

I've got several of different weights I use for hedgeing, and all manner of other things. Use them a lot more than the axe.
Cracking tools.

 

[Everything Mac]

i use mine for hedgelaying (surprise surprise)

I completely misread that as Hedge SLAYING! Much more heroic.

I've got two hooks, they don't get as much use as they used to but still very handy tools!

Andy

 

[toilet digger]

hopefully mine is lucky as i got a hedgelaying comp in march

 

[Kepis]

Use mine all the time at present in the coppice woodland

 

[Hugo]

I have a couple lying around but don't use them much, I prefer an axe but they the best tools for hedge laying and coppicing.

 

[Bowlander]

I love my axes (and chainsaw!) but the bills and slashers have their place. I think they are more useful in the UK than a parang or machete. I've gathered 3 - a Yorkshire that I learned hedgelaying with at college, a Spear and Jackson Newton that I got given for light coppicing work a couple of years ago and a Leicestershire pattern that I recently inherited from my grandad. I'll try and get some pics.

Other than using them for coppicing/hedging, I press mine into service chopping kindling and heavy duty butchery.

 

[Bundleman]

Back in my days coppicing each winter this hook was perfect for the hazel and other smaller trees. You can pick things up with the hook saving a lot of stooping, because it dosen't curve forward like most billhooks you can get right in close to cut the hazel rods and you have more control for snedding branches.
They pack easier than an axe too.
Having said all that i can swing my double bitted Gransfors all day and not get bored!