Hi, over the last couple of years I have carved a couple of large bowls using old tools, an inexpensive Mora hook knife and a couple of knives (an inexpensive Frost bush knife, which is excellent, and a big old meat carving knife). I'm looking to gradually acquire a few key tools to help me produce a more finished result, more efficiently. I've started researching various forums for information.
The axe has made a big come back with all this bushcrafting started by Ray Mears. I am a fan of Ray Mears but I don't get the axes. Having used one this weekend, I can't help thinking, as I did in the past - they just don't seem to work very well as a tool (heresy?!). Specifically:
* They are usually heavy and often quite big, to carry and to use
* They are potentially quite/very dangerous, if something slips or otherwise goes unexpectedly (yes, I'm sure proper handling and maintenance helps)
* They waste a lot of wood, as chips, etc.
* They are quite expensive (to purchase a quality new one) and old ones generally need a lot attention, including re-shafting and extensive sharpening.
By comparison, there are various excellent saws (e.g. a small bushman's saw & an inexpensive folding garden saw) which are a fraction of the price, lighter, safer, waste very little wood. For splitting kindling, I much prefer to use a billhook (my father's or my grandfather's) - the weight distribution seems more controllable to me, making it safer.
The axe has made a big come back with all this bushcrafting started by Ray Mears. I am a fan of Ray Mears but I don't get the axes. Having used one this weekend, I can't help thinking, as I did in the past - they just don't seem to work very well as a tool (heresy?!). Specifically:
* They are usually heavy and often quite big, to carry and to use
* They are potentially quite/very dangerous, if something slips or otherwise goes unexpectedly (yes, I'm sure proper handling and maintenance helps)
* They waste a lot of wood, as chips, etc.
* They are quite expensive (to purchase a quality new one) and old ones generally need a lot attention, including re-shafting and extensive sharpening.
By comparison, there are various excellent saws (e.g. a small bushman's saw & an inexpensive folding garden saw) which are a fraction of the price, lighter, safer, waste very little wood. For splitting kindling, I much prefer to use a billhook (my father's or my grandfather's) - the weight distribution seems more controllable to me, making it safer.
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