So thinking of getting a multipurpose big blade for hacking and slashing any pros and cons to the above? I have an axe already but note some folks still prefer axes to other options.
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Axe V parang V machete V kukri V leuku V bill hook (thanks Robbi)
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Without a doubt, billhook all the way. I use a fiskars x3. Next time you're out n about gimme a shout, have a play with this one. It's lighter than a traditional hook, but with the right technique it's a fantastic tool.
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Depends on the task at hand - nothing beats an axe for splitting and in skilled hands its the best of those listed for cross grain cutting larger wood, a bill hook is great at cross grain cutting on limbs, saplings and small trees - adequate at light splitting but any hook makes it awkward. Jungle knives are good at slashing and draw cuts but lack forward weight and torque. For me, Knighton pattern billhook is the best at shelter building in temperate woodland and can adequately process small firewood. In colder climes where firewood is more important, an axe comes into its own. A leuku can be seen as a light camp knife.
you missed out Bill hook mate
And the Klingon Bat'leth.
Seriously though I love an axe I think a Billhook is probably the best all-round heavy duty multi-purpose blade for UK use..
http://billhooks.co.uk/
A machette is a little less threatening than Copper head's bill hook if you happen to be wearing it in the house and the wife asks you to nip down to the local shops.
This is such a personal question. The only real way to answer that is to try different set ups and see what works for you. I had a notion a couple of years back that I could have one big knife and do all my jobs with it. I took it on a month long trip to Norway, I did have a small hand saw and whittling knife but no axe. It worked ok for splitting wood for fires and the usual camp stuff but I didn't feel it was as safe as a decent axe, and long term would have been a mistake. Its a decent hand axe for me every time, preferably Kent pattern about 450 to 600grams with a 15" s shapes handle. Scale that up and lengthen the handle as the weather gets colder and or you travel farther north.
I use a parang and an axe but have never had the chance to use a billhook. As I understand it the billhook fills the part of both for chopping and slashing but not to the same effect as the proper tool for the job.
For processing firewood for a solo fire or maybe two people I have never found the need to split wood that is too big, rather I use nothing thicker than my wrist which I can cut with a folding saw.
For processing firewood for a solo fire or maybe two people I have never found the need to split wood that is too big, rather I use nothing thicker than my wrist which I can cut with a folding saw.
it does a Bill hook is a short heavy chopping tool with very very limited slashing ability
This one isnt what i would call a bill hook (English Bill hook for hedge laying) its more a short slasher ie much longer blade and lighter.
This is a more normal shape short wide
I like a long handle slasher for Bracken and bramble clearing its some times a lot easier than a strimmer and Quieter
for sashing light but thick brush ie brambles and small saplings over a long time period etc then a machete is needed its a long thin lightish straight blade cuts this type easily with minimal effort and fatigue (i would normally associate them with S America etc not so good for chopping
Parangs are heavier construction so add a bit more to the chopping but not so easy to clear trails for long time periods closer to our Bill hook but longer for jungle use
Kukri is a camp and house balde in Nepal used for lots of every day tasks and relatively small compared to the Machete and parang especially proper native ones my larger one is ok on clearing duty but wouldn't want to do a large area etc
Axe chops thats pretty much it your not going to be slashing with a 3-4" wide cutting edge but will take down med trees faster than the rest here except a folding saw
Leuku is a large camp knife but compared to the rest is a baby but its lightweight and thin blade make it fairly handy outside a jungle ( I put my XL camp Nessmuk in this category)
so its down to what you want to do and what you prefer
Course the only option is to Buy one of each (luckily they are all available in reasonable quality fairly cheap
) and do a test and report back to teh Hive Oh dont forget to test in the kitchen
[video=youtube;8tCiOux9CYU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tCiOux9CYU[/video]
i DO
As it has been said, its so personal in taste, I love my Tramontina bollo, its cheap and does all the jobs I need it to, mine has been well used and keep it to hand most times I am out, keep meaning to get a bill hook , when at boot sales but never see one for the money I want to pay, lol
I like a long handle slasher for Bracken and bramble clearing its some times a lot easier than a strimmer and Quieter
One of those slashers would be great - easpecially if you could swap out the handle for a short one for the odd occassion. Missed scythe and sickle off the list too I guess! I want something that will make short shrift of branches up to 1.5" diameter and cope with springy brambles etc. if possible.
the ydo short handle versions
and if you get a good old one then the socket is long enough to use as a short handle and not to uncomfy you could i guess use a bolt to hold in handles that would make them removable
A machette will hack up your meat and two veg for you. Fraid all you'll do with a billhook is fork out for a new kitchen side. Some wives might demand a whole new kitchen at this juncture though! Be warned.
Some say you need instruction in how to use an axe safely. My own exp is that I've seen and had a number of close shaves with an axe, but never with a large 10 or 12" blade.
Some say you need instruction in how to use an axe safely. My own exp is that I've seen and had a number of close shaves with an axe, but never with a large 10 or 12" blade.
Dreadhead
Bushcrafter through and through
pretty sure its speeded up a little but still nice
[video=youtube;0DHGlhFJH0g]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DHGlhFJH0g[/video]
[video=youtube;0DHGlhFJH0g]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DHGlhFJH0g[/video]
