Bill hook

[Stew]

Hey Tor, I like that - almost tempted to reove the handle of mine, even thugh there's nothing wrong with it!

So the Newton 'Hook is a good pattern but who is a reliable maker?
I've checked out E-bay but it is hard to tell what condition the older ones are in - no one ever photographs the edge
I don't mind sharpening one but don't really want to have to grind it from scratch

See Jack's post a bit further up the thread (#17) and this thread: Billhook group buy..... I've got one of these from Jack before and they're top notch!

 

[sam_acw]

Thanks Stew.
Has anybody tried one of these?
Woodsman's Pal
I've read good reviews before and you can buy a sheath for it too.

 

[swyn]

I will side with Jack here on billhook being a favorite.
When I was doing my training we were given axes to start with as we were too young for chainsaws. We had to become proficient with these before progressing on to other hand tools. Most of the work was snedding small trees for 'thinning operations' be it soft or hardwood. I still do, and prefer to, use a hand tool for this type of work (on smaller sticks). When I had progressed to being allowed a billhook I was a happy fellow as this was lighter, quicker and much more versatile.
I have three billhooks although I do not know their style names. One is very old, classic bill shaped and good for hardwood. one is much smaller and more like Tor helge's one and the final is an in between size that I customised years ago for pole work, this is with me in the car always and used most.
I would love one of Jack's group buys but I feel four is pushing it a bit!
Cheers from Swyn.

PS. I have a SFA and although it is a lovely thing I have not really found a niche for it as yet apart from cutting the slots in strainers for braces.

 

[beowolf762]

Nice job, very well done!

 

[CLEM]

Hi Clem,

I'd be interested in one - I love custom kit, ahhh.... I just love kit

Be very interested in getting this sorted - although prolly a good idea to do it in the new year when things have calmed down and there is some spare cash

I believe that Dave Budd had a custom billhook on show at Wilderness Gathering - he did some work for me there and I'd be glad to contact him as he's a smashing chap.

Cheers,

Phil.

That would be cool,but it would have to be next year for sure!

 

[Feral]

sam_acw, try this link http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/4933/woodsmanspal.html

 

[sam_acw]

Thanks for the link - it's interesting but not quite the use I had in mind!
I seem to recall that one of the famous bushcraft writers said that there was seldom a need to cut something thicker than 4 inches diameter. I'm sure this is possible with a billhook but I was also thinking about use in a style similar to a draw knife. Is this possible or safe?
I think we should send a camerman out with Jack for the day!