New Axe - How do I learn how not to break it?

[Agile]

Well,

I finally bit the bullet and got myself a decent axe. The previous one was great, but was closer to being a toothpick than an axe (the old one was a Gerber pocket axe).

The new replacement is a small forest axe, and it's a quality make so.....

How do I make the most of it/ How do I learn how to use the extra length without totally mucking up a decent axe?

Any ideas?

Thanks

Agile

 

[fred gordon]

If its a GB axe then it should have come with their Axe Book. When I got my axe a few years ago I followed the advice there and it has stood the test of time. If its not a GB axe then I have a spare copy of the axe book. PM me if you want it.

 

[w00dsmoke]

Buy a cheap axe for £5 and make your mistakes on that by practicing all the kinds of chopping/cutting that you intend to do with your GB.

Just remember to be careful with what you chop into and remember some woods bounce aswell as knots...

 

[oetzi]

Have a look at "An axe to grind" by Bernie Weisgerber. Can be found here:
http://www.oldjimbo.com/survival/aatg.html
and follow the link.

 

[British Red]

Well,

I finally bit the bullet and got myself a decent axe. The previous one was great, but was closer to being a toothpick than an axe (the old one was a Gerber pocket axe).

The new replacement is a small forest axe, and it's a quality make so.....

How do I make the most of it/ How do I learn how to use the extra length without totally mucking up a decent axe?

Any ideas?

Thanks

Agile

I'm Everywhere from France to Scotland to Ludlow at the moment mate, but if you can wait a couple of months or three I could offer a few lessons if that would help?

Red

 

[jasons]

the big thing is not to worry about brakeing the axe but about being safe .read the ax book by d.cook . Just take your time when useing the axe and think before you make your cuts.be safe

 

[leon-b]

jason sears taught me basic axe use, thanks mate
leon

 

[Agile]

Thanks for the links and advice - yes it is a GB, so I have now read the axe-book (I wrote this before I realised it came with a booklet - quite useful stuff!!)

I have read the corresponding axe sections in both the Ray Mears Bushcraft book and also the SAS survival book and my first axe (a small hatchet) taught me the basics behind what to do, it was also next to unbreakable!!

Fingers crossed I will learn some skills over the next few months (I am arranging multiple trips away one of which is posted on the meetup forum *shameless plug alert*)

Thanks for the offer Red - but I hope to meet you at one of the aforementioned meetups - I may take you up on that offer there

Agile

 

[xairbourne]

Take it from me, ALWAYS look what you would hit if you missed your swing. I was lucky my hand has healed nice now. I cringe now if someone asks to use mine when we are out, I always lecture before the hand over…
Oh and when you do go out take your first aid kit with you because you never know.
Happy chopping.

 

[dommyracer]

You are more likely to break yourself than break the axe.

Like xairbourne said, look at what you are intending to hit and look a what you will hit if you miss.

Never put your hand or any other limb in the path of the axe's swing.

Don't drink and chop.

Don't chop in the dark.

Make sure you have adequate clearance - stand up with your axe in your hand and stretch your arm out to the side, up to the sky, down to the floor - there should be nothing in the way.

 

[Lurch]

I'm another one who's chopped bits of themself off!
The danger comes when you think you have the hang of it.

 

[jasons]

I'm another one who's chopped bits of themself off!
The danger comes when you think you have the hang of it.

I could not agree more

 

[Agile]

I saw a good quote from someone which said "axes are totally safe until you forget they are f***ing dangerous"

I couldn't agree more, so I will try and take it easy - very easy!!

Agile