SFA belt carry

[Niels]

Do any of you ever carry a small forest axe with it's original mask on your belt?

I tried it once, when I got up from a chair, the button came undone, causing souvernir scratches on the top of the helve
(Not on the edge luckily) I find it too uncomfortable to just shove under my belt.
I noticed Ray Mears replaced the original button with another one on his own, or he has another mask for the axe all together.

 

[SimonM]

I carry mine pushed through my knife belt, diagonally, in the small of my back.

Never had a problem that way...yet.

Simon

 

[DavidJT]

I just wouldn't sit down with it on.

 

[British Red]

The original mask is rubbish in so many ways. Why not replace it with a better one designed for your carry system of choice?

 

[Niels]

The original mask is rubbish in so many ways. Why not replace it with a better one designed for your carry system of choice?

Why is it rubbish? Wouldn't it be perfect if I replaced the button with a stronger one?

 

[British Red]

I don't think so - its weak, improperly welted, made of thin soft leather.

I have replaced all of my GB masks - every one has failed in use

Amongst my favourites is this system


wetterlings front by British Red, on Flickr


wetterlings back by British Red, on Flickr

This allows an axe to be carried in many ways - on a couple of trigger clips on the belt, on the pack


bergan by British Red, on Flickr

or on a baldric (my preferred method of axe carry without a pack)


Baldric by British Red, on Flickr

Note that the carry method is poll first - allowing safe withdrawl without cutting off your fingers!

The same fit works on Wetterlings, Rosselli and GB


all 3 by British Red, on Flickr

I even had to replace the masks on my working axe


New Axe Cover by British Red, on Flickr

It needs a very short axe (shorter than the SFA) to benefit from belt loops and stop you walking lopsided


3 Rear by British Red, on Flickr


2 open by British Red, on Flickr


1 closed by British Red, on Flickr


cegga singteck by British Red, on Flickr

With a very small axe you can get away with a single trigger hook


Mini Wetterlings by British Red, on Flickr

You can even carry an axe across your back with the system topknot devised


Baldric by British Red, on Flickr

I claim no kudos for the execution of the leatherwork - that belongs to singteck (most), Dougster (working axe) and topknot (back carry system for the viking axe)

In any event, as you can see - there are many types of mask and carry, but, for me, the GB mask is simply a poor design, poorly pur together of inferior materials.

 

[bigroomboy]

I agree with red the GB mask is not up to the standard of the axe. I've tries to belt carry it that way and I'll never do it again with that mask its plain dangerous.

 

[bigroomboy]

BTW Red they are some lovely masks, are they all your own work?

 

[Niels]

I can see your point. It's not comfortable walking with that extra kg pulling your pants down (Particulary with a knife, pouch, quiver, waterbottle on my belt)

Why 2 buttons? Seems like extra trouble getting to the axe.
Those masks are gorgeous though. I like that over the shoulder carry, looks almost like carrying a sword.
How thick should the leather be?

 

[British Red]

Any of those axes will make featherstick of a match...so I want them kept safely covered until I choose to use them.


featherstick axe by British Red, on Flickr

The two button cover allows a secure "wrap" over the top and round the back of the blade. It ensures the mask will not part company with the axe - ever. I want no chance at all of it dropping free and a couple of pounds of razor sharp steel accelerating at 9+ m/s/s.

I prefer a 4mm thick (thick knife sheath) leather - nothing flimsy. My axes get used a lot - often around fallen trees and in wet conditions - flimsy doesn't last.

bigroomboy - my designs but people who actually have some talent make them - singteck, Dougster and topknot made these

 

[greensurfingbear]

I carry mine pushed through my knife belt, diagonally, in the small of my back.

Never had a problem that way...yet.

Simon

what I do with mine as well when I need to use both hands to carry other stuff.

 

[sandbender]

I have a holster to keep mine in, something I only really use if I'm on skis and don't have a pack, I agree with Red, the supplied mask is pretty poor, although I often carry my mini-hatchet on my belt using the supplied mask, but it is a tiny thing and that set up works ok.

Axe holster by Ben Orford.

 

[Niels]

I have a holster to keep mine in, something I only really use if I'm on skis and don't have a pack, I agree with Red, the supplied mask is pretty poor, although I often carry my mini-hatchet on my belt using the supplied mask, but it is a tiny thing and that set up works ok.

Axe holster by Ben Orford.

Nice! Does that belt loop work with something as long as the SFA?

 

[sandbender]

Nice! Does that belt loop work with something as long as the SFA?

Yes, it is used with my SFA, it would still be awkward to sit down but the holster remains on my belt and the masked axe is removed when I do so.

You could also look at one of those over the shoulder carry bags like the one supplied by Woodlore, there was a tutorial on how to make your own posted a while back.

 

[Niels]

Thanks for the replies. You've made me put a good axe carry system on my endless 'to do' list.

 

[Nice65]

The Maxpedition Universal torch sheath work very well for belt or bag. Ok, it's not as pretty as a good leather carry system, but I'm totally in agreement that the GF masks aren't very good. Mine bounced off and got sliced while knocking out a pine knot. Trying to get some pics up, but Photobucket isn't wanting to play tonight.

http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/maxpedition/universal-sheath.html

 

[sasquatch]

Ahh, axe porn. I always get a bit green with envy when I see that double bit axe Red. It's a thing of beauty.

 

[shaggystu]

Another way of carrying an axe on your belt is to shove it down between the loops of your belt pouch, it's the best solution that I've found for me and doesn't require any additional bits of kit.

Cheers,

Stuart

 

[Niels]

Also a brilliant idea, only the distance between the belt loops of my pouch is to big I think.
Might give this a try with the bands of my hip quiver though

 

[Dave]

@ post #6. Hugh, they are magnificent. What a collection!

Neils, For an economic solution, you could use a simple Ronson leather and brass hammer holster/loop, from a local hardware shop.
[You can buy fixed or swinging ones. ]

I think mine cost about £2.99, and does the job.