A bushcraft axe in the UK is one of the most useful tools that can be highly efficient in the woods. With its varied functionalities, an axe can be more valuable than a knife.
With this blog, we’re going to discuss how you can choose the right axe for the right job and learn what is the best all-round bushcraft axe.
What are the key considerations?
There are numerous types of axes in the market; they can be categorised based on their size, shape and usage. You won’t ever find all axes the same; they will differ in some or the manner.
In the end, you have to choose a bushcraft axe that helps you in all your work requirements. It all comes down to what you might use it for, is it carving, splitting, chopping, or general duty? It may also depend on the extra weight that you can carry, how do you plan to take it and even what’s your height?
The ones who are taller will probably witness that an axe with a longer handle is easier to use than the one with a short handle.
Always remember, an axe is a critical element of a bushcraft kit. It must feel comfortable in your hands while you use it.
Therefore, it’s recommended not to rush out and buy the very first axe that you come across, invest some time and decide if it feels like the right axe for you.
What are different bushcraft axes?
There are various choices of axes that may be used for many different jobs.
Ideally, experts say that a different axe must be used for various tasks. But in reality, it’s not possible. You can’t’ carry different axes with you in the woods. You can only take one bushcraft with you or at max two conveniently.
Let’s now discuss the different types of bushcraft axes.
General bushcraft axes: General bushcraft axes are also known as forest axes. These are the most common and standard axes that you must look for when you’re heading to the forest.
They’re specifically designed to be used for everything from splitting small logs to felling trees.
Forest axes are mainly designed to cut across the grain, which is ultimately useful for felling and limbing trees.
Splitting Axes: These axes are explicitly designed for cutting the trees in the woods. They are built with a large and heavy head and a relatively thin edge on the end of a concave wedge.
Unlike the general bushcraft axes, they’re designed to cut along the grain. The edge of the axe is designed to go straight into the wood while the broader section pushes into it, ultimately splitting it into two halves.
Hatchets: These can be understood as the small axes that are used for smaller jobs in the woods. They have a shorter handle than axes and can, at a push, be used for chopping and splitting. However, it’s much more comfortable with a small bushcraft axe to do so.
Conclusion
Axes are the oldest tools known to man. Current generations have mixed feelings about carrying an axe with them. Most of them prefer smaller fixed blade knives or foldable ones.
However, experts say that it’s surprising to see people today preferring foldable or fixed blade knives over an axe for forest work. They believe axes are the most versatile tool.
This sums up our tips on why choosing a bushcraft axe is beneficial for you.
If you have anything to add to choose the right axe or even tell the advantages of keeping a bushcraft axe? Please share your experiences or opinions with us.
