Axe tap splitting -- fun and safe with my Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe

[balloonboyCA]

Dude, you are going to cut off your leg some day!!! You're flinging that thing around like it's a toy. Please, give my words heed! Just because it's a well made axe does not make you some god of wood cutting. THIS IS NO VIDEO GAME, YOU DON"T GET MORE LIVES!

[wb5mgr]

I bought the 19" SFA and often wish I had got the 25" one you have, but can't justify a 4th axe at the moment.

[Wintertrekker]

@wb5mgr Ya the GB's are expensive! I now am getting bad and have about 6 axes of various makes. It can get out of hand....:o)

[JDFeniello]

Ill tell you what. I've never hurt myself with a table saw, and i have with an axe, but i still feel the same way. I love working with a table saw, but they are much more intimidating.

[Wintertrekker]

@JDFeniello Its all about training on the specific tool. I was fortunate to be trained well with axes when I was a little kid, and so safety is second nature to me. With an axe you always need to know, before the swing, where the follow through is going. Most axe injuries occur because of the lack of thinking about where that follow through will go. And an axe will bounce too, so one must always think about what if it bounces this way or that. Table saws: I always use the push stick!

[Pagansdad]

very nice! I literally just got home from camping where I had to baton a large knife through a bunch of wet wood for my fire. I jumped right on the web and started looking for axe videos, lol. That does look very safe, also looks like much less effort than swinging a baton. I like very much your technique of holding the piece with another drop to set the blade, Ill be stealing that If you dont mind! Thanks for the vid!

[Wintertrekker]

@Pagansdad Steal it! Axe saves labour, but of course its heavier to carry, but I choose to carry it. When you have a flat rock, you can tap in the axe by holding the bottom of the billet and taping it on the rock, and not use the stick. But the ground was soft on that camp so I used the stick because I needed a heavier swing to start the axe into the billet. I plan a "tap splitting on rock" video when I get the chance!

[Pagansdad]

@Wintertrekker Cheers for the reply! Some "Axe basics" videos would be pretty awesome. Ive had about 14 years in the construction field now without an accident because I believe in taking the time to do a job right and safely. Seems people are intimidated by dangerous things more and more these days. Comes form lack of mastery over them says me. Many thanks for the tips!

[prvoslav888]

any axe on the world could to this

[Wintertrekker]

@prvoslav888 Yes.

[poormanprepper]

axes are safe, those crazy kitchen slicers scare the shit out of me.

[daviecr8on1]

Great video too! I was wondering if you can tell me if the handle on the axe is 25" from the bottom of the head or 25" over all. I'm trying to compare it to the size of my current axe, but I'm not sure how it measures.

[Wintertrekker]

@daviecr8on1 The GB Scandinavian Forest Axe I have is actually 25 inches overall. I made a mistake calling it 24". :o)

[daviecr8on1]

I think the bottom line is that any tool is ONLY AS SAFE AS THE PERSON USING IT! Large knives can safely replace axes for some people and axes can safely replace large knives for others. As for table saws, take your time and use a push stick and you'll have all your fingers at the end of the day with that one too!

[Wintertrekker]

@daviecr8on1 Yes, good instruction is key to using all tools safely. Some people pick up an axe without training and think they know how to use it. We would never let someone use a table saw without full safety training. My point was the same for an axe! :o)

[almollitor]

I like your emphasis on safety.

[CanItAlready]

What fascinates me is that some of the people who say axes are dangerous are the same people who don't think twice about chopping with 9 inch blades.

[Wintertrekker]

@CanItAlready Yep. I learned with an axe when I was a kid, so it seems totally natural to me, and safe too because I was taught by good teachers.  I just can't relate to knife chopping technique. I like to have that blade way out in front of me. But I have seen some great videos of masters with the big machete and parang. So different skills and tools for different folks I guess.

[chrisdeli7158]

@Wintertrekker question winter. is the weight of the axe really that heavy for hiking or its definitely manageable?

[Wintertrekker]

@chrisdeli7158 I have taken this (Scandanavian Forest Axe) on several hikes, so it is "manageable". However I just aquired a GB "Small Forest Axe" for hiking next year (lighter head, 19 inch handle). While I like a longer handle, I am going to shave some pack weight and use the smaller axe next spring for hiking. I also want an axe as a bear weapon, and I prefer the bigger axe, but I want to lighten my pack. For canoe tripping, its always a 25-28 inch handled axe for me.

[chrisdeli7158]

@Wintertrekker tnx for responding quickly!!!

[chrisdeli7158]

@Wintertrekker tnx for responding quickly! i have a question. i have been debating in my mind wheter to get scandinavian axe or small forest axe. can u tell me which would be better for me? (im a hiker, and i just like to have capabilities that will allow me to cut down or cut nice sized logs for a nice fire. my hatcet just wount cut it for me)

2nd question: what are the diffrences (besides size) between sscandi axe and the small forest axe? are they that much diffrent? tnx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wintertrekker]

@chrisdeli7158 I cannot tell you what would be better for you personally, since you need to decide on your pack weight. Generally for bush tasks, a longer handles axe is always better and safer for everything. But when hiking, weight really matters. I use my axe mostly for splitting dry wood, and a small saw like a Bacho Laplander for cutting wood, and I use smaller peice sizes and use a low cooking fire. The GB website can give you the specs on the two axes. They are different.

[nathanshepherd1]

Great video. An axe is safe to work with as you said. An axe is as safe as the person using it. This would be a great technique to use if your were several hours/days from help and couldn't risk cutting your self. You don't seem to be using much energy ether.

[kgdblade]

GB makes a great axe! I have their American Feller in 31". A bit too big to cart out in the summer, but its a beaut! I use a snow and neally 23" for my mid-size but wish I would have went the GB route. Nice demo, that wood sure splits nice!

[bushcraftbartons]

Excellent...

[jasonsbrownell]

Great Video! One extra step I've always taken while tap splitting is kneeling so that it doesn't kill my back nor does the follow-through go anywhere but into the ground. Again, great video!

[hobbexp]

yeah they makes great axes

fredde

[illyounotme]

Another great axe video from you, thank you for sharing.

I love how you use small simple movements to split the wood, exactly right. People think they need to chop through the entire thing in one swing too often. This is why people have the misinfo of axes needing too much energy to use.

I worked trail maintenance in the Cascades, hand tools only. Your axe is a great tool, I agree I prefer the longer axes over hatchets. I would rather carry a little extra weight & have that longer handle.

[oregonmikes]

Quality video. Good to see this stuff .