Thread: Survival Ax

Maybe we have brought this up, but in our bug out kit, what do you use? I do not have be but I do have my assortment of knives, pocket knife- Al-Mar lock blade. My old Randal 14, leatherman. But I don't have an Ax. Do. Need one? Maybe, chopping trees with my Randall is not ideal. But we always try to keep the weight down and multitask, So show me some alternatives and their advantages. Tc

John jump in here, know you have an opinion.

Honestly I have one of those cheap Machetes that you buy for like $4 in the UTV for clearing branches off the road

You have been there you know what we have

Never needed more than that, in fact I went trough a 6" diameter tree just the other day that the early snow had dropped.. Quick n Easy

Yes I have small axes and even a Zombie Kukri but those cheap Machetes get the most use

Maybe this fits here.

I had a coupon so tried one of these. I certainly am not going to throw it away but I wouldn't buy another.

Like most things with multiple uses they don't do any of them great.

I was thinking about my small camper weight and room etc. The plastic handle vibrates and it is not very comfortable to use. It doesn't split wood worth a darn. Why the didn't put some metal on the hammer end.....

It has been delegated to behind the seat of my truck. I use it every once in a while.

https://www.zippo.com/products/axesaw

I have an Estwing hatchet that I have had for years that I love but it is heavy etc.

P.S. I used the Estwing last weekend to break the pelvic bone of a deer. Why do I have 2 hatchets in my truck?

But then one time I cleaned my truck and found 10 knives......

TC-How about one of the smaller Fiskars axes? They are lightweight, very reasonably-priced, take an edge easily with a belt grinder or file, and are nearly indestructible. I've got a full-sized one I have had for years, and it splits logs like a champ!

Gransfors Bruks small forest axe (I have this one) or their hunters axe. You can skin and quarter a deer with one (did it last year) easily, holds a good edge. You can do pretty much anything with one...and I wouldn't want to be opposing you if you had it in your hand.
https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/pro.../forrest-axes/

Husquarna makes some good ones too, but they don't have the fit and finish (soul) a Gransfors Bruks does.

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Maybe we have brought this up, but in our bug out kit, what do you use? I do not have be but I do have my assortment of knives, pocket knife- Al-Mar lock blade. My old Randal 14, leatherman. But I don't have an Ax. Do. Need one? Maybe, chopping trees with my Randall is not ideal. But we always try to keep the weight down and multitask, So show me some alternatives and their advantages. Tc

John jump in here, know you have an opinion.

You know I don't suffer from lack of opinion,,,,,

I'll lead of with this TC,,,always construct your bag for your specific needs & location/enviorment.

What I carry in South Florida will have a few items identical to your bag or Glen's bag.

But,,,,,

If I move into a different environment like Idaho or your area, I would adjust my bag accordingly.


To answer your question; if you feel that you want/need an axe, then get one.

I have several types, they only see action when I watch Bear Grylls on TV.

I have the axe that Scott has; it's the top of the line, a bit big for a bag.

The Friskars I have also, compact & more than enough for small details.

I also have a $6.00 Harbor Freight, soft steel, but will get the job done on light work.

I have a machete from Bruno, used it during Hurricane Irma, got the job done & I looked cool doing it.

If I knew there would be small wood/branches to deal with, I would probably take this instead of an axe.



Love this saw, had it for years , actually used it outdoors many times; toss in a couple extra bush & hack saw blades & you have two in one saw.

TC, you can find the Friskars & Estwing hatchets at Home Depot. The Friskars is often at Wal Mart in the lawn/garden section.

Oh,,, forgot to say TC; whatever blades you take to the field, you must have a method/device to keep them sharp.

What size kit or bag are you wondering about? A bag, Harley, or truck?

An ax wouldn't be practical probably in the first 2.

I read about a guy that didn't bother to carry the handles of the tools because they took up to much space and weight. He could always make a handle. I don't know how that would fit into modern society but an interesting thought.

One of my favorite lists is a guy that had 3 knives and then further down the list had a pencil sharpener. Disregarding my previous post I am not against multitasking....