Official *AXE CORDWOOD CHALLENGE* 2018, Axes Only, No Saws Allowed
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- čas přidán 31. 12. 2017
- Official launch of the axe cordwood challenge for 2018. Rules, minimum quantity and various recommendations and concerns.
Mors Kochanski's book Bushcraft: amzn.to/2qdo5JU
Dudley Cook's, The Axe Book: amzn.to/2C526Gx
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Glad to hear that you believe in personal responsibility and I think you explained that concept very succinctly.
yeah buddy! looking forward to accepting the challenge this year with a Council Boys axe. just going to do the best i can since i am not blessed with wooded property.
I'm definitely curious to see if some of the channels with lots of axe content actually take up the challenge this year. At a certain point, if you talk all the time about axes and don't do the challenge, everyone will recognize who's all hat and no cattle. Especially since the new rules don't require nearly the same quantity of trees if you are willing to cut short lengths.
Re: splitting mauls, I started the challenge last time splitting with a maul, it requires making a special splitting block set up, Bernard Mason's book has one that I used made from a natural crotch. I quickly went to splitting on the ground with the axe. Lots faster with less log handling.
Definitely would weed out the "posers" for lack of a better term, lumber sexuals? The people who run such channels like Wranglerstar and others I bet simply don't understand the concept or they rely on either more complicated tech, or power tools to do their work.
My sentiments exactly, I watched your video of the challenge from last year shortly after hearing about SkillCult's challenge and it really got me thinking.
It's my hope that this project will ultimately result in a more informed and more critical viewership out there that will provide a more challenging environment for creators. It seems reasonable that if someone is selling you an axe, then they should demonstrate a reasonable degree of competence. This is a world where Dave Canterbury has a signature axe and can market bushcraft books that outsell Mors Kochanski on Amazon. Watch this and tell me that's not fucked up czcams.com/video/4j7GEDR9cpI/video.html I would love it if axe culture gets bad ass enough up in these parts that I look like a dumb ass with my cord of wood a year.
So a guy can create a video and blather on about how to buck a log, fail to execute same, and trust that 99% of the people who watch the video won't even be able to tell? Is that the core issue you are referring to?
That's not only PATHETIC but sad. It's funny how it's got the country R n' R but his wood removal is really pathetic for an "Expert". Here's what we should aspire to with technique. Not to mention that a Mors Kochanski designed bush axe would be an modern produced item the axe market would greatly benefit from. The man certainly has at least good diagrams of one in his book Bushcraft. To top it off, Dave Canterbury for all intensive purposes is a fake compared to Mors. It's like comparing Bear Grylls to Matt Graham.
czcams.com/video/HVNBmXkrFjo/video.html
www.bnctools.com/blogs/news/peter-mclaren-americas-champion-chopper
After watching this earlier today, I set out and got started. Processed on 40' tall x 8"diameter standing dead ash tree. It was a lot of fun, it was also a lot of work, but I enjoyed it. I definitely need more practice, luckily all of wood for next season is already split, so I can do this challenge without falling behind on my woodpile. Thanks for the motivation, Steven!
Working dead wood can be tough, but it challenges you in a good way too I suppose.
Careful with those dead trees though. They can be very dangerous sometimes.
I agree, it is. The dead is mostly ash, which cuts and splits easily already. Plus it's bitterly cold here in PA, so that gives me an advantage. The chips fly and wood just pops open to split. My woodlot is very small, so much of what I cut is harvested deadwood, I guess I'm used to it already...
I certainly will, and know my limits. Too much to lose these days, best to be smart. No rush, though, you gave us nine months!
I'm so pumped already got a pile of wood going, drop the tree on my garden fence but it ain't that bad lol wanted to expand it any way and learned something, thank you for convincing me to do this my wife thinks I'm crazy tho
A tree*
I'm stoked! Thank you for starting this challenge. I agree with the comments that say this will separate the wheat from the chaff. Fell my first tree yesterday to kick off the challenge, -13°C.
Awesome. Glad to hear it. Stay safe out there.
Just a tip for everyone, if you want the tree to break off the stump as it falls, make your undercut angle steeper, ideally 30-35 degrees but if it's open enough of an area a larger undercut will work. And if you're using a saw for the backcut for wedging, only go about 1/5 to 1/4 deep with your undercut.
I missed the challenge, but im still going to do it. It will be weird for me to do splitting without a maul- but this is a great opportunity for me to improve my skills!
Yes, it will accelerate your abilities very rapidly. I haven't decided what to do this year, but if I do it, it will probably start pretty soon.
Cool, Ill keep an eye out then.@@SkillCult
You are an incredible mentor, Steven. Even if unintentionally; actually, especially so.
I love your informative titles. They're just so ... informative.
you're building up a subscriber base rather quickly, keep it up!
Yeah, I'm getting some momentum now. it's been a journey.
Not nearly quick enough in my opinion!
I'm in again this year. The twist this year will be me hauling my logs on my trailer to my outdoor classroom at school. No more hauling logs on my shoulder back to my fixed camp. You gonna be swinging that double bit this year?
Cool, great to have you back. I tend to buck in the woods, then haul back. Not always the best way though. I'm up and down some steep hills and obstacle courses with wheelbarrows because of it. I'm going to give the cruiser axes a good trial this year, then probably flip back and forth for comparison once I feel like I'm in the groove. What are you starting with?
Nice Cruiser you got there. I'll use mine a little bit but I'm gonna use my Maine Jersey for the challenge 3# 27" A year of trial n' error and that's what I came up with for my ideal firewood axe. The head's a vtg. Snow and Nealley the head's worn down with a chip right behind heel. It's like a heavy Jersey Boy's axe with a Maine wedge profile. Gonna go do some bucking.
Sounds like a good time!
super awesome content ! love it ..
A cord 4' high 8' wide and 48' long ?
That's one hell of a cord !
I went out today and felled, bucked, and split a small poplar with a 28" Husqvarna. It was a really good time in the woods. You have really inspired me to put down the Silky Saw/chainsaw and start using my axe more. While I probably won't make a video or anything, I am going to take the challenge.
Hell yeah, man - I did the same thing today, only it was ash. Have more in similar size, figure I'll carve out 2 hours each weekend and should get close to a cord in a few months.
It adds up pretty quick if you just go out in the evening once in a while. If you want to get really good with that little husky, this is a great way to do it. It takes some skill to make that little axe work well.
Thanks for the encouragement. I was surprised at how much wood I got from an ostensibly small tree. Also, I had one glancing blow that definitely reminded me how dangerous an axe can be.
Those moments are so important. No matter what instruction or examples someone has on good practice, they still happen and should shape the way we proceed and understand the problem of keeping an axe entering our body. It's a personal journey for sure. I look for them now. What is scary is when they happen and go unnoticed.
I have a few trees that need to be dropped on my property so I may join your challenge. I love axes, would consider myself a intermediate user so this is perfect for me.
Great channel Steven! Wade
That's great. I think it is best for intermediate users. W-(>
Man...Id love to do it. But, I have to cut 6 cords of wood every year. I spend 9 months a year in Afg. working, time is not on my side. So I have to pass. But I do want to support the project. I enjoy your channel, and signed up on your blog. Thanks for putting yourself out there.
Yeah, it's an expensive project for many. Thanks man :)
Well put.
My health isn't good enough to do the challenge this year, but about a month ago I bought my first new axe. It's a Helko Werk axe about the same size as the Council Tool Boy's axe - 2.5lb head, 27.5in handle, and I got it for a steal! It's new and cost me AUD$55 including shipping (that's around USD$43).
So my goal for this year is to start using the axe, learn how to sharpen it well and just get familiar using it. And maybe next year if I feel my skill levels are there (and if my health improves enough) I'll be able to give the challenge a go.
Sorry to hear it. Do you have a link to that axe? it sounds interesting. There are a lot more 2.25 lb than 2.5 lb models in that size. Hults makes one, but it's fairly expensive to get it shipped to the states. I applaud your approach. Hope your health improves.
Yeah sure: smile.amazon.com/Helko-Pioneer-2-5lb-Felling-Axe/dp/B00SNL7ZYC This one matches the one I have exactly however they were priced at USD$139 for all of last year. No idea why I got mine so cheaply but I didn't get it from Amazon, it was from a small axe reseller in Aust.
Like any axe it needs work before I start using it, but it seems like as good a place as any to start learning.
I've eyed that one before, but yeah, it's expensive enough to make re-handling a vintage axe look like a better option in many cases. Similar with the Hults 2.5.lb boy's axe, though it is a little more affordable. Those and the higher end council axes are the next tier up from the council budget line.
Yeah I totally agree. I'd normally go the vintage route but I couldn't ignore this deal. Time will tell if the axe is any good though. Truthfully while not bad, the finish of the head leaves a bit to be desired (really sharp bur around the top of the eye, slightly unevenly ground). Nothing I can''t fix, but worth noting.
I realize this is an axe video but I say kudos on your video quality and backgrounds are just awesome. I asked you why you didn't just use an IPhone to video about a month ago and now I see. That was a stupid question. Good job on this video.
I got some new equipment lately and have been inspired to pay a little more attention. I missed focus on one of those shots somehow, but overall I was very pleased with those shots. It helps that I live in such an amazing place.
I watched this last year on several channels as well as yours. I agree, this is the best way to get good with your axe. I'm working on a plan to participate this year. More for me than anything. I just don't get to use my axes enough and I'm really getting sick of splitting Apple. I don't burn wood other than in my smoker and fire pit and I don't own any wood lots. Most of my axe exsperiance comes from camping. I'll have to get permission to cut trees down. This in itself will be a challenge. Have to see how it goes. If not, I have a plan B. I won't be able to submit to the challenge but I'll still get some practice with my axe.
If you grow anything, making charcoal might be a good idea. Also blacksmiting charcoal if you do that. I like smithing with charcoal, just because it's so clean. It is pain too for a few reasons, but nothing that is a deal killer.
SkillCult I have done a little smithing with charcoal/wood. I bought one of those Wilcox forges a couple years ago. I thought it was a good idea. I have an old rivitters forge as well. That's some good ideas for use of the wood.
Coal has some useful attributes, but I can make charcoal and as much as I have a nostalgic association with coal smoke, I'd rather not sit around breathing if for hours
I'll be 67 by the time this thing ends but I'm thinking about it.
I do have a question about diameter.
It would greatly increase the number of bucking cuts but I'm going to be processing red maple anyway (illegal in the trade in Maine as of today:-), and I thought that I have time for a rick by September. I'll be keeping everything 3-inches and for the stove. Does a mixed rick count?
Great words on responsibility!
I include any diameter in my stacks. You can sometimes find stuff as small as one inch in my stacks. We all need starter wood too. I just take whatever I can use from the tree and throw it in the stack. A lot of the stuff 3 inches and down ends up in the charcoal pit, but some in the woodpile.
Was thinking about taking part last year, but never got around to it and stuck to my chainsaws for all my trees and firewood. This year I will have to reserve some trees for this project, since it seems like fun. I normally never use axes across the grain (except when cutting off branches), I only use axes for splitting. A hole in my skills, and now I will improve. And learn how to make a video... Thanks for the push Edholm (very Scandinavian sounding name you have), you really are a motivator. And now time to see if I am just all words, or not.
It's very common for people to use axes for just splitting and some limbing or maybe occasional felling, but it really does leave a hole in the skill set that some might like to have. You'll progress very fast doing this for sure. stay safe. I don't have any directly scandinavian parentage actually, but I'm part of that Northern European melting pot of genes.
I'm hoping to get in on this next year.
Groovy
Let's do this.....wish I lived around timber, but central Florida has no timber nor a need to cut firewood. I do have axes though ...... enjoy and be safe. Good luck to all that enter the challenge.
I was very close to buying a used chainsaw on craigslist last week, but thinking about your videos, I decided to just use the ax. I can't really participate in the challenge, since trees are very rare in the desert climate where I live, but I will have the family process the dead trees and limbs that we do have. I don't have a wood stove, but I will use the wood for either biochar or hugelculture. I had time off last week, and we cut about half a rick already, probably have enough for another full rick.
Maybe a good challenge for those of us without trees would be hand spading a large garden, just as hard a workout, easy to do as a family (you can talk without a rototiller going) and prevents an engine from running.
Cool, glad to hear it. Stay safe. I'm sure people could come up with all sorts of cool challenges to push us to be a little more directly involved with our lives and needs.
How much does the head on that double bit weigh?
around 2.5 probably
How did that Buckin cruiser do?
I'm still getting used to it. The handle needs some tuning and I'll probably lop off one or two inches of length. Seems pretty good though. I think it will take me time to adapt since I put so much time in with single bits last year.
I thought that looked like a Buckin special!
We each have our own preferences that work best for our way of doing things and how we are made. Looked like it bit into the wood real nice .... hope it does you well.
Hi, enjoying your channel. What is the make of the cruiser? On viewing, the bits seem more wedge shaped than other cruisers. If so I'm curious if it is of Maine origin. TIA for your in depth videos.
Have you gotten your buckin special yet?
Yeah, that was it in the video. Needs a little tuning. I'm just feeling it out now.
Is the dates in the top of the screen the same every year for the challenge?
I haven't settled on anything. This year it's till Sept. We'll see in the future. I have a new facebook page for the cordwood challenge BTW.
SkillCult thank you sir! I was wanting to make sure when I'm able to start I would still be in the time frame for it and I'll check it out thank you !
Plenty of time. facebook.com/AxeCordwoodChallenge/?ref=settings
Is that buckins axe? Looks and works amazing!
Yeah. It's nice. I need to make some handle adjustments, but so far liking it.
I have a question about double bit axe. I was told that they were not so good for chopping, based on the balance of the bit? Watching you it looks ok to me . What say you ?
Not sure where you got that from, double bits are supposed to be superior to single bits for chopping since they are evenly balanced due to the two blades.
It was the weight of the second bit was to far back , that the axe would tend to twist. where the single bit had a pole weight close to the handle .....something like that. This is why I like to watch and learn, instead of voicing an opinion about something I herd someone say one time. I always stayed away from the double bit because of this. I'll have to investigate this more and add to my collection . T/Y for the info.
You'll find people on both sides. For horizontal chopping the double bit has a clear theoretical advantage. In extreme cases of unbalance, you have to make an effort to hold the line and not wobble the axe, but then the whole of Europe just about was razed to the ground over and over with wobbly front heavy axes. I'm feeling this axe out, but I spent so much time on single bit boys axes last year that I still miss mine.
Thank you Steven and everyone for the input. I like learning new ways to improve any skill set. I've been swinging an axe on and off for years, but not like some of you guys: Steven , oxbow ......I never thought of using a boys axe ether so I found an older Collins 2 1/2lb ,shaping , sharpening and a fresh coat of oil and I'm ready for spring..... -16F in N.H. this morning ........come on spring !!
Forgive me if this question has been addressed already, but I have started the challenge as of about a week ago. I haven’t filmed anything yet and wanted to ask if there is a minimum amount of footage you’d like to have sent, if any at all? Do most send video footage or just pics throughout their progress?
Never mind, ha! I found the details on the FB page. Looking forward to this challenge.
Yeah, anything is fine, just at least some pics if you're done. there is now a cordwood challenge facebook page too.
Chalk up an injury. Sheesh!! However humbling and honestly a little embarrassing it may be. I’m not a beginner, I’ve used axes for a lot of years, though not quite to the capacity that this challenge requires. It all came down to a moment of overconfidence. It’s like a car wreck that happens in a split second when you feel like you’re in complete control of a what you’re doing. That’s the best way I know how to make sense of it in my head. I’ve watched the re-run in my brain a hundred times. Bucking a 6” log on the back side cut. I was almost through it, so I backed off the speed, it glanced off and popped my shin. I think backing off the the speed possibly caused me to not be in as much control of the head and affected my accuracy just as it would if I swung too hard. That’s my own theory on the situation after examining it over and over. Bottom line is it was a learning experience and I’ll be better and safer with an axe going forward because of it. 20 stitches and some humble pie please and thank you. Haha! I’ll send pics when I finish up. I was reluctant to share that it happened, but I’m human and by nature an open book. Shit happens and I’ll own it with a smile. Thanks for starting this challenge Steven. I’m having a ridiculous amount of fun with it.
Bummer. It really is necessary to constantly be ready in a split second to slow down, moderate force, change angles, move your body or just stop. So, that is good that you're aware of that. The mechanics of it all just take time to learn though. Two questions though, were you behind, in front of, or on the log and if behind, did it come through the cut or bounce off the face and over the top?
I log was flat on the ground, but on a slight uphill. I had made the first cuts all the way down the log, and was starting on the opposite side cuts but I didn’t roll the log. I was almost all the way through it, but not completely so it didn’t go through and hit. It glanced off for some reason, maybe the angle or the uphill lie, or fatigue, or the fact that I let up on the force, or all of the above factored in.
Would you say working with an axe is more dangerous than with a chainsaw ? From my experience I feel safer with an axe because everything is slower but it may not be justified
I've thought about that a lot and can't say. There is so much more skill and forethought, which also means education or experience, involved in using an axe safely. Chainsaws can do the worst kind of damage really fast though. Felling trees with a chainsaw is probably a lot safer, just because there are more options. I think it's a little like apples and oranges.
I agree but I feel like when I'm working with a chainsaw everything goes faster so I don't have the time to think twice before I fell a tree in a certain way for example
Have you ever seen a felling axe with a 8 to 10 inch bit... Ive used axes my whole life but ive never found an axe that i can swing hard and not get stuck each swing because the top and bottom edge are completly barried... Im 6'8" and 270
Mordy Fisher I’ve personally seen some Italian axes with massive bits, but they are rather rare
if you want I can hook you up with my ax supplier. He can find anything, when I saw him last weekend he had a massive English felling ax with a 7lb head made for guys like you.
No, I haven't. All axes are pretty much a compromise I think.
using that buckin special i see
Yeah, just feeling it out. I'll start tuning it soon.
Death metal blasting in headphones at all cutting times is also required! People should be wearing steel toes too imo i never cut without mine.
A man after my own heart! After felling the tree first, of course ;) +1 on the steel toe, I always cut or split wood in my Labonville saw boots with steel toes and Kevlar tongues.
Nice,Kevlar is good stuff that's what i use for work gloves. Ya i never fell with head phones on or even ear protection when using a chainsaw it's way to dangerous gotta hear those cracks and know when and where to run like hell lol one more thing i would add to anyone new is always clear a escape path before you start felling. Last thing you want is to be running as a tree is going down and getting caught up in branches or bush.
I listen to both kinds of music, death metal and black metal. I don't have or wear steel toes. Certainly not a bad idea though for working with an axe.
Black Metal, Death metal ,Viking metal, Pirate metal haha its all good.
I think there are a dozen generas of metal I don't even know about lol.