HUSQVARNA FOREST AXE: Grinding the Bit To Chop Well, & Why Most Axes Don't

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  • čas přidán 31. 01. 2020
  • Profiling the Husqvarna 26" Multipurpose Forest Axe. Filing, & briefly why axes do and don't cut. What files to use for axes. And chopping some wood.
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Komentáře • 588

  • @evangoodwin4698
    @evangoodwin4698 Před rokem +24

    “Never underestimate how bad an injury you can get doing that.” Personal experience on my part proves this. I was sharpening a machete with a file and the edge didn’t stop until it hit the bone in my thumb. Be safe ladies and gents

  • @brianpriest3638
    @brianpriest3638 Před 4 lety +28

    Glad to see more axe content from you! I’m tired of the same old generic unboxing videos, where they hack at a half rotten sapling for 45 minutes and rave about how great their new found prize is. I have an old Kelly true temper that needs exactly what you’ve covered in this video. I believe I’ll give it a try.

  • @armeddoomer6709
    @armeddoomer6709 Před rokem +2

    It's rare that agree with someone so much. I've done this exact thing to an old collins homestead axe I bought for like, $20 on on ebay. I think modifying ones tools to suit their preference is something completely lost on my generation and the newer generations, but I find that not only does it give one a tool they're very satisfied with, it gives one a since of satisfaction and person achievement as well as gaining knowledge, confidence and experience. very well done video. Thank you.

  • @allendeanhuscusson459
    @allendeanhuscusson459 Před 2 lety +7

    So grateful that you are taking the time to teach this technique and the time to explain how and why!

  • @ryanhughes2865
    @ryanhughes2865 Před 4 lety +21

    The occasional chicken squawks in the background crack me up, I love it. It’s a strange but surprisingly welcome contrast to an otherwise detailed discussion.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +4

      It was just background this time, which is fun, though they can be pretty annoying at times.

    • @maydaverave
      @maydaverave Před 3 lety +1

      I kept looking around my house thinking a chicken had got inside.

  • @GiantPinhead
    @GiantPinhead Před rokem +3

    I rewatched this again last night, and I think it's one of the best and most useful videos you've made. Maybe not the most exciting, but thorough, well reasoned, and complete. My hat is off to you, as usual.

  • @seantap1415
    @seantap1415 Před 4 lety +51

    Respectively speaking or not depends on who you are...I laughed out loud.

  • @2STROKESTUFFING
    @2STROKESTUFFING Před 4 lety +10

    Love your videos! Woke up with a strong urge to work with and learn more about axes the other day, and stumbled upon your channel. Especially enjoy the amount of thought/reflection going on, it's refreshing. Btw, dragging on the backstroke makes it much easier to keep a consistent angle in my opinion.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +7

      Cool. I find it much easier to index with the file with the back drag.

  •  Před 27 dny

    Don't know if will see this comment. You are an inspiration. Because of your channel I have got from eBay 4 good old inexpensive axe heads: a boys axe, a flatter profile capenter hatchet, a double bit and a four pounder single bit.
    The double bit, axe boy and the four punder single bit all them need this same treatment because I live in the Caribbean (Puerto Rico, rural mountainous area) and don't need any wood splitting but rather good chopping tools.
    Thanks, you are really the best.

  • @GabrielCsillaz
    @GabrielCsillaz Před 3 lety +86

    "I'm not going super deep" - 1 hour video xD

    • @William_Asston
      @William_Asston Před 2 lety +8

      One hour to cover a whole lot of science, philosophy, semantics, practical skills, tools, techniques, etc aint too bad. He didnt go very deep, but deeper than 5 min wranglerstar "file 'er then stone 'er" videos

    • @shahriaraghajani3486
      @shahriaraghajani3486 Před 2 lety +4

      @@William_Asston, well said. One of these guys is the antidote to the other.

  • @ScurvySander
    @ScurvySander Před 3 lety +8

    I've been using my hatchet and axe a bunch recently and I'm learning a ton from your axe videos!
    I also made a whet stone puck like you did and its getting a lot of use.
    Glad you enjoy teaching us on CZcams how to maintain and improve our tools. I honestly thought files only existed to be baked into cakes to assist in jailbreaks!

  • @chuckthebull
    @chuckthebull Před 4 lety +2

    Your vids always make so much sense to me. Ben Scott is great too and very willing to give advice.
    I like both your clear rational calm approach to this subject. I'm just new to getting into axe work and never realized how much goes into it. It's fascinating and exciting for me to start working on my own axe acquisitions. cheers.

  • @JoeBob79569
    @JoeBob79569 Před 4 lety +7

    It's not too often that I click like on a video after 10 seconds, but that beer comment pretty much impossible not to...

  • @microaggression3359
    @microaggression3359 Před 4 lety +4

    That waterstone is a an absolute beast. I love them I also like a hard gator brand pocket stone for field repair. Not necessary but convenient.

  • @parallel4385
    @parallel4385 Před 3 lety +1

    Great series. I took your advice on my boy's axe and removed a lot of material from the handle. What a difference. Now to get out the file and get it cutting better.

  • @eaglescoutbushcraft6228

    Happy to get on CZcams today and see you have a new video. Thanks for passing on your knowledge, but sad to see the dreads were gone. Please keep making these very clarifying videos. Cheers!

  • @joshuamoses1631
    @joshuamoses1631 Před 4 lety +2

    I like your file technic. Makes sense to me, and like you, I dont worry about what people think. It's what works for me. Thanks for the great video.

  • @blackdave2211
    @blackdave2211 Před 4 lety +2

    Awesome, I‘ll be happy to tune in!

  • @bcubed72
    @bcubed72 Před 4 lety +2

    That intro just earned you a subscriber!

  • @willcarmack1242
    @willcarmack1242 Před rokem

    Unfkn believable...information overload....SO glad I found your channel...Your knowledge and explanation cutz thru all of the other resources I have found...Saved me years of trail and error and kept me safe...Thanks again!!!...Much Respect from St Petersburg Florida

  • @anserafers8088
    @anserafers8088 Před 4 lety

    Real glad you continued THIS axe series ✅✅ quality content mate 👌

  • @larshandberg5917
    @larshandberg5917 Před 4 lety +1

    Just bought that excact axe yesterday. Now i know how to modify it, and make it chop. Thanks.

  • @mrpanda39
    @mrpanda39 Před 4 lety +44

    Nothing wrong with drinking beer mate. Here in Australia people drink all day 😂

    • @simonbedenbender3087
      @simonbedenbender3087 Před 4 lety +5

      mrpanda39 distant German giggle:)

    • @sidstone8845
      @sidstone8845 Před 4 lety +1

      In Maine, babies drink beer instead of milk

    • @dermotmcgreevy5220
      @dermotmcgreevy5220 Před 3 lety

      @@simonbedenbender3087 distant Irish giggles

    • @juls7724
      @juls7724 Před 3 lety

      ....you can try with a glass if wine...it's fine 😁. My granny used to pour wine on my soda when i was just a kid (8 years old). "It make you made blood" she always says

  • @billmccaffrey1977
    @billmccaffrey1977 Před 4 lety +6

    If you're going to drink a beer, you should offer to share. Thanks for the axe tips.

  • @mvblitzyo
    @mvblitzyo Před 4 lety +1

    Watching this video, is like sitting around a campfire .. listening to a really good story at the edge of my seat! in amazement thank you so much.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +2

      Maybe I should have a chalkboard in firelight next time :)

  • @liamr6672
    @liamr6672 Před 4 lety +1

    Great video, many axe videos on CZcams but not many have actually shown such an important lesson.

  • @gerardb285
    @gerardb285 Před 2 lety

    Great video! Your straightforward approach using basic tools for axe handle shaping and filing an edge on an axe bit are refreshing and very helpful. I followed your advice on lightly back dragging the file when sharpening the axe bit. This technique produced a nice flat grind on the edge with the file. It was night and day difference from the other edge that I had filed with no back dragging. Most importantly, this technique kept the file in the same position with a fluid motion. I refiled the other edge and now I can use the puck to remove the file marks. Then onto the leather strop. Thank you!

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 2 lety

      Awesome. It is a lot easier to keep a good index when back dragging vs lifting all the way up. You can learn to be pretty fast and accurate picking up, but it's definitely slower and more difficult to learn. Stay safe. That axe is going to cut like crazy. make sure it's cutting wood and not you :)

  • @sethpatchell8404
    @sethpatchell8404 Před 4 lety

    Love the long video my friend! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us and spreading the obsession!

  • @ironwoods5751
    @ironwoods5751 Před 4 lety +27

    I was literally excited for this video.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety

      awesome :)

    • @BOOSTEDLASER
      @BOOSTEDLASER Před 4 lety

      @@SkillCult Well I tried this. You made this look WAAAAAAAAAAY easier and faster than it really is. At least as a first timer.The stone is AMAZING !!!!! Talk about this thing more.
      It seems I have NEVER EVER used a proper edged axe. I did final sharpen with a Work sharp at 20 DEG..If its chippy or rolley,next time I will 25 DEG it
      My cheeks came super puffy and WAY uneven.

  • @fbwestwest
    @fbwestwest Před 4 lety +4

    I'm really looking forward to the video about edge profiles and shapes. I enjoy the way you explain things.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +2

      Well, I hope I get it done, but it's really mostly an expanded and more explained version of this. Most of the important stuff is here or can be extrapolated at least.

  • @j.t.patton7820
    @j.t.patton7820 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks Man...I learned a lot there. Your words mean so much more seeing you actually do the things ;)

  • @ThisAutomaton
    @ThisAutomaton Před 4 lety

    Excellent recording of the sharpening process, clear and crisp.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety

      I was kind of hoping the bevels would show a little better, but looks pretty good.

  • @mr.zardoz3344
    @mr.zardoz3344 Před 4 lety +1

    Everytime i watch a video of yours, I learn. Thank you.

  • @dennisobrien3618
    @dennisobrien3618 Před 4 lety +3

    I either never knew or had forgotten Owen's last name, but that young man can really use an axe. One of the most accurate, powerful, and efficient swings I've seen outside of timbersports competition. I discovered his channel (elemental4rce) through Ben Scott (who is quite an axe man himself) when you passed the administration of the Cordwood Challenge over to him. I always enjoy axe-related videos by competent and knowledgeable people.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +3

      yeah, those guys both show what happens when you actually chop a lot in the field.

  • @mtnsprayer14
    @mtnsprayer14 Před 4 lety

    Nice work on this video 👌 thanks for the time and effort all this took!

  • @W4ldgeist
    @W4ldgeist Před 3 lety +6

    Really interesting modifications. Your changes made the axe look a lot like the old (100+ years) axes I find in old houses or in old shops that are sold out after the old craftsman died here in Germany/Switzerland. Thin handles, front thinned etc.
    I bet those old hand tools are better for the job, because people using them back then had to use them 100% of the time. Every optimization would've helped their whole day of work and therefore most craftsmen would've adopted a more optimal way to shape and make a tool. There would be more experimentation and fiddling of individual craftsmen, because it would give them an edge over the competition.

  • @bartcornelius7717
    @bartcornelius7717 Před 4 lety +1

    I have the same axe. I like your sensible approach to axe manship.

  • @Tom_Bee_
    @Tom_Bee_ Před 4 lety

    First time I've seen one of your videos and I just had to subscribe. Theory and practice clearly explained. Excellent, info rich production. Thanks for sharing.

  • @beznosn
    @beznosn Před 4 lety

    Bought that axe after watching your videos, you really got me interested

  • @michaelsinclair8279
    @michaelsinclair8279 Před 4 lety

    Finally get a day off to watch this!
    Thank you Sensei.

  • @tidge879
    @tidge879 Před 4 lety +1

    Your comment about how using machines makes you only consider how fast you can get it done rather than take the process a step at a time really struck a chord with me!

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +1

      So true for me. I have to be careful to realign my attitude when using aggressive power tools.

  • @themadleaf
    @themadleaf Před 3 lety

    I have the same axe and reworked the edge pretty much the way you did. 👍🍻
    Thanks for sharing.

  • @fractalofgod6324
    @fractalofgod6324 Před 3 lety

    Just got myself one of these axes... Super helpful video. Thank you.

  • @customcutter100
    @customcutter100 Před 3 lety

    Excellent video! Used to sharpen the axe and machetes on the survey crew. It took me almost a week and my lunch hour to every day to take the cheeks off of a splitting axe to make a good cutting axe. Got good at putting a shaving edge on them by draw filing with a large bastard file, and stropping on my work boot.

  • @BabakPA
    @BabakPA Před 4 lety

    Very informative and exciting, Thanks Steven.

  • @enzowilson345
    @enzowilson345 Před 3 lety

    Just got the hultafors version of this, so useful info, thanks!

  • @jeffreydustin5303
    @jeffreydustin5303 Před 3 lety

    I learned a lot about filing. Great job!

  • @Sawdak
    @Sawdak Před 4 lety

    Thanks for this video!
    Very informative to me.

  • @oficinaz1483
    @oficinaz1483 Před rokem +1

    Obrigado por sua aula meu amigo. Minha machadinha estava com o corte quebrado (falha no corte) Olhando seu video eu consegui eliminar a falha no corte e deixá-la reta. Agora estou desbastando e posteriormente vou dar o toque final. Um abraço do Brasil.

  • @broadusthompson1666
    @broadusthompson1666 Před 4 lety +5

    I like that you mentioned the safety risk of filing towards a sharp ish edges. I absolutely despise golf ball file handles for that exact reason, even if you aren’t working on a blade you often have a sharp burr and that golf ball handle will put your fingers right in between a sharp edge and a hard place, where as with a traditional file handle you’ll hit the ferule before your finger in most cases. I’ve heard responses along the lines of “what kind of an idiot pushes so hard filing you slip?”, drives me right up the wall...

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +1

      Yeah, I've seen the golf ball, it looks pretty cool in some regards maybe, but never tried it. That is definitely an issue though. Filing axes is also why I don't use the full length of my file as much as I could. It's often clumsy, the poll is in the way and I tend to not file as close to the handle as I'm constantly aware of getting my hand to close to the edge. The guards are a good idea. As to pushing so hard you slip, unless the file is new, you often have to push hard enough so that it doesn't slip. i don't know about you, but to me a file should be pushed on hard enough to get an even, skid free cut if possible and not harder. Unfortunately, as a file wears, that requires more pressure. Files just slip, especially filing something clumsy like an axe. Some might say, get a new file, to which I would say, no. :)

  • @CaptCanuck4444
    @CaptCanuck4444 Před rokem

    Learned a lot from this series, thank you.

  • @davidbarclay3651
    @davidbarclay3651 Před 4 lety

    You are a good teacher. I did the same to mine. I chuckled with every decision you spoke of. I watched your video on the Counsel Tool Boys Axe, which I also share and became a student. Thanks Stephen. I still pray for you and the Lime. Do not say that you "have", in reality you are "battling". Having is owning, and we don't want to own that crap. Bless you.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety

      I rarely use the term lyme even. I just use it for convenience so I don't have to explain.

    • @davidbarclay3651
      @davidbarclay3651 Před 4 lety

      Got it. I still have been pray for a miracle for you.

  • @beavercreekwoodcraft8134
    @beavercreekwoodcraft8134 Před 4 lety +8

    Having a more closed hang or having the heel behind the toe like you showed, will give the axe a shearing action without the potential safety issues of having a very rounded edge profile.

    • @ajaxtelamonian5134
      @ajaxtelamonian5134 Před 2 lety

      Yep I have the Rinaldi American Boys axe and that's really good for that reason among others.

  • @TheJonsberg
    @TheJonsberg Před 4 lety

    Good video 👍 Picked up a few more tricks from you.
    Blessings

  • @ImTakinMeFishin
    @ImTakinMeFishin Před 4 lety +21

    its not dragging the file backwards that ruins them, its trying to cut backwards. of course the truth always gets contorted into an extreme and becomes a lie.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +5

      Yeah, that's what I think too.

    • @nonyobussiness3440
      @nonyobussiness3440 Před 4 lety +3

      SkillCult files don’t last forever. Use them and get new ones when needed

    • @jameshaulenbeek5931
      @jameshaulenbeek5931 Před 4 lety +3

      Yes. I've had people I work with start to misuse my files - same or more pressure dragging backwards and trying to file very quickly. They don't know how to use a file.
      It's not about speed, and it's not going to cut backwards, so no point in trying to do that. Dragging it backwards lightly won't cause any damage to the file.

    • @William_Asston
      @William_Asston Před 2 lety +1

      i think it's more about the principle. dummy rules form because dumb people need them. tell a lazy person that sitting causes cancer, and they'd probably spend some more time moving around getting stuff done. tell a stupid person that dragging a file backwards breaks the file, and they'll remember it enough to not try to file hard backwards. on the flip side, tell a dumb person that lightly dragging the backwards wont do any noticeable damage, but cutting backwards will, and they might forget. extremes are memorable eh?

  • @Joe___R
    @Joe___R Před 4 lety +6

    The reason that a file will dull faster if dragged backwards is that it can cause the very tip of the teeth to get bent over or break since they have less strength in that direction. As long as you let off most of the pressure on the back stroke it shouldn't have any noticeable effect on the life of the file.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +1

      That seems to make some sort of sense logically, but I'll believe it when I can see it happen. If you have any interesting reference material on that, I'd be curious to see it. thanks for commenting.

  • @OEF_Vet_0331
    @OEF_Vet_0331 Před 3 lety +1

    Hey man, this video was awesome. Thank you for your knowledge sir

  • @jamessiberrysaunders402

    Great video and great explanation, thank you!

  • @MP_Single_Coil
    @MP_Single_Coil Před 2 lety

    The echo down the valley of your chopping was wonderful.

  • @fredflintstone6163
    @fredflintstone6163 Před rokem +1

    Thanks I often have people want to know what I have learned in fifty years in a few minutes you do well 🙂

  • @mattnorris529
    @mattnorris529 Před 3 lety

    Opening statement was amazing. I’m subscribing right now!

  • @quintond.7888
    @quintond.7888 Před 4 lety

    Thanks Steven. I have basically this same tool probably from the same factory with a different stamp on it. I never filed it quite as thoroughly, now I think I will :)

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety

      Yeah, give it shot and see what you think!

  • @bk-pk4wv
    @bk-pk4wv Před rokem

    Great video. Detailed. Easy to understand, and a charming host. Good job.

  • @travissawatzky5205
    @travissawatzky5205 Před 10 měsíci

    Your files are in better condition than mine and they still work fine

  • @Trickydickysticky
    @Trickydickysticky Před 3 lety

    Love this video.
    I love the focus on axe safety, its not easily seen in a youtube video by an untrained eye. But there is actually quite a bit of thought put into it. I wish everyone respected their tools like this, it would lead to fewer injuries. These things really are dangerous.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 3 lety +1

      Yeah, it is easy to see someone experienced swinging an axe miss almost all the reading and moving and compensation that is going on to avoid accidents.

    • @Trickydickysticky
      @Trickydickysticky Před 3 lety

      @@SkillCult Yes I would say it is deceptively simple. Will send this video to friends. Thanks.

  • @jonathanschearer7778
    @jonathanschearer7778 Před 3 lety

    Excellent information, I rebuts have axes with my son and you have changed a number of things we do.

  • @TheAnonymousSword
    @TheAnonymousSword Před 4 lety +1

    An Axe is a tool to be used. First axe I ever bought was a Gransfors, that was a few years ago when they weren't as expensive. It since has seen a lot of use, had to sand down the handle tremendously and also changed the geometry to something similar that you have there. Sometimes you spend money on something that looks beautiful but isn't actually practical out of the box. Now my axe looks like it has been used, with lots of layers of linseed oil on the handle and I would say that I'd rather have this displayed at my wall, than the original unused one. Cool video!

  • @wyliegibson319
    @wyliegibson319 Před 2 lety

    Really good info, applies to hatchets also. Thank you.

  • @richardminchin5415
    @richardminchin5415 Před 4 lety

    Another outatanding video. Thank you once again for some no bs insight into axe workings.

  • @michaelstyles4678
    @michaelstyles4678 Před 2 lety

    I've noticed this with Corporals Corner as well that you and him both CARE about what people write in the comments when it's negative feedback/immature feedback. Don't give power to those people by acknowledging them, they just haven't grown up and learned to have a mature discussion rather than a heated arguement. Keep up the great videos man!

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 2 lety +1

      Easier said than done sometimes lol.

  • @ernststravoblofeld
    @ernststravoblofeld Před 4 lety +18

    Back dragging hard just wears the teeth without cutting, so it's kind of a waste. Doing it lightly won't matter much. On very hard steel, it can bust teeth, but if it's that hard, you should be grinding anyway. On soft metals, back dragging helps clear the teeth some.

    • @simonfitrzyk3559
      @simonfitrzyk3559 Před 3 lety +2

      Furthermore, when dragging back, the point of the teeth have no metal to support them against the oblique pressure exerted on them (while when push-filing, there’s the whole body of the tooth to support.) If done with enough force, the points would bent or break. Done lightly, the phenomenon occurs on a very small scale-but still a waste of sharpness, however small.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 3 lety +2

      Again, where is any evidence, or even specific personal comparative experience? I just see theory here and anyone can propagate that or dream it up. I've yet to find any test or reference to testing. I'm not saying, you're wrong, just even a scrap of anything besides hearsay and theory and widespread opion might bolster your position a little bit. find this guy if he's still alive and tell him he's doing it wrong. He looks like he doesn't , know what he's doing :) czcams.com/video/P5Kp0WEGawY/video.html. A file is a consumable item and there is an efficiency issue with picking up the file every time, v.s. maintaining your index. That is largely why I chose to back drag. But I'm unconvinced it really matters. Convince me.

    • @ernststravoblofeld
      @ernststravoblofeld Před 3 lety +4

      @@SkillCult Sounds like a manly folk knowledge problem. You see manly folk knowledge in any area that's somewhat technical, but not too difficult, like basic auto repair, making beer, amateur woodworking. Amateur gunsmiths are the worst.
      Manly folk knowledge is basically a form of the old telephone game. Usually based in some real knowledge, it passes through generations until it comes unmoored from real life and sometimes becomes unrecognizable. It often referrs to conditions of long past days, or specifics misapplied to the general. There's usually an element of just-so story, where someone in the chain of transmission had way too much time to think up their own brand of "well that's probably how it works," and added it to the mix.
      Highschool shop teachers can be a source of particularly mystifying manly folk knowledge.
      Manly folk knowledge ranges from benign to annoying as fuck, to oddly helpful. Sometimes, the application of much headscratching, pondering and field archeology methods, can extract actual historical real knowledge from the manly folk knowledge, but most often it's a wash.
      The purveyor of manly folk knowledge is a curious creature, identifiable by a self-satisfied look and usually an embarrassingly bad haircut. When their manly folk knowledge is questioned, they become agitated, and make a sound much like a sealion. It is best not to engage.
      Anyway, we live in a world of cheap files. It might be different if we had to anneal it, pound it flat and recut them. If you want real old-school file knowledge, look for Paul Hasluck's book Metalworking, from a hundred or so years ago. Reprints are easy to find.

    • @simonfitrzyk3559
      @simonfitrzyk3559 Před 3 lety +2

      @@SkillCult What I have stated logically flows from my notions of matter and physics; to me, it’s common sense. I have no scientific evidence to offer; I have not run an experiment to convince myself; never felt the need for either. You can have experience convince you, rather than me try to: Take two identical files in identical condition, and file two identically-shaped areas of the same material with equal pressure; lifting one file on the return movement, not the other (although removing the pressure;) and see if there is an appreciable difference in sharpness after x dozen/hundred strokes, and if that difference is compensated by the accuracy allowed by no lifting the file. I’d be interested in the results, although not so much as to run the experiment myself, not having yet encountered a case where lifting the file made it untowardly err from the index, while “common sense” prevents me from drag filing.
      And thanks for the link to the interesting video.

  • @BBQDad463
    @BBQDad463 Před 4 lety

    Thank you for this very informative video. I do some of what you reveal. There is much more I will apply in the future.
    On oner thing I am certain we agree: A sharp axe (or any edged tool) is much more productive, much safer, and much easier and more pleasurable to use.
    Again, thanks for the video! ☺

  • @Abbbb225
    @Abbbb225 Před 4 lety

    Appreciate the video. These are things I have thought about quite a bit.

  • @z1z2z3z
    @z1z2z3z Před 4 lety +1

    This old Tony has a great video about files. Back dragging is fine, especially if your trying to maintain an exact angle.

    • @dutch1995
      @dutch1995 Před 3 lety

      Do you know what the video is called?

  • @grandriver3152
    @grandriver3152 Před 2 lety

    Back again to rewatch this top-notch educational video.👍🌲

  • @rettif9
    @rettif9 Před 4 lety

    Thanks for the youtube videos. As a novice I can say they have been helpful. Your series on the Husqvarna axe is spot on as far as the one I purchased. The reason I'm writing is to ask a specific question about the Sager chemical double bitted axe. specifically I'm asking about the pattern that most closely resembles the USFS "Western or Pennsylvania" pattern which is what I own. In other places I found mention of the fact that this head is asymmetrical. It was also mentioned that Warren Axe sales people went to logging camps to market directly to the loggers. A compelling argument that professional loggers saw value in the asymmetrical design. Supposedly each edge was designed for a different purpose. I've read more than one idea about how each shape lends itself to a particular purpose. One interesting thought was that the thinner face was for cutting while the slightly more obtuse opposite face was intended to clear chips from the cut. Your thoughts on the topic would be of interest.

  • @ronmccarty7537
    @ronmccarty7537 Před 11 měsíci

    Dude! I winced when you moved that log with your leg!!! I used to chainsaw carve and do that more than I should have oh, I realize there is a fine line with the angle that you can use with your knee... try not to get in too much of a hurry bro.... I absolutely love your videos! You think things through and explain yourself very refreshing! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME ADD EFFORT!!!

  • @gabrielhodgkins-webb5977

    Ill definitely be using this to impove my felling axe

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety

      Give it a shot. Trying at least one axe this way will give a great reference point for cutting well and you can play around from there.

  • @swnorcraft7971
    @swnorcraft7971 Před 4 měsíci

    I recall filing a hand axe a few years ago. I remember thinking that the cheek area was too thick and filed it down some....not even knowing what I was doing. I felt a little self conscious or self doubting about what I had done. I retrospect, I see that I was right in my line of thinking about that axe. Now I want to dig it out and rehash it's capabilities and re assess what I did to it at that time. I trust most of what I have gleaned from your channel. Love your work. Thanks for the long tutorial on how and why the re-profile of this axe...........Be well.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 měsíci

      It can be a little intimidating to file them down. I mean you can't put it back. Probably one reason that most don't file them down enough. it helps a lot to have some reference and info.

  • @lurchie
    @lurchie Před 3 lety

    It's really satisfying to watch those big beautiful chips fly.

  • @curtisjohnson944
    @curtisjohnson944 Před 4 lety

    I had to jump to the cutting part of the video to see if your axe cut better than mine. It did. So I watched the whole video and learned something, which is what I use the internet for. Thank you for the education.
    The only time I chop trees down is for Christmas , otherwise I use my Stihl, but it will certainly make that job more fun.

  • @mdwdirect
    @mdwdirect Před 4 lety

    Yes! A real axe video!

  • @wyattbreymeyer4033
    @wyattbreymeyer4033 Před 4 lety

    whats even cooler about this video is it shows basic sharpening period, axe, knife, as a person who sharpens tools on the reg its nice to see someone explain it to people who may not know any of the terminology

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety

      I have a couple of videos where I talk about sharpening. My main goal is usually to present what I think are fundamental truths or foundational understanding and also, what will go wrong and why sharpening or shaping might fail. It's a deep rabbit hole, that I've never really gone down and don't want to. I'd like to create the accessible version. Not to be confused with the dummy version...

  • @N8urecure
    @N8urecure Před 4 lety

    I have this axe and I love it for what it is. I’ve seen different reviews with different specimens being a little hit or miss but mine is great. Interestingly the edge on mine is significantly less curved, more like the Gransfors style. The head was hung perfectly and the handle grain at an excellent, essentially perfect orientation and very tight, with attractive hues even. I did have to shave down the thickness of the handle of course. The edge on mine actually came pretty much good to go, but has been and will yet be better refined over time, along the lines of what is explained here. Good discussion and good work!!

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +1

      Mine came very rough, but they may have changed it.

  • @user-fw7mi1nn1e
    @user-fw7mi1nn1e Před měsícem

    مرحبا كيف حالك ستيفن متابعك من بلاد عربيه تحديداً العراق السليمانية شمال العراق تعلمت منك الكثير أحسنت تحياتي ايها الذكي القوي النشط 🙋💪🍒🥀

  • @batmanacw
    @batmanacw Před 4 lety +5

    When I measure my convex edges I measure the final bevel angle where the light stops showing on my protractor gauge. I specifically call it the final angle as the entire bevel is a curve. In my woods chopping very hard
    dead hardwood, 22° is a happy place with a 30° micro-bevel about twice the width of a human hair.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +4

      that's good specific data that doesn't leave much to imagination. Unfortunately not the common profiling conversation.

    • @BlueGorillaInTheMist
      @BlueGorillaInTheMist Před 5 měsíci

      Are these inclusive, or the angles for each side of the edge (making the inclusive angles 44 and 60 respectively)?

    • @batmanacw
      @batmanacw Před 5 měsíci

      @@BlueGorillaInTheMist
      I give included angles only.

  • @briancavanagh5502
    @briancavanagh5502 Před 4 lety +1

    Dear skillcult... ⚒️🙏🏼 muchas gracias for your work...
    My axe is now set up like this and cuts wonderfully.
    Could you say something about field honing? ie edge maintenance while out in the forest. Strop, puck? Primary bevel then secondary? Any other considerations?
    Gratitude again here from the Amazon. I'm removing the xylem from big hardwood logs and this (plus the video on repetitive strain) helped immensely

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety

      That's great to hear. for all day field, you probably should have a file close by. Otherwise, an axe puck and a strop should do fine. I have specific ones I like that may not be available there. Look up my video on Japanese axe puck waterstone. I like the farmer's file, sometimes called an axe file, but a good 8" mill bastard should be fine too. With those you can do pretty much everything, except removing large amounts of metal. also watch one called something like "thoughts on sharpening axes, while sharpening"

  • @krystofdavid1117
    @krystofdavid1117 Před 4 lety

    Hello Steven, thank you so much for the valuable content that you bring in your videos. I am learning alot from you. I´d like to ask you for a recommendation. I am planning on buying an axe for sort of multipurpose use, kind of like the Council Tool Boys axe. I dont want anything fancy, I just want to learn how to use it properly and get to know what I like on my axe. I have some experience with hatchets, not with axes. I think that good Europe alternative to the Council tool might be these German axes - Helko werk. Being from Europe myself (Czech republic) I am not able to get my hands on the Council tools and honestly, I don't think it is worth to pay the shipping in this instance. Here is the question. HW offers wide range of sizes in ther "Yankee" line, which might be, in my opinion, a good axe for a good money. Which size/weight would you pick, based on your experience? Or, which size is the most simmilar to the Boys axe? I am thinking about the 2 1/4 lbs and
    70 cm lenght, but maybe it is too light... The model I am talking about is the red headed one. Different weights and sizes are stated in the charter to the right
    www.world-of-axes.com/products.php?PID=4
    I am plannig on using the axe around the household, right now there are two trees that needs to be cut down. Besides that splittig of some smaller diameter logs.
    Thank you, have a wonderful day!

  • @shahriariran44
    @shahriariran44 Před 4 lety

    Good work.

  • @spitNsawdust
    @spitNsawdust Před rokem

    That really chimed with me, thanks ✌️😊

  • @chuckthebull
    @chuckthebull Před 4 lety

    One other thing..I notice that your axe sticks each hit and you have to often pull it off by moving it up and down with the handle. Could this be due to such a flat plane cut into the wedge and one that was more rounded off would not stick as much? (my logic on why they are ground with bevils in them at the sides) ? curious to know what you think? I'm about to file my double and want to get the best performance of course.

  • @richkeagy8907
    @richkeagy8907 Před 3 lety

    Work is a blessing.

  • @johnleahu9503
    @johnleahu9503 Před rokem

    Great job mister! Keep it up!!

  • @BrookZerihun
    @BrookZerihun Před 4 lety +3

    always bring extra beer for future friends, will let this slide this time

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety

      Well, let me become more successful then I can buy a round for 20,000 people :D

  • @MrJWR1776
    @MrJWR1776 Před 4 lety

    Another great axe video! Thanks for the effort you put into your channel.
    I have a question about toe wear on an old axe. How much is to much? I have an old Diamond Edge rock away style and the toe has worn to where it’s even or even slightly behind the heel. I’m worried about taking off to much of the bit to even it up. Thanks again.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety

      Yeah, I have one of those too actually. same problem. between being worn back and massive toe removal, the only real way to address it is to bring the top down to make it a smaller axe. It was probably a 4 plus pounder and will end up as a 3 or so. the other option is reforging, which people used to have done when metal was more valuable. as far as function, you be the judge and safety, the only real issue I see is slipping out of cuts where just the toe is cutting, like the top of a log or something like that. It makes me uncomfortable to use very round toed axes, but I've never actually had a serious problem with them not biting. same goes even for heavily radiused bits. I would take it back as far as you feel comfortable, use it and if you don't like it, consider dropping it down from the top to essentially make it a smaller axe. Just be careful grinding off al l that metal not to overheat the bit. watch my video on axe defects. The one on heads shows that axe and what I'm planning to do with it. I am tempted to throw it in the forge, but I'd probably have to make a drift for the eye, which is a whole affair in itself and I'd be somewhat shooting in the dark trying to get hardening and tempering right.

    • @MrJWR1776
      @MrJWR1776 Před 4 lety

      @@SkillCult thanks! I did watch the video and decided to file some. The profile is much better now and I'm working to thin out the primary bevel now before I file a new edge. I'm glad I did it but it was a little unnerving filing away my edge at first!

  • @DRJMF1
    @DRJMF1 Před 3 lety

    I hope you continue successfully. Any good tips regarding sharpening an axe using a belt sander please ? When I deadlift, I follow a strict movement pattern, actually pushing instead of ‘pulling’ the bar off the ground, otherwise injury is possible when wright is over twice body weight eg 200kg. So, it would be a simple procedure to programme a neural network to follow a different movement pattern when ‘swinging’ an axe to gain velocity.

  • @randystrand908
    @randystrand908 Před rokem

    "Axe Humidor!"😂🤣😆 ...LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! Thank you.

  • @suburbanhomesteaderwy-az

    Great video as always. I put you on my Featured Channel for this week. Always great info. I'm starting my apple seeds this week as the cold stratification is finished. I'll let you know about the germination rate from your seeds.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +1

      Excellent, thank you :) Good luck wth the seeds. I find that they usually have a high germ rate if they aren't drowned.

  • @jameshaulenbeek5931
    @jameshaulenbeek5931 Před 4 lety +1

    What are your thoughts on straight vs. curved handles for axes (or even hatchets/tomahawks)

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety +1

      I need to do that video, very common question. I don't think it's anything to obsess over either way. I'm somewhat ambivalent, having used both. what I know is that very curved handles are weaker and become a detriment ergonomically at some point. I prefer to buck close up between the feet on short handled axes that have a curve at the butt end, like the average curved handle. And that good work can be done, and excellent accuracy acheived, with either. the last hatchet handle I made, I just put a small curve at the butt end and like that so far.

  • @davidneilson14
    @davidneilson14 Před 3 lety

    I keep one foot on the log and put the other end against another heavy log or tree. Great vid. Thank you.