Axe Cordwood Challenge 2019, New Leadership, Past and Future

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  • čas přidán 16. 01. 2019
  • I've handed over leadership of the Axe Cordwood Challenge to Ben Scott, who I think will do a better job of facilitation and moving the project forward. Here is his video introducing the challenge. • Axe Cordwood Challenge... Go subscribe, he'll be making some valuable content on axe stuff.
    Support on / skillcult has been critical in keeping me experimenting and making content. If you want to help me help others, this is probably the best way to do it. Thank you Patrons for supporting the mission!
    Buy less, but buy it through my links! Shopping through my affiliate links generates revenue for me, at no extra cost to you, click links here, or go to my Amazon Store page: skillcult.com/amazon-store/ But seriously, buy less, do more.
    Standard gear I recommend. I either use or have used all of it.
    Council Tool Boys Axe: amzn.to/3z0muqI
    Bahco Farmer's File: amzn.to/3Hbdhij
    King two sided sharpening stone: amzn.to/32EX1XC
    Silky f180 saw: amzn.to/3yZzM71
    ARS 10 foot long reach pruner: amzn.to/3esETmM
    Victorinox grafting/floral knife: amzn.to/3Jki1E9
    Wiebe 12” fleshing tool: amzn.to/3sB0qSl
    Atlas Elbow Gloves: amzn.to/3FwB5g6
    BOOKS:
    The Axe Book, by Dudley Cook: amzn.to/32kx7sN
    Bushcraft, by Mors Kochanski: amzn.to/32q2rpT
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    Blog and website: www.skillcult.com/blog
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Komentáře • 117

  • @SkillCult
    @SkillCult  Před 5 lety +47

    I did my dishes! Yay!

    • @brandrdrengr4075
      @brandrdrengr4075 Před 5 lety +3

      The Dish Wash Challenge 2019
      You have to wash a stack of plates at least 2’ high by 2’ wide. Seems legit.
      Joking aside, good job sir. Thanks for your awesome content.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety +3

      Yeah, I couldn't make that video too embarrassing. Some of the previous month was so bad I ran out of everything and was eating stuff out of pans and cans with these wooden tongue depressors that I use in the shop. I did some other stuff, in there but it was all more important than doing the dishes. Granted, putting off dishes is a pretty easy sell lol. my ex came by and did like half my dishes one day, so that helped. She's awesome.

    • @pragmatismismyjam8236
      @pragmatismismyjam8236 Před 5 lety

      Congrats.

    • @gregdynamite5769
      @gregdynamite5769 Před 5 lety

      @@SkillCult
      Hey Steven,
      there is dietery style, that has shown to help a lot of people with a lot of different problems. Obviously obesity, especially insulin resistancy, but as far as i know was originally developed as a diet for people suffering from epilepsy.
      As Dr. Ted Naiman points out, it might be a treatment for many other so called "civilization diseases" (like diabetes, alzheimers, autoimune diseases, etc), wich highly correlate with the use of carbohydrates as the primary energy surce. You have probably heard of it, its called the ketogenic diet or simply "keto".
      I realy like you and your work and I would love to see you get better, so maybe give it a try, dig in the information about this dietery style and just give it a shot for a month or two.
      I'm no doctor, no youtuber, no nutricionist, i don't sell stuff (this diet is free, just google it, no supplements needed), but a big fan of Ockhams razor.
      Cheers

    • @johncooper7798
      @johncooper7798 Před 5 lety

      I agree with Greg. Guys like Ken Barry, Jason Fung, 2ketoDudes, Ivor Cummins, Dave Feldman, and many more have loads of interesting data to support a more anti-inflammatory way of eating (along with some excellent scientific data) that has helped out so many people, myself included. Definitely worth taking an afternoon and going down a rabbit hole.

  • @benscottwoodchopper
    @benscottwoodchopper Před 5 lety +14

    Thanks for the shoutout and your kind words. For anyone checking out my channel please be warned my audio and video quality is very poor on most of my videos, but i have just gotten a new setup for filming so expect better quality for future content

  • @jonshannon4922
    @jonshannon4922 Před 5 lety +5

    Steven, I am so sorry that your health has become such a limiting factor for you. I wish you the best. I love your approach to life and admire your efforts to live such an intentional life despite such a debilitating illness. Peace and respect.

  • @brandrdrengr4075
    @brandrdrengr4075 Před 5 lety +1

    I could listen to this dude “ramble” for days. I do not hesitate to say that his content and the delivery is one of the most pleasing things I’ve experienced on CZcams. Looking forward to 2019, Mr. Edholm.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      Thanks :) Hopefully I can do more videos instead of chopping a lot.

  • @MrDesmostylus
    @MrDesmostylus Před 5 lety

    I enjoy and have watched many of your videos some of them a few times over. You’re right, there’s hardly any content on CZcams regarding proper axe work. I find myself watching old logging footage over and over again, just to try and analyse their techniques. Thank you for the axe videos you have made, they are gems. Good luck with your health and remember there are people out there that would love to come over and wash your dishes or help on the homestead. Bens awesome and love his stuff too. All the best 👍🏼

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      Yeah, I watch those old vids too. I keep a playlist of them. I have friends that will help out, but I can't get in the habit, because it would just never end. What I need to do is have some work parties to get caught up on stuff.

  • @clint.ontherange
    @clint.ontherange Před 5 lety

    I'm always ready for more of your tanning and leather knowledge. Incidentally, I enjoy the axe content tremendously as well (and totally agree with your sentiment about "clean" tools). I subbed to Ben's channel, thanks for spreading the word about him. Whatever you end up posting will be enjoyed- it's all rich with skills and good information and good discussion. Thanks, man.

  • @daveyjoweaver5183
    @daveyjoweaver5183 Před 5 lety +5

    Hi Steven, I have had Lyme 3 times but not to the extent you have had. I ache like hell for a few days and it feels like ice picks are stabbing my joints. Then to find a doctor who will prescribe antibiotics can be a pain as well. Living in the woods there are plenty deer ticks but it doesn't stop me from going about my life. I pull 5 or 6 off me every season. I develop an itch an hour or two afterwards which alerts me to the spot. So the tick won't be on long enough. But they were 3 times over the years. After I've had the Lyme it takes about a week or two to fully come back to snuff. Chronic Lyme is worse, as I have a number of friends who suffer from it and have for years. Hang in there and know you have tons of healing energy channeled your way. I learned a great deal about axes from you and have them tuned finely and hatchets as well. The handles flexible and fit my hands, what a difference. I haven't chopped a cord of wood but I very much enjoy it when I do. Being a cabinetmaker by trade I have used vintage hand tools many years and prefer doing it so. I avoid machinery, it's dangerous as well. I should be sending you your package hopefully tomorrow. We are supposed to have snow but unless the roads suck I really want to get it sent tomorrow. I am very grateful for Skillcult, for the tanning skills I've acquired by your teaching and still learning and referring to your videos, axemanship, apples and so much more. Your are a true school of reviving past skills and appreciating the use of our hands with a well tuned hand tool. You also honor our ancestors and appreciate the tremendous amount of hard work that brought us to the present.This is a great service. I plan to share similar things from my shop sometime soon. And remember to play guitar when you ain't a choppin. But when you're sick I know how one can feel as well. Keep it in mind anyway. Love, Light, Peace and Healing Steven. Many are with you. DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      It's raining like mad here DaveyJo! I have a book sitting on the table for you here, just haven't mailed it yet. We'll pull it off eventually ;)

  • @clarencerswann1360
    @clarencerswann1360 Před 5 lety

    Steven, I wish you only the best in the coming future. I can't imagine the frustration you must be going through, but you seem to be in good spirits. A good attitude is important, and you appear to have that quality. While not a long-term illness, I did have a pretty serious injury last summer which put an end to my efforts in the cordwood challenge, and a rough year of personal and family related struggles, so I can relate by a small extent to your frustration. Your video content is some of the best out there and it has inspired me to be a better axman. The cordwood challenge is such a great idea, and it really puts the user in a mindset of working efficiently rather than completing attaining the end goal. Thank you again for your contributions to the community - and godspeed to you!

  • @Among-the-trees
    @Among-the-trees Před 5 lety +1

    Always enjoyed your input, on axes and humour. I at times use your videos for reference, but not wear yourself out. Time to take care of number one. Best wishes Michael.

  • @brendankober4379
    @brendankober4379 Před 5 lety

    Steven,
    So sorry that your health has been so rough for so long. The cycle sounds exhausting. Your content is very appreciated and I know that I am not alone in wishing you good health/energy and looking forward to the future contributions that you will make in all the areas you mentioned (axe use/safety, tanning, primitive skills, philosophy, etc.).

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      Thanks Brendan. It's been challenging to say the least. Still here though and still trying.

  • @vinniesdayoff3968
    @vinniesdayoff3968 Před 5 lety +4

    There are too many fools who put on safety helmets, play dress up and run "fantasy" channels. That's why channels like yours are so important Steven. I hope you feel better and I wish you all the best.

    • @elemental4rce
      @elemental4rce Před 5 lety +1

      that was a perfection description of the majority of youtubers

    • @vinniesdayoff3968
      @vinniesdayoff3968 Před 5 lety +1

      @@elemental4rce Unfortunately true, Like I said that is why people like Steven who are from the real world are badly needed.

  • @jeffpittman8725
    @jeffpittman8725 Před 5 lety +2

    My wife has CRPS and is disabled. I respect your courage and tenacity. Best wishes!

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      wow, that sounds really messed up. Iv'e had a lot of pain on and off over the years, but it's always been manageable without drugs. Barely, but not like some of that stuff some people have to go through.

  • @tramontane3239
    @tramontane3239 Před 5 lety +4

    I wouldn't say that you are not leadership as you said. You are a teacher and teaching is the exact definition of leadership. In addition to that you provide a public service. And still yet you are a preservationist of values and tradition. That all leads up to leadership.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      In a way I guess, but a certain level of responsibility and consistency that is required which I have a hard time with.

  • @emlillthings7914
    @emlillthings7914 Před 5 lety

    Ben Scott is a great choice! His vids have helped me with the axe-withdrawals since moving,, aw man, so glad you started the CAC couple of years back, possibly the best flu I've had in my life.
    But with the overall diversity in your channel, your choice makes a lot of sense. I can certainly relate to the frustration to juggling between the joy of acquiring/sharing new knowledge, and being unable to pull it through, leaving behind loose ends that take even more time to resurrect.
    As you adequately put it, it's insane to prioritize when plagued with unpredictable health... besides, the virus is not only planted, it's evolving :)

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      ha ha. So you have to leave your rural playland? Bummer.

  • @christopherchandler1261
    @christopherchandler1261 Před 5 lety +1

    I hope you you get well soon.

  • @danstorm9192
    @danstorm9192 Před 5 lety

    Hello ,Storm here! You've been way busy since I last spoke with you a few years ago! I was turned on to your channel by some friends up in British Columbia. What's funny is i was talking about you to them the day before they sent the link for your channel, lol. I told them we were kinda neighbors. I have a lot of catching up to do on your Videos. Glad you're doing this!

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      Hi Dan. Haven't seen you around for a while. I don't get out much.

  • @dennisobrien3618
    @dennisobrien3618 Před 5 lety

    The more I hear you talk, the more I find that I can relate to. I don't have need for, or access to, much firewood, and I've managed to strain both shoulders at different times in the past year. That being said, I own 9 different axes, and look for opportunities to use them. I find myself bucking wood with an axe rather than a saw just to practice technique. I hope you have as many good days as possible. I am also way too familiar with chronic pain. Thanks for your content and inspiration.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      If your pain is strain or back related and you want to have a go at improve your posture and hopefully reduce, check out Gokhale method. I haven't been able to pursue it as much as I'd like, but it has still helped me a lot. czcams.com/video/mtQ1VqGGU74/video.html At lest I know what good posture is now.

  • @seandwyer2020
    @seandwyer2020 Před 5 lety +2

    Sometimes, we experience more problems in our life than we can really handle. Unfortunately, it's easy to fall under the false notion that everyone else is doing just great. We see this myth over and over again on Facebook or CZcams, and sometimes even our friends perpetuate these stories of having the perfect life. I'm sorry your health isn't so great Steven, but I admire your honesty and ability to be up front about it. Take care of yourself and remember that a lot of people, including myself, have learned a lot from your videos.

  • @azaba2007
    @azaba2007 Před 5 lety +2

    it is so painful to hear you say these things men. Thanks for the frankness. We learn lots from you. Please, keep up the good work. I don't know what could help but i hope you start to feel better soon.

  • @eoinkeane994
    @eoinkeane994 Před 5 lety

    Thanks for the instsite ill probs use ash as im in ireland but ill keep the handles thin

  • @icryostorm3727
    @icryostorm3727 Před 5 lety

    Axe ON!

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      ✊ Wishes there was axe emoji. It's just a matter of time...

  • @microaggression3359
    @microaggression3359 Před 5 lety +2

    It doesn't matter to me if you post or not , I've got the virus and I'll always be a subscriber to you

  • @quintond.7888
    @quintond.7888 Před 5 lety +2

    It saddens me, thinking about you/ skillcult potentially without axes but I'm glad you're putting priorities in order. You can't bankrupt your limited energy stores over something that you've already succeeded at giving momentum to. I hope your burden is lightened even if only a little.
    Sidebar: I've watched a lot of your less homesteadish stuff, and I really enjoy it. I bet I've watched your hand drill video 3 or 4 times, it's gotten me closer than anyone else did lol. Philosophy would be cool too.

    • @brandrdrengr4075
      @brandrdrengr4075 Před 5 lety +1

      Quinton D., I second the philosophical content. Hope that it happens this year on his channel.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety +2

      I have tons of axe content I want to do and some of it will be a fairly high priority. I still need to do a basic hand drill vid that talks about some of the stuff I talked about in that one, but more in depth. I kept waiting until I could get a bunch of good boards and make kits to sell, but it's been years now and no boards!

    • @quintond.7888
      @quintond.7888 Před 5 lety

      Your content doesn't require accessories man, it stands perfectly fine all on it's own. Doesn't matter what you decide to showcase, there's always something for me to learn and I bet most of your audience shares that opinion :)

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      Yeah, it's just an opportunity to generate some income by having kits available. I started making them because if people don't have a known reliable kit, they don't know if they aren't getting a fire because of them or the because the kit is no good. I have a pile of drills and those are easy to get, but I have to go to the next county to get the boards I want.

    • @quintond.7888
      @quintond.7888 Před 5 lety

      Well in that case, sign me up for one if you end up with hearth boards. I remember you saying what you use, but it was something I dont have available here so I didnt file it away in my mind. White cedar?

  • @BBQDad463
    @BBQDad463 Před 5 lety

    I hope you get well. Few things are more frustrating than a body that cannot follow orders. Be careful. Be patient with yourself.

  • @prattsgreenhousefarm9473

    I hate to hear you feel bad. I knew you had spells but it’s just to bad your not getting better. It’s a shame because I have seen an endless amount of potential and unbelievable knowledge and experience. I have enjoyed your channel an awful lot.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      Yeah, I"m mostly going to waste is the truth and have for the last two decades. Imagine me at 100% and two videos a week. Life is definitely not fair. My dad tried to teach me that, but now I know it.

  • @enzowilson345
    @enzowilson345 Před 3 lety

    Sorry to hear about your health problems. I wouldn't have guessed from your content.
    I too have the aspie like focus. For me, it's benefits outweigh the downsides. Means I can outstrip my normal abilities by focusing what I have onto a task exclusively.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 3 lety +1

      Yeah, it cuts both ways. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but it helps to learn some skills for coping and interacting. hard to follow through with things sometimes if you get into a new thing :)

    • @enzowilson345
      @enzowilson345 Před 3 lety

      @@SkillCult I used to beat myself up if I didn't finish a project. But life's a marathon, I drop and pickup projects as my focus switches. My day job relies on a 2 year focused period of teaching myself horticulture twenty years ago lol I think we agree on the pointlessness of regret?

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 3 lety

      @@enzowilson345 Pretty much agree.

  • @LibertyGarden
    @LibertyGarden Před 5 lety

    Still looking forward to your apple tasting videos.

  • @jtjones73
    @jtjones73 Před 5 lety

    I can sympathize with your situation far too well. I'm lucky to be able to do 20% of what I used to be able to do before my accident, and I was active and constantly on the go.
    Doctors are all just paid pharma pushers that are there to treat not cure, at least here in the US. So about all they are good for is getting a diagnosis, if they are able to even do that.
    Unfortunately, I have no advice other than keep going and keep doing, but know your limits. Your channel is very informative and I will stay subscribed as long as you have videos up. I have to go back and re-watch some of the earlier videos to gather more nuts of wisdom!

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      Bummer, sorry to hear that. I had just put a bumper sticker on my truck that said "I'd rather be working" right before I crashed around 30. I think diagnosis is kind of a trap too. In some cases, if it really gets to the cause, it can be useful. Western med likes diagnosis because of the idea that you can treat specific things with specific drugs. It relates to the idea that there is this sort of simplistic cause and effect phenomon going on and all you have to do it get the right diagnosis and apply the right intervention.

  • @PilgrimLad
    @PilgrimLad Před 5 lety

    I have the same issue caused by chronic pain. I plan where I will spend my limited energy but once it is gone I am done. I can force myself to push past it but I pay for it the next day and beyond.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety +1

      Same here, except I can't always push through. sometimes I'm able to push all the way through to the other side and kick into a very high stress state that essentially jacks adrenal stress hormones like adrenaline and norepinephrine so high that the inflammation goes away and I can function for a short time. But I can't always do it at all, it can be really hard and I usually pay for it after. other times I will just melt into a quivering blob if I try to do anything and get some really messed up symptoms. It's also just getting harder to muster whatever strength or motivation to do that.

  • @thomaslandi6698
    @thomaslandi6698 Před 5 lety

    i have an older axe with a plastic handle. It cuts well. The vibrations hurt my wrists. Do you recommend putting on a hickory handle?

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      You can't fix a fiberglass handle by tuning it up, so if it's messing you up, try a wooden one and see if it's better.

  • @eoinkeane994
    @eoinkeane994 Před 5 lety

    Hi S i have recintly recived 2 axe heads one is 1and 1/4 lb and the other 2 and 1/2 lb what lenght handles would you recomend. Ps hope u get well soon

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      On the 2.5 I'd put on a 28" handle, pretty standard size for a good reason. That is probably the combo I'd recommend most people start with. The other I don't know. I'm not that into that size. Most would probably put 19 to 20 ish.

  • @dannypeace9053
    @dannypeace9053 Před 5 lety +2

    Listening to you discuss some of your character traits makes me laugh, because I have similar traits. I put so much energy into the cerebral side of things, I don't have much left in the tank for the physical part. I don't have an illness, but I feel I get more done in a short amount of time than most, but it takes some time to get but reserves back up. It drives my wife nuts that it takes me days of thought, when she thinks it should be moments. Only to get what she considers days of labor done, in hours. I get so obsessed with things and nothing else matters, to the point of not eating because I forget to.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety +3

      Yeah, I can relate. Definitely the hare and not the tortoise. I tend to work in spurts and then need recovery time, even when I was more healthy. I think for some of us it's almost like an addiction. I get all worked up about things and it's kind of a rush. It's like we are adrenaline junkies but for ideas and geeky projects instead of jumping out of planes. I finally got the eating thing down and I'm way less obsessive now. That's important. Thinking requires a lot of energy. The other thing for me is that I process a lot intuitively by subconscious and gradual processes that I don't really understand consciously. They take time and they have to progress somewhat organically. If I'm forced into some kind of arbitrary deadline that magic more or less dies and I'm going to end up with something less based on fundamental truths and more based on rationalized ideaologic or theoretical constructs, which may or may not be as true or as applicable, but I think are more likely to be less of both. It can take a really long time. Even though I'm very cerebral and often focused, my brain jumps all over the place and goes off on side tangents and I just have to let it do it's thing. It seems inefficient, but it's just how it works and taming it is like taming a wild animal, it doesn't totally work and to the extent it does, it's not really the same animal anymore and the magic is gone. A lot of people can't understand that. I really don't understand the mechanisms, but I've learned to let it happen and the bottom line is that it works and I can see the results. I used to be more obsessive about thinking out projects, but as I've gotten to have more faith in the intuitive process, I tend to get my feet wet and lean more toward experience. The trinity of knowledge for me is information gathering/application/contemplation and bouncing around those three.

    • @davidthegood
      @davidthegood Před 5 lety +2

      Yes. Very much so. ATTACK! I also get insane over something esoteric and have to keep myself from charging off a cliff and making decisions based on my current mania. @@SkillCult

    • @dannypeace9053
      @dannypeace9053 Před 5 lety

      Im not good at accomplishing goals, that's why I rely on systems to get things done. By system, I guess I am referring to auto-pilot to get things done. This is brought on by a severe lack of focus, i.e. I have tons of projects partially finished. I know I will stop a project okay way through, whether it be a quarter, half, or more. I get bored and move to the next thing. My systems tend to be far too intricate, and have a tendency to be dogmatic. I hate rules and regulations, so I get frustrated with myself, and take a break. Hence, why I backed away from growing for a while. I am drawn to people who think in similar ways, not saying you and David are the same as I, but we are kindred spirits. I think. Free thinkers in our own way.

  • @davthomas223
    @davthomas223 Před 5 lety

    Are there any good books on proper axemanship you could point me towards?

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      There are a couple of good ones that are pretty much must reads and some older ones that you can read for free. The Axe Book by Dudley Cook and Bushcraft by More Kochanski are must reads. Read online free by searching these old out of copyright books, Woodsmanship by Mason, There is also one that is from the plum company called something like the Peter Mclaren axe manual. Also, watch more of my vids and Bens. I have a playlist of some vids that are pretty essential viewing. czcams.com/play/PL60FnyEY-eJBOXi_SxcTy4XVJp-EUsSPs.html. a couple of them are of More.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      Sorry, that's all wacky from auto correct. Some videos with mors kochanski in that list. You can read the second two books online. First two are worth buying.

  • @nateb8245
    @nateb8245 Před 5 lety +1

    Steven:
    1) I’m sure kind words and well-wishes from strangers are of limited help. But for what it’s worth, I’m still rooting for you to find real solutions.
    2) It was axe content that first led me to skillcult. It’s so much better than almost anything else on CZcams. I’ve since become an interested follower in many of your other pursuits. And exploring some of them myself.
    3) Skillcult viewership seems much lower to me than what it should be. It doesn’t seem that you create content for the sake of views (an annoying habit of other creators), but I assume more views would be helpful?
    To the extent that each of us can share videos with friends and such...every little bit helps.
    3) To the topic at hand, I’m gonna attempt the ACWC for the first time this year. I wanted to last year but deferred to your advice on easing into it. I’ve done enough chopping and splitting now to fully appreciate the wisdom of that advice and better understand how to interact with the tool. Still dialing in on what kind of axe works best for me. That will be part of the fun. Still a rank amateur. But a prepared rank amateur. I’m subsribed over at Bens and will check out his stuff later.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety +1

      Thanks, it does help. Shares help a lot. I'm a terrible marketer. It's not in my DNA as they say ha ha. I'm glad someone listened to me on that. There is a bunch of content I can make that will help train people faster and do it more safely, so that is my plan if I can pull it off. Ben should be offering up some good stuff too. I've covered a lot of it, but it's scattered and a lot hasn't been covered at all. Plus, the presentation in a planned and logical way to foster actual understanding is just as important as the content itself. Stay safe and have fun. Just doing this vid and dealing with the ACWC group has me all jonesed out to get out and chop.

    • @nateb8245
      @nateb8245 Před 5 lety

      Story time, I hung three axes last year.
      First was a no name boys axe, wedge profile. Turned out the steel was too soft to be hard-use tool. But it was my first ever hang first ever experience with axe felling and bucking. It’s become a decent little splitter that my 13/10 yr old sons can swing.
      Next up was a Crafstman boys axe and period (original?) sears handle that had never been hung. Gave it the profiling per the “Axe to Grind” manual gauge. Might actually be too thin in the cheeks now. Sticks pretty bad. Handle might actually be TOO thin for my hands. Feels weird. But need to give it some more time.
      Decided I wanted to try some Buckin Billy Ray style double bit style splitting....on the ground with a wrist flick. Got a no name double bit (looks Swedish) from eBay and hung on a hardware store bargain bin $9 handle. Removed a ton of handle with back of a pocket knife (nice tip!). My wrist flick is not all that effective yet, but this double bit is already a very useful tool. My context is all hardwood. But if I bust up a big round with a maul, I can switch to the double bit and dissect it very quickly and save a lot of energy. This splitting has all been chainsaw cut wood so far, but I can split smaller stuff well with the golf style swing. I think as my technique improves, I’ll be able to minimize use of the maul on big rounds. However, I can see how a little more mass (this is 3.5 lb head) and a thicker cheek would be better.
      I have less than $30 in each one of my current axes. I honestly think a larger (3.5 lb?) single bit is probably a better fit for my woodlot (lots of hickory and hard maple to cut). But going to resist the temptation to invest in any more gear right now and focus on skill.

  • @jsheiko
    @jsheiko Před 5 lety

    Chronic Lyme and coinfections are no joke. My wife has been dealing with it for years as well. Don’t apologize for what it does to you, it’s literally incomprehensible for someone who hasn’t experienced it or witnessed it in a loved one. I know from your previous videos you’ve tried many treatments; have you ever tried the Cowden protocol? That’s the only one that has been helpful for my wife. Antibiotics did jack shit for her, but Cowden seems to offer some measure of relief for a decent period of time. Unfortunately it’s not a panacea; she’s had to repeat it every couple of years, but it works better than anything else we’ve tried.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      I'll take a look. I pretty much think that Lyme is a red herring and that it has more to do with genetics meets environment and that lyme is a huge stressor that kicks of some kind of vicious cycle. I improved in important ways after I stopped trying to kill that invisible microbe. I've watched so many people take antibiotics for years and never really get anywhere, and then do the latest natural alternatives, mostly still focused on spirocide. Lyme is legit, but I think most chronic lyme has more to do with the patient and the environment than the bug, and that is going to be where the real cure is. When I look back now it's clear that I was messed up since I was a teen and primed to do a tailspin into this. You're right. The only one that I think understands a little besides friends who have been through similar is my ex wife who knew me before and saw me go through the worst of it. Most people don't have a point of reference. Unfortunately though, more and more people are getting one as we are seeing a huge rise in chronic health and energy issues.

    • @jsheiko
      @jsheiko Před 5 lety

      @@SkillCult Oh, definitely think it's more than just the presence of a microbe. My wife has had type 1 diabetes since she was 7, hashimoto's thyroiditis, and a slew of other maladies of varying degrees of seriousness that are all associated with autoimmune disorder. I'm sure that autoimmune dysfunction is what has made her susceptible to what we've labelled chronic Lyme.

  • @85ZERO17
    @85ZERO17 Před 5 lety

    WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH

  • @jim1550
    @jim1550 Před 4 lety

    Bipolar? Schizoaffective? Schizoid? CFS? I've been diagnosed with one of those and medication has saved my fucking life. See a physician that knows their shit. Love the videos man. Much more respect that you are doing these and editing when you shouldn't or don't even really need to. They have helped me though. Bought some things through your affiliate link already even though my normal is to ASPCA smile on amazon :D

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 4 lety

      CFS was my original diagnosis. Pretty useless and meaningless if you ask me. I've had almost zero results with doctors or medication. Seem to be having some luck lately with personal strategies, knock on wood. I edit to save everyone else time. an extra 4 hours of work by me can save people literally thousands of hours.

  • @DevaJones03
    @DevaJones03 Před 5 lety +2

    You get that woman of yours over there asap lol that should help. I wish you the best!

    • @DevaJones03
      @DevaJones03 Před 5 lety

      @T-ROY FOOTLONG he said he was in love on his dread cutting video, so perhaps she'll come give him some tlc

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      yeah, I wish. That can't happen anytime soon. I was thinking about getting a dog but I'm not sure I'm patient enough. I need one to chase bears anyway. If I don't like it I could always eat it.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety +2

      The dog I mean...

    • @DevaJones03
      @DevaJones03 Před 5 lety +1

      @T-ROY FOOTLONG no I wasn't joking I remember very vividly him saying he had a new love interest in that video. I remember the feeling of oh damn I missed out followed by hysterical crying.

  • @elkhound25
    @elkhound25 Před 5 lety +2

    dude your rambling are full of real world hands on information. thats rare today. just do what you can and dont sweat the rest. i hate your health is poor but i do understand . one thing that listening to you talk about this makes me wonder if you been tested for hemochromatosis. i know you said lyme but mentioned liver once if i remember right. do what ya can we will be here behind you.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety +2

      My Ferritin was close to 400 last test. I've been on a very iron restricted diet and we'll see. I tried to do home phlebotomy, but it turns out you actually need a pretty big hole to bleed a lot! I may still do that. I can get blood drawn just to get rid of it, but they'll only take 1 pint at a time I believe. I think it will be down on the next test. It's been high for a long time, but more like 190 or so. I'm going to try to get it down to 50 or 60 range and see if it helps. Thanks. I"m on that one. Lyme is a red herring. I just say that because it's easy.

    • @davidthegood
      @davidthegood Před 5 lety

      Good idea to get bled a few times. @@SkillCult

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      I can probably get phlebotomy through my doctor, but they only take a very small amount at a time. Less than when you give blood. I may try again, but noodles don’t work I tried an 18 gauge needle and it wasn’t big enough at what draws they use a vacuum or vacuum vials. Researching traditional bloodletting the lancets they use are actually pretty big and combined with construction. There are some pretty freaky videos on CZcams on bloodletting.

  • @ajones8699
    @ajones8699 Před 5 lety

    I guess there are a hundred reasons why you can't leave your place, but I think a complete change of environment would help.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      Yeah, that is a tuff one for tons of reasons. It has occurred to me.

  • @aksalaman4689
    @aksalaman4689 Před 5 lety

    It's not my field, and I may be talking out of my ass, but there has to be some program in this country to help you. Whether it be somebody to come help with the cooking and cleaning, or some medical grant to help health wise. Lots more I want to say but I don't type very well! Don't be such a proud man as not to ask for help. I wish you the very best Steven.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      I suppose, but all of that would take organizing and I don't really want to go there. If I had the resources I would throw more money at health practitioners, though my experience has not been good so far.

  • @seff2318
    @seff2318 Před 5 lety

    I posted a video talking about this today. Not the health issues but the new leadership. I can definitely empathize to your situation if you know what I mean. I’m truly sorry. I’ll be covering the fitness aspect of the challenge and how it pertains to me in my future videos. I’ve been infected if you haven’t noticed. I hope you find some relief soon. Take care buddy.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety +1

      I'll check it out. Personally I've found that I don't get a huge effect fitness wise unless I chop quite a bit. Of course you can always find ways to make it a lot more work, or just do a lot more. I have hauled most of my wood out in wheelbarrows or carrying, so that adds a lot. Glad to see your infected :)

    • @seff2318
      @seff2318 Před 5 lety

      SkillCult, there’s a lot working against me when I’m chopping so it’s especially laborious. My goal is to compete in timbersports in the next couple years. Fingers crossed. I made sure I prepped for the challenge last year so I’m ready to give it the ole college try this year. Ben has been a huge asset in my growth this last year as an axeman. Actually, you and Ben both inspired me to push myself and hold myself accountable and call bullshit and figure things out for myself. I’m not quite there with my content but every video is a small victory as sad as that sounds lol. He recently approached me to help him work on the page which was super flattering. I’ll help as much as I possibly can. It’s something I can actually stand behind and enjoy focusing on. I look forward to seeing where this goes because we have quite a bit of momentum. I’ve “converted” several people even in the last month or two. People are starting to get wise to the wranglerstars out there. It’s goot :)

  • @Theorimlig
    @Theorimlig Před 5 lety

    I know I've mentioned hypothyroidism before, and you said you've been tested for it IIRC, but have you ever taken meds for it? The tests suck, because most doctors don't know how to interpret them properly. I've had to go to private doctors who've been real weirdos, but they put me on the medication (levotyroxin) and it works, despite the ordinary doctors (GP's? I don't know the word) being pretty sceptical. If you find an endocrinologist that knows their stuff you might at least get to try it, the meds aren't dangerous (and you start on a low dose) but have some side effects if they raise your levels too high (like if you don't need them in the first place) which clearly tell you you don't need them. More people should get a chance to try them, there's almost certainly an undiscovered hypothyroid disease epidemic going on.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      Yep, I've tried numerous forms of thyroid and I might as well have been eating saw dust. Zero effect, good or bad, which I thought was odd. I'm pretty sure thyroid is involved, but not really the problem. I agree that there is mass endocrine disruption, but I think it's much deeper and more complicated than thyroid. In some cases it seems like the thermostat is just turned down. The average global body temperature has declined, which is virtually unnoticed by western medicine. I used to have a chronically low body temp for about 10 years, but it stays closer to normal now than it used to, basically because I reset the thermostat.

    • @Theorimlig
      @Theorimlig Před 5 lety

      @@SkillCult A shame, but good thing you've tried it. Very odd that you didn't get any effects at all, did they crank up the dose a bit? Do you remember how much you took? Your body is supposed to go into a weird overdrive if your thyroid hormones get too high, you should definitely have felt something.
      Hadn't heard about the body temperature thing, that's interesting if accurate. There's definitely something major going on with our endocrine systems and it might be related to our immune systems as well if I were to guess, it seems to correlate with the increasing rates of type one diabetes in children. I wonder if it's lifestyle related, something to do with pollution/toxins in our environments, both, or something else.

    • @WisconsinEric
      @WisconsinEric Před 5 lety

      Has your endocrinologist mentioned that fluoride in municipal water and bromine in bread both slow thyroid function? My Girlfriend's Doctors never mentioned it to her. I got her a Berkey purifier with fluoride/arsenic removing cartridges and I got her to take an iodine supplement and her Doctors have now told her to discontinue her medications and to keep on doing what she is doing.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      I haven't drunk flouride water or used any since I was a kid, but I was
      exposed a lot then. Same with Bromine in baked goods. I haven't eaten
      any junk like that for a long time.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety

      I don't remember now, but I was mostly experimenting on my own. I was surprised none of them ever did anything. That might be a clue in itself. The people who are really into that will start micromanaging cortisol too along with the thyroid.

  • @timberdoodles4647
    @timberdoodles4647 Před 5 lety

    Thanks for your work on this. I wish I could say I feel your pain but not really. Sure I don't have the same gumption as I did in my 20s and 30 but heading into the 50 I'm getting tired to some degree, I don't think that is your take. I hope its recoverable. I may try the axe cordwood challenge again this year, I'll see. I can relate to some degree on unfinished projects, is it a disease, more personality I suspect. It was the Suns fault. Then there is the fellow that just tracked across Antarctica and he was in his early 50's, gosh!
    Here, look at my shinny axe! those post get hundreds of comments and likes. Then post an axe in action or adze and you get two likes, one being your brother. Posted this in Axe Junkies.
    czcams.com/video/A9VYRB3hsVg/video.html

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety +1

      Well, I'm glad you can't feel my pain :) Certainly age is a factor, but it's the tiny minority of the problem I'm sure. So far the ACWC FB group has been a success at staying focused on practical stuff.

  • @j.o.2045
    @j.o.2045 Před 5 lety

    As a person benefitting from the information here I would like you send you in a few directions. Find a talented energy healer, consider The Wim Hof Method the information and healing power of breathing is truly awesome. Consider intermittent fasting as a practice, you should see more muscle, clearer thoughts and more energy. I have many thoughts on these things and highly recommend them. I am also a Time Banker and would happily donate some hours to you. Good luck man. I really appreciate your content, and thanks for the channel recommendation.

    • @DuckcuD
      @DuckcuD Před 5 lety

      recommending fasting to a person with chronic health problems is a dangerous thing

    • @j.o.2045
      @j.o.2045 Před 5 lety +1

      @@DuckcuD so is using an axe and challenging people to a cordwood challenge but we all have to make our own choices, and if you do something without researching first, there's no one to blame but but yourself. This comment was made, in the spirit of the channel and in the spirit of helping a person who's given me information about how to do something dangerous, in a safer way.

    • @SkillCult
      @SkillCult  Před 5 lety +2

      I did Wim Hof and the same thing happened I always have happen, which is that I hit some kind of wall and crash really hard. Up till then it was really helping a lot. I've been exploring the possibility that it might be related to some kind of actual deficiency lately. I recently tried intermittent fasting and I think I'm just too depleted from not being able to eat a normal diet for a long time. Also, I think the body is too dynamic to apply arbitrary rules like that. Some days I actually don't even want to eat much and other days my body seems to want to catch up. I've been through all kinds of diet stuff. Intermittent and keto are the flavors of the week. Everything I've tried that helps everyone else has either not worked, made me worse, or worked them stopped working soon after. I don't know what time banking is, but I'll look it up. Thanks.

    • @j.o.2045
      @j.o.2045 Před 5 lety

      @@SkillCult interesting. This long term energy deficiency sounds like many people I've been close to. If you find out you have something like MS, dandelion root is known to repair the myolin sheath of the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell) thereby imrpoving overall electrical conductivity. There is product known as Dandy Blend made by a guy in TN, I think. Bought it on amazon, tastes like coffee with cream, looks like hot chocolate powder, cheap as a coffee alternative. Anyway, I believe it helped my wife. I'm gonna get to that cordwood challenge, maybe this year.

    • @j.o.2045
      @j.o.2045 Před 5 lety

      @@SkillCult and I definitely only fast when I feel like it, sounds like you are naturally doing about the same thing.