Help me with an axe for the farm

[Sbs1974]

Not the best time of year for garage sales/estate sales but that is where you can find some really good deals on some axes and hatchets. I've found lots of great vintage axes and hatchets for really good prices. For something new and at a decent price I would suggest an Estwing hatchet, they will hold up to just about any kind of abuse you throw at it.

Yea alot of folks have nice old tools laying around not being used

 

[Sbs1974]

I've got a bunch of Sewing axes and hatchets. I highly recommend them.

Is Sewing a brand?

 

[FoxholeAtheist]

What you want to carry around for small deadfalls and such is not an axe (I know, blasphemy) but a nice pull saw. Check out a Silky (brand) Big Boy 2000 (model). Quieter, safer, lighter, and faster than using an axe for making long pieces of wood shorter. Don't get me wrong, you also want an axe, but for the stated purpose, get a Silky saw.

 

[catspa]

Or a Corona (though the name has recently fallen into disrepute). I favor the curved 14” blades. They cut very well when they’re sharp, but they’re h*ll to sharpen. Although you can put them in a saw vise and tip them off carefully, then they make a good root saw for a short time. Set the teeth wider for green wood than dry. And make a scabbard from some 1-1/2” fire hose, otherwise you’ll be cutting yourself and your gear all the time.

Parker

 

[Sbs1974]

What you want to carry around for small deadfalls and such is not an axe (I know, blasphemy) but a nice pull saw. Check out a Silky (brand) Big Boy 2000 (model). Quieter, safer, lighter, and faster than using an axe for making long pieces of wood shorter. Don't get me wrong, you also want an axe, but for the stated purpose, get a Silky saw.

Hey I’m open to various tools. I’ll look at them. Thanks

 

[fishiker]

The Estwing Camper's Axe is a versatile and durable tool for a fair price and it's made in the USA.

Camper's Axe (Long Handle) - Estwing

The 26″ Camper’s Axe is the ideal axe for camping, hunting and farm use. The 4″ cutting edge makes deeper, faster cuts and easier chopping. Each axe comes with a heavy-duty nylon sheath.

www.estwing.com

 

[Sbs1974]

The Estwing Camper's Axe is a versatile and durable tool for a fair price and it's made in the USA.

Camper's Axe (Long Handle) - Estwing

The 26″ Camper’s Axe is the ideal axe for camping, hunting and farm use. The 4″ cutting edge makes deeper, faster cuts and easier chopping. Each axe comes with a heavy-duty nylon sheath.

www.estwing.com

Yea I have seen Estwing mentioned a bit in vids and such I’ve watched

 

[Square_peg]

The trouble with the Estwings is that they are too thin and stick in the cut. You need fatter cheeks to pop the chip.

I'll give another shout out for Silky saws. I really love their 11" model because it will ride in the side pocket of my Carharts. The 16" is also a fine saw. I keep one in my truck.

https://www.amazon.com/Silky-GomBoy-Professional-Folding-Medium/dp/B0014CA15M

 

[Boattale]

The trouble with the Estwings is that they are too thin and stick in the cut. You need fatter cheeks to pop the chip.

I'll give another shout out for Silky saws. I really love their 11" model because it will ride in the side pocket of my Carharts. The 16" is also a fine saw. I keep one in my truck.

https://www.amazon.com/Silky-GomBoy-Professional-Folding-Medium/dp/B0014CA15M

Exactly so.

 

[Sbs1974]

Update: Got my first axe/hatchet actually my gf ordered me a Cold a steel 26” Hudson Bay camp axe. It’s super nice. Gonna wrap near the head with paracord to save the wood from splintering. Now time to buy another for one of the other 4wheelers I’ll be taking out on the property

 

[Brent Halverson]

Just buy whatever there is laying at local yard and garage sales for the few dollars each they will charge, it is what any farmer, or anyone else for that matter would have done before hipsterism came into being.

 

[catspa]

Actually, there’s something to that. I have several vintage axes/hatchets that I got cheap with the right things wrong (usually busted handles) and fixed for homestead use. I favor the old True Tempers with eye ridges, which I guess makes me a little “hip”, but I also have others.

When you know what you like for a handle, buy them up when you find them with good grain orientation. There’s an awful lot of crap out there.

Parker

 

[Sbs1974]

I have 5-6 vintage hatchets that are in the shop just not users. Since this is a “new” experience moving over there etc, I thought I’d like some all new stuff. Plus, honestly I don’t like used items. I buy new

 

[catspa]

Good thing somebody is buying up the new stuff, I tend to favor old tools myself. Especially if someone is about to throw it away, and I can make it work again, special satisfaction in that for me.

Plus I’m kind of a cheap b*stard. I found that when I started homesteading, it took up a lot of time i coulda spent working. So I had to watch my money more and seek out the good deals.

But more power to ya, and when your new stuff gets old maybe I’ll be there, or somebody like me, to clear it out for ya.

Parker

 

[EngrSorenson]

I second (3rd, 4th, 5th…) Council Tools as an excellent inexpensive option. My favorite hatchet is the flying fox and I tell anyone who will listen. The 24” boys axe is pretty effective, but get the 28” version and you’ll be happier. I like to see folks buying new axes because that means there’s a market for new axes.

If you’re interested in a little investment, and you’re looking for something with easier maintenance, I’ve been really satisfied recently with the Woox Forte. The slip fit handle is a really nice, practical feature, even though I still like the more typical wedge-style handle fitment for… I don’t know… the more “traditional” aspect.