Woodsmans Pal (or similar) vs. conventional axe?

absolutindian

absolutindian

Joined
Feb 25, 2008
Messages
519
Hey guys, I'm looking to invest in a decent chopper/clearer and was wondering if any of you have experience with the Woodmans Pal and can compare it to a Wetterlings or similar axe. I think the Woodman's might actually be a better way to go because I dont think I'll be chopping much thats more than about 3" diameter anyway... Seems to me that a hatchet or axe would be used for heavier chopping... Anyway, let me know what you guys think...



Here's a link with some good info... I've found the same product at a better price, so wasn't neccesarily going to buy from this company.
http://www.crystalfallstradingcompany.com/woodmanspal.php
 
I have one that I was given as a gift a couple of Christmas seasons ago. I think that the Woodmans tool fills more of the machete role than ax, being that it is made of 1/8" stock. As the tool comes from the factory I feel that the edge is too obtuse and when chopping with it I found it pounded through wood more than chopped it. Breaking the wood as much as cutting it.
Being that I am a lover of khukuris and have many to choose from for heavy chopping to lighter machete ish work I set the Woodmans tool aside. Some months ago I decided to regrind the edge and make this baby cut. I reground the convex edge so it is taller and less obtuse. Basically thinning out the edge so it would cut better. I also carried the edge all the way to the end of the blade. Adding an inch or so of cutting edge. I also smoothed the rough leather to a finer texture and linseed oiled the leather. When I was done the Woodmans Pal actually turned out to be a great heavy duty machete. It is aweful expensive when comparing it to other machetes though.
It is a cool concept but there are alternatives that work better out of the box. Mine is a great tool now, but it took some rework to get it where I feel it is useful. I will add a couple of shots of the reworked edge.
 
I used a machete for a while...and am now a hatchet fan all the way...(unless you'll be clearing undergrowth) a hatchet has the ergonomics for heavy cutting, and is more sheeple friendly.
 
Arch Angel, thanks for the input! Seeing as I dont have the know-how, much less the equipment to regrind an edge, it sounds as if I might be better off going with a hatchet of some sort. Looks to me like the Wetterlings is probably the best value. I've heard good things about the Fiskars models but cringe at their looks. I much prefer a hardwood handle and conventional axe head... Anyone have any other suggestions aside from Wetterlings?
 
I love my Woodsman's Pal, especially the sickle. I never experienced the pounding through wood instead of chopping like ArchAngel described. I was taking trees 3" to 4" in diameter with just a couple swings.
 
absolutindian said:
Arch Angel, thanks for the input! Seeing as I dont have the know-how, much less the equipment to regrind an edge, it sounds as if I might be better off going with a hatchet of some sort. Looks to me like the Wetterlings is probably the best value. I've heard good things about the Fiskars models but cringe at their looks. I much prefer a hardwood handle and conventional axe head... Anyone have any other suggestions aside from Wetterlings?
Click to expand...

Snow and Nealley axes are among my favorites the Penobscot with 18" handle or the Hudsonsbay axe with 24" handle should take care of you. they are very good quality my brother bought both the HB & Penobscot and they were sharp and ready to go right out of the box I dont recall what he paid but it was quite a bit less than what I paid for my Gransfurs Bruks Hunters axe
http://www.snowandnealley.com/products/axes.htm
 
Morablades said:
I love my Woodsman's Pal, especially the sickle. I never experienced the pounding through wood instead of chopping like ArchAngel described. I was taking trees 3" to 4" in diameter with just a couple swings.
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Who knows, maybe mine was a fluke, but my edge was a no go initially, too steep. It is a great tool now though. The sickle worked nice from the onset for grabbing vines and such and pull cutting them away from obsticles I didn't want to hit.
 
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