Let’s talk about axes and axehandling. Axes are by some considered a scary or an unnecessary macho tool.
This makes me wonder if maybe axe handling is a dying skill in today’s society?
Anyone who stand before 2-3 cubic meters of wood that needs splitting will quite quickly realise the value of a sharp axe. In the old days the axe was one of the most precious tool you could get your hands on in these parts of the world and complete societies and ships were made using only axes and saws.
I started using axes in the Woods with my dad at around age of 5 I think. At first we would hold the axe together and my chops would be guided through him. My dad was brought up by his grandpa more or less, who was a lumberjack and his love for old traditional tools came from there and rubbed off on me too. The impact on the forest using these traditional tools for taking down a tree is so much less than when using heavy machinery. All you leave is some sawdust and wood chips.
Some practical advice that has worked for me:
I ALWAYS think about where the axe is going also if I miss the target.
When standing upright, legs spread and center the axe over the head (I think of myself as the letter “A”, but with slightly bent knees for better balance). If missing the target I want the axe to swing clear between my legs and not on one.
The aim should also be from my center when splitting wood.
Test yourself with a slowmotion chop in the beginning to make sure that the distance is correctly correlated to the reach with the axe handles length.
Aim and test how close did you get to the target? Aim and try again, practice makes perfect.
Sitting down there are several different ways. I prefer to stand up on my knees and have a log or something wooden placed underneath what I going to split. Mindset is the same, where will the chop go if I miss the target? I should not be able to hit myself but also make sure I will not hit a rock. So placing the wood on a stone is a bad idea.
NEVER stress and always think through what you are going to do and all should be well.
Негізгі бет Secure way to handle an axe.
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