The King of Axes
This is my favorite axe! Learn to sharpen here: • Master the Art of Shar...
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Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.
When the internet gets dark and glum (which is basically everyday now) I come here for dinner wholesomeness.
Gotta love it when the editor throws shade at the cameraman. Even if he's the same guy 🤣
Especially if he's the same guy
Here in Germany it’s 16:30 pm. I just had a walk with my dog through my foggy backyard forest and now I am sitting in the living room. Perfect time to watch a new EC video. Keep up the good work!
I would pay any amount you told me, if you would kindly make me a boys axe. I appreciate your video’s so much. My wife considers, and calls you my KZhead Grandfather. She recognizes your voice as if she has known you her entire life! You’re a great teacher and wonderful craftsman.
Imagine this channel's merchandise being axes and knives instead of t-shirts and mugs!?!
@@Brown969 Not as much profit margin when it's not mass produced in Asia.
@@LolitasGarden Sometimes (and this might be one of those times), it's not about the profit margin. It's almost criminal, but EC has under a million subs. So just how much do you really think he makes on the merchandise? Probably not all that much compared to the videos, and both of those are almost certainly blown out of the water by his actual day job (remember he's not just "the spec house guy", he does custom forge-work and general contracting as well). Sometimes, it's about providing a well informed opinion about which thing is the right thing to buy, and it might be my folly but I would trust EC's opinion on a good many things, without bothering to do much of my own research. He's proven that he doesn't really have an ulterior motive, and on KZhead that's a rare thing to find indeed. I don't have occasion to use an axe all that often, but I don't have one that's right for me when I do need it, and I'd be interested in owning an axe that EC recommends. On the other hand, I wouldn't get much use out of a T-shirt or mug, as I already have enough of both of those things.
@@44R0Ndin It's not easy to approach designing and hiring a printer for t-shirts (etc.) and then coordinate getting them shipped out to all the people who order them. Then there's checks to cash and taxes to pay... I imagine it's just enough of a pain in the neck that if it didn't make you a certain amount of coin, it wouldn't be worth the trouble. Man's making money from schwag. Which is *not* dispicable - there's a demand to put logo on corpus and he can and should fill the need. But those mugs aren't by any stretch altruistic lagnappes. Axes and Burke bars as schwag would be excellent, but they'd cost more than they should (to the consumer and the producer) to serve their purpose to the old man.
Awesome
Scott, my Dad grew up in the mountains of NC in the great depression. Trees was about all they had besides a couple of double bitted axes and a lone firearm. They almost starved to death and would have if it hadn't been for those axes and a single shot.22 rifle. He taught me a little about cutting wood including that the beauty of having two blades on an axe is that one is used for cutting and felling but the other is used when cutting roots or any activity that might potentially dull the blade. Dullng your blade was a serious thing I guess. Great video and hats off to you sir.
this is good info, thanks for sharing!
That was always my understanding. The double bit was a forester’s tool, with one edge for rough work and the other edge for felling.
He put more effort and attention to detail into attaching that handle than allot of people put into a full day of work . Keep up the great work .
True, but I must insist that "allot" is a verb.
@@darylnd good story
@@darylnd all we can do is try. People insist on writing in abbreviations, initialisms, and acronyms... For absolutely no reason. To save typing an extra letter. And it's not like Google and Apple didn't design spell check software into their phones. And if you're on a personal computer watching KZhead, you should know better.
For a person who knows how it should have been done it was kind of awkward and slow work. For the beginning file isn't a wood working tool and I didn't see him checking axe position to handle not even once. Preferably handle should be finished after it is installed. Handle itself looked like cheap machine made one, very probably grain direction was wrong and surely it didn't follow handle shape. Also wedge shape was primitive and he didn't prepare the handle for the driving it in. Using glue is ok but not a necessity There is so much old knowledge on how these kind of works should be done properly and much of it is long forgotten.
My son-in-law laughed at my little axe and chose to use the big one. Long story, short, he now has a "boys axe". Great points on a great video. AND....hitting the handle is the correct way to drive the head on. Well done sir.
Not aurguing the point just saying. when no one ever tought you the rite way, is there really a wrong way? Doing what ya have to to get it dune, until some one who's been there see's an takes the time. Glad there ppl like him out here on KZhead. An yes there is a wrong way my first time ax head lasted a month tight. Then kept having to add shims. Then purchased a new one.
@@michaelmartinez5217 No shame in learning the hard way as long as you learned something.
Boy's ax is an essential part of my firewood harvesting kit. It's like having an extra-long arm. Bending over to pick up sawn logs is for young folks. Also works great for giving you a better place to grip a log to put it on the splitter. It's probably my most used hand tool.
Another great video Scott. Thanks for taking the time to make and share them.
All of the axe commentary aside, I appreciate seeing that even a veteran professional of your skill smashes their thumb occasionally. that was the real lesson of this video for me!
Probably happened with the hatchet.
Watching these videos is like having a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup in a cabin during a blizzard
Thank you Nate for sharing your dad with us. Reminds me so much of the men I grew up around and admired, except he's all for passing on the wisdom of experience.
I’ve been watching your videos for 2 years, since the passing of my grandfather. You remind me so much of him. Both having a lifetime experience of practical working mans knowledge. I just wanted to say thank you so much for continuing to upload content, it’s so easy to follow and covers everything that you really only gain from a lifetime of experience. Keep up the good work
I discovered the joy of a boy's axe this year. I'd been using a full size axe, and a hatchet for camping. I was growing tired of all that non-sense. Grabbed a boys axe, and immediately fell in love with it. It'll also fit nicely on my bike when I'm bike camping!
A 3/4 Scout axe has been my favorite since 1962 when I got to use one in Boy Scouts. Still carry one and an old entrenching tool in all of my vehicles. A very good video. Tandy had a good sheath pattern for axes. I made them for my hand axes, double bit axes, and 3/4 axes. Good Luck, Rick
The two most important tips I picked up about re hafting an axe are this. As Eric did, leave the handle a little proud of the bit. This really helps keeping the handle from loosening. The second is to select a handle where the grain runs all the way from the bit to the handle and no sapwood in the handle at all. This really seems to reduce breakage, splinters and gives it a springier "feel". Great job!
What timing! I just got a Trail boss 27" to beat around with. My wife giggled at the little axe. We will see how it does. Got my father-in-law a Granfors Small Forest Axe a decade ago. Never heard a word about it until just recently. He said he uses it all the time. (he chops all his own wood and never uses a splitter). Hail the boy's axe!
Beautiful work! Thank you for the care tips.
When I am without projects or thinking, stressed or tired my favorite therapy is to rejuvenate old tools. I think it grounds me and puts me in touch with the people who wore out, used, cherished or discarded them. Handling an old chisel, hammer, saw, level sometimes creates a mystery to solve over time. Thank you for you insights. I will look at my old axes differently. By the way! Last night I ran an old large rusted shut scissor found in an auction mixed lot, through the wire wheel. Took a file to the edges. Could not believe how well it cut. Me thinks too many tools will always be never enough!
This is the best new channel ever. I'm new into axe restoration and I just found a plumb boys axe and a plumb 3.5 pound axe to re handle. This video was of great help
Like your use of the narrow wood chisle at the base of the axe. You do know your tools Sir Thanks for the teaching
This video hit home with me, as I have the same conclusions that you have about axes. My most used axe is a vintage Evansville boys axe from the 30s. I have a small you tube channel (MR OBSOLETES VINTAGE HOMESTEADING) where I use vintage axes, tools, chainsaws, tractors etc. here in the Northwest. My last video was building a full size Evansville axe and wood handle maintenence. Your great advice on many topics has helped me on my videos. An example is the one on Sears boots. Just wanted to say thank you and keep making such excellent videos.
This guy works for a living! His hands and smashed fingernails are testament to that. What other honest KZheadr can claim this? I just love your videos even more now.
That’s cuz he’s not a KZheadr or a worker he’s a Carpenter
I don't use glue on the wedge or use the metal one either. It makes it easier to adjust the handle of needed. I agree with you. This size is very useful for a large range of uses. Great video.
Great information, I'm a tool guy myself, love watching and learning all the common sense ways of our trades and practices...
I've been looking to make myself an axe, but I couldn't settle on the shape. It's like you read my mind with this video
A boy's axe is a small axe, but a Boys rifle is an anti-tank gun
boys will be boys lol
I've been a boy my whole life
i wonder how many people will get this
Something I've found that works when trying to work a head off a handle when test fitting is two work a thick dowel offcut down so that it fits in the top of the head and you can use it to help you bash the handle out, much easier than hitting the head
I prefer tools with wooden handles. Whether there axes or hammers or any other type of tool.
Yeah, better feel, better looks.. I'll take less durability.
I say the same about shovels. I modified a regular shovel by shortening the handle and narrowed the blade. Use it for all except really loose material. Also have a micro excavator machine - thought I was going to park the shovels forever, but even though it does all the hard work, still need to hand shovel the precision stuff...
I've always found spades to be more useful than shovels - flat blade, square edges, easy to manipulate and more precise. That said, spades are more likely to end up biting a foot, just like a boys axe.
Being six foot, I can't work long with a short handled shovel... kills my back. All of my short handled shovels, a D handled scoop shovel, a D handled round point and a straight handled round point tend to gather rust. My long handled round and straight shovels are bright and shiny from use. My round point is on it's second head and the straight point has a welded piece of flat bar on the edge to keep it from wearing down. I try to be gentle with the handles, rough on the blades. I confess I went to fiberglass handles on my heavy use tools years ago. My framing hammer is almost fifty. Both the shiny shovels are over twenty, though all my gardening tools are good wood.
I think the typical shovel is designed to be multipurpose, do to everything when it's literally the only shovel that one has. It can pierce hard earth, sort of, can lift bulk loose material, sort of, can trench, sort of. I have a fairly large number of shovels and I tend to select based on the job at hand, only one I'm still looking for is one of the long-handled trencher spades with the short shovelhead. The typical shovel still is fairly effective for basic digging straight down and cleaning roughly cleaning out the hole as one goes.
@@TWX1138 There always seems to be the right shovel for the right job. I have a neighbor that acquired the trenching spade you describe at an estate sale. I used it to transplant a line of hydrangea bushes. Two or three shoves around the base of the plant and a nice leveraged lift due to the way the handle was configured and out popped each plant, no root damage. Good luck finding the one you're looking for ... I would say they're worth having in your collection. They are a dream to work with for transplantation of shrubs, bushes and clumped bulbs like lilies.
Thank you for your channel. I've learned a lot from you! As an automotive instructor, I coach the students that using a lighter hammer with a faster swing allows for better kinetic energy than a heavy hammer at a slower speed. The velocity squared component compared to the force, or weight, will have a greater effect on Kinetic energy. Keep up the good work! Cheers!
I love how calming your video's are hahaha I need more of that in these times :)
I just finished a boys axe for a customer. New haft, cleaned up the head and painted it the original red. It was his Fathers and he was giving to his son as a gift. Cheap axe made in China but its looks darn good now. I was hanging a new haft on a Miller Falls hatchet for the same fella when this video came up. Excellent work Scott!
I agree. I have a 40 year old True Temper Boys axe. I hung a new handle in it several years ago and refinished the axe head at the same time. I put a 27” does leg handle in it. I use it as a wedge banger most of the time.
picked up at an estate sale double bitted, single and a fireman's axes together with a beautiful double handle saw. also a few axe handles from the days gone by. all of these were from the 1930, 40 and 50s. love the look of an axe, such a beautiful and well engineered tool, the handle too!
Thank You so much on your knowledge on the axes. Like you say keep up the good work.
Couldn't agree more! - Just The perfect size - Great Video! - Keep em coming!
Just like his 6 lb sledge with the handle cut down to 16"...which I did to mine. I think about how right he is whenever I swing it. What a gem! '
I love the soundtrack, it is so relaxing.
Great video! I love rehandling axes and seeing how other people do it. The Ax Book, by D. Cook, is a fantastic resource for anyone looking for more information. My favorite is a Kelly Perfect double bit on a 36" straight handle, but I also like a Dayton single bit ax on a 36" handle. I like a light-ish head on a long handle because it gives you more smash with less weight. I'm a fan of straight handles over fawn's foot handles since I think they're more forgiving from an accuracy standpoint.
Last year I found a Swedish made " Boys" ax at a local Antique tool store and I absolutely love it!
Yes! I've long had a heavy hatchet that I continually rehandle with a long straight handle. It's perfect for limbing or just basic wedge hammering when felling.
Side note - every time I end up rehandling it, I will bead blast and cold blue it again before the BLO.
Love this content. No politics, no bs. Just a man showing people how to do something without anything else. Reminds me of being a kid and watching bob villa with my dad before he went out and made a standing garden box or whatever.
When you had the high speed hammering going on there, I was reminded of what my grandpa told me as a young boy. After watching me attempt to drive a nail a few times he said, "You Hammer like lightning.....you seldom ever strike twice in the same spot". I hadn't thought of that in years. Thanks for the reminder of my grandpa.
What a video. Thanks again for your videos. Super helpful, I take your advice all the time, and please keep the videos coming. Great work 👍
Great video, as ever. I only wince a little when you hit wood with metal. I was always taught to hit wood with wood, so a wooden mallet, but I can't argue with the results you get. Thanks as ever.
a ferrier's rasp is great for wood working, especially roughing. A friend's dad gave me a boys axe many years ago and it is my favorite axe, very useful.
I too use a rasp to size my handle to the eye. Appreciate your channel.
My personal favorite axe that I'll grab for most jobs around the homestead that want an axe, is a Norlund boy's, or maybe Hudson Bay, head on a 32 inch haft. Light weight, small head that penetrates exceptionally well, with a bit of beard that lets me actually get my had up in behind the edge if I want to do some sort of fine task with it. Spectacular for limbing fallen trees, I can swing it all day with one hand. Personal preference. Also long enough not to get ankles ;) And the hatchet I go to first for my spoon carving work is a vintage Plumb Victory. You don't like hatchets, I Love this one, it's a near perfect tool, for my needs.
I just inherited a Norlund. It's a beauty.
A couple weeks ago and before this video, I purchased a boy's axe and absolutely love it. Nice video.
I wasn't planning on buying more axes just now. But it's pretty clear that I need one of those!
I absolutely love the boys axe. If I needed to I'd own a couple more of them, but all I have currently is a 1960's True Temper Kelly Woodslasher Dayton. Not a premium axe, but they held on to the desirable advantageous features longer than anyone else and it's still better than most of what's available today. I already have the matching hatchet, but I'm still looking for a matching cruiser.
Without a doubt! My favorite channel on KZhead.
Like the tune at the end. Nice when you are busy
Where it comes to fitting any wood handle, I was taught that the rasp or file fits the bottom and the wedge fits the top. Also, instead of glue, I prefer to soak the handle and wedge in boiled linseed oil for a few minutes. It preserves the wood (and metal) within the eye and will not let the wedge slip after it cures. However, should I ever need to remove the wedge to refit or any other reason, it can be done without mangling the handle. Excellent video, good advice, and thank you.
I used a cruising axe when I was running survey lines. One side was always very sharp for 'high work, the other side was reserved for working close to the ground.
Great video! I always enjoy an EC tutorial!
that music is so good, and suits the channel really well
Length and weight comment is genuinely helpful. It’s a good carrying size for canoeing or short distance backpacking. Thanks
You did all that detail work installing a handle,,,all for me to snap it first time splitting a chunk of hickory!
Looking forward to the next video. I have two axes I have been meaning to make sheaths for ages but couldn't get a roundtuit!
I love the "boys axe", I've been using one for my whole life. It's the best choice for lots of my chopping jobs. I do have a full size axe as well but it only gets used on occasion. Finding new handles for the boys axe is becoming difficult. Stores that carry the axe or a replacement handle are few and far between. The big box hardware/lumber stores don't carry them any more, probably since few people do much axe work nowadays.
I was taught a different technique by my late father on replacing wooden handles on everything from hammers to hatchets to axes. This certainly requires gloves, but the technique is to take a glass jar (or even a drinking glass), put it into a container like a box or trash can, and break it. Then use a large glass shard as a scraper to shape the handle in the way you were using the rasp and files. I've used that technique on a number of tools over the years, but your method is probably safer overall. Anyway, thumb is up, and thanks as always for your content!
A cabinet scraper or similar could get you similar results with less danger. I like the idea behind that approach for sure though.
That's a nice hack if you don't have the tools.
I like it. I use glue on the wedge also it helps the wedge seat in better as well. I set my axe behind the wood stove with head down handle up to open the wood pores a little. Then boiled linseed or tung oil. As i heard a long time ago apply "once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year" if you choose to put a leather strap in the handles fawns foot only use it to hang your axe NEVER HAVE IT AROUND YOUR WRIST WHEN YOU USE IT! It will some day as Scott said let blood out.
On an Engine Company that I served on we kept a small axe like that for use in attics and underneath crawl spaces. The lighter weight was essential for not getting worn out in opening up and chasing fire in tight spaces and where you could never get a full swing with a large axe. Our little axe was a pick head. Probably a 2 pounder, the pick end was slightly more elongated than the large pick headed axes used for forcible entry and roof opening, perfectly balanced and a go to tool for inside work.
I ended up with a nice weight axe a little by accident - the hoe portion broke off a Pulaski. Ground the broken neck off flush. It has a longer handle, but easily wielded. It lives in the pickup toolbox as a utility/just-in-case tool.
When I fit in a new handle I always hold the axe up and look down the blade and handle to make sure it's inline because a Axe with a cooked or Cocked head is terrible for splitting/chopping..... Next time you're in a hardware store pick up a few and look down the length of them in relation to the blade.
Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍
thanks for the confirming the suspicion i've had for years. growing up, i had the option of a large axe, maul, hatchet, and machete. over time, i settled on using the large axe for splitting and then the boys axe and machete for everything else. i watched videos on hatchets, thinking i must have missed something or had the wrong type of hatchet. but everything that people would use a hatchet for, i'd rather use a machete or boys axe.
would love to know more about the favorite axe. Looks like a lot of miles on the handle. Really cool
I agree completely. A lighter head on a longer handle allows that finer work but you can still get a really good hard swing at it. Up here in Alaska a lot of trappers use them we call them a trapper axe, never heard of it called boys axe
Love the patina on that well-used handle. I sand any new tool handles or wooden or bamboo kitchen utensils I get. (I've got a shovel with a fiberglass handle and I hate how it feels-- the temperature resistance, vibration, and flex are different from wood-- and my tools don't see constant heavy use, so I don't buy fiberglass-handled tools). That way they have the smooth, broken-in feel I want. Bare or oiled wood that's handled a lot gets a wonderful shine and smooth feel without losing grip.
Agree. My 2.25 lbs axe with a 26” handle is my favourite, except for splitting. The round compression rings work much better than the flat wedge type when hafting an axe, or hammer.
Thank you for the Wisdom of years of experience!!! And I saw you applying boiled linseed oil too it also a Wise choice my friend!!!
So interesting how our environment affects our tools. I've never even owned an ax but then I don't live in a forested area. Your passion is great!
Force or energy equals mass x velocity squared. Lighter weight faster swing works best for me as well. Thanks for ALL your fantastic videos
Just broke the handle on the boys axe.. had to use the full size for a day and I agree whole heartedly with your philosophy.
Always love your axe videos!! And would love even more of these and general forestry videos. Cheers from Sweden
find the channel 2strokestuffing, he's a Norwegian guy who makes motorbike engines but he has a side project building a log cabin with only axes.
I love videos like this...........keep up the good work.👏
I like the glue option. I can learn something every day.
One of the greatest exercises in patience. For a someone new to the trades . It teaches you to take care of the tools that take care of you and your livelihood.
I finally broke down and bought one for camping. Needless to say its outside the barn more than inside. I just need to get the hang of sharpening my axe.
I very much appreciate your "mature" views on axe head weight and handle length. Being 6'5" and 270 lbs, swinging a heavy axe, lifting, sawing, etc. has never been a problem until recently. With lower back surgery and two torn rotator cuffs, I'm a shadow of my former self. Still bpeing strong dosen't mean anything if swingin' a havy tool causes near paralysis for the next two days! Great channel, just found you, just subscribed. Thanks for this great video!
Thank you. Timely information.
My go to axe is a 2 1/2lb. Hudson Bay pattern "small forest axe. I found the axe head in the woods. No handle. I also found a 3 1/2 lb Michigan Pattern felling axe head in the woods. No handle. Both restored to really beautiful useful axes. Every time I hace purchased a preshaped axe handle it took a few hours of hand work to fit the handles to the heads. The Hudson Bay axe gets used often for multiple carpentry tasks.
I recently picked up a council tools " sport utility axe" 28" handle very handy little axe. I believe it is destined to become a favorite.
Check the adjustment of the sights on your hammer, judging from the old blood under left middle finger nail, perhaps they are off a smiggen. Glue on the wedge, I learned something. I have gotten old, instead of rasp a 80 grit disc on a die grinder. You are a joy to watch!
I installed a Council 28 inch axe handle on my Stanley four square axe head and it's a decent handle for the price. The axe head was my grandfather's and it is one of my most cherished tools.
This is the content I need in 2020. It proves that sanity, order, and good-natured humor still exist in some parts of the world.
That last part is so true. My first time using a boy’s axe, I had a glancing blow and it went right through my tibia. That was no fun. I still feel it sometimes in the winter. I still have that axe and have never used it since. Maybe it’s time to get back on the horse - or at least to make a sheath.
My boys axe is my go-to for most things too. It can do most things well. From firewood, to processing game, it can most things I really want an axe to do, and packing it around is easy.
I paint the end of the handle red so I don’t lose my axe in the woods. It also identifies the tool as mine.
Me and my dad did that with our axes when I was a kid
I do that with ALL my tools. Except I use pink! No one else would ever put pink paint on anything!! Can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a homeowner say- “is that my tape measure?”
@@wallacesmith865 we used blue so if we dropped it in the snow cutting firewood wed see the handle sticking up. Also great username, I'm going to try to get out and hunt some grouse this weekend.
@@mattpardy2826 my folks have a camp in central pa. 3 different grouse have flown into the screened porch to their demise... hence the name. The grouse numbers are way down right now in central Pa. where are you?
@@wallacesmith865 Labrador. Plenty of grouse and ptarmigan, seems to be an up year for them.
Im in the process of putting a new 21 inch handle on mine. This is my kindling axe and I love it.
Nice. Tanks for the video.
I love axes, doing what you just did. I buy old head from yardsales and flea markets and give them a new lease on life. I made my daughter her very own axe and now I can't get her away from the wood pile. Love the channel and the message keep it up!!!
Another fantastic video! I use the Gränsfors bruks small forest axe a lot, it's great for splitting kindling, tidying up tough wood work, and you're right Scott, it's light enough to use it for hours. With the risks of chopping your ankles etc... You've just got to be careful, feet wide, have some steel toe capped boots on. Shin pads might be a good trick for teenagers who are just learning these skills too?
Teenagers start them splitting with a LONG HANDLE and a good stump....once they build some strength and coordination get small and dangerous....they will already respect the tool by then ....In my 50s with 2 boys and 10 acres in northern British Columbia
I have been saying the 28" handled axe is the one to use for cutting for a long time now . I cut a lot of live maples it is my favorite to down and to limb with speed over weight with a bit of leverage wins every time over the brutality of dead weight.
I was just about to comment on the beautiful camera work then you made your genius comments and I laughed so much. I think we've all been there in some shape or form. Great camera work Nate.
I love your videos for their honest, easy to understand information. I have about six axes and use all of them (on and off) but my favourite is a small two and a half pound axe. I agree the short handle makes it very dangerous; I narrowly missed by shins once and it was a big wake-up call. I gave thanks to God for His protection.
Hey Scott, in watching you fit that handle, I know your old school and the file is a thing of beauty But you might enjoy trying a Shinto saw rasp. it has a fine side and a course side and it’s function in the hand is essentially the same but it removes wood real good AND they’re like $20 bucks
Lol...I was thinking the exact same thing!