Been wanting something for working through tangles at roadside scores. Also for removing loose bark. Think i found it. $32 ebay score. New out of package. Fiskars too. Have their Isocore maul, X27 ax as well.
That looks kinda Klingon, Brad. I have finally figured you out! (In a deep voice) "It is a Good Day to Cut Firewood"!
Just be extra careful when you're swinging that thing. I don't want to see pics of a damaged knee cap or filleted shin/calve muscle in the future. And it looks like it wouldn't take much to get away from you.
No worries, promise to be safe with it. It actually fits the hand nicely. Dont see myself swinging it wildly. Ill keep it away from Ms. buZZsaw though. Not that she'd hurt herself, but use it on me!
The one you posted is more meant for chopping than cutting away brush, vines and tangles, as it's a hatchet. I have their brush axe and really like it. Still kind of a chopper, but no hook to catch on things and more length of blade Fiskars Chopping Brush Axe-78606935J - The Home Depot The 24"machete they offer would also work nicely Fiskars Machete (24 in.)-385091-1004 - The Home Depot
Saw both of those too. Bought it more for removing loose bark and clinging vines. I was trying it out tonite and works well once you get used to it. Split some scrap boards for kindling.
Gave it a trial run the other night. Ideal for smaller kindling. I wasnt giving a full swing but just sticking then tapping to split. Almost like using a cleaver. Pried the bark off my chopping block.
I always want to hear about bark removal tricks. Banging it off with a wedge and hammer is way too time consuming.
So Brad, is the hook just below the blade sharpened? I'm up against a lot of vines entangling spruces that fell. That hook looks like it would be good to get the smaller vines cut free. Loppers aren't efficient. A good hook blade might be the ticket. I'm going to check out the brush axe.
It is sharpened. I havent really tried it yet in tangles. Split some kindling and pried off some loose bark. My main use is for close quarter chopping of vines when on a log or round. They do make a longer version of the same tool. Dont know how good it would be for tight bark. Being thin and lightweight it does handle nicely almost like wielding a cleaver. Have you ever just left tight bark on or is bark removal your normal MO?
Bark is full of BTU's. If it is loose or rotten it'll come off easily. What doesn't remove when I'm processing it, goes into the stove. You know all of this already....kinda like "preaching to the choir". I guess if the wood gets stored in living area of house, I would be more conscious of its cleanliness. Hoard on!
I dont go out of my way to remove bark unless i harvest dead wood or its loose. Lessens the mess factor. I was splitting some green sugar maple and the bark was popping off easily to my surprise.
