I generally carry an axe in the survey rig as many of my jobs are in the woods. I just like an axe! Well, during my last jaunt it was apparent that during my most recent re-hang of my trusty axe, I didn't do such a great job. I was clearing out some branches and I noticed the head was working its way off the end of the handle. Time to find a new write off.
I went around looking for a new axe for a reasonable price. Had I unlimited resources I'd surely have a new Gransfor Bruks in the truck! But then I found something cheap that I think is actually even better!
Enter the SOG Tactical Tomahawk! It's just a bit longer than your average camp hatchet. One end has a cutting edge (similar to an axe bit) measuring 2.75" in length for chopping. The other side has a not so sharp point which will be great for digging up hard to find rods or control, chopping through hard ground like a pick. It also has a knurled area where the handle meets the head that is intended to be used for hammering purposes. Granted, you wont be pounding rods or stakes with this, but in a pinch it will be handy. It comes with a nylon canvas sheath that has a belt loop on it. I have yet to really take it out and put it through the paces but so far I am really impressed at what a great survey tool this could be! Is anyone else carrying one of these?
I bought it from amazon for around $26-28 with free shipping through prime!
Disclaimer: I am in no way associated with SOG or with any retailer related to this product. I merely found a really neat multifunction tool that I wanted to share!
Smoky Mountain Knife Works shows 2 models (one $28 and one $30). I have bought knives from them in the past and have been pleased with the service.
Andy
Oh, and the one hole in the head is just the right size for holding a 5/8" rebar, so when you're pounding on a stubborn one and you don't want to miss and hit your hand you could use the hawk to hold it!
I carry a double bit axe on my ATV.
My newest tool is the Fiskar 18in geared loper. Just the right size to carry and does an amazing job in tight working areas and digging thru roots.
I have had a Fiskar geared lopper for a few years now, works awesome on up to about 2" diameter stuff, slower than a saw, BUT you can use it all summer long when fire season dictates saws off at 1300 hours. For some stuff works way better than an axe, every tool has a use...
SHG
I will share that someone stole my new Fiskers machete out of the truck last fall. It had the saw tooth on the back for cutting small trees. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009JXFU86/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687642&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000F99IEU&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0YVKQJKKBX7QK3KCV8HJ
The Machete worked well, at least or better then the last one that I had. The saw did go through smaller trees OK, so for a machette I would buy it again. Being rural, I had to order that one from teh net. I was in a store and saw the Fiskers brush hook. Needing a new machette, it was only $20, so I thought I would give it a try. LOVE THIS THING! The little hook on the end makes all the difference. Will not go back to a regular machette again.
http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-78606935J-Brush-Axe/dp/B000F99IEU
I like the Fiskar machete for the handle and light work.
It does not compare to the force of an 22in Ontario Knife blade.
looks a little short
Did you consider putting in a new wooden wedge, followed up with a metal wedge? Probably cost couple bucks and only would take 10 minutes to repair.
The Fisker brush axe doesn't make it. I had one (Gerber brand) and after one day cutting hemlock the blade was full of chips. The idea is good but the steel is too light.
I use one of these or a chainsaw.
LO INK SPECIALTIES - HAND & CUTTING TOOLS - MACHETES AND SHEATHS
I have two of the 28" wood handle ones. You have to watch your fingers getting caught/pinched between the two pieces of the wood handle. I wrapped them in hockey tape and that fixed the problem. They are quite long which can be annoying when worn in the sheath, but I prefer to have the extra reach when cutting stickers and the added weight adds to the cutting power.
I thought that to, but I do not miss the length one bit.
I have had mine for about 10 months, and the blade is still in good shape. I have touched it with the stone twice, as with the fiskers it is the sharp blade, rather then the weight that does the work.
One thing to consider when it comes to axes that I learned long ago. CSA (Canada safety something or other..... The guys who certify steel toe boots), did a huge expensive study on cutting tools, and came to the conclusion that any thing with a handle shorter than 24 inches was infinitely more hazardous.
Basically when determining a new tool, swing it as if you missed the intended target and determine where it is going to contact your body. Is it your knee? Your shin? Your boots? Or the dirt.
It takes some training to learn to avoid a swing in any direction that will follow thru to any part of your body.
Then more training to not swing when others are within your swinging radius.
I like a brush hook. Never used one until I moved up here. Sokkia Surveyor's Bush Hook 813010' We have a guy that hunts them at flea markets and then cleans them up. The old timey ones seem to be more durable.
Those are great too....I do carry one of them for really heavy brush. It also makes a pretty decent axe for smaller branches...
That is the actual brush hook and are safer to use than most cutting tools.
We handed those out to beginners and the helpers we declared "dangerous".
:good:
I just got one of the mini SOG's. Should be good to scratching around with Mr Shonestedt, and to make witness trees.
N