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I decided to add an Estwing Camper's Axe to my bug-out bag back packs. I have an Estwing Sportsman's Axe, with the leather handles, but it is a one-hand axe, and I wanted something I could grip with both hands and had more heft for when you are chopping. The smaller axe is okay for kindling splitting and smaller tasks, but for dropping a tree or splitting wood, a two-handed grip is much more powerful.
I like the grip the molded rubber handle gives you, and I like that it will cut down on vibration and shock to your hands and wrists. The axe itself is surprisingly light in weight, which helps in carrying it, and you can wield it one-handed.
The nice leather sheath is an added bonus. Now I need to get some mink oil on it, as soon as I remember where I stashed my mink oil. Mink oil, for those who might not have heard of it, is a leather preservative that waterproofs leather goods (great on boots).
The axe is made in the USA, but the sheath is made in Taiwan. USA ally, and they make good steel parts these days.
The rear of the axe can be used as a hammer, for tapping in tents stakes, and if you are wearing eye protection, can be used to drive the smaller axe through wood as a splitting wedge or to get the axe unstuck, which happens a lot when splitting wood that is knotty.
It also has self-defense capabilities, although last ditch efforts are just that. It could help in clearing your path, cutting shooting lanes, making a shelter, quartering large game, and chopping ice for drinking water meltdowns.
It cost me ~$42 OTD (I hate sales taxes) so it is not inexpensive, but it is a top quality tool that will last a lifetime, and if you take care of it (oil and properly sharpen the metal) it can be a family heirloom.
I have decided that I need to get very serious in my preps, so I am saving up to get the best gear I can, although delayed gratification does not make things fun, but at least you end up with gear that will stand the tests of time and hard use.
If you are in the market for a good all around axe, you might want to give these a look. Home Depot sells them in the tool area, in with the hammers.
I like the grip the molded rubber handle gives you, and I like that it will cut down on vibration and shock to your hands and wrists. The axe itself is surprisingly light in weight, which helps in carrying it, and you can wield it one-handed.
The nice leather sheath is an added bonus. Now I need to get some mink oil on it, as soon as I remember where I stashed my mink oil. Mink oil, for those who might not have heard of it, is a leather preservative that waterproofs leather goods (great on boots).
The axe is made in the USA, but the sheath is made in Taiwan. USA ally, and they make good steel parts these days.
The rear of the axe can be used as a hammer, for tapping in tents stakes, and if you are wearing eye protection, can be used to drive the smaller axe through wood as a splitting wedge or to get the axe unstuck, which happens a lot when splitting wood that is knotty.
It also has self-defense capabilities, although last ditch efforts are just that. It could help in clearing your path, cutting shooting lanes, making a shelter, quartering large game, and chopping ice for drinking water meltdowns.
It cost me ~$42 OTD (I hate sales taxes) so it is not inexpensive, but it is a top quality tool that will last a lifetime, and if you take care of it (oil and properly sharpen the metal) it can be a family heirloom.
I have decided that I need to get very serious in my preps, so I am saving up to get the best gear I can, although delayed gratification does not make things fun, but at least you end up with gear that will stand the tests of time and hard use.
If you are in the market for a good all around axe, you might want to give these a look. Home Depot sells them in the tool area, in with the hammers.

