You've Been Splitting Kindling with a Hatchet Wrong!

[knarf]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/3TkP-K9GUVk&fs=1" target="_blank" class="new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/3TkP-K9GUVk&fs=1</a>

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[Cam]

Ahh now that is interesting. I will try that next fire. The only thing I think is that you need a sharp hatchet or axe to do that. Which I mean you also want for regular splitting, but that way especially I think. Definitely gonna try that the next fire we have!

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[knarf]

Ahh now that is interesting. I will try that next fire. The only thing I think is that you need a sharp hatchet or axe to do that. Which I mean you also want for regular splitting, but that way especially I think. Definitely gonna try that the next fire we have!

Right on! Your right about needing a sharp blade. In the California Conservation Corp we used medium grooved metal files, placing the axe/hatchet between our knees and filing down and at an angle  ( about 30 degrees ) and about 3/8 of inch deep. When the blade can cut paper it is probably a little too sharp. , but getting it close to that is safe ( most of the time ). Always wear gloves because your trailing hand will come close to the blade if not careful. I learned the hard way when I was 20 and feisty and sometimes I took short cuts ( no gloves ). Nothing serious like stitches...but all cuts are a hassle. Choosing wood with the straightest grain is real important and wood varies in density making some kinds easier to split. My favorite is Walnut, then Ash, then Oak.

If you have an electric mounted grinder, like we have here, I use the rougher stone first, and finish it with the smoother stone.

Also you do not need a $50 dollar hatchet like the one in the video. I have used the same wood handle hatchet for 20 years, cost about $15. Now, you have to pay about $20.

There is a good website that talks all about the different kinds of tinder to start a fire, and methods to light it.

http://www.practicalsurvivor.com/tinder

I got curious about the price differences so I looked for hatchets at Tractor Supply Co. They range fro $10 to $64



$11.99

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[Cam]

Ahh now that is interesting. I will try that next fire. The only thing I think is that you need a sharp hatchet or axe to do that. Which I mean you also want for regular splitting, but that way especially I think. Definitely gonna try that the next fire we have!

Right on! Your right about needing a sharp blade. In the California Conservation Corp we used medium grooved metal files, placing the axe/hatchet between our knees and filing down and at an angle  ( about 30 degrees ) and about 3/8 of inch deep. When the blade can cut paper it is probably a little too sharp. , but getting it close to that is safe ( most of the time ). Always wear gloves because your trailing hand will come close to the blade if not careful. I learned the hard way when I was 20 and feisty and sometimes I took short cuts ( no gloves ). Nothing serious like stitches...but all cuts are a hassle. Choosing wood with the straightest grain is real important and wood varies in density making some kinds easier to split. My favorite is Walnut, then Ash, then Oak.

If you have an electric mounted grinder, like we have here, I use the rougher stone first, and finish it with the smoother stone.

Also you do not need a $50 dollar hatchet like the one in the video. I have used the same wood handle hatchet for 20 years, cost about $15. Now, you have to pay about $20.

There is a good website that talks all about the different kinds of tinder to start a fire, and methods to light it.

http://www.practicalsurvivor.com/tinder

I got curious about the price differences so I looked for hatchets at Tractor Supply Co. They range fro $10 to $64



$11.99

Gloves are a good idea that I haven't used with hatchet or axe or maul sharpening yet. I will wear them next time around for sure.

And ah yes the grain would make a big difference, curvy knotty stuff is a lot more difficult to split from the top or the way he showed.

I've heard that wood handles are good because they give you feedback that you don't get from a composite or plastic handle. Just what I've heard, I haven't split wood with a wood handled axe yet so I can't attest to it or not. I'm sure the feedback matters more when you're doing big swings with an axe or maul versus little taps with a hatchet. Either way sounds like the wood ones aren't super expensive so that's good.

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[Nearingsfault]

Same story here my 20 dollar hatchet is on its second handle and still going strong. I'm not mystical about sharpening but a fairly sharp axe is safer then a dull one doubly so for hatchets.
And in keeping...

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/N8YyDyap7wI" target="_blank" class="new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/N8YyDyap7wI</a>

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[Cam]

Wow now that is some 'country' country, not the pop stuff I'm used to. Thank you for sharing that!

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[Nearingsfault]

Wow now that is some 'country' country, not the pop stuff I'm used to. Thank you for sharing that!

yup sort of cowboy punk...

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[Nearingsfault]

Wow now that is some 'country' country, not the pop stuff I'm used to. Thank you for sharing that!

this corb lund tune should be an anthem for the doomer crowd
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/5uASQgLwaIs" target="_blank" class="new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/5uASQgLwaIs</a>

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[Cam]

Man now that is good stuff. I think I might learn that on the guitar 

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