Axes - Page 2

miller0331 · 10-06-2005, 10:29

You know... On active duty I never really used a hatchet/axe/tomahawk but I did have a Cold Steel shovel. Now that was a handy tool! Sharpen the edge and you had a great hatchet not to mention having a wood handle made digging a lot easier than the issue E tool. No ammo crate stood a chance and man! It really could pry a fire door off of its hinges. Also, I never really noticed the additional weight after a while.

I still have it and carry it all the time when hunting. It's dug me out of more than one mud hole, chopped down its share of trees, dug snow caves, punched holes in ice and split lots of firewood. It's a little battered but I think it'll last me the rest of my life.

I think back to "All Quiet on the Western Front" when the old Sergeant is advising the fresh meat about trench fighting and tells them about "sharpening the edge of their shovels... Now that! (taking a swing) Will split a man in two...".

Anyway, my two cents worth...

VelociMorte · 10-06-2005, 12:25

I carry a Gerber hatchet in my ruck. I'd carry on my LBE but the holder that came with it sucks. Haven't used it for much except cutting brush.

El Cid · 10-06-2005, 13:38

I am a big fan of the Vietnam style hawks and recently purchased the ATC CQC-T designed by Emerson. I did not have any during my last deployment and am stuck in a staff job at the moment so I cannot comment on field use. I do plan to take the CQC-T or the VTAC with me in the future.

Surgicalcric · 10-06-2005, 15:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Harsey

Anyone use axes for tactical or emergency services function?

By axe, I certainly include hatchet or tomahawk.

Mr Harsey:

Here is a pic of the truckman's axe I use at my other job. The one I have been away from too long. lol. The pic is not the one I use (mine is beat all to hell...). Its only about 24" long.

Crip

TIN FOIL K-POT · 10-06-2005, 22:32

I have a Cold Steel Viking axe.. I chose it for the wide blade to diliver a good blow when i wack something w/ it. It comes in handy for clearing the ground. chopping small trees to build a shelter, splitting fire wood, butchering game, prying nails and i feel pretty safe knowing i have by my side at night when im alone out in the bush miles from no wheres. I can use the otherside of the head as a hammer if need be w/o being worried it will crack or break. It has a 19 inch hickory handle that gives plenty of length for a decent swing.

Only thing i dont like is that i thought Cold Steel was made in the USA..it says made in Tywon on it so i question is duability in the long run.

Mark

**Bill Harsey** · 10-07-2005, 08:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surgicalcric

Mr Harsey:

Here is a pic of the truckman's axe I use at my other job. The one I have been away from too long. lol. The pic is not the one I use (mine is beat all to hell...). Its only about 24" long.

Crip

I haven't seen that pattern of axe before. What does it do?

Surgicalcric · 10-07-2005, 11:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Harsey

I haven't seen that pattern of axe before. What does it do?

Well Sir, its designed to be short enough but heavy enough for most forceful entry applications. The claw on the back I use mostly as a claw to pull with and also the inside is sharpened so it can be used to cut vehicle roofs, doors, etc like a can opener. It doesnt work as well, but it being short and lighter than a pick axe makes it nice for the ones of us doing Rescue work.

Hope that made the muddy water somewhat clearer...

Below is another tool we use that bares some similarity to a hatchet/axe; a Beil Tool. It is also used for forcible entry, metal cutting (note claw on end) prying, etc. This is a personal carry tool, usually on a tool belt, thats about 15" long when closed, but extends to 19" open and weighs in around 3 lbs.

Crip

**The Reaper** · 10-07-2005, 15:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Cid

I am a big fan of the Vietnam style hawks and recently purchased the ATC CQC-T designed by Emerson. I did not have any during my last deployment and am stuck in a staff job at the moment so I cannot comment on field use. I do plan to take the CQC-T or the VTAC with me in the future.

Very nice design by Ernie, but doesn't see to be a very effective or flexible tool.

Single purpose weapon.

Anyone care to comment on whether they would prefer another weapon to carry, or a tool that could be used as a weapon, if need be?

TR

HOLLiS · 10-07-2005, 15:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Anyone care to comment on whether they would prefer another weapon to carry, or a tool that could be used as a weapon, if need be?

TR

I prefer less. I think a knife is one of the best all around tools that also can be a good weapon. Thinking in terms of a team, maybe one member carrying a axe would be fine. I like pistols but would prefer more ammo for my rifle. I had to walk mostly for a living (0311) so that is where my bias comes from. If I had a nice vehicle to ride in, then what the heck, a little more of other things would be fine.

The only other item I felt I need to carry was a spoon.

HOLLiS · 10-07-2005, 15:43

Bill do you have a website, that you can PM me, or post in open?

TY

**The Reaper** · 10-07-2005, 15:50

True, but look at it as another tool for the kit bag, to be carried or not, based on the mission.

A knife will only get you so far.

An axe may be used for many tasks, some a knife may be able to do, but not as well. An axe optimized for fighting may be a poor working axe, and vice versa. Some designs are more flexible than others.

Off the top of my head, an axe could be used for:

Chopping
Hammering
Splitting
Firewood prep
Construction
Clearing
Digging
Game prep
Breaching
Opening crates, boxes, etc.
Prying
Combat
Throwing

I am sure that others will have additional uses.

TR

jatx · 10-07-2005, 16:06

Trick question, TR?

The answer is obviously a Harsey Reaper!

(Although it may be slight overkill for dressing game.)

jasonglh · 10-07-2005, 18:26

Actually I use a small hatchet for dressing my deer. Mainly for lopping off the lower legs and hacking the pelvis in half. A chainsaw can really speed things up though.

**The Reaper** · 10-07-2005, 19:59

Here are a few small axe designs, from back when axes were the primary tool of the home, and there were many different types for distinct purposes (and any blacksmith could make one of his own design). These are general purpose outdoor survival and fighting tools.

Today, there a far fewer types made, most are probably optimized for ease of production.

I guess that the bottom line is to decide what you want to do with the tool before you get too attached to a particular look.

What would you guys (especially QPs) want to be able to do with an axe, if one was part of your kit?

TR

**Bill Harsey** · 10-07-2005, 20:25

Reaper,
That axe ('hawk really, based on how the handle keeps the head on) in the middle really appeals to me for an all around tool. It's exactly all that's needed to work, no more and no less.
The "old ones" had this stuff figured out.