New camp axe

[Spots]

So what does an enterprising mountain man do when they need a camp axe on a budget? Well, for me I fire up the forge and make one. Wrapped and welded 5160, 3/8" thick. Made from an old leaf spring, the handle is an old busted mattock handle I had laying around, and the wedge I just forged out from scrap. Handle is about 28". Should make a nice addition to the hiking pack

 

[URL=http://s535.photobucket.com/user/tnplowboy07/media/axe_zpsc506f219.jpg.html][/URL]

[Ugly]

Very nice work!

[smokin45]

That's a beauty Spots.

[hipower]

Must be one heck of a pack!

[Spots]

Must be one heck of a pack!

I hike with a fullsize ILBE which is also my bug out bag. That way I'm used to carrying it in the woods. Though I have a lot of time under an ILBE in the Marines. I can strap this to the side, and have almost as much chopping ability as a fullsize in a much smaller package

[rugerla1]

Love it, great work Spots, as usual!!

[Troutburger]

Nice!

[JAB]

I love it!  Great work.

[Guest Broomhead]

Awesome. You have way too much time on your hands. I wish I had half as much time.

[cj0e]

I think we need to see some chopping/splitting tests. This vs. a commercial camp axe. Lets see it!

[leroy]

I like it... What does the head weigh..?

 

leroy

[Spots]

Awesome. You have way too much time on your hands. I wish I had half as much time.

Hahahahahaha. Yeah a free Saturday once a month that doesn't get taken up by shooting or riding my bike. You need to come out again soon man. The weather is getting about right

I think we need to see some chopping/splitting tests. This vs. a commercial camp axe. Lets see it!

I need to do that. Find a commercial camp axe of equivalent size. Or I may just do another pass around lol.

I like it... What does the head weigh..?

leroy

Ill get it on a scale shortly and find out. Feels like 2.5 lbs or so.


Thanks for all the compliments guys [emoji106]

[Grand Torino]

That's one helluva axe Spots. Beautiful work. :up:  I sometimes wish I could forge some of the stuff I make.

[Spots]

That's one helluva axe Spots. Beautiful work. :up: I sometimes wish I could forge some of the stuff I make.

Considering the source thats one hell of a compliment. My work is tough and built to be as unbreakable as possible, but looks rustic and unrefined, while yours is beautiful and the fit and finish looks superb

[Guest tangojuliet]

im gonna semi hi jack this thread how do you put an edge on your axes i mean after your done forging it 

Edited September 22, 2014 by tangojuliet

[Spots]

im gonna semi hi jack this thread how do you put an edge on your axes i mean after your done forging it 

 

1 x 30 harbor freight belt grinder from 80 grit to 400 grit. I dont need an axe to shave, and I have done sharpened with a file or big whet stone, but the grinder is the fastest and easiest.

[tnguy]

Must be one heck of a pack!

 

Probably made it out of an old gas tank with seatbelts for straps :D

[JAB]

Probably made it out of an old gas tank with seatbelts for straps :D

 

Nah.  Empty burlap sacks and scrap canvas with a full-support, ergonomic strap system made from an old mule harness rig.  And it is probably one of the most functional, rugged and bad-ass looking packs ever.

 

Dangit, now I want to see the pack I just described.

Edited September 23, 2014 by JAB

[Guest Broomhead]

im gonna semi hi jack this thread how do you put an edge on your axes i mean after your done forging it

I just put a free-handed edge on an older factory made axe for my BIL with my 2x42 Craftsman belt grinder and a worn 220grit belt. With just a casual swing into the top of a stump, I sunk it in 3 inches deep.

[BJB]

Very nice. I hope this winter we get to check out the forge