Draper 1.25lb Hand Axe with Steel Shaft

[Hamradioop]

don't for get you can get long handle Bill hook for hedging work



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-HICKORY ... 1146274061

[grenfell]

Well I've been using the machete this morning . A job to remove branches from trees and useful to reduce the brash to a more manageable size. I did say the machete was a little bent but unfortunately it became a tad more bent. One branch was around a foot in diameter and I was using the mechete stuck in the end as a rudimentary "handle" to give a little leverage to move the branch and move it did , rolling down the slope and turning the machete into a U shape. Still one advantage of the cheap blade is that I could bend it back , not exactly straight but at least into a useable shape.

[sethorly]

My axe machete doesn't look like anything in that picture - it's a proper heavy duty garden tool. I find its long blade is especially useful for getting firewood as it skims the branch/trunk surface rather than my handaxe which gives a bit more of a choppy wedge cut. They're just different tools.

[Deeps]

My axe machete doesn't look like anything in that picture - it's a proper heavy duty garden tool. I find its long blade is especially useful for getting firewood as it skims the branch/trunk surface rather than my handaxe which gives a bit more of a choppy wedge cut. They're just different tools.

Come on mate, show us, I'm all curious now.

[Citizen H]

I've used both steel and wooden shafted axes and to be honest I'm happy with both. You'd seriously have to abuse the steel one to actually damage it although it's fairly commonish for the rubber handle to come loose. It can always be glued back on but it's bound to happen just when you need the axe and don't have the glue but do have some gaffer tape and end up wrapping said tape around it just temporary and six months later the tape is still there but now getting considerably frayed..... or so I've heard
I do also like a wooden handle and the really good thing about them is that you can shape one to suit your own needs. I have one that is curved slightly away from the line of the blade and another which is made from a naturally cranked piece of wood that gives it an almost pistol type of grip. Then I have others with a more convential shape.

Edit
Just noticed that citizen h has also mentioned the rubber grip coming loose already.

Cheers Grenfell as you also mention they can be glued, as another suggestion JD have a look on youtube, loads of reviews on axes, machetes & other useful information on bugout kits, do keep an open mind theres no better way to learn about tools and what works for you than getting out there and doing it,

Be Safe Citizen "H"

[sethorly]

Come on mate, show us, I'm all curious now.

Apologies, I haven't properly worked out how to add a photo to this forum. I keep running up against a draconian file size requirement when I go through the Upload attachment function.

[munchh]

Try using a site like photobucket, loads of adds but it works.

[Deeps]

Come on mate, show us, I'm all curious now.

Apologies, I haven't properly worked out how to add a photo to this forum. I keep running up against a draconian file size requirement when I go through the Upload attachment function.

Fair one mate, I'm the same. I tend to look for stuff online that fits the bill.

[ukpreppergrrl]

Personally I like Fiskars with the fibreglass handles. I have the tiny X5 hatchet which I use for kindling and chopping small stuff. That said, I am a small person with very small hands. You may get on better with the slightly larger X7 as your small hatchet. I continue with the "5" series with the X15 chopping axe and the x25 splitting axe. All used in conjunction with a bow saw when preparing wood for burning. If you're bigger than me (which you almost certainly will be!) you may get on better with "7" series: the X17 chopping axe and X27 splitting axe.

Prices vary on the Fiskars depending where you buy them. They come already very sharp.

[JDandCoke]

I got this Draper 1.25lb Hand Axe with Steel Shaft and to be honest at the moment seems like good quality for money. Don't get me wrong - If I had to chop wood everyday I'd go for better quality, bigger stuff, but buying just in case if I need it once half a year in my garden - in this situation there was no point to pay too much.
The rubber on shaft seems to be holding well.