Brief history of the campground axe or hatchet
The campground axe or hatchet that we use today, came along way through humankind’s history. It appears that stone age man had an implement that they used that consisted of a sharp rock that was lashed by vines to a branch. Not sure how effective this implement was in cutting wood into firewood, possibly worked for small branches, but it likely worked for hunting. In the iron age with the invention of the forge or furnace, steel could be manipulated into a sharp metal shape with a hole for the haft or handle to be attached so the axe would be more balanced. In the iron age the axe was used by woodsmen, carpenters, and as an implement of war.
Types of Axes
When you go to your local hardware store to purchase an axe, it is important to know that there are many different
types of axes that are made for specific purposes. Let’s examine a short list of these axes.
Felling axe- This axe is made for cutting down medium to large trees, it has a long handle and often has two edges or cutting surfaces. It’s stainless steel cutting head helps to prevent corrosion.
Splitting axe- This axe is often called a maul, it is heavy and looks like a sledgehammer, it is used to split medium to large trees into useable firewood.
Hewing axe- This axe is used with a carving axe by woodworkers who carve statues like a bear. They are made so the woodworker has control and a good grip for safety.
Throwing axe- this axe is often referred to as a tomahawk, known for use by the American Indians. This axe has a light balanced handle or haft. There are many sports leagues throughout the world that have axe throwing competitions.
The campground axes
The campground axe or hatchet was left out of the above list because it is the subject of this discussion. This axe or hatchet is used to cut branches up to 4” in diameter, you can cut slightly larger material, but it will take a lot of effort. A bowsaw or a long-handled axe would work better on larger material in a campground. A hatchet has a small contoured handle or haft for ease of use. Keep the axe in its sheath when not in use. Never strike a live tree in a campground with an axe. As with any tool, safety is a must.
The safe way to use an axe
When you walk with a hatchet, keep the blade next to your leg but pointed away from your body. If you pass the tool to another person, make sure they have possession of the tool before you release your grip. It is best to have the person you passing the hatchet to, say’ thank you’, before you release your grip. Keep the axe in its sheath when not in use. Never strike a live tree in a campground with an axe.
The safe way to use an axe. 1) Make sure there is no one within five feet of where you are cutting with the axe, 2) Grip the haft or handle firmly, 3) Make accurate controlled swings with the axe, 4) Stand over the wood while chopping 5) Use a 45% cutting swing from left to right until the wood is cut.
The campground axe or hatchet is an invaluable tool when you are camping. As was pointed out, the axe has a long history behind it, there are many different types of axes, and there are valid reasons for owning each type of axe. Make sure that you have the correct axe with you in camp, the campground axe.
All of the articles on my blog come from being a camper from the time I was eight years old. I bought my first RV when I was 30, a tent trailer. I traded the tent trailer for a 26′ bumper pull trailer, then a 5th wheel, and I now have a 38′ Newmar Mountainare Class A motorhome. Once I retired from the Motion Picture Industry after a 39 year career, my wife and I sold the house, and moved into the motorhome. We have been traveling, managed an RV Park in Washington, worked at a lake in Southern California (I was the Maintenance Manager), and are planning our seventh season as the campground hosts at a campground in the Los Padres National Forest, in Southern California. We love the Full Time RV Lifestyle. See my course on https://howtofulltimerv.com
