An Axe To Grind

Every true woodsman has at least one good Axe. Although the one in this picture isn't one of 'em, it did work nicely for my purpose: to have an old axe in a stump for atmosphere at the cabin.
A good axe is of course made from good steal that will hold an edge and has a stout hickory handle professionally fixed to the axe head. Few things are more frustrating to a woodsman than an axe handle that won't hold the head on.

The truth is, I don't use an axe very often. I much prefer a splitting maul for splitting rounds into firewood and of course a chainsaw is always my first choice for cutting down a tree or sawing a log into sections. I do make use of a hatchet quite often for small jobs and have found it's always a good idea to keep a sharp one around: I always have one in the back of my Ranger, ready when I need it.

There was a time, however, in our nations history where a good axe would have been an indispensable part of every rural persons assortment of tools. Today, an axe is a handy tool to have around, if only to help you more fully appreciate your chainsaw. I like looking at my axe just before I pick up my Stihl 361 and go to work--gives me an appreciation for my saw. Swinging an axe now and then for old time's sake also makes me appreciate the guys and gals who cleared land to grow food, back when my great-great grandparents were toddling around the hills and woodlands of Central Missouri.

By the way, the axe in this picture has a red plastic handle and was Made in China. Don't get me wrong; I don't have anything against an axe Made in China, just like I don't have anything against a steak made in Waffle Hut: it's just a matter of taste.