As a Canadian who spent many years using an axe in mining exploration and forestry and would say that people who call a cruisers axe a boys axe are telling you more about themselves than they are about axes. When I worked for Abitibi Paper Company in the Woods department in Iroquois Falls we would take 2 1/2 pound axe heads to the blacksmith who would cut them down to 1 1/2 heads , we then hung those heads on 28" handles and used them to blaze trees and make survey stakes. These axes with Silva Ranger compass were standard tools of all professional foresters and were used on a daily basis. This means +30 summer and -45 winter weather weather some boys axe!

@KevinOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Well said Clifford.

@cburgz3697

3 жыл бұрын

I have since replaced my axe and hatchet with a bark river bravo 1.5. For me the ideal load out is my gunny or scandi 3.75" blade, the bravo, and a silky saw. I can do everything with this combo.

@jamesmiddleton6464

3 жыл бұрын

In the states in some areas the younger guys got stuck with those long distance walking jobs in forestry and this practical tool got the name boys axe. Mostly forgotten now and used by the ignorant in a derogatory manor.

@jelkel25

3 жыл бұрын

Many of these dudes on YT (not Paul) do car camping and show and tell around a fire. If one says it's a boys axe none of the rest of them will know any better. I'm presuming they're referring to Scandinavian countries, and beginner knives and axes, what we would call Scout knives and pack axes back in the day. It's just a bad translation of another language/culture.

@TheSaneHatter

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you need to make us a video, and how us!

"I'm not sponsored. I don't want to be anyones bitch " Put that on a shirt and I'll buy it!

"I don't want to be anybody's...." just made me laugh!

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it did :-)

@kojihashimoto7127

3 жыл бұрын

lol i jumped to the comments as soon as he said that

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

@@kojihashimoto7127 :-)

@gunterbecker8528

2 жыл бұрын

Paul ,don't you love the pickers. Like your approach and attitude!

Very clever idea using the velcro in that way! Never seen that before. Glad you're back

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Jack! Thanks. Glad you liked the Velcro tip :-) Hope all is good with you.

@newlife155

3 жыл бұрын

Probably could carry more than 1 blade in the velcro sheath.

I absolutely love the way you present things - Thank you for what you do!

@howardchambers9679

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jeff

The velcro salutation is brilliant.

Love that you’re posting again Paul. Thank you.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Darryl. You are welcome.

Love your work Paul, great little video, very helpful.

Thnxs 4 uploading & sharing !! Awesome

Very informative. I'm looking forward to reading your axe book.

This is my exact set up! Hell yes 🙌

Thanks, Paul! As usual, excellent information!

Great video, very informative.

I LOVE your videos!

Good pieces of kit. I love Frost River stuff

Great video thank you Paul

Brilliant Paul loved the saw blade idea I can see that being picked up...👍😎

Revisiting this video Always a pleasure

Another great video Paul. I really appreciate your unbiased opinions/reviews on the gear. I’ve learned a lot from watching these and listening to your podcasts. Hoping to sign up to one of your courses in the new year. Great channel 👍

Love your passion and willingness to share the knowledge, plus your demeanor. You are like the 007 of Bushcraft. Keep on sharing the knowledge.

Just pre-purchased. Love the videos. Cheers from Ontario , Paul!

I just bought your book. So excited to get cracking to learn and practice skills. 💕🇨🇦

Awesome stuff as always Paul! Thanks so much!

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome!

Maybe the spring clip can also be secured with a little pice of tape. And you could also paint the spring clip with orange spray paint to be able to find it more likely.

Nice video 👍 fantastic information about care and maintenance of Bush tools 🙂

Just discovered you today. Really appreciate your delivery and passion for the craft. You are my style of instructor, and I look forward to learning from your content. Thanks for sharing the knowledge in a personable way. Hope to have a pint with you someday. From NC, USA

Fine tutorial! Two tools: just enough for most common needs.

that velcro sheath for the saw blade is just brilliant. thanks for the video!

Thank you Paul, very instructive video!

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Useful info in many words 😉

Good to see you back on the tube Paul. Another great video 👍

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Really enjoyed the video! Thanks for all the fine tips and tricks and in general the conversation on using tools in the wilderness.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Great video, I particularly liked the Velcro tip. I bought a similar bow saw to yours for £1 from a car boot sale. I love this type of video from experts such as yourself as you can always learn something new, thank you.

great to see you again on youtube, good ideas, gr from Holland Cees

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Hello there Cees. Nice to hear from you.

Thank you Paul

Thanks again Paul for your time and the pdf info! Best to you... Cam

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Great video Paul. It should be little surprise that the Boreal 21 has long since been my favorite saw, especially for canoe camping and winter camping. Thanks for the little tips. I especially love the Velcro blade holder. I have long since struggled to find a way to carry a loose blade without fear of damaging gear.

Great tips there Paul.!! Especially the Velcro👍 Thank you and thank you for all your videos. All very informative and great to sit down and eat my tea to👍🙂

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Glad you liked the tips and especially the Velco :-)

Thanks for continuing to share your great depth of professional experience for free! Here's to a better year in 2021

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed. Let's hope for a more normal year outdoors next year. Glad you liked the video.

Excellent information 👍

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Glad you thought so.

Hi Paul thanks for that , great tip on filing the sharp corners on the axe head . All the best .

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

No problem Barry 👍 All the best, Paul

Great tips Paul. I like the Hook&Loop sleeve idea. That will fit great in my saw sleeve.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like this idea.

Great vid as usual , love the Velcro idea ... simple but a perfect solution. Look forward to the book release & learning more. Thanks Paul as always for your informative personal insights. Cheers

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure. You are very welcome. I'm glad there were some useful tips here for you. Cheers.

This is the video I need after a 12-day slog in front of the . Thanks for uploading Paul. Welcome back.

Liked. Subscribed. Downloaded axe maintenance PDF. Signed up for your book. This is JUST what I was looking for to accompany my new Granfors Buk small forest axe. The knowledge to not hurt myself with it. Now.... to find a small forest.

Good one ,thank's Paul 👍

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Very welcome.

Some great advice Paul, thanks for sharing! If only there was a book to collate all this gained experience 😁

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

So true! I'll see what I can do.... ;-)

Perfect timing. I've got an axe I've had for years that I'm happy with, but needed a better camp saw than the little 8" folding one I've got. I wasn't finding anything locally that I liked, but that Boreal21 fits the bill perfectly. Thanks again.

I have the exact same setup for my Sven saw. The Sven isn’t as nice but it has sentimental value. Very informative vid.

Thanks for the field/gear knowledge. Yes I love finding those 'matches made in heaven' with gear & stowage.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ross. Glad you liked the vid.

An interesting and informative video with great presentation and narration from a highly knowledgeable and experienced Outdoor Skills Practitioner. I am pleased to have found your channel and to have subscribed.

Great video. Thanks very much. Looking forward to the book and working on the missus for the woodcrafter course 👍

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Nice one Andy. Hope you had a good birthday :-)

@andyhall3369

3 жыл бұрын

@@PaulKirtley really good, thanks. Just got even better- booked for April! 🤯

Fantastic to see you back , made me very happy , loved it Paul :) Carwyn

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers buddy.

Fantastic info Paul, I must admit I've learnt a shed load from your videos. Being fairly new to bushcraft etc I've found your videos extremely easy to follow and understand, so thank you for that 👍. Looking forward to your book too, I will be getting a copy for sure.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Rich. I'm glad my materials have been useful to you. I appreciate your support too.

Thanks for all the information paul, I've been eying up one of those small forest axes. If I get one I'll follow your guide on refinishing the handle

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

They are definitely a good investment.

@theom7476

3 жыл бұрын

@@PaulKirtley You're axe guide looks really good! Is it a taster for your upcoming book?

Good stuff Paul, I miss your videos. :)

That velcro trick though... Too good!

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Yup, it's a good one. Feel free to share it.

Hey paul, hope you’re doing well :) I saw you on TA Outdoors and thought to myself, wow what a great chemistry they have I don’t know if that’s part of your plans or not But both your contents and TA outdoors’s contents are full of knowledge That’s why both of you guys can generate alot of wisdom ;) Looking forward to more collaborative content I hope my English was understandable 🙏🏾

Great video! This is just what I was looking for to improve my small forest axe an get a saw

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

@SomethingCorporation

3 жыл бұрын

@@PaulKirtley is the Frost River Slip your using the Short bag or long bag?

@SomethingCorporation

3 жыл бұрын

Short - saw up to 25", Long - saw up to 30"

Really excellent video. If woodsmen follow your advice, they will be well prepared for a wilderness adventure. I also appreciate the numerous links that you provide . Thanks so much.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your support Roland. I'm glad you appreciate the links too. ATB, Paul

I bought a Boreal 21 for review on my channel in 2017. I bought the kit that came with two blades and Agawa's nylon sheath. Not as nice as canvas, but it really fixes some of the wetness issues. Mine actually came with a couple of extra clips. I'm surprised yours didn't. Also, yellow and black looks fab. Definitely my favourite option. I'd like to get their new Boreal 24 as well.

Cheers from Argentina! Thanks!

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Thank you Paul. Best regards T👍

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Always a pleasure.

Great video Paul. I love your axe refinish guide too. Could I use coarse and then fine sand paper to redo the handle of an axe instead of a scraper blade as you mentioned in your article?

I’ve got a Gerber mini agwa type saw. I’ve also just got a coglans folding saw off Amazon 40 sheets. Triangle shaped saw but takes a regular brush saw blade. Great video as per, me and paul on the same page. If it looks like it could break or be lost have a back up. ( Laplander) etc

Happy Christmas Paul from Connecticut in the US. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your content. Nick DeLia

Very good video. Finally someone mentioning the swelling of the wood in wet conditions. Where I love my Opinels it sure is not the best in very wet conditions. I fully agree with traveling lightweight. I'm more a knife + machete kinda guy. I do like my axes and saws but hardly ever bring them unless I'm staying at some base camp. In the field I only bring pure coconut oil and use that for cooking and maintenance of carbon steel and leather. Wondering if a kydex mask for the ax would be a better option or dull the edge. You also mentioned the rubbing of 'sharp' items inside your pack en safe storage when traveling by plane.

Hello Paul. Just checking in. The Global Bastard still rages on but spring is coming! Here's to better days ahead! Cheers

thank you for this. really useful tips based on actual experiences, so yeah "these are the tools I'd recommend" but coupled with essential stuff that save (us) from learning the hard way. top, ta.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it Barry. Thanks.

Great video really in interesting learned a lot thanks 👍👏

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

brilliant

Following an industrial accident several years ago, I no longer use my axes as often as I like. I found that when storing one for more than a month, it can really help to use a light wax on the head. I have good success with both car waxes and Renaissance wax. I started using it for a boy scout troop when my son was a scout and it worked well for their axes and saw blades as well. Theirs get stored willy nilly fir months sometimes and can get very rusty with only light oil because of damp basements, garages etc.

Always great to watch your videos. I always learn something. This time, well I've got the boreal 21 also...so spare parts. Never noticed that pin and "lock". I'll be getting some spare parts... Just in case

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

They're good to have, just in case. Thanks for your comments Justin.

You could make your own silicone sealant and fully waterproof the saw bag. White spirit (acetone) and transparent silicone. Mix a very light mix and put some layers on like paint on the inside and outside. A light mix get in to the fabric and will not easy be rubbed off. A bit ticker mix for the seams.

That size of axe have served me well on many February trips here in the north of Sweden. I do take a wedge with me since there is very little in the form of hardwood natively, if I need more wedges they are easy to make (with a small axe) and it compliments the saw nicely. The only time I take a bigger axe with me is if we are more than 4 people and we share the load and have a bigger hottent with us. I do also always take a square awl and my Mora chisel knife with me to since I like to make things instead of carrying everything I might need on the trip.

If you have small gauge wire you can wrap it in the slot where the c clip goes to hold the pin in place if it gets lost.

Thank you very much for a great video, I always enjoy your work, I got to meet you and talk a number of times at the Global Bushcraft Symposium 2019 in Alberta Canada, are you still going ahead with the Bushcraft Symposium 2021 in the UK?

Well done Paul. Good reminders. Now if you could only bring one, which one? I'm a saw man myself.

Thanks for the video! Campcraft Outdoors makes an Axe and Saw sling out of waxed canvas that holds both.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Yep a few people make them. Some nice ones out there.

Came for the axes, walked away with a great saw blade cover tip!

Great idea on the velcro Paul. The Bob Dulstrude saw available from Frost River or Duluth is a similar design to the one you have but does not have a pin and circlip. The saw blade has a fixed pin (nut and bolt) through it and then just sits in a slot in the frame. Much simpler if you are worried about losing parts.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bob!

Hello Paul, happy to see a new video, I always carry my axe and bucksaw inside a canoe blue barrel, it fit perfectly inside a 60 L and even a 30 L and always stay dry and protected. I can either carry my Grandfors Bruks Small Forest or my Wetterlings Hudson Bay.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Andre. It's good to find a system that works for you. All the best, Paul

I bought the 24 inch folding saw like your 21 inch . I got a carring sleeve for it , I can purchase my 23 inch axe in also, has extra pocket to carry a hone for the axe .

I'm not a fan of E clips either. I generally replace them with a pin that has a hole and a cotter key. The cotter key can be replaced with wire or even a splinter of wood in a pinch. A temporary pin can be whittled out of hardwood as well.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Good ideas Corwin.

Really nice combo, I also have the boreal 21. I plan to make a case for my axe and saw combo which is more for a fixed camp where I have to collect wood from further afield so I will add a shoulder strap and the ability to carry both items together with an Israeli bandage. The shoulder strap will free up my hands to carry the wood back with ease.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a worthwhile project.

Great video as always Your voice is experience Predating Ray by many years, in Scouts we used to make windlass saws from a saw blade and whittled wood, two nails and leather boot laces My set I use is smaller and lighter as I am carrying them into a camp The Wildlife Hatchet and the Sven 15” saw Both give me plenty of cutting power and are relatively light to carry

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Neeman, it's good to hear from you. Yes, those improvised saws can be very effective and it's good to know as many ways of taking a saw blade and turning it into a funcitonal saw as possible. Good to hear the Scouts taught you these things. Good to know you have a lightweight combo that suits your needs too. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Paul

Really glad I have got the same kit. Wonder where I got that set of ideas from? 😁 Really good to work with you.PS love the close ups.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Haha cheers Ray. It's almost like we share ideas on stuff. Can we really have reached both tarp harmony and tool harmony?!! Glad you liked the vid.

If you do a lot of canoeing, you might consider to DIY a roll-top slide from some waterproof material (or siliconizing any fabric) for your saw. You could make it with two compartments inside, one for the saw and one for the spare blade/s and accessories. Consider replacing the spring clip by a bolt and a wing nut - drill a hole in one wing and attach it to the bolthead with some micro-cord or bankline and you'll never loose it. A bit of thick grease on the thread helps against unthreading too. I fully agree with you on axes. It's an impact tool, so speed matters more than weight. A lightweight head combined with a long handle can do awesome things to wood, especially if you know how to swing it right (make every hit count!).

I'm using a standard magnetic saw-mask which I keep tight in its place with some innertube bands for now,but I see myself using your system with the velcro soon Paul. Great stuff 👍

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked the Velcro idea :-)

Dude, you're alright. Subscribed.

Superglue a spare E-clip to the saw somewhere it won't get knocked off. Only takes a second to pry it off with a knife. Ballistol also is also great at protecting your axes leather mask. I soak a small cotton cloth in ballistol and seal in a watertight bag and use that to maintain items when out and about. I really enjoyed this 'kit' video... Nice to see how it's done by the tried and tested expert on these matters!

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed this foray into kit :-) I agree that Ballistol is very good stuff.

This is one of the equipment that is very suitable for adventurers in the jungle

Nice🙂 campcraft makes a an axe sling/saw pouch that’s keeps them both together. Also it’s a sling so you can throw them over your shoulder to go get wood. Really great video

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, those slip cases can be useful.

Have the same saw, in the same slip, carrying the same spares......great minds Paul. :)

Will you reissue the PK knife? They are masterpieces. Agawa now have a 24inch model. It lets you cut bigger diameter logs. Same high quality.

SvenSaw... since the 1960's. My dad had the same one my entire life. My brother snagged it. I had to buy a new one. It will last my entire lifetime and I will be able to hand it down. Best ultralite and even general use saw ever.

the b-word, took me aback :D, but only because you so soft-spoken and well-mannered :D, I do understand the sentiment though

I have Boreal21 and I made myself a sheath from a pair of jeans. Got the jeans from a second hand shop for 1 euro. Chose them to be black, thick and sturdy. Cut one of the legs and sew them on a sewing machine. I had an idea to add a click button, but ended up with elastic cord which also works nicely.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Very nice to make your own gear.

Great to see another video Paul. Keep up the great work.

@PaulKirtley

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Hi Paul - very comprehensive video. Would you always favour a bow saw over a fixed blade or folding saw like a silky for example? I switched from bow saws to silkys years ago & I wouldn't go back as in my mind they are so much faster, stronger & there less parts to break. Considering you can now buy up to 1m (500 is more reasonable) long folding saws why choose a bow saw other than they look the part?