The ax of our past may be essential to our future!
Whether you plan to build a traditional log cabin in the woods or just process firewood around camp, you will learn why the ax is the most important woodsman tool.
In Axmanship and Woodcraft, we will use hands-on techniques to safely practice the following core ax skills: Tree felling, limbing, bucking, and splitting wood. We’ll also cover the history, selection, field sharpening and maintenance of axes.
The under-appreciated ax serves not only as a woodsman’s lifeline, but a simple tool connecting your hands and heart to doing the stuff of self-reliance.
Required Items:
- Either a single bit ¾’s ax (boys ax) 24 to 28 inches long or a full-size ax 30 to 36 inches. A few of both ax types will be available for purchase at the class.
- A mask/sheath to cover the bit is required. A sturdy sheath made of leather or kydex – no cardboard and/or duct tape sheaths (yes, I’ve seen these before).
- Note: If you need an ax sheath, please let us know 4 days before the class and we will provide an expedient sheath for $10.00 at the class.
- A sharpening puck/stone and a mill bastard file
- Leather gloves
- Comfortable, sturdy shoes/boots. Steel toed is not required. However, open-toed shoes are not allowed.
- Lunch and water for hydration.
- Comfortable, layered clothing and rain gear appropriate for weather conditions. You’ll likely need to shed a few layers during hands-on axwork.
Recommended Items:
- Leather strop with green polishing compound
- Sturdy fixed-blade knife
- Rubber grip gloves (useful for wet, sweaty hands which are highly likely)
- Bug/tick repellant.
- Shemagh/bandana (sweat towel)
Physical Challenge:
Axmanship and Woodcraft will require functional fitness (not cross-fit level) to perform the hands-on activities. The more functional strength and endurance you have, the more you will learn and get out of the class.
Upcoming Axmanship and Woodcraft Classes:
January 14, 2023 – Musella, GA – Sign Up Here Deadline to sign up and pay is January 11th, 2023. Directions for the class will be sent after you’ve signed up for the class.
Meet the Instructor: Retired special education schoolteacher and life-long woodsman, Todd Walker, is the creator and author of over 600 articles on the popular blog site, Survival Sherpa. Todd Is also in the process of building his second traditional log cabin, by hand! |  |