When most people use an axe two-handed, they hold their non-dominant hand towards the end of the handle to guide the axe. It feels natural enough in some orientations and directions. However, in other directions, the movement becomes awkward, and you may struggle to achieve the desired cutting angles. There’s a much smoother way, however, and it starts by switching which hand does the guiding.

In the video below, I demonstrate how learning to use an axe ambidextrously makes bucking logs more efficient, your cuts more accurate, and ultimately safer.

What Is Ambidextrous Axe Use?

Ambidextrous axe use means being able to switch hands so you can chop effectively from either side. Instead of sticking to one grip and forcing awkward angles, you swap hand positions.

At first, it may feel strange, but once you understand how the guiding hand works, the transition becomes straightforward. Importantly, this is not about becoming perfectly ambidextrous in every axe task. It’s about adopting a mirrored technique for bucking logs that keeps your movements symmetrical and your body in balance.

Why Switching Hands Matters When Bucking Logs

Bucking, also known as sectioning, is the process of cutting a log into shorter sections. To do this with an axe, you need to create a wide, balanced V-notch that allows for effective cutting.
That means chopping from both directions.

Most people keep the same two-handed grip for both sides of the cut. On one side, this feels natural. However, on the other side, it’s awkward, with the axe being drawn across your body and your back being twisted to achieve the required angle. This ungainly movement can strain your back and your wrist.

Learning ambidextrous axe use solves this by allowing you to switch hands on the handle when changing the direction of the cut. In one direction, your non-dominant hand guides as usual. In the mirrored direction, your dominant hand becomes the guide hand. This switch of hands keeps the axe aligned with the angle of attack on both sides of the notch, allowing you to stay standing square to the log. This symmetry makes the work more balanced, efficient, and comfortable.

The importance of this technique becomes greater with longer or heavier three-quarter and full-size axes, where awkward angles can quickly become uncomfortable.

How to Develop Ambidextrous Axe Use

• Start slowly. Focus on grip and hand position rather than power.
• Switch after each strike. At the end of the cut, bring your hands into the opposite position and then lift again.
• Mirror your swings. Work from one side of the log, then the other, keeping your stance square and your back straight.
• Build up power. As the motion becomes natural, increase the energy of the attack until it feels as smooth as your normal swing.

With practice, you’ll find you can buck logs more quickly and with less fatigue, an essential advantage if you’re processing a lot of wood.

Ambidextrous Axe Bucking – Final Thoughts

Ambidextrous axe use is not a gimmick; it’s a genuine skill. It’s a practical means of bucking logs more easily and safely. Switching hands and swinging the axe in the opposite way to normal takes some practice. But once you’ve learned to do this fluidly, you’ll wonder why you didn’t adopt this approach sooner.

Learn More

I explain this method in my book Wilderness Axe Skills and Campcraft (see page 117). Order a signed copy here.

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