Tag: Gransfors Bruk

Paul Kirtley sharpening an axe
Axe Sharpening – What, Why and How To Do It

Axe Sharpening – What, Why and How To Do It

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How to sharpen an axe? Having a good answer to this question is something that should concern anyone who carries or uses an axe. In principle sharpening an axe is not particularly difficult, although there is an additional consideration over the technique that works for sharpening many knives. In the video here I look at using bench stones, modified bench stones, specialist axe stones, small pocket stones, as well as stropping. I finish with a few words on protecting your axe after you have finished sharpening it….

Paul Kirtley holding up axe and saw
Optimising A General Purpose Axe And Saw Combo For Wilderness Travel

Optimising A General Purpose Axe And Saw Combo For Wilderness Travel

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It’s always great when a combination of equipment equals more than the sum of its parts. In this post I run through an axe and saw combo I really like for wilderness trips from spring to autumn. It’s not just the solid tools that make this a great combo, though, it’s also the additional small details that add up to make a big difference. I start by explaining how to make sure you have everything you need to make the most of your saw. Then I run through a number of modifications and improvements I have made to a fairly standard axe to bring it up to its full potential…

Paul Kirtley demonstrating axe skills to a gathering at the Bushcaft Show
Bushcraft Show Axe Skills Demo

Bushcraft Show Axe Skills Demo

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At the 2018 Bushcraft Show, like many Bushcraft Shows in previous years, I made a presentation of axes and axe skills. The aim was to introduce axe techniques suitable for various different sizes and styles of axes, to look at the benefits and limitations of different axes, to share some tips on how to optimise their use as well as underpin everything with solid safety considerations. The demo was filmed and you can watch the video here…

Swedish long log fire known as Nuorssjo closeup of steady flame
Nuorssjo: The Best Log Fire?

Nuorssjo: The Best Log Fire?

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While in Sweden, I locate the right materials in the correct environment to build nuorssjo, a two-log fire, referred to by some as “den bästa stockelden”, literally the best log fire. Watch the process in the video embedded in this post…

Applying Axe Skills In Winter

Applying Axe Skills In Winter

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In previous articles, I have covered some core axe skills, along with safety considerations, which will serve you well year-round. When we look at winter specifically, however, there are some added considerations…

Two axes. The same model. One has been very well looked after, the other has not and is in bad shape.
How To Care For Your Axe: 3 Easy Steps

How To Care For Your Axe: 3 Easy Steps

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Many people spend more on a good quality bushcraft or survival knife than they do on an axe. In an environment where an axe is important, it is often as valuable if not more valuable than a knife. A good axe of a traditional design has several components made of materials which require some maintenance. If you look after your axe, it will give you many years of service…