Choosing tools for winter programs with the Jack Mountain Bushcraft School in Maine and points north. In the video we look at criteria for choosing a useful axe, knife and saw for the winter trail based on year of experience guiding snowshoe trips. Specific gear looked at includes:
- Axes from Pole & Paddle Canoe
- Axe Sheaths from Pole & Paddle Canoe
- Folding Bucksaws from Pole & Paddle Canoe
- Bucksaw Blades from Pole & Paddle Canoe
- Bob’s Quick Bucksaw from Four Dog Stove, 3 sizes, blades, saw bags, etc.
- Mora Classic #2 from Ben’s Backwoods. Lots of other blade styles available, this is the oldest and simplest.
Also check out this video (Pioneer Axe) shot at the Emerson & Stevens foundry around 1960. It shows the process of how these tools used to be made.
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I just ordered an Allagash Cruiser from Brant & Cochran in Portland. I like that they are bringing back ax making in Maine. Have you heard of them?
BTW, I’m planning to attend the Global Bushcraft Symposium in June. I understand you’ll be there. Looking forward to finally meeting you.
Hi Todd,
I haven’t heard of Brant & Cochran, but will look them up. I can tell you that Snow & Neally, one of the big names in the history of Maine axes, has been purchased by the Amish in Smyrna, Maine, just down the road from us in Aroostook County. Rumor has it they have plans to start forging some of the heads locally.
I had planned on attending the Global Bushcraft Symposium, but won’t be able to make it work with our schedule so have officially bowed out. I look forward to meeting you somewhere down the trail. Hopefully before too long.