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10 Bushcraft Axe Skills Every Outdoorsman Needs to Master

When it comes to wilderness survival and bushcraft, few tools are as versatile and essential as a good axe. Whether you’re splitting firewood, carving wooden utensils, or building shelter, mastering a set of fundamental axe skills can mean the difference between a comfortable camp and a frustrating experience in the wild. Here are 10 must-learn bushcraft axe skills that every outdoorsman should have in their toolkit.

1. Efficient Log Splitting with Physics

1. Efficient Log Splitting with Physics
Image Credit: Survival World

Sometimes, the logs you need to split are just too big for a small axe or hatchet. Instead of relying purely on muscle power, you can use a clever trick involving gravity. By embedding the axe head into the top of the log, you can lift the log and let its own weight come crashing down onto the chopping block. This technique turns the log’s heavy weight into an advantage, helping you split large logs with minimal effort. Remember, though, this method requires good control and caution to avoid injury.

2. Using a Dead Tree for Support

2. Using a Dead Tree for Support
Image Credit: Survival World

When you’re out in the woods and don’t have a chopping block, you can use a sturdy dead tree as your splitting surface. Place the log against the trunk, and split it while ensuring the axe head swings toward the tree trunk. If you miss, the axe buries itself into the tree instead of the ground – or worse, your leg. This method is quick and effective but requires attention to safety, especially when dealing with larger logs.

3. Safe Kindling Splitting with a Guide Stick

3. Safe Kindling Splitting with a Guide Stick
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Splitting logs into kindling can be risky, particularly when trying to avoid your hand getting too close to the axe blade. A safer alternative is to use a small guide stick to hold the log in place while you split it. This way, even if the axe slips, your hand remains far from the cutting edge. It’s a simple trick but one that can prevent unnecessary injuries and make kindling prep safer and faster.

4. Precision Feather Sticking

4. Precision Feather Sticking
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Feather sticks are an essential fire-starting material, and you can create them using your axe if you don’t have a knife. By stabilizing the axe on a solid surface, you can run the stick along the blade to create thin, fine curls that are perfect for catching a spark. This technique is particularly effective with a bearded axe, which provides a larger cutting surface, but it can be done with any small forest axe or hatchet.

5. Sharpening Your Axe with a Puck

5. Sharpening Your Axe with a Puck
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A dull axe is not only inefficient but dangerous. One of the most important skills to master is keeping your axe sharp, and one of the best tools for this is a sharpening puck. These round sharpening stones have a coarse side for restoring a dull edge and a smooth side for refining it. Regular sharpening keeps your axe in prime condition, making it more effective and safer to use in the field.

6. Chopping Stakes with Controlled Cuts

6. Chopping Stakes with Controlled Cuts
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When making stakes for your camp, whether for tent setups or boundary markers, controlled chopping is key. Instead of hacking away with powerful swings, use multiple stepped cuts along the wood. This method allows you to remove more material efficiently and create sharper, more precise points. It’s a technique that gives you greater control and helps you craft stakes quickly without damaging your axe or making mistakes.

7. Using Your Axe for Carving

7. Using Your Axe for Carving
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Your axe can function as a carving tool when needed, especially if it has a sharp edge and a fine bevel. Whether you’re making bowls, spoons, or other bushcraft items, an axe can take off large chunks of wood and help you shape smaller items. Although knives are traditionally used for this, mastering carving with an axe opens up new possibilities in the wild.

8. Cutting Cordage with Your Axe

8. Cutting Cordage with Your Axe
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When you’re without a knife, an axe can also serve for smaller tasks like cutting cordage. By placing the axe between your legs with the blade facing up, you can run the cordage along the edge, making sure to keep your fingers away from the sharp blade. This trick is especially useful when you need to cut through thick rope or vines in the field.

9. Pounding in Stakes Safely

9. Pounding in Stakes Safely
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Driving stakes into the ground with the poll (back end) of your axe is a common bushcraft task. While some worry that this can deform the axe over time, modern axes are often designed with hardened polls for this very purpose. The key to doing this safely is to angle your head to the side while pounding to avoid any risk of the axe head flying off. For added protection, avoid using leather sheaths while hammering, as they can tear over time.

10. Felling Trees and Large Logs

10. Felling Trees and Large Logs
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Felling trees or splitting large logs is one of the more challenging tasks with an axe. A good technique is to use wooden wedges, which can help you avoid getting your axe stuck in the wood. These wedges can be made from the very tree you’re felling. Using two axes speeds up the process, but a single axe and patience can do the trick if you’re working alone. This skill is crucial for building shelters or preparing large quantities of firewood.

Essential for any Outdoorsman

Essential for any Outdoorsman
Image Credit: Survival World

Mastering these 10 axe skills will not only make you more efficient in the wild but also ensure your safety. Whether you’re chopping firewood, building a shelter, or preparing food, knowing how to use an axe properly is essential for any outdoorsman. Like any tool, the more you practice with your axe, the more proficient you’ll become, so spend time honing these skills in the woods. With these techniques in your arsenal, you’ll be well-prepared for any bushcraft adventure.