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Axe Workshop

Bushcraft Knives and Axes - The Tools of the Backwoods

I always like to have an axe nearby... for it reminds me of simple things in a city world of mad and whirling things (Mason, B.)


With safety being our primary concern, you will be introduced to the diverse uses that the axe can be put to in woodcraft.  Beginning with large scale tree-felling, and the use of advanced rope techniques, we will cover limbing, splitting and hewing and move on to more elaborate carving techniques and fine craft-work as your skills improve. We will also be working with specialist tools such as the bushcraft knife, crooked knife, saw and adze, giving you an opportunity to refine and improve your skills, and master all the tools of the backwoodsman.



‘The axe is the most important of all the basic bush tools. Outside of fire, little else can contribute more to living comfortably in the wilderness than knowing how to properly use a well chosen axe.’ - Mors L. Kochanski.





During this three-day course you will be working from a lightweight base camp. From the wooded shore of a small mountain tarn, you will learn about the essential bushcraft tools for life on the trail.

  • Axe design & size
  • Bushcraft knives
  • Timber properties
  • Axe care & sharpening
  • Axe safety & etiquette
  • Bushcraft tools
  • Tree felling
  • Limbing & sectioning
  • Splitting techniques
  • Advanced knife grasps
  • Advanced saw craft
  • Improvised backwoods tools

  2012 Dates:

 18 - 20 May

Price: £295.00
per person (inc. VAT.) p
Group Size: 12
 Instructors:
Ben McNutt & Steven Hanton

Please Note: It is essential that you bring your own ‘Gransfor Bruk’ ‘Small Forest Axe’.
Most people who attend this course often book onto its companion course, the Woodcraft and Whittling Course as well.

Head's upHeads Up... Whilst not essential, if you are keen on doing a bit of pre-course reading, we would recommend the following books -




Please Note: This course is fully catered.

Documents for download