Northwest Woodsman
Explore the Unreachable

Axe - If I could only have one tool, it would be an axe. The axe can be a multipurpose tool.
Although it does not make a great knife, it can get the job done if needed, nor can it put
the firewood away as fast and easy as a saw, but it has been doing the job for centuries.
Not to mention it makes a first rate hammer. There are many axes on the market today,
however, very few that I really like. The axe that I prefer is the Hunting axe made by
Wetterlings in Sweden. Its measurements are 20” long , has a 1.5 lb. head with a thin
blade, and will handle any camp job with ease. In the winter months I prefer a full size axe
and the 32" wetterlings copping axe keeps me in a full supply of firewood.  A small mill file
thrown in your kit will keep the blade razor sharp.

Knife – Don’t leave home with out it! The best knife for the woodsman is an all-purpose
knife. My choice is the Green River sheath knife with a 4 1/2″ or 6" blade. It is made with
high carbon steel that will hold a sharp edge for a long time. It has a thin blade which is
fairly rounded at the tip.  I can skin a deer, gut a fish, or prepare dinner with ease. Just
don't let your wife see you do all three with the same knife, they have no appreciation for
a good all-purpose knife.

Folding Bucksaw – One might wonder why you go through the trouble of packing a saw
when you have an axe. Until you use the saw, then it becomes an essential piece of
equipment. When you need to put the firewood away, nothing is as fast or easy as a saw.
I like the 24” Woodsman Folding Bucksaw. Anything less then 24” seems to be to small to
cut wood efficiently and anything larger just doesn't pack well. The saw uses a standard
bow saw blade so you can replace it with a blade found right at your local hardware store.
You can watch a video of the saw in action .   Watch Video
The Big Three
There is nothing more essential to the outdoorsman than cutting tools. Something always needs to be sliced, chopped, sawed,
stabbed, or whittled when you are in the woods. Good tools become reliable friends and taken care of will last for years, if not a
lifetime. If you ask 100 woodsman what they prefer you will probable get 99 different answers and that's being generous. They
would all be correct in their answer because that is what works best for them. The following tools are my personal preference
which, I have listed in the order of importance.