Figure 1: A sharp axe lying around can be dangerous.

Figure 2: The wrong way of storing an axe.

Figure 3: The correct way of storing an axe.

Figure 4: The correct way of using an axe when chopping down a tree.(Click to enlarge)

Figure 5: Using the correct size axe when chopping down a tree. (Click to enlarge)

By Cleve Cheney

The axe is much underestimated in value as a bush and survival tool but is dangerous to use. There are certain safety rules which should apply.

An axe in camp

A sharp axe can be dangerous if left lying on the ground as it can easily slice open a foot or ankle. See Figure 1. Choose a convenient tree at the campsite which affords some protection from the elements where all tools will be kept or, if you have a spare tent, store tools in the tent where they can be protected from the weather – don’t leave them lying scattered around the camp. Don’t drive an axe into a living tree to store it as the axe can become dislodged and fall onto a person. It also causes unnecessary damage to the tree. See Figure 2. The two best ways of storing an axe at your campsite are to drive it into an old stump or lean it at the base of a tree with the head resting on the ground and the handle leaning up against the tree trunk. See Figure 3. Another option to store an axe safely around a camp is to have a leather sheath for it.

It is poor etiquette to ask a person for the loan of his axe as, like with a knife, a wife, or a rifle, it is a personal possession. It is even worse manners to use someone’s axe without permission. If you have work to be done that requires the use of an axe, ask the axe owner if he would mind doing it for you. A careless moment of misuse on your part can result in a broken handle or chipped blade, which will require many hours to repair. A handle is not too expensive to buy but it requires a lot of work and time to shape it to fit the axe head properly.

General safety

The axe is a dangerous tool and safety should be a major consideration. Using an axe to fell a large tree is one of the most dangerous activities in wilderness living. Safe axe use implies knowledge of both the tool itself and the tree that must be felled. You must know how to fell a tree and make an accurate prediction as to where it will fall. The more experienced you become, the greater your ability to judge in which direction the tree will fall.
The best way to learn to use an axe properly and safely is to work with and under the guidance of someone skilled in its use. Many accidents occur with axes, some fatal, and it is a tool which should not be used by just anyone (especially children). Always use eye protection.
When using an axe to cut into a tree, lean against the trunk with one hand so that you can place your feet a safe distance from the base of the trunk. If your axe should glance off the tree it will then hit the ground and not your legs or feet. See Figure 4.

Axe size and safety

The small camp axe with a handle of 30 cm or less, also referred to as a hatchet, is the most dangerous to use and often causes injuries to the face, upper leg and knee. The general purpose or utility axe is one which, if you hold the end of the handle, will have its head fit snugly under your armpit. It is a favourite length for wilderness dwellers, trappers and survivalists. Misuse can also cause injuries to the face but is most likely to cause injury to the lower leg, instep and toes. The full size axe with a handle length of approximately one metre is the safest to use because when it glances off a tree it deflects into the ground before causing injury to any part of the body. See Figure 5.

In the next article we will look at how to use an axe safely for different applications.