A double bit axe is a type of axe with two different blades. It's also known as a double bitted axe or an American pattern axe. This tool has been used in logging in the past, but it can be useful for camping and hiking. The design is intended to give you twice the cutting power in half the time it takes if you were using just one blade. Some people even see this as more efficient than using both hands to use two separate axes simultaneously! So what are some things that you can do with your double bit axe? Read on to find out!
Related: Double Bit Axe Buying Guide
When just one axe won't do, two axes are better than one. A double bit axe is a tool that was born out of necessity in the woodsman's workday. The design is simple yet effective and has stood the test of time against modern chainsaws.
It is possible to use double-bit axes for everything from cutting down small trees to splitting logs into smaller pieces. Many people utilize this powerful tool during camping trips and long-term wilderness living, both skills that require much more than just making shelter or fire; it takes long hours in the woods before you'll have enough wood for either.
While these tools are designed to provide easier use with two hands, many workers often find they're only necessary when working with wide trees. It is not unheard of for one person to fall into a tree with just an axe or even their hands/fists. This axe can save time and energy on the job, especially if you're working alone.
Many woodchoppers tend to look at these tools as more novelty than anything else because they are typically used only when extremely wide trees must be felled quickly or by someone who lacks the strength or experience necessary to wield an axe alone properly.
There are countless ways to use a double bit axe, but here are just a few:
Chopping Wood:
A double bit axe is excellent for chopping small to medium-sized pieces of wood. The two blades make quick work of branches and logs and can easily be carved into smaller pieces that will fit in your fireplace or campfire.
Cutting Down Trees:
A double bit axe is a perfect tool for cutting down trees. With enough strength and practice, you can take down a tree in minutes. Make sure to cut from the top of the tree, so it falls in the direction you want it to go.
Splitting Wood:
A double bit axe is also great for splitting wood. The two blades create a more stable surface than a single blade and simplify splitting logs in half.
Clearing Brush:
If you're trying to clear an area of brush, a double bit axe is a great tool to have. It can quickly cut through small saplings and undergrowth without having to spend hours with a chainsaw or other more enormous tool.
Building Shelters:
A double bit axe can be used to build shelters if you get lost in the woods quickly. Chop down a few trees and use them to create a small lean-to or make a quick shelter out of logs.
Digging Trenches:
Digging trenches is hard work, but it can be easier with a double bit axe. The blades make digging through roots and other rocks much faster than other tools like shovels and pickaxes.
Wood Sculpture:
Carving intricate patterns and designs into wood can be challenging, but it's much easier with a double bit axe. Simply swing the blades at an angle to carve out "V" shaped grooves that will eventually become your pattern.
Chopping Campfire Wood:
Having a fire at night is vital if you're camping or backpacking, especially in winter months when temperatures can drop to freezing overnight. Rather than spend time chopping small pieces of wood by hand, use a double bit axe to quickly reduce branches and logs to the right size for your fire.
Opening Cans:
A double bit axe is excellent for opening cans - just place the blade on top of the can and apply pressure until it pops open. Beware of sharp edges on the inside of the can, however.
Picking Up Heavy Objects:
If you need to move a large, heavy object but don't have anything else to help you, try using a double bit axe. Place the blade underneath the object and lift with your hips - you'll be surprised at how easily it moves.
Axe Throwing:
Axe throwing is a fun (and challenging) sport enjoyed by many. A double bit axe allows you to throw the blade at the target with more accuracy than a single bit axe since it has two blades. You can even order axes made especially for throwing online or at your local department store.
Survival:
If you find yourself lost in the woods and far away from civilization, having tools like a double bit axe with you will significantly increase your chances of survival. You can use it to build shelter, hunt for food, or split kindling for fires that keep you warm throughout the night.
Related: How to Replace a Double Bit Axe Handle with a New One
How to Use a Double Bit Axe Safely?
When using a double bit axe, you'll want to stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and the axe head parallels to the ground. Grip the handle with your non-dominant hand about halfway up the length of the handle and then grip the axe head with your dominant hand just below the head. You'll want to keep your arms straight, and your shoulders parallel to the ground as you swing the axe.
The motion for cutting should come from your hips, not your arms. Think of it like throwing a ball - you don't throw your arm at the ball; you throw your body at it. The same is true for axes. As you bring the axe back, let your dominant hand slide down the handle until it's just above your non-dominant hand. Then, using both hands, drive the axe head into the wood by pushing forward with your hips.
If you're right-handed, you'll want to cut with the left side of the axe head and vice versa. This will help keep the blade sharp longer.
Be sure:
Always to wear safety gear when using an axe, including a hard hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. And never stand directly in front of the wood you're chopping - even with a double bit axe, there's still a chance that the blade could fly off the handle and hit you in the head.
Take a look at how to use a double bit axe safely in the video below:
Pros and Cons of a Double Bit Axe
When it comes to chopping wood, there's no better tool than a double bit axe. Here are some of the pros of this handy tool:
- A double bit axe is incredibly versatile. It can be used for anything from cutting down trees to splitting logs.
- The axe is easy to use, and even beginners can get the hang of it quickly.
- It's a powerful tool that can handle large chunks of wood with ease.
- A double bit axe is durable and will last for many years with proper care.
- It's relatively affordable compared to other wood chopping tools.
Now here are the cons:
- The axe is quite heavy, so it can be challenging to carry around for long periods.
- It can be dangerous if not used properly.
- The sharp blades can easily nick and damage your hands if you're not careful.
Overall, a double bit axe is an excellent tool for chopping wood. It's versatile, easy to use, and powerful. However, it's essential to use caution when using the axe as it can be dangerous if not handled properly. Thanks for reading!
How to Take Care of a Double Bit Axe?
Do you have a double bit axe that needs sharpening?
An axe is invaluable around the homestead.
Sometimes, your tools get dull and need to be sharpened before they're required for serious work.
There are many different ways to sharpen an axe, but I prefer one in particular. It's easy and almost foolproof. Plus, it keeps the blade sharper for longer than most other methods.
- First, gather your materials: you will need a flat file (or two), some paraffin oil (or some lubricant), stick incense, newspaper or butcher paper, and a bucket of water with soap mixed in. glass jug with pure grain alcohol works well.
- Now, take the axe and remove the blade from the handle. If it is a newer axe, a wedge or screw may hold the blade in place. Loosen this and remove the blade.
- Next, cover the cutting edge of the blade with paraffin oil (or some other lubricant). You can do this by dribbling it on or pouring it on. Just make sure that the entire cutting edge is coated.
- Then, take your file and start sharpening at an angle. I like to start with a coarse file and then move to a fine one. Be careful not to cut yourself!
- Sharpen the axe with the file, hold it so that the cutting edge faces away from you, and run a strip of incense along the cutting edge. It will burn. This gives the blade an excellent polish.
- Then coat it with your lubricant again and put it down for half an hour so that the oil can soak in better.
- Finally, wash off all of the paraffin with soap and water to remove any oil residue. If there is still some left on the axe head after washing, just repeat this process until you no longer see any slick spots when you drip water onto the blade.
After this, wrap a strip or two of newspaper or butcher paper around the handle near where it meets the blade to protect your hands from the sharp edge while you're using it.
There you have it! Your axe is now sharp and ready to go. Be sure to use the lubricant from time to time to keep the blade in good condition. And always be careful when using it, especially around other people!
Final Thoughts
Double Bit Axes are a versatile tool that can be used for various purposes. Whether you need to chop firewood, split logs or rocks into smaller chunks of stone, the double bit axe is your go-to tool. Not only does it cut down on time and effort when working with wood, but because it's sharpened on both sides. It also doubles as an excellent self-defense weapon if needed!