A wood cutting/gathering question

[JackyJ]

I'm a big fan of pickeroons for firewood duty, and have enjoyed trying out a number of different models. The key issues are not only handle length, but also the specific shape of the point. You want a hook that reliably latches onto the wood on the first strike; that doesn't allow the wood to spin on the hook as you lift it; and that releases the wood easily and consistently when you want it to. The best hook shape I've tried is on a German Ochsenkopf model I got from Bailey's. Second best is a Wood Chuck Skidderoon. I have one beautifully made model that came with more of a round (though bent) hook profile, and unless you caught a piece near its center of gravity, it would spin off from its own weight. Another model (shown at pickaroon.com) grabbed too well, and it often took several tries to dislodge a stuck piece. I've modified these last two with a file and they now work fine. I'm handling mostly oak, maple, and beech. Softer wood might do better with different tip profiles.

Haven't tried the Logrite or Fiskars models yet. But Christmas is coming.