Are There Different Ways To Sharpen A Brush Axe??

[MossRoad]

This is the exact Collins I am using, except with a handle, and extremely sharp.

The Pexto is similar, except double the weight, blade width, and thickness.

I can not chop "down",, the axe heads RIGHT at my steel toed boots.
If I go straight down the axe will have enough speed to bury it in the dirt,, or rocks,,

I have tried both right handed, and left handed,, I am rather ambidextrous when swinging.
My nephew was always surprised that I split firewood "left" handed,, even though I am right handed,

I have tried both,, I can not tell much difference.

Typically, I swing the brush axe at the side the plant is leaning toward.
I partially think the axe just does not have nearly enough speed.
It is lighter than the Pexto, but, it is still heavier than a regular single bit axe.

The only really great use that I have found for the brush axe is taking limbs off of a small tree.
If a thorned locust branch is facing my trail, that brush axe will remove a 1" branch with an easy swing,, cleanly.

I do have the rope actuated pole lopper,, maybe that is what I will have to fall back to...
The brush axe was a hope of getting better exercise,, as well as clearing the trail.

Ah. You're probably right that you might not be able to get enough swing speed.

Your comments about limbs are about what I get with a machete. It'll take off limbs very easily, but I don't think I'd use it on raspberries. They're just too flexible.

 

[ponytug]

My experience with brush axes (J-hook) is that they are lethal on woody brush, but for berry canes, they are too blunt (wedge shaped cutting edge). I have found a scythe or even a heavy grass whip to be more effective. If you have just a few, lopping shears work great, too, in my experience. Or if you want to get in close up, khukuris.

I have never found a machete that was worth picking up, but I may just have bad technique.

All the best,

Peter

 

[oosik]

I use a pair of long handle loppers. I'm too old and crickity to get a fast enough swing with that type tool. Besides, if I did - probably slip and cut myself. I also use my OLD riding mower. Fast as I can go - straight into the brush. Works well for me and haven't burned up any belts yet.

 

[Jstpssng]

I've found that canes roll off quite easily when I attack them with my bucket. However, that eliminates the exercise which the OP is looking for.

 

[CADplans]

I've found that canes roll off quite easily when I attack them with my bucket. However, that eliminates the exercise which the OP is looking for.

That is exactly correct,, sorta lookin' for some exercise,, and an alternative path to some downed firewood.

For simply knocking down raspberries,, I got a flail that can clear 3 feet back along the side of the trails,,

BUT,, where is the fun in that!!??