Introduction: How to Make a Bushcraft (stone) Axe.
So a while ago, when I was at camp, I was pretty bored and wanted to so something. My friend, who is a master of bushcraft, suggested I make an axe. So here's the finished product.
Step 1: Matierials
Fairly simple.
- some paracord
- a stick
- a knife
- a stone
(Optional)
- whet stone
- water or kerosene.
Step 2: Make the Handle
To start, just simply shave off the end of a stick like so. Do this until it is flat enough to work with. (You could use a rasp, but where the survival instinct in that?)
Step 3: The Axe Blade
All axes need one. Otherwise it's just a stick. So, go out to your backyard, the woods, the beach, any where, and get a stone that resembles an axe head.
Step 4: Shaping the Head
This can be done with a whet stone, which is what I use at my house, but if you do not have one, you can use a smooth stone.
First, place water or kerosene on the whet stone/ rock, and then just sharpen it as you would with real axe, simple strokes.
Step 5: Assembly
Any Boy Scout would know it, but if you do knot, (see what I did there?) there are many online tutorials. Start by placing the head in the groove that you made, make a clove hitch, then proceed to lash it as tight as possible, and as many times as your length of paracord allows.
Step 6: Final Touches
This can include paint, removing excess rope, and fusing the loose ends. Do whatever pleases you.
Step 7: Feel Awesome
You've earned it! You just made a simple bushcraft axe!
3 Comments
4 years ago
Have you tried using it yet? The hafting looks questionable to me. I was wondering how effective/durable this design is.
6 years ago
Thanks flash. I was aware of this while i was making it, and the wood I was using wasn't splitting, so this is an acceptable alternative.
6 years ago
Ideally you'd want to split the handle just enough to fit the axe head in. That way it'll hold better. (that's my axe that I made)