Splitting logs - talk to me about the a-word

[MisSalLaneous]

I probably won't use it on others, but I need something easily packable to split logs for my camping stove.

Does anyone have or know of a good axe or alternative that can be used when camping? It would need to be relatively small and has to come with a sleeve to cover the blade.

I've seen this mini survival axe, these beautiful (well, for an axe) Gransfors ones, and then someone mentioned a wedge, which I know nothing about.

Any ideas gratefully - and warmly - appreciated.

[lostinwales]

fforest. Atlhough I realise now they are the same as the one's on Pedlars but MORE expensive, how is that possible, I thought Pedlars were the last word in overpricing stuff.

[lostinwales]

You can't fault a which axe page

[MisSalLaneous]

Brilliant, thanks lost. Will have a proper look at your links now.

Pedlars - yes, I'm a bit baffled with them at the moment - they have the world's most expensive tatt at £500million, at least, yet on some of their camping things, they're the cheapest on the 'net.

I bought my Frontier stove cheaper here than it was directly from the supplier! Fabulous service too - next day delivery, with a great (well, haven't needed it, but sounded) returns policy (any reason, any time). Odd.

[MisSalLaneous]

Nice "which axe" page there. I didn't realise there are that many different kinds! Thought it's small, medium, large (in differing qualities of course). Had no idea about wedges, never mind a wood grenade! Fascinating.

On a wedge / grenade - do you think hitting it with tent mallet will be good enough? Don't really fancy taking another thing with to then hit that with.

[Slubberdegullion]

I think I need a throwing axe.

I would wear it in a belt casual like.

Top thread title Sal

[Slubberdegullion]

WOW

I LOVE that Fforest site too. Look at those Gransfors Bruks mini hatchets, just the name is awesome level 11.

And I see those gorgeous opinel knives are on there two. Twice in two days. Gog is sending me a clear message I need an Opinel knife.

[Slubberdegullion]

Gog being the Dutch lesser god of camping gadgetry and cutting implements.

[Slubberdegullion]

Yes typing and spelling all gone to pot. Have come over all peculiar at lush site of things I want but have no real need for.

[Slubberdegullion]

Continues posting to self.

Hi there you want one of those Opinel knives don't you

Yes, yes, I do, and a hatchet please

All righty then. Why not load them into the basket and press buy and see what happens.

I might just do that. What's the worse that could happen?

[MisSalLaneous]

Hahaha. Sorry Slubber, MN kicked me off again. I think it's unrelated to my axe-loving-tendencies. They seem to be maintaining MN quite a lot recently.

Yes yes, it might not go through anyway, I think you should add to basket. Just to test, you see...

[MisSalLaneous]

Have mental imagine of you and your deathsocks-sandal combo, axe hanging off belt, swigging wine from a mug. Has to be enamel mug. Slightly chipped. Just this once, you can make an exception and wear walking shorts with said combo. Ah man, the Germans will talk about you - in fear - for generations. The Man English Woman and her Axe. In hushed tones.

[MisSalLaneous]

The "mad", not "man". Uhm, I hope, not having met you in person yet.

[lostinwales]

See now slubber if you ever needed an excuse to come and be my new bff camp over here we have the only fforest shop. I go in regularly and gaze at the locked axe case and gently caress the handles of the smaller wooden knives.

Great mental image MisSal, I'm going to cultivate that look I think, the Italians will love me!

[MisSalLaneous]

Oh yes, Lost, do. Rumour will spread across Europe of this strange tribeswomen, talking in a strange language, incomprehensible to anyone outside, mighty, powerful, fierce. Occasionally, with fairy lights, but that is merely to lure in unsuspecting victims...

[Slubberdegullion]

You know Sal, tonight is Family Fun night over at the primary school and I have to serve rice salad for half an hour. I was planning on wearing a flowery dress and a pretty cardigan but blow that, I'm wearing your suggested combo accessorised with the chipped enamel mug.

Let's see how much rice salad I sell shall we.

Lost, where are you in Wales again, because I NEED to go to that shop.

[Slubberdegullion]

We could be bff and stroke some axes together.




That sounds so weird. Let's not do that.

[MisSalLaneous]

Probably wouldn't be great for sales, no, but for those that can get past their fears, it will be worth it just to get in such great presence.

So jealous of fforest shop. Was feeling pretty chuffed with having a Decathlon within 15 minutes drive, but, since they don't have axes, have been trumped. Damn.

[brambleschooks]

Ooooh lovely thread. I am going over to my friend's on sunday to help chicks hatch (in my hand n everything!!). She has promised me we can have a go at some axe throwing soon - last time I did holding 30000 bees in a box and helping to curry comb big scary horse. Love my friends.

I already have my spark striker thingy and cotton wool with Vaseline on it to help the fire start.

[MisSalLaneous]

My word, bramble, you have exciting friends! Sounds fabulous. Did chuckle a little at axe throwing comment after I read the cute chick hatching part.

What spark striker do you have? I've always used matches, but have always been a bit envious of people being able to light with a fire steel. Just sound more proper.

[brambleschooks]

It looks a bit like a car key with a scraper bit on it! Dont tell slubber about my butane candle lighter.

My mates husband is a chainsaw trainer and they live on their land in the welsh hills. Tis all v hardy and v good for the soul. Their teen daughter can strip down and mend a quad bike and hopes to be a farrier.

Different world. But full of axes and chainsaws.

Tomorrow I will mainly be staring at tanks and helicopters. Happy days!

As you were everyone.

(note to self to be very positive about any rice dishes I may see)

[lostinwales]

I have one of these with a scraper bit on the chain. I use it to light the hob because it's just so much more satisfying than pressing a button!

Slubber I'm here the shop is in an old shipping warhouse in town. It has a coffee shop and sells all the cool stuff from it's website, quite a minimalist shop but lovely. Can have a bowl of organic soup and stare at penknives and death socks. Check out the prices for staying there though, they are definitely selling glamping to the Audi generation (with apologies to any of you who drive Audi's)

[notwavingjustironing]

I now need to reinvent myself change my camping focus from matching accessories to real fires and death inducing implements.

Is it me?



Parallellel lives again Slubber I spent this afternoon in a frock and a cardie selling hot dogs and veggie curry at our Summer fair - for someone who isn't a teacher I spend a shedload of time at school ......

[NettleTea]

is it wrong that my 10 year old daughter has an opinel knife and a fire steel, and that her nickname is 'sparky'!!

I am developing a bit of a passion for knives, axes and chainsaws. Think it was the sight of two young men felling trees in our woods which did it......

[wrigglytummy]

As a camping lover & lurker on this board, I just had to post & say that this is one of the best threads ever on mumsnet...thank goodness for the sanity if this forum amongst the madness that is mumsnet!
Fab girls, I am now searching axe & lighting Flint websites!!

[SeaShellsMyDogSmells]

Oh hell don't let dh see this thread, axes unleash the inner Viking in him and he gets all ray mears on me! I love that which axe page. Reminds me of the time in my yoof I took his 6" hunting knife in my hand luggage on a plane to norway. Luckily that was Pre 9/11 so I can laugh about my stupidity and am not in a jail somewhere