Table of Contents

Introduction    6
    Selecting the Correct Tools for the Job    12
    Understanding Types of Axe    14
    Choosing an Axe Fit for Purpose    23
    Choosing and Using a Saw    28
    Making Improvised Saw Frames    33
    Knives for Carving    37

Caring for Your Tools    40
    How to Care for an Axe    42
    How to Sharpen an Axe    44
    Knife Sharpening    46
    Sharpening Spoon Knives and Other Curved Blades    53

Everyday Axe Techniques    58
    Axe Safety Foundations    60
    Firewood Splitting—Fundamental Techniques    67
    Optimal Use of a Chopping Block    78
    Splitting Firewood When You Have No Block    82
    Splitting Larger Logs with Smaller Axes    91
    Small-Scale Felling and Clearing    96

Felling, Limbing, and Sectioning    100
    Assessing Trees for Felling    102
    Felling Trees With Axe and Saw    103
    Efficient Limbing of Felled Trees    110
    Sectioning a Tree    114
    Ambidextrous Axe Usage    117
    Splitting Long Logs    120
    Making Gluts    122
    Making a Woodland Mallet    124
    Carving Techniques and Projects    128
    Knife Safety    130
    Knife Grips    133
    Carving Techniques for a Knife    135
    Carving Techniques with a General-Purpose Axe    139
    Spoon Knives and Their Use    142
    Creating Wooden Utensils    145
    Finishing Your Projects    152

Woodland Campcraft    154
    Quick and Easy Pot Hangers    156
    Adjustable Pot Hangers    164
    Larger Pot-Hanging Systems    175
    Benches and Seats    186
    Large Pegs    190
    Large Tarp Setups    192
    Some Useful Knots    201

About the Author

Paul Kirtley is a leading bushcraft educator. Through his school, Frontier Bushcraft, he delivers high-quality bushcraft and survival courses, wilderness expeditions, and online training resources. Paul has instructed wilderness skills in the UK, Scandinavia, Europe, and North America. www.paulkirtley.co.uk