AXEMAN Blog

Wet weather is hard on hand tools. Axes face constant exposure to rain, damp ground, snow, and humidity. Without proper care, moisture leads to rusted axe heads, swollen handles, loose fits, and reduced cutting performance.

With the right preparation and storage habits, an axe can perform safely and reliably in wet conditions. This guide explains how to prepare your axe for damp weather, how to use it in the rain, and how to store it afterward. All recommendations apply to quality tools sold at Axeman.ca, including Gränsfors Bruk, Hultafors, Council Tool, and other professional-grade axes.

There’s nothing quite like the crackle of a real wood fire on a cold winter night. But not all firewood is created equal. Get it wrong and you’ll end up with smoke, weak heat, and a chimney full of creosote. Get it right and you’ll have roaring, clean-burning fires that smell amazing and keep you toasty all season.

Japanese axes and hatchets have earned a strong following because they combine sharp steel, balanced geometry, and simple, effective design. Two tools often compared are the traditional HONMAMON “AZUMASYUSAKU” Round Hatchet and the modern Silky Nata Professional 240 mm Outback Edition.

Looking for the perfect gift for the outdoorsman in your life? Whether it's your dad who loves splitting firewood at the cabin, your husband heading out on hunting trips, a buddy obsessed with bushcraft camping, or anyone who lives for the woods – nothing beats high-quality, heirloom-grade tools that last a lifetime.

In the high-stakes world of firefighting, forcible entry tools like the flathead fire axe and Halligan bar are essential for rapid access during emergencies. When seconds count, firefighters rely on durable, reliable equipment to breach doors, windows, and walls safely and efficiently. Among the top choices trusted by professionals worldwide are Council Tool flathead fire axes and Halligan-style forcible entry tools. These American-made tools combine heritage craftsmanship with modern engineering, making them the go-to "irons" for municipal and wildland firefighters

Whether it’s your father, grandfather, or a friend who loves the outdoors, finding a meaningful Christmas gift can be challenging. You want something useful, built to last, and personal — not another gadget that ends up forgotten in a drawer.

When it comes to axes, most people focus on the head: the steel, the edge angle, or the brand. But the handle is just as important. A poorly chosen or worn handle can ruin your swing, make your work unsafe, and shorten the life of your axe.

If you’ve ever wanted one reliable place to learn how to sharpen tools properly, you’ll want to bookmark The Sharpening Handbook.

Created and maintained by Rich Colvin, this free online guide is one of the best resources available for anyone who uses a Tormek sharpening system, or who wants to understand the fundamentals of edge geometry, wheel selection, and correct sharpening techniques.

At Axeman.ca, we’re always looking for gear that makes life outdoors simpler, tougher, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re felling trees, sharpening tools, or unwinding after a long day in the bush — quality matters. That’s exactly why we chose to add Hawk Nest Hammocks to our growing lineup of outdoor essentials.

For generations, the axe has been a trusted tool for felling trees, splitting firewood, and working in the forest. Its simplicity, reliability, and precision make it an essential part of any woodsman’s kit. But as powerful and versatile as axes are, there are times when a chainsaw is simply the better choice.

If you’re looking for a high-octane mix of old-school logging, big timber, fearless tree climbing, and a strong dose of kindness, you’ll find it in Vancouver Island’s own logging legend, Buckin’ Billy Ray Smith. Born and raised on the rugged forests of Vancouver Island (British Columbia, Canada), Billy has built not just a career but a following — thanks largely to his YouTube channel and his authenticity in the bush.