Axe - If I could only have one tool, it would be an axe. The axe can be a multipurpose tool.
Although it does not make a great knife, it can get the job done if needed, nor can it put
the firewood away as fast and easy as a saw, but it has been doing the job for centuries.
Not to mention it makes a first rate hammer.  The axe that I prefer in summer is the
Hunting axe made by Wetterlings in Sweden. Its measurements are 20” long , has a 1.5 lb.
head with a fairly thin blade, and will handle any camp chore with ease.

In the winter months, if you need to cut or split a lot of wood, a larger axe should be used.
The 32" Copping axe  or the 26" Forest axe are just the tools for the job and will keep you
in a full supply of firewood.  A small mill file thrown in your kit will keep the blade razor
sharp.

Safety Tips
  • Don't ever swing a shorter handled axe like you would a full size axe.  When cutting
    in front of yourself always keep your hands below your knees or kneel down on one
    knee.  
  • Don't ever split kindling while holding it with one hand and bring the axe down with
    the other.  Use a stick to hold the wood up or lay it down across a small log.
  • Don't ever cut a pole or tree down standing directly in front of it.  Stand with both
    feet off to the side of where the edge of the axe will strike the tree.

Knife –  The best knife for the woodsman is an all-purpose knife.  A knife that can gut a
fish, cut through a sapling, or prepare dinner with ease.  There are a lot of great knifes on
the market these days and it can be confusing on what is best.  A sturdy, functional,
lightweight knife that fits well in your hand and holds an edge is of the utmost importance.  
A blade 4 - 5 inches in length, made with high carbon steel, with a full tang is ideal.
Remember like most tools, its not the knife but the skill of the user.  Your focus should be
on becoming proficient with your tools, not on the tools themselves.

Saw –  One might wonder why you go through the trouble of packing a saw when you
have an axe. Until you use the saw, then it becomes an essential piece of equipment.
When you need to put the firewood away, nothing is as fast or easy as a saw. I like a 24”
folding bucksaw.  Anything less then 24” seems to be to small to cut wood efficiently and
anything larger just doesn't pack well. The saw uses a standard bow saw blade so you
can replace it with a blade found right at your local hardware store. You can watch a video
of the saw in action .   Watch Video
The Big Three
Good cutting tools are essential to the outdoorsman.  Something will always need to be cut, chopped, skinned, gutted, or whittled.
Good tools become reliable friends and taken care of will last for years, if not a lifetime. If you ask 100 woodsman what they prefer
you will probable get 99 different answers and that's being generous. They would all be correct in their answer because that is
what works best for them. The following are the three cutting tools that will be part of any woodsman's kit.
Northwest Woodsman
Explore the Unreachable