Axe + Knife

“For, like the nails on a beast’s paw, the old tools were so much an extension of a person’s hand or an added appendage to their arm, that the resulting workmanship seemed to flow directly from the body of the maker and to carry something of theirself into the work.”

-Eric Sloane, Museum of Early American Tools

Axes and knives are among the oldest tools humans have used to shape their environment. These two tools have allowed humans to construct shelters, make tools and implements for harvesting food and water, produce fire to heat shelters, cook food, and create artifacts of cultural expression. Continuing in this tradition, you will be learning the fundamentals of wedge and edge to safely harvest and process wood into tools and implements.

In this course you will learn:

Axe and knife types and selection
Axe and knife safety
Axe techniques: felling, limbing, bucking, splitting, carving
Knife carving techniques (beginner to advanced)
Axe and knife sharpening and care
Introduction to hook knives

In this course you will make:

Wooden maul and glut for splitting wood
Wooden splitting wedges
Wooden stool with staked legs or chopping block
Knife carving try stick
Wooden butter knife and /or spoon
Wooden blanks for carving projects

This class is very hands on. Each student will get LOTS of practice with the techniques covered in this course. Limited to 10 students.

Dates: February 10, 2024 - FULL

Time: 9:00am-5:00pm

Cost: $125

Location: Earth Native Campus, 137 Woodview Lane, Bastrop, TX

Ages: This is an adult class but open to ages 17+

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Required Tools:

Axe: If you don’t already have an axe, we recommend Council Tool Boys Axe 2.25# Head and 28” Handle : SU22B28C : Available from Council Tool, Amazon and other stores.
Axe Sheath: Blade Guard or Axe Sheath or make your own.
Axe/sheath rental is available at enrollment for $25.
MoraKniv Brand Bushcraft / Carving Knife : Available to purchase from us during enrollment. See below for options.