I have found that an axe does me little good on the trail or camping. I have a Sven Saw and use that more than I ever used my axe. The larger size packs down small and I carry it around in the truck al the time. It is more practicle and works for me.

http://www.svensaw.com/

 

I used mine this weekend to chop wood for the campfire... if you've never held one, you will be amazed at how light it is.

I did get a blister though, so I quit and went back to my desk job today.

 

I use my small axe all the time.

its small enough to use as a hammer, but large enough to take out small trees.

I can clear brush and limbs 10 times quicker with it than you can with a saw.
I can pound tent sakes with it
I can split fire wood

For midwest wheeling i use it just about every time i go out.

for a larger camp axe i put a fiberglass replacement handle on an older head, looks exactly like the $45 one



after putting a sharp edge on mine, i spray bomb them and tape the edge.

 

If anyone is interested in handsaws that are really sharp...they should check out arborist "pony saws". They typically come with a 13" tri-edge razor blade that is very sharp. Corona makes them, as well as Fanno...another great company is Silky

 

An axe can be used as a sledge hammer if you need to pound something, or a hell of a good defense weapon

My axe will not be used for firewood at all.
It is for an emergency if you need to cut something that may have fallen across your path for the return out.

Also, now I have heard this, but confirm it with WATRD please, the forest service likes you to carry stuff such as an axe and shovel when out in the toolies.
You never know if you might run across a small fire somewhere and be asked to lend a hand.