The Happy Camper: Axe Lovers’ Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide
If you’re shopping for an axe-loving, Paul Bunyan wannabe this Christmas, check out these gift ideas that any lumberjack/lumberjane would love to see under the tree. They’re all available at Canadian Outdoor Equipment, and believe me, this company knows axes.
Esker Camp Axe
Esker released three new axes this year and this one is my favourite. It’s a “jack-of-all-trades,” designed to cover all your bases on a weekend trip to an off-grid cabin. Based on a Hudson Bay pattern, the 3.6 lb portable axe is made of a carbon steel head, hand forged in Austria. Its 24-inch hickory handle has an ergonomic design that supports the axe head so you can get a full, heavy swing out of it or choke it up for finer woodwork.
Price: $275
Buy it here: canadianoutdoorequipment.com
Esker Hatchet
If you’re looking for a smaller, compact axe for your next winter trek or canoe trip, then take a look at the new Esker Hatchet. It’s got a 1.6-lb carbon steel head, crafted masterfully in Austria, and a solid 16-inch hickey handle. It’s great for clearing a trail or limb, splitting kindling or chopping smaller firewood. You can even use it for carving a fire stick or whittling a camp spoon. Heck, you could probably fillet a fish with it if you had to.
Price: $215
Buy it here: canadianoutdoorequipment.com
Knife & Axe’s Axe stone
Keep your axe sharp and shiny with regular maintenance checkups. My choice is the Knife & Axe Axe Stone. It’s a two-grit (240 and 400) stone that can be used either dry, with water or with oil. I’ve used it to remove small nicks, dings and even tiny gouges. Its screw-top aluminum tin makes for a handy way to soak and store it as well.
Price: $49
Buy it here: canadianoutdoorequipment.com
Axe/Knife Sharpening Service
Yes, this “Spa” treatment for your axe actually exists, and I shamefully admit that I have used it on a yearly basis. Unfortunately, I can never seem to get a good edge on my axe, and goodness knows I have tried. The Canadian Outdoor Equipment company offers a service like no other. You simply send your axe (or knife) to them and they’ll make it razor-sharp once again and deliver it back to you with free shipping! Do not fret about the loss of temper or edge retention to the axe; all the work is done without heating the blade. Their only restriction is that you must live in Canada, and you need to have bought your axe or knife from Canadian Outdoor Equipment previously. This would make for an awesome Christmas gift, especially a last-minute one since their turnaround time is only five to seven business days.
Price: $27.50
Buy it here: canadianoutdoorequipment.com
Gransfors Bruk Coffee Table Book
The legendary axe company from Sweden, Gränsfors Bruk, just came out with a coffee table book on—you guessed it—the axe. It details the yesteryear of axes and the history of the company itself. Most of the print information comes from influential blacksmiths who have worked at the Gränsfors forge, as well as other prominent people who have sketched out the company’s incredible journey. The book is 110 pages long and has amazing full-colour photographs. It’s a story brought to life, from the initial forging and construction of an axe to care and maintenance practices every camper should do in the field or before their next trip into the woods.
Price: $63
Buy it here: canadianoutdoorequipment.com
Wilderness Axe Skills and Campcraft by Paul Kirtley
This book isn’t a new release, but it’s an amazing one regardless. Author Paul Kirtley is a renowned bushcraft instructor and wilderness guide from the U.K. who definitely knows how to swing an axe. A must-have for any axe chopper, Paul’s book is a comprehensive guide on how to choose the correct tools for the job, axe techniques and how to maintain your blades. It also instructs you on several carving projects and camp contraptions and includes over 500 step-by-step colour photographs!
Price: $36.75
Buy it here: canadianoutdoorequipment.com
