When making a bonfire at camp, you split the firewood and make small pieces for the kindling. Tools used for chopping wood include axes, machetes, saws, and knives.
While there are several options, what tools should I bring for chopping wood?
The characteristics and selection scenarios for each are explained in detail below.
Tools used for chopping wood
The following tools are usually used for chopping firewood.
- knife
- axe
- Hatchet
- Saw
Knife
Knives are most commonly used for chopping wood while camping. It is generally called a “sheath knife” (knife in a sheath).
Knives have small blades and are light in weight, so they have the advantage of being easy to handle. It is a suitable tool for making small portions.
On the other hand, the blade is thin and short, so it is not suitable for chopping hard firewood such as hardwoods.
axe
An ax is most effective when splitting hard firewood such as hardwood.
On the other hand, it is not very portable due to its heavy weight. Also, because it is large, it is not suitable for chopping thin firewood.
Hatchet
A machete is somewhere between a knife and an ax in terms of usability.
The blade is thicker and longer than a knife, making it easier to split firewood than a knife.
If you don’t care about anything important when you’re traveling, such as camping while traveling by car, it’s useful to bring along.
Saw
A saw is a suitable tool for cutting firewood.
Usually, firewood is split vertically. A saw, on the other hand, is a tool for cutting wood horizontally. Therefore, a saw is not used when chopping firewood.
However, it is useful when you want to shorten the length of firewood. It is often used when cutting firewood that is too long to fit into the bonfire stand.
Choosing the right tools for chopping wood
The appropriate tools for chopping firewood vary depending on the thickness and hardness of the firewood.
- An ax or machete is suitable for chopping thick and hard firewood.
- A saw or knife is suitable for chopping thin and soft firewood.
Also, chopping wood is a task that requires strength and skill. If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a knife to improve your technique.
Points to note when chopping wood
When chopping firewood, be careful of the following points:
- Do it in a safe place
- Wear safety equipment such as goggles and gloves
- If you use too much force to fit the cracks in the firewood, the knife may dig into the firewood, which is dangerous.
- Do not apply excessive force to prevent the knife from breaking.
Practice chopping wood and learn the techniques to split it safely.
