Knives, saws, axes, and the cutting tools that make fire, shelter, and food possible in the backcountry — how to choose them, use them, and keep them sharp.
Knives, saws, axes, and the cutting tools that make fire, shelter, and food possible in the backcountry — how to choose them, use them, and keep them sharp.
From a belt hatchet to a splitting maul: the axe family explained, what each part does, how to split and fell safely, sharpening and handle care, and when a saw and knife are the smarter choice.
A sharp, clean tool is safer and lasts for decades. How edges and angles work, how to sharpen a knife, axe, shovel, saw, and multitool, rust prevention, and a minimal field kit.
Why a saw beats an axe for most campers: folding saws vs bow saws, how teeth and blades work, what a saw does in camp, safe cutting technique, and how to choose.
A multitool is the backcountry fix-it kit: what each tool inside is for, why it complements a knife rather than replacing it, the features that matter, and how to choose.
From an ultralight trowel to a folding steel entrenching tool: the whole family of backcountry digging tools, every job they do — catholes, fire pits, drainage, snow — and how to use, choose, and care for one.
Fixed vs. folding, full vs. partial tang, carbon vs. stainless, and every knife term decoded — plus what a blade actually does in the bush and how to choose and care for one. Our complete guide to wilderness knives.
