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.
A knife, saw or axe turns what the forest offers into fire, shelter and food, and a multitool or shovel handles most of what’s left. These guides explain how to choose the right tool for the job, use it safely and efficiently, and keep it sharp and working trip after trip.
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.
