Andy,

You've had you Backpax for a while now - what's your assessment? I've been toting around the longer-handled version in my "Be Prepared" (Outdoor Essentials) kit for a while now and still like it plenty - even tho the handle attachement continues to worry me, it remains secure and undamaged. Big bang for the buck.

However... check out these Nessmuk style hand axes by Les Reeves. The photo I saw of one he made for someone had a flawless osage orange handle and made me drool... dang, how do I get my wife to decide to get me one? What do you think? I misplaced the thread (Blade Forums?), but hunt it down and check it out - these are just what I have in mind...

Tom

Check out this picture. These belong to and were photographed by 'Hoodoo'



Hope he doesn't mind <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />.

Pete,

Yup, that's the one.

Friend Ragnar stocks a Nessmuck hatchet @ $41 www.ragweedforge.com I believe a few people have managed to break the handle. Ragnar can deliver these unsharpened so you can put your own edge on the fine face. Mors Kochanski's BUSHCRAFT has a excellent section on axe and hatchet use with an emphasis on safe handling.

Tom,

Still liking the Bacpax. It's a LOT more durable and versitle than I thought it would be when I first got it. The handle is dinged but still serviceable, easy to sharpen to axe level sharpness. No problems other than ocassionally wanting a longer handle, and wondering what I'll do if/when the original handle breaks.

Sorry for brief reply. I'm in Utah, and will be until my family and I complete arranging my father-in-law's services and wrap up his affairs. Won't be online much until then.

Take care,

Andy