An Axe to Grind (Manual and Documentary)

I thought I would start this blog off on the right page by posting this classic documentary. To me this is the best available source for axe maintenance. Filmed at Montana's Ninemile Ranger Station, a genuine piece of Forest Service history, Bernie Weisgerber shows how to properly maintain an axe for quality work. Craftsmanship in axe is very much a lost art today. The steel is not of the same quality as it was in the "old days". Many trail workers do not take the time to properly maintain axes, or use them improperly. Taking time to learn tools and gaining an appreciation for care is of prime importance in trail work. This is a must see for all axe enthusiasts and any wood-working trail worker.

The accompaning manual for this documumentary can be found at
An Axe to Grind (book)