Why This Skill Matters in an Emergency or Survival Situation

Constructing a broadaxe is a valuable skill for survival situations where you need to fell trees, split wood, or shape timber. A broadaxe can be used to create planks, beams, and other essential structures for shelter or tools. In an emergency, having the ability to make your own broadaxe ensures you have a reliable tool for survival.

What You Need

Materials

  • Axe head: A suitable axe head can be sourced from scrap metal or salvaged from old tools. Ensure it has a flat blade and a tang for attaching the handle.
  • Handle material: Hardwood such as hickory, ash, or maple is ideal. The handle should be straight-grained and free of knots.
  • Wood glue: Strong wood glue is necessary for securing the handle to the axe head.
  • Steel pins or rivets: These are used to reinforce the handle-to-head connection.
  • Steel plate: A small steel plate can be used to reinforce the tang area.

Tools

  • Drill: For making holes in the handle and steel plate.
  • Sledgehammer: For driving steel pins or rivets.
  • File: To shape the tang and steel plate.
  • Saw: To cut the handle to length.
  • Sandpaper: For smoothing the handle and tang.
  • Clamp: To hold the handle and steel plate in place while gluing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Select and Prepare the Handle: Choose a hardwood stick that is straight-grained and free of knots. The length of the handle should be appropriate for your height and strength. Cut the handle to the desired length.
  2. Prepare the Axe Head: Clean the tang of the axe head with a file to ensure a smooth surface for gluing. If necessary, file the tang to fit the handle perfectly.
  3. Drill Holes: Drill two holes in the handle, one near each end, and one in the steel plate. The holes should be slightly larger than the steel pins or rivets.
  4. Assemble the Handle and Steel Plate: Insert the steel plate over the tang of the axe head. Apply wood glue to the tang and insert it into the handle. Clamp the handle and steel plate together to ensure a tight fit.
  5. Install Steel Pins or Rivets: Insert the steel pins or rivets through the holes in the handle and steel plate. Use a sledgehammer to drive the pins or rivets securely.
  6. Smooth and Finish: Smooth any rough edges or surfaces with sandpaper. Apply a protective finish to the handle if desired.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Using Softwood for the Handle: Softwood can break easily under the stress of swinging an axe. Always use hardwood for the handle.
  • Improper Fit of the Tang: A tang that is too loose or too tight can cause the handle to fail. Ensure the tang fits snugly in the handle.
  • Insufficient Reinforcement: Relying solely on wood glue can lead to failure. Always use steel pins or rivets to reinforce the connection between the handle and the axe head.

Variations, Tips, and Related Techniques

  • Handle Length: The length of the handle can be adjusted based on your height and strength. A longer handle provides more leverage but requires more strength to swing.
  • Handle Shape: The shape of the handle can be customized to fit your hand comfortably. A round handle is common, but a D-shaped handle can provide a better grip.
  • Steel Plate Reinforcement: Using a steel plate can significantly increase the strength of the connection between the handle and the axe head. The plate should be shaped to fit the tang and handle perfectly.

TLDR: Constructing a broadaxe from scratch ensures you have a reliable tool for survival situations, requiring careful selection of materials and precise assembly techniques.

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