Why do good tools matter in bushcraft?
Out in nature, your cutting tools directly determine how comfortably you can set yourself up. Building a shelter means cutting poles. Preparing a fire means splitting wood and making kindling. Improving camp means carving, adjusting, joining...
A quality tool makes all the difference. A well-balanced axe with a keen edge does the job in a few strokes where a poor tool will wear you out. A saw with well-designed teeth goes through wood effortlessly. These tools become a natural extension of your arms. Beyond efficiency, there is safety. A badly designed or badly maintained tool considerably raises the risk of an accident. Our tools are selected for their reliability and their ergonomics, two essential qualities when you are working far from anywhere.
The bushcrafter's essential tools
The axe
The axe is the emblematic bushcraft tool. It lets you fell deadwood, split logs, limb branches and cut pegs. No other tool offers such versatility for heavy work in wood.
Several sizes exist for different needs. Compact hatchets (under 40 cm) slip into the backpack for light trips. Forest axes with a mid-length handle (50-60 cm) offer the best power-to-portability compromise. Large axes (70 cm and up) deliver maximum power for intensive work at base camp.
A hand-forged head and a fine hardwood handle are the marks of a quality axe. These traditional tools, well cared for, pass down through the generations.
The saw
- The saw is the ideal complement to the axe. Where the axe excels at splitting and hewing, the saw gives you clean, accurate cuts. Cutting a branch to the length you want, cutting through a trunk too big for the axe, preparing even sections... The saw does these jobs effortlessly.
- Folding saws are the preferred choice of hikers and bushcrafters. Compact and safe once folded, they are easy to carry. Models with Japanese teeth (cutting on the pull) are remarkably efficient.
- Folding bow saws (bucksaws) deploy a longer blade for bigger jobs. Bulkier, they excel at base camp for cutting large quantities of wood.
Our selection of bushcraft tools
- For lightweight hiking, a compact hatchet and a 20-25 cm folding saw cover most needs. This light pair lets you prepare a fire and set up a bivouac without overloading your backpack.
- For classic bushcraft, a versatile forest axe paired with a sturdy folding saw makes the ideal kit. Add a good fixed blade knife and you have the complete trio of edged tools.
- For base camp, go for a powerful splitting axe and a bow saw. These larger tools let you work through big volumes of wood efficiently to feed your wood stove or your campfire.
Looking after your tools
A well-maintained tool stays effective and safe for decades. Regular sharpening keeps axe edges keen. Care products (oil for the head, wax for the handle) protect against damp and knocks. For your knives and carving tools, you will also find our stones and sharpening accessories suited to each type of blade.
FAQ - Bushcraft tools
Axe or saw: which comes first?
The two complement each other. If you have to choose, a folding saw is more versatile to start with. It cuts cleanly with no particular technique. An axe takes learning but quickly becomes essential.
Which axe size should you choose?
For hiking, a 30-40 cm hatchet is enough. For all-round bushcraft, aim for 50-60 cm. Keep large axes for fixed camps.
How do you carry an axe?
Always use a sheath covering the edge. Attach the axe to the outside of the pack, handle up, or stow compact models inside.