^ yes.

I use a ratchett lopper for trail mtc more than an axe. A good rachet lopper will gut green wood 2 inches thick no problem.Also better in tight spots since no need to swing it.They also make them with telescoping handles.If you are just cutting smaller stuff to make cubbies loppers may be more suited to that work.
Cutting new trail,axe or chainsaw is better,unless you are just cutting a "line".
I seen some line cutters that made their own tool,kind of a hybrid between a machete and a sandvik.
A cut down machete blade hafted on a sandvik handle.Line cutting you dont require the inertia of a heavier tool.
An axe has many many uses and most who work with them on a regular basis customize their tools to their needs to make the work easier and more efficient.

I have both the Estwing and the Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay.Snow & Nealley is much easier to carry in a basket or bucket.Both are good,,but I prefer the Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay.

This!

I still use mine that I have had since the 1980s. Just needs to be resharpened every few years one of the better Investments I ever made

I forgot to mention mine is an estwing like the above-mentioned axes

Whatever you end up with, paint it bright yellow!!

Russ

Any of the Estwing products. I have a Plumb brand hatchet with the original handle that has served my trapline for about 48 years plus split the rib cage and pelvis of many a deer and elk. I don't know if Plumb is even in business now but they made good stuff.

Estwings do not last a lifetime. They get LOST!!!

I've seen one get bent almost ninety degrees.

A framing hammer that is. Guy on my crew jumped down into a basement over a cinder block wall with open cells. The hammer hooked into the ring on his tool bag got it's handle into a cell. He was a big guy and the hammer bent sideways, the cinder block busted and he went home for the day.

estwing for sure

Depending what your doing, the estwing roofers hatchet has a small axe blade and a hammer head...I use it camping often.

Estwing are ok for trapping or occasional use,but if you are using it a lot especially on frozen wood they will do you in.Need a wooden handled axe-much easier on the hands,elbows and shoulders.

All of my trapping tools, sifters, setters, etc, get that treatment.

not a bad idea to put a loop of orange reflective paracord so when you drop it in the water you can hook it with your potato rake


do you have a potato rake ?

Is a potato rake the 4 tined hard rake style? Bent like a hoe but instead of a single blade, it's 4 tines?

yes there are some variations on exact tine design but yes 4 tine about 6 inch wide head

when you use it as a walking stick the tines spread out the weight so it acts a little like a duck foot in the mud

Paul talks about his potato rake from time to time , I know a lot of the water guys use them for a lot on the water line.

do a search on potato rake here on the forum and you will see many posts about what different people use them for from snakes , to beaver , wading , under water snares

I welded up a nice long handle potato rake for beaverin'