The Woodman's Pal........

[BRIARS]

I have always wanted one as well. I used to hunt an area that got a lot of logging and had to cut trails thru them to access stand sites.

The say the hook can be used to cut vines and greenbriars so I thought it may be the way to go.

From what I read the Pal is far superior to the Gerber version.

[Stumpkiller]

My brush and branch clearing tools include a Finnish (Lapp) Leuku.  Great for gathering firewood as well.

It's the one on the right.

 


The second is less romantic but much quieter, lighter and works well: Ratcheting pruners.
 

[Phrogdrvr]

Made right here in eastern PA.  Good tool.

Tom

[ron w]

Thanks for all the input and info.......  

[JimB]

I saw yesterday,and wished I had taken time to look it over,that Gerber has a copy of the Woodman's Pal that they call the Machete Pro,about $35.

[ron w]

JimB....where might that have been made......overseas? The reason I ask is $35 seems cheap.......

[Hawkeye]

Roger (and others who have a Woodman's Pal), after having it, do you feel like the leather sheath is the way to go?  It looks like the original military one may have come this a canvas sheath. I guess I'm less concerned with looks than practicality...

Also, what is you opinion on the model with the built-in metal handguard?

Thanks!

[floodman]

The button snaps broke the 1st week,and the leather wrap handle started to unravel..they are a Pile...for what you pay,,  a machette and some whoopers,is all you need

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I like using a machete when clearing thorny bushes.  I hope I might pick one up without  the plastic handle.  I used one in the rain last year and the plastic grip caused it to slip twice.  Could have been bad.

I have not  used the tool you are referring to though.

[ron w]

Ones I'm looking at have a wood handle.....looks rugged!

[ron w]

Well, a friend scored one of these tools on the big auction site for me today. I'll find out first hand how well they are made and if they do the job. I'll give a full report on my findings....lol!

[toddster]

Just a tidbit, the hook on the end of the tool is used to clear brush.  It works great on low brush because don't have to bend over as far, and cuts it clean.  Works well on small stuff just above the head too without having to work to hard and pulling stuff down to cut it.

[ron w]

Thanks for the tip.....I'm looking forward to making a few ground blind and putting it to the test!

[DEATHMASTER]

They work very nice and sharpen up nice.
DO NOT cut yourself with it. 7 stiches in my finger proves who sharp you can get them. Just nicked it with my PAL.. ALSO use the strap on it. The handle can become splppery after a couple hours of use.

[Bud B.]

It may have been stated but the hook is also good for when you try to pull up saplings and that one root won't let go, you can hook it and cut it without swinging your good edge into the dirt.

[LBR]

I have the wood handle/canvas sheath one.  Had it and used/abused it for years.  It stays in my truck.

The hook was described to me as a "briar hook".  Works great for greenbriar and such, or vines, where chopping at them just makes you mad and sweaty.  You can snatch them right off at the ground.  I use a rattail file to sharpen it.