[Batakali]

I'm interested in hearing about what tools people use when harvesting sticks. My favorite is my opinel folding saw. I also take along a folding entrenching tool and my leatherman multi-tool is always with me wherever I go anyway.

 

[Rodney]

So far I use a small hand saw, a set of pruning loppers, and some pruning shears for the smaller shoots. The loppers are fast for sticks up to about 1 1/2" diameter. The saw doesn't see as much use as the other tools.

Rodney

 

[gdenby]

I use an 8" folding pruning saw. Have also used a bushcraft knife, and sometimes a pocket chain saw. It is just a length of chain blade rolled into a shoe-polish sized can and held by 2 steel loops at each end. It will handle small logs if need be.

I understand that if one is going for root balls, an adze is preferred.

 

[Sean]

I've always enjoyed getting out searching as much as the making. I keep it pretty simple and carry a small folding saw and a scraper like pictured. Ive found for peeling wet bark off sticks if preferred, I haven't found anything that beats it. I also carry a strap with adjustable rope loops at each end so i can carry out multiple sticks on each journey.

 

[MJC4]

A small folding saw similar to the one Sean uses and a pair of by pass pruners. Wind storms harvest a lot of my wood for me.

 

[JJireh]

1 sharp hatchet usually.

I find saplings and push them over and cut the roots, then chop the top to a manageable length

I have found some 2 year old stumps with new growth while out. I flag them and come back with a battery powered reciprocating saw.

 

[cobalt]

a pruninng saw a hand pruner for cutting of side branches . a good heavy duty lopers cuts up to 2inches well they say so but does cut up to 1.5 inches well

also rope to bundles up the shanks into bunches and a water proof ground sheet to protect the car interior

 

[Batakali]

Hey guys thanks for all the info! Sean, I also like to just spend the day in the woods. A bottle of coffee,a sandwich and a nice day doing what I love. As for peeling the wet bark. Do you have any trouble seasoning with the bark off?

 

[cobalt]

its better to season with the bark on helps to prevent the wood from splitting whilst drying .It will give you more time in the woods to harvest those shanks .

Some across the pond like to take the bark of whilst wet suppose it depends on the type of wood , but I would never do it.

 

[MJC4]

Speaking of harvesting, will have to look this spring for some more sassafras. Just noticed the 2 I had seasoning in the garage have both split 1/3 of the way down, bummer! Might be able to salvage a bit for carving toppers but not enough left for a decent staff.

 

[cobalt]

It may help to seal the ends of the shanks .It should help to even the drying of the shank .A exposed area of a fresh cut shank tends to dry more rapidly and is subject to more shrinkage than the rest of the shank which will lead to shrinkage /cracking

You could try sealing it with wax paint or bitchimmin and may help to even the seasoning process

I don't get this problem with hazel and have never bothered to seal the wood so wood type must play a part in this?

 

[Gloops]

Seems pretty general - folding pruning saw and I also use a pair of ratchet secateurs and a flexible wire saw similar to gdenby's pocket chain saw, good for a tight spot when the one you want is too close to other shoots to get anything else in without cutting shoots off that may be good next year.

 

[Sean]

Hey guys thanks for all the info! Sean, I also like to just spend the day in the woods. A bottle of coffee,a sandwich and a nice day doing what I love. As for peeling the wet bark. Do you have any trouble seasoning with the bark off?

It depends on the time of year and the wood. I try to harvest most in the off growth season when the sap isn't running. I find the wood is less prone to checking. I also will seal the ends usually with a varnish of some kind if concerned about seasoning. I cut long if the ends do crack they will be cut anyhow.
Some i leave the batk on, love the look. Peeling the bark off wet saplings as they dry some start to bleed out some nice color and make a fine looking stick.

 

[Rodney]

The little folding saw looks like it would be handy. I think I'll take a look at them next time I'm in a hardware store. The loppers work and they're fast but they're also more awkward to carry.

Rodney

 

[Black Thorn]

Yeah agree,harvesting is one of the best parts of stickmaking. I prefer large loppers for a nice quick clean cut,small secateurs for side branches and a foldiding saw for bigger stuff.

 

[Black Thorn]

Not forgetting extra thick elastic bands to bundle them,string and my trusty bag to carry them!

 

[cobalt]

looks like youhave a good natural thumb stick topper there shame you couldn't get the whole stick with it .but would look good with a nice collar when mounted

 

[Batakali]

Hey thanks for all the tips folks! I don't usually seal my sticks after cutting as I tend to go for the root ball, so I just leave all the mud and such on it(much to my wife's dismay)during the seasoning. Seems to work pretty well.

 

[Whiteroselad]

I also take a good quality pruning saw, I have had about three cheapo pruning saws and they don't cut very good for me! I found myself a nice Bahco saw and that has served me well. Secateurs, Loppers (carried over my back, tied with twine) I also have a small knife, rope and twine and sometimes a 12 inch bow saw. I leave this kit in the car all the time just in case I see "The Perfect Shank" N.

 

[Rad]

Especially when I'm harvesting root stock, I take a shovel, folding saw, axe, loppers and of course my 3720 John Deere with front end loading bucket for carrying everything -- and bringing sticks back. Sometimes I tack along a flat bed trailer and my lunch.