Axe Use & Safety | Tips, Tricks & Techniques from the Backyard to the Backcountry

Join Curt Isaacson, Ambassador for Hults Bruk Axes of Sweden, as he demonstrates and leads participants in the use and safety of axes for the backyard and the backcountry. All participants will receive a raffle prize including the chance to win a Hults Bruk axe courtesy of Hults Bruk of Sweden! Campfire cobbler, coffee, and hot chocolate will follow. 

This hands-on seminar supported by Hults Bruk of Sweden will cover the following:

• Axe types and selection including hatchets,
• General axe safety,
• Axe sharpening/maintenance/modification,
• Multiple splitting/bucking/limbing techniques,
• Pairing the axe with other tools (such as saws, mauls, wedges and knives),
• The extreme dangers of felling trees with an axe,
• Identifying firewood in the backcountry,
• Basic firelaying using an axe and more. 

Participants are welcome to bring personal axes. Curt and his team will help identify how to get the axe into shape for tasks as well as address potential hazards such as grain issues in the haft, poor fit, damage/cracks in the eye, etc.

Registration is required and participants must be ages 10 years and up. Youth ages 10 yrs to 18 yrs must have an accompanying adult registered for the program. $15 per person. Park entry fee included in registration. Please meet at the Group Tent Campsite in the lower loop of the Hitchcock Nature Center Campground.

About Curt:

Curt Isaacson is an avid craftsman, trekker and camper from Nebraska. He’s been exploring the outdoors since childhood and developed an early knack for making and modifying his own gear.  He especially enjoys promoting the intersection of the oft-forgotten tools of traditional craft and outdoor travel, especially as they relate to winter.  Curt has fond memories of growing up, working alongside his father in the workshop, tending the wood stove at the heart of it.  His grandfather Karl immigrated from Kisa, Östergötland County, Sweden, giving Curt a deep appreciation for the culture, tools and lifestyle of Scandinavian peoples.  He’s currently on the ambassador team for Hults Bruk Axes of Sweden, also in Östergötland County, helping to produce content for their North American social media platforms.  You can find them both on Instagram @hultsbruk1697 and @4esttrekker.
 

Cancellation Policy

Guests may cancel their reservation for a full refund up to 1 week (7 days) prior to the program date by calling 712-545-3283 and speaking with staff directly. Cancellations received less than 1 week (7 days) in advance of the event will not be refunded. Fees for programs cancelled by PCC due to weather or other circumstances will be refunded.