Whether you're homesteading or in a survival situation, long-term or short-term, one of the most important tools you must have at your fingertips is an ax.

An ax lets you cut firewood, skin bark off a piece of wood, notch wood, some have even used it in a pinch to peel the hide off of game flesh. It can even be used a tool to ward off an intruder, two or four legged and if necessary, it is a formidable weapon.

Apart from a firearm and knife, having a good Ax is critical whether you are living off grid, just want to be a little more self sufficient or in a survival situation.

Knowing what to buy, however, can pose a challenge.

On the next page, we give some general tips on how to get an Ax that meets your needs.

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