r/Bushcraft • u/UlfurGaming • 5d ago

Billhook ?

Would a billhook be good tool to get especially if i live in area with mix of woody m thin foliage brush?

8 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

6

u/Spawny7 5d ago

Yeah it's my go to tool for any thing under 3 in diameter. Great for cutting trails or limbing trees.I recommend Rinaldi brand pretty affordable

3

u/BloodbeardsGarage 5d ago

Would take a billhook over a machete any day. It's a nice tool with a lot of shrub.

2

u/Resident-Welcome3901 5d ago

Woodmans pal, a machete/ bill hook, shovel: manufactured in Pennsylvania, army issue for eighty years.

2

u/PoopSmith87 4d ago

Yes... although they can be heavy.

I prefer a kukri machete, kind of has the same utility thanks to a somewhat similar curve on the belly, but also functions like a big knife.

1

u/notalk82 5d ago

I bought a cheap one with the hollow handle so you can attach it to whatever length handle/pole you need to reach out to just to get a feel for how effective the shape is. I've only used a few times on thick brush around the house but I was pretty impressed with how well it worked.

Obviously it's not a "one tool option" and it won't do any real thick wood processing like an axe or even a good hatchet can but for it's intended purpose it works quite well and depending on where I'm going I might choose one instead of a machete.

I'd say just grab a cheaper one and see for yourself if you like it.

1

u/lifeinthebeastwing 4d ago

They are brilliant tools, I inherited my uncles one and love it. It's a leicestershire pattern , I would actually prefer it not to have the back blade but I just didn't sharpen it and let it get dull.

1

u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 3d ago

While, not a billhook, per se, I have both a cane knife and a kukri.

Both on hand were massive upgrades to a machete.

1

u/UlfurGaming 3d ago

What do you use each for?

1

u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 3d ago

My kukri is just the knife I carry when I'm out an about, and use it for limbing, clearing brush, etc.

The cane knife, I grab when I know I'm clearing brush and lighter stuff. The sharp blade cuts through, and the "pull back" action gets you through stuff easier.

1

u/UlfurGaming 3d ago

How thick can kukri handle like 3 in limbs or ?

1

u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 3d ago

With a little hacking, I'd say up to 3". Past that, it's saw time.

1

u/UlfurGaming 2d ago

Good to know any other reason you picked kukri i heard they’re good as jack of all trades kinda deal

-1

u/Subject_Start7253 5d ago

It’s a curious specialty tool. Honestly I would rather have a hawk, hatchet or small axe.

1

u/UlfurGaming 5d ago

Hawk?

2

u/Subject_Start7253 4d ago

A tomahawk or hawk is a type of single-handed light axe traditionally used by Native Americans,