Axe in Hand: A Woodchopper's Guide to Blades, Wood, and Fire

* 2025 National Outdoor Book Award Winner, Outdoor Adventure Guides Category *

A unique, welcoming guide for the ultimate outdoor hobby.

Axes, woodchopping, and fire: it can all seem intimidating. But the truth is that with the proper knowledge and technique, they are safe, fun, sustainable passions. What’s more, times have changed. In the past, you may have seen guides that relegated women to organizing and stacking wood—focusing on men as the true outdoorspeople. Yet everyone is capable of chopping with skill and making fires.

Nicole Maple Coenen (nicole_coenen) has made her name (and 5M+ followers) with exactly this message. The techniques and lessons in this book showcase strength and will empower you to find the same in yourself.

Axe in Hand teaches the history and benefits of woodchopping and woodburning as opposed to other energy and heat sources. You can save money, have a lower carbon footprint, or simply use it as a way to form new social connections. You’ll also find:

The history and anatomy of axes themselves , providing you with a thorough, supportive body of knowledge with which you can choose your own axe to begin your woodchopping journey. Comprehensive tutorials on how to chop wood , including stances, hand position, and mechanics of woodchopping, allowing you to begin as soon as you feel comfortable. Choosing and sourcing wood , including how to source, sustainable sourcing, estimating, and dealing with sap/pitch and fatwood. How to restore and re-handle an old axe . Instructions for stacking, storing, and seasoning wood , including information on building a perfect place to store wood and a variety of stacking patterns. Burn science and DIY firestarters to use in any situation. Stacking for fire , including log cabin, teepee, cone, pyramid, and Swedish stacks.
This comprehensive guide to woodchopping and outdoor living will bring you closer to nature and assist you in developing strength and confidence. No matter your entry point, Nicole is sure to inspire and educate anyone ready to pick up an axe.