Get To Know The Woodmans Pal: The Ultimate All-in-one Machete

By Author: Christen Ronchetti
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If you’re a fan of the outdoors, and you’re experienced with using a range of tools to trim, prune, chop firewood and blaze trails, why not try the Woodmans Pal—the ultimate all-in-one machete. Today’s Woodmans Pal is nearly identical to the original version, introduced in 1941. These specialty knives are still crafted by hand by American workers in Pennsylvania. If you need a well-crafted tool to handle all your outdoor jobs, give the Woodsmans Pal a try.

When was the Woodmans Pal introduced?

Frederick Ehrsam, a Swiss architect, artist, engineer, manufacturer and woodsman, introduced the Woodsmans Pal in 1941. Forest and field professionals originally relied on the machete for clearing brush and blazing trails. Ehrsam realized outdoorsman could benefit from a single tool that could trim, chop, clear brush and more. He developed the Woodmans Pal to tackle all these tasks with one compact, versatile tool with a design safe enough for even inexperienced users.

During World War II, the U.S. Army Signal Corps used the Woodmans Pal for clearing ...
... land. During the Vietnam War, the Woodmans Pal was standard issue in aircrew survival kits. Today, hunters, campers and other outdoors enthusiasts continue to use the Woodmans Pal as a multipurpose tool.

What is the Woodmans Pal used for?

The Woodmans Pal can trim, prune, chop, split, blaze trails, clear brush, clear campsites, chop firewood, split kindling, build lean-tos and much more. Any camper, hiker or other outdoorsman of any experience level can benefit from the Woodmans Pal. The Woodmans Pal can take the place of a machete, axe, hatchet, pruning saw, pruning shears, bow saw, loppers and even chainsaws in certain applications. It’s specially designed to cut small trees, shrubs, weeds and vines of up to 3 inches in diameter.

How do you use the Woodmans Pal?

For clearing brush, use the long, razor-sharp edge of the Woodmans Pal in a swinging motion, similar to a scythe or sickle. The compact size and light weight enables you to hit your target without risk of injury or deflection. Also, use the Woodmans Pal for chopping wood. You can easily drop and pick up the tool thanks to the convenient wrist sling and easy-to-grip hardened ash design.

Christen Ronchetti is a freelance writer for Pro Tool Industries, a family owned and operated business located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. We offer Woodman's Pal, handcrafted tools make one-by-one with care by our skilled artisans. Shop in-store or online for the Woodsman Pal and more! Visit protoolindustries.com.