Pulaski

Pulaski Axe

The Pulaski is a versatile tool with a long history of use in wildfire control and suppression. Pulaskis and other grubbing tools are designed to cut through roots and deep mats of plant detritus packed tightly above the soil. Many firefighters prefer to use a Pulaski because it can be used like an axe and a grub hoe. The Pulaski is named for Ranger E.C. Pulaski who designed it for use in the types of fuels found in the Northern Rockies of Montana and Idaho, but it can be used in other fuel types as well.

The axe bit is sharpened by grinding it with an even taper at least 2.5 inches back from the cutting edge. The hoe side should also be ground to a good cutting edge with the bevel approximately 3/8ths of an inch deep on the side facing the handle. The wooden handle should be smooth and tightly fastened. Handles with splinters, cracks, excessive twist or warp should be replaced or reconditioned.