Woodsman's Pal: This odd-looking tool goes back to 1941, when Fredrick Ersham put it on the market after 10 years of development. The original had a leather-washer handle and a D-ring guard like a cutlass. The modern version utilizes a hardwood handle and no guard; otherwise it is unchanged. You can use the Pal as a brush hook, machete, knife, shovel, and axe. There's little you can't do with it. It's affordable, light for its abilities, and indestructible. It and I are about the same age. I think it will outlast me by quite a margin.