Originally Posted by
pablosnazzy
i thought that was called a pulaski
Pulaski is quite different: a single-bitted axe with a narrow adze-like head at the other end:
. . . and as cryptid alludes, with much different strengths. Pulaski is a great tool for grubbing in ground infested with small-to-medium-size rocks and tangles of smaller runner-roots. For the heavy-duty stuff, the mattock is a better tool because of its sheer mass.
Originally Posted by
cryptid01
I personally hate trail sanitization, however well intentioned, even more than equine poaching. But somewhere between sustainability and fun there are compromises that have to be made, both in new construction and in maintenance. Each of those compromises is best evaluated on a case by case basis by an experienced, responsible trail builder. Probably what I should have first responded to the OP is "if you don't know what you're doing, then don't! Join your local club and do it the right way or learn to ride better."
Quoted for the whole matter in a nutshell.