Ep 1. Ax to Grind

Ax Men is a popular TV show that gives viewers an inside look at the lives of the people engaged in the logging industry. In the third season, episode one titled "Ax to Grind," the show follows the lives of rugged men who cut down trees for a living. The episode gives a glimpse into the challenges associated with this profession and how the men tackle them.

The episode opens with the crew of Rygaard Logging Company in Washington State, who are on a mission to meet their goal of 60 loads for the week. To stay on track, the team has devised a unique plan. They've split their crew into two groups, one working day shifts, and the other working night shifts. The idea is to keep the logging trucks moving continuously to reach their target. The day crew starts their shift, but things aren't going to plan when the saw breaks down. The Rygaard team members must fix the saw or lose valuable time. When the saw is finally operational, the team resumes its work, but another glitch occurs. The team's man haul breaks down, causing them to lose more time and giving their rival team a lead.

Meanwhile, down the road, the crew from Conner Aviation is looking to tackle the dangers of logging from above. The team must maintain focus during their risky missions, where one small mistake can cause a catastrophic accident. The episode captures the tenuousness of the mission as the team members face uncertain weather conditions and daunting terrain. Midway through the episode, the team gets a call from one of their crew members who has been injured. In a scene that is both intense and moving, the team comes together to airlift their injured comrade and provide him with essential medical attention.

In another part of Washington State, the producers of "Deadliest Catch" explore the lives of the loggers at Claro Walnut Millworks who use a sawmill with a cutting edge. The machine can cut a log into five pieces within just one minute, making the job much easier than it used to be. But this new technology comes with a heavy price tag, and the team must work around the clock to meet their financial targets. Throughout the episode, the Claro team deals with a series of challenges, including long hours, heavy equipment, and fickle weather.

Finally, the show follows the infamous Papac Alaska logging company, which is facing one of its toughest years yet. The team is hard at work, in conditions as treacherous as those commonly found in the Bering Sea. In a scene appropriately referred to as logging on steroids, the team uses an Albert cutting head to take down colossal trees weighing more than 1000 tons. The crew must work together to manage the colossal trees and gain a valuable edge over their competition.

Overall, "Ax to Grind" is an engaging, entertaining, and sometimes gripping episode of Ax Men that provides viewers with a fascinating inside look at the logging industry. It captures the difficulties and struggles that loggers face daily and the determination it takes to be successful in the business. From new equipment to difficult weather conditions, the episode gives viewers a bird's eye view of how loggers handle countless challenges and remain focused on their objectives. The intense competition between teams of loggers is palpable and keeps viewers engrossed until the very end. Though the show has come under criticism for glamorizing the logging industry, there is no denying the high stakes and thrilling moments that make "Ax to Grind" a must-watch for anyone interested in this uniquely American profession.