Ep 16. Family Rivalry

In this gripping episode of Ax Men, titled "Family Rivalry," tensions run high as the rivalries between two logging families escalate to a whole new level. As the loggers gear up for another intense season of harvesting timber in the treacherous Pacific Northwest, the stakes have never been higher.

The episode kicks off with a glimpse into the lives of the Dreadknots, a tight-knit family whose business is logging. Led by patriarch Bobby Goodson, this resilient crew relies on their experience and deep-rooted familial bonds to navigate the challenges presented by the unforgiving Oregon wilderness. Their unwavering determination to succeed is driven not only by the financial rewards but also by the pride they take in their occupation passed down through generations.

On the other side of the rivalry lies the Rygaard family, another formidable logging crew struggling to carve their legacy in this cutthroat industry. Led by patriarch Craig Rygaard, a fierce and relentless logger, their operations span across Washington and Oregon, attracting attention and envy from their competitors. For the Rygaards, logging is not just work—it is the blood that courses through their veins, and they are determined to be the best.

As the episode unfolds, we witness the nature of the intense rivalry between these two families. Both crews face immense pressure to secure valuable timber contracts, and it becomes evident that each triumph for one team is a personal blow to the other. The competition is fierce, and the struggles to survive push both families to their limits, physically and mentally.

With adrenaline-pumping footage, we follow the Dreadknots as they navigate treacherous terrains, battling steep slopes and menacing fallen trees. Their unified effort to conquer all obstacles reinforces the strong sense of camaraderie within the family—a trait that often sets them apart from their rivals. Bobby's skillful leadership and the unwavering support of his sons—Justin, Travis, and David—are key ingredients of their success, but will their combined efforts be enough to outshine the Rygaards?

Meanwhile, the Rygaards encounter their own set of challenges. Despite their fearsome reputation, they are not invincible. The episode takes us through their high-stakes pursuit of timber, as they navigate wintry conditions, constant machinery breakdowns, and the ever-looming danger of falling trees. However, the Rygaards' resilience and resourcefulness shine through as they doggedly stay in the race, determined not to let their rivals steal the spotlight.

As the climax of the season approaches, tension between the families reaches a fever pitch. The rivalry intensifies as contracts are won and lost, tempers flare, and the risk of sabotage becomes all too real. With emotions running high, viewers are left on the edge of their seats, eager to see how this family feud unfolds.

"Family Rivalry" not only showcases the hazardous world of logging but also delves into the complex dynamics between rival families. The contrast between the two crews highlights the perseverance, tenacity, and unwavering spirit required to succeed in one of the deadliest professions in the world. The experience of watching these families battle it out in the unforgiving wilderness is both thrilling and emotionally gripping, leaving audiences captivated until the final scene.

In this unforgettable episode of Ax Men, "Family Rivalry" paints a vivid portrait of the trials and triumphs faced by two logging families as they fight to secure their place in the logging industry's history books. Prepare to be immersed in the adrenaline-fueled world of timber harvesting and the profound bonds of family, as these crews lay it all on the line to claim victory and prove once and for all who reigns supreme.