So, which one of these axes?

[d.weglarz13]

okay thanks.

[d.weglarz13]

Okay, changed it up a bit. Im starting to want a big axe, bigger the better i guess, as long as i can still strap it to my large pack.
Im thinking now,
about this axe: GB american felling 31" http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/g...e31handle.aspx
or this one: BOys axe, regular, 28" http://www.counciltool.com/product.a...duct&item=22BR
or I really want this one, but its sold out: boys axe forest edition http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=719
possibly this one but also sold out: scandinavian GB http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=226

Then, theres this one: Velvicut Felling axe, but it doesn't say the specs. Anyone how long and how heavy?
http://www.counciltool.com/product.a...item=JP40DV36C

I like the higher end ones if possible, just like my knives. But, the cheaper ones look real nice too, plus i can stain it and strip it!

Price doesn't really matter to me for nice stuff!

Keep yelling out opinions, i really love to hear them!!!

dave

[Double Ott]

Okay, changed it up a bit. Im starting to want a big axe, bigger the better i guess, as long as i can still strap it to my large pack.
Im thinking now,
about this axe: GB american felling 31" http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/g...e31handle.aspx
or this one: BOys axe, regular, 28" http://www.counciltool.com/product.a...duct&item=22BR
or I really want this one, but its sold out: boys axe forest edition http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=719
possibly this one but also sold out: scandinavian GB http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=226

Then, theres this one: Velvicut Felling axe, but it doesn't say the specs. Anyone how long and how heavy?
http://www.counciltool.com/product.a...item=JP40DV36C

I like the higher end ones if possible, just like my knives. But, the cheaper ones look real nice too, plus i can stain it and strip it!

Price doesn't really matter to me for nice stuff!

Keep yelling out opinions, i really love to hear them!!!

dave

It has 3.5 Lb head and comes with a 36 inch curved or a 36" straight handle.

http://www.counciltool.com/DisplayCa...es&category=13

Nice axe!

[cooperhill]

If price is not a limiting factor, check out John Neeman tools.

https://www.facebook.com/neemantools

[1whobuys]

John Neeman with a hand hammered head and hand shaped handle for the price of an off the shelf Axe.
I LOVE mine, makes the GB's look anorexic.

[Operator1975]

Can a Neeman hold up to a comparison with an old Plumb or Sager?

[d.weglarz13]

Tell me if Im wrong here please...
Smaller axe = better detail work
Larger axe is better for chopping wood, but can't do any detail work. Or, can you?
Something like a 28" handle is kind of in the middle?

And, can someone elaborate on which head style is best for what uses? Thanks again.

dave

[ljcsov]

What do you consider detail work? Intricate carving or just making shavings?

For carving you normally only want something around the size of a hatchet.

However, for most camp tasks even a heavy axe with a razor sharp edge can be used to make shavings and carve tent stakes with the correct techniques. I think the main difference between axes will be evidence when comparing a Swedish styled axe to an American style. The Swedish styled axes have thin cheeks which will yield deep cuts and easy carving. On the downside, they tend to not be as proficient at splitting as an American style axe. American styled axes tend not to stick as badly when chopping.

Let us know which one you pick!

If you like your axe, you'll probably end up accumulating a few in different handle lengths and head weights.

If you are looking for a do it all axe that is very packable, look at the "Hunting" axes by Granfors or Wetterlings. They are just big enough to get two hands on but are small enough to easily pack and to do some intricate work. The traditional "bushcraft" axe tends to be around 19", the length of these axes. A cheaper option is by Bahco, but has a slightly heavier head. All are great options.

Conversely, larger axes can be packed quite well despite their longer handles and heavier head weights. I look at an axe not only as an outstanding tool but a form of entertainment in the woods. After I set up camp, I enjoy chopping wood and creating a nice fire. Also, it can be handy when you can help out by doing some trail maintenance.

Have you narrowed it down at all??

[d.weglarz13]

Okay, cool. I also love to use my knives as entertainment sometimes around camp or whatever, and im sure it will be the same for me. Its kind of hard making a decision, because I don't want an axe that i will only pick up for felling trees, but at the same time I don't want a "city dwelling weekender" small axe, not good for anything but cutting logs down the center, if you know what I mean.

My biggest factor right now IS whether or not my taste is more for the Swedish head style, or an American head style. I thought i would know by looking at a few pictures, but its just not the case. I see beautiful tools, in both styles, and Im sure I will need more than one sometime in the near future. But for now, I know that Im wanting a handle(curved) in the 26"- 31" size, although i know thats not really narrowing it down too much...And, i think a head between 2 and 3 lbs would be ideal for all around use.
Im also not a huge lumberjack, but like i said I can swing an 8 lb sledge all day pounding truck tires, so I just don't know. But yea, I think i want something a BIT more versatile than just a splitting axe at 36" or something like that, you know?
Im thinking between a few main ones....

Gransfors Scandinavian......really like it
Gransfors American Felling at 31".......also really like it
Council Boys axe 28" (im really loving the Forest service edition, but again, Bens is sold out and can't find it anywhere else...)......but really like it too!
Council hudson bay at 28", but i think a bit too light maybe for enough firewood for more than 1 night.............not sure how I feel yet about this one.

I really want something well made, that is more than just a cheap tool that works. Im drawn to GB because of the fit and finish, but I don't see why I can't take a Council Boys axe and make it look the same. But its really down to these few. I don't plan on using the axe one handed all the time, but it would be nice sometimes to be able to handle it with 1 hand. And, at the same time i don't want something that is gonna feel like my Gerber axe when i use both hands for the bulk of the work. And, this may sound silly, but it looks almost like the American style would look stupid using it with one hand, unlike the Scandinavian forest axe. And, it almost looks like the smaller profile Swedish head style looks a bit too puny for chopping anything larger than 3" diameter section of log down its center like ray mears. I hope this helps explain how Im feeling and why im so torn, but I highly doubt it....

Dave

Thanks so much for the help so far.....Any recommendations between these few?

[ljcsov]

Judging by the axes you have narrowed it down to, I'm thinking the big deciding factor could be price. Personally, I can't afford a Gransfors right now so I can't comment on them, but I have no doubt that their quality is superb. Similarly, Council Tool produces a very fine axe that is likely to fill your axe need.

First, I think you can rule out the Hudson Bay if you want a 2-3lb axe. I weighs in at 1.75lb. Nonetheless, it does perform very well for the weight.

Then, I'd maybe eliminate the American Felling axe by Gransfors.

Next, if you really like the CT Forest Edition, contact Ben and he's bound to get back to you promptly to let you know if he will get anything in stock.

If that doesn't work out, I'd probably go with the Scandinavian axe for the size you are looking for. It'll be fairly packable and chop wood rather efficiently. Lots of people seem to be very satisfied with that axe. Check out the review here: http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2010...ors-bruks.html

You can also factor in what types of tools you own for fixing up the axes. The Hudson Bay (unless you go with the Velvicut, which only has a 20" handle) will require some grinding tool to get the edge to shaving sharp. So, perhaps that will allow you to easily rule that one out.

Like I said, if you enjoy the axe you are going to probably want to get more and try out different styles. Either way, I think the Scandinavian would be a fine start.

[d.weglarz13]

Thank you for your input. I actually just went to home depot, and picked up their 32" handle 3.5 lb axe, just to get an idea. Well I can tell you this, big difference between swinging a sledge hammer, and holding one of these and trying to imagine doing anything with it with 1 hand. Like I said, most use will probably be 2 handed, but the option is nice and the 3.5 lb 32" axe size is a bit to large for me to take anywhere. So that king of rules out the felling axe, unless it's a good deal lighter for some reason like the handle. The one at the store was a yellow fiberglass handle, so I'm not too sure.

[ljcsov]

Thank you for your input. I actually just went to home depot, and picked up their 32" handle 3.5 lb axe, just to get an idea. Well I can tell you this, big difference between swinging a sledge hammer, and holding one of these and trying to imagine doing anything with it with 1 hand. Like I said, most use will probably be 2 handed, but the option is nice and the 3.5 lb 32" axe size is a bit to large for me to take anywhere. So that king of rules out the felling axe, unless it's a good deal lighter for some reason like the handle. The one at the store was a yellow fiberglass handle, so I'm not too sure.

Those axes are horrible at Home Depot, but it does give you an idea for weight. I'm thinking if you are willing to throw down the cash that you should go with the Scandinavian. Maybe later you will want to try the others. Wetterlings makes a similar axe for less, but might not be as perfect as the GB. However, my Wetterlings is flawless.

[Blunt Forged Edge]

Here's a side-by-side of the Council Tool Velvicut Hudson Bay Axe and the Ray Mears (Gransfors Bruks) Small Forest Axe.

















* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Here's a side-by-side of the Council Tools Axes:








A couple of shots of the BMC AFA (Council Tool made axe)







* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hope you find what you're looking for and Enjoy them axes!

[d.weglarz13]

Wow, great shots of those axes, man. Im jealous, i wish i could afford all of them!
Yea, right now i guess im slightly leaning towards the Scandinavian axe........I just wish it came in 28".
In the second pic, it looks almost like the hold in the head is not even in the middle....maybe its the angle though of the pic. I gotta say, those Velvicut axes look top notch. I just don't care too much for the straight lines of the head on the smaller VC axe, but thats me...

[d.weglarz13]

Anyone got any in-hand shots of the Scandinavian axe and the Boys axe? That might help a good deal.....

[Blunt Forged Edge]

Anyone got any in-hand shots of the Scandinavian axe and the Boys axe? That might help a good deal.....

Well, here's my rendition of a Boy's Axe, kinda sorta but not really.











It's a Helko Classic Line that I re-handled since the way it came from the factory was less than desirable. The main thing is the axe head!

[d.weglarz13]

Okay, quick question. When it says "boys axe 28" handle", does that mean overall 28", or does it mean 28" handle plus the extra length the head takes up too? I ask because its got me wondering now, in the pic above it is 28 overall? so I don't know now) Even that boys axe looks pretty large, but thats definitely not a bad thing.


And, ive narrowed it down some more....this time im trying to decide between 2 axes:
1....the Scandinavian Forest Axe (this says 25" overall, so maybe a bit too short?)
2....the CT Boys axe 28"
3....Maybe still the GB 31" American Felling axe, but still not sure if too heavy for anything other than splitting though....


Any more advice about these? In the spirit of helping me with my little problem,(yes, i admit I DO have a problem..), keep yelling out your thoughts!!!

thanks for the pics..

dave

p.s. does anyone here feel that the SFA is capable of about the same work of a hatchet? I heard that somewhere, I want to make sure my axe will accomplish more than the hatchets and gerber axe that I am used to.....thanks for understanding

[d.weglarz13]

Still torn between these 3 axes above......
Anyone have any advice between the Boys axe and GB American Felling axe?
I'll probably get the Scandinavian for the smaller work, but then again i have some big knives, so im not sure if i really need it. But, how about the other two?

[nickzdon]

Lots of great talk on here. But don't forget service. It can be a big factor in satisfaction. Every axe seller should be able to answer any question you might have about their product. Email them all (if you havent already. I skimmed most of the thread on my phone) and get the low down on their axes and return policies, etc. You'll probably get a good idea on who you want to do business with (nothing implied).

Also, the CT Velvicut Felling only comes in 4# on a 36" curved handle.

[d.weglarz13]

Could someone tell me what the two axes are in this video?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISepm...eature=related
I know obviously the large one is the American felling, but is the other the Scandinavian Forest axe? Just found the vid. BTW, that 4 pounder is just too big for me. So, thats why im trying to decide on either the 31" AFA, or Boys axe, or maybe even the Scandi Forest Axe to replace my gerber axe piece of crap, and my heavy kukri. And, of course, to get myself a good axe finally, and to process wood for camping mostly, and small around the house work. But it would be cool to choke up on her and use one handed for smaller chores like making stakes and such, when i don't have my knife on me, and I am hoping even the larger of these choices, the AFA at 31" will be nimble enough to do this, and of course mainly chop some wood for fun and entertainment! Thanks again

dave