Alternative to GFB Outdoor Axe?

[NeedItCheaper]

I've been using the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe for about 8 years now and I'm considering a change. I do a lot of backpacking/bushcrafting in the winter. Lately, I've notice a larger saw and small knife is more calorie efficient than Small Forest Axe and small knife. But I'm still in situations where delimbing is faster with an axe and I'm no longer splitting larger pieces of wood. I'm thinking of buying the GFB Outdoor Axe for delimbing and mild splitting. Something I can hold with one arm and is much lighter than the SFA. Any competitors out there?

Also, I'm not concerned with cost.

Edit; Yes, I know you can swing the SFA with one hand. It's just a little awkward and still weighs 2.3ibs(ish)

 

[P. Ortiz]

I have the Gransfors Bruk Small Hatchet. It weighs a bit more than 12 ounces and is just a tad over 10 inches long. Owning a Sears Craftsman Mini Hatchet taught me that these little hatchets can punch considerably beyond their size, while adding minimal weight and size to your pack. The profile of the Small Hatchet is narrower than the Outdoor Axe so it might not be quite as efficient a splitter, but it is a nice little all-rounder.

 

[Billy The Hungry]

You may need to look into another brand. Maybe Council Tool offers something. Honestly, a carpenter's hatchet sounds like it would fit your bill.

I have a question for you, in the 8 years of you using your sfa, have you had to replace the handle?

 

[NeedItCheaper]

You may need to look into another brand. Maybe Council Tool offers something. Honestly, a carpenter's hatchet sounds like it would fit your bill.

I have a question for you, in the 8 years of you using your sfa, have you had to replace the handle?

No, I put linseed oil on it once or twice, then switched to Butchers Block once every year. The entire time I've had paracord wrapped near the head which has protected the handle as I've replaced it three times now. I do always remove the paracord before oiling. And because at the time some users said the axe was somewhat weak, I've treated it with lots of respect (not treat it like I've treated some of my knives...). I'll look into carpenters axe's, thank you.

 

[upnorth]

I've been using the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe for about 8 years now and I'm considering a change. I do a lot of backpacking/bushcrafting in the winter. Lately, I've notice a larger saw and small knife is more calorie efficient than Small Forest Axe and small knife. But I'm still in situations where delimbing is faster with an axe and I'm no longer splitting larger pieces of wood. I'm thinking of buying the GFB Outdoor Axe for delimbing and mild splitting. Something I can hold with one arm and is much lighter than the SFA. Any competitors out there?

Also, I'm not concerned with cost.

Edit; Yes, I know you can swing the SFA with one hand. It's just a little awkward and still weighs 2.3ibs(ish)

A Husqvarna hatchet is a possibility for you. Inexpensive enough that you can have back ups here and there. Leave them in bags or a vehicle, etc.

 

[Billy The Hungry]

A Husqvarna hatchet is a possibility for you. Inexpensive enough that you can have back ups here and there. Leave them in bags or a vehicle, etc.

I have one of those hatchets, and while I like it, I feel that it is very heavy for the handle. Also, the bits need to be thinned to cut well.

Not a bad suggestion, sir, just adding two more cents!

 

[upnorth]

I have one of those hatchets, and while I like it, I feel that it is very heavy for the handle. Also, the bits need to be thinned to cut well.

Not a bad suggestion, sir, just adding two more cents!

I agree with you 100%. I choke up on the head for small limbs. I''m 6'1"-240 with XL hands so I like it. But yes sir, it has noticeable weight in the head, so that is a valid concern for a buyer. It also reminds me a little of a fur trade hatchet, so that works for me also.

 

[Billy The Hungry]

I agree with you 100%. I choke up on the head for small limbs. I''m 6'1"-240 with XL hands so I like it. But yes sir, it has noticeable weight in the head, so that is a valid concern for a buyer. It also reminds me a little of a fur trade hatchet, so that works for me also.

You're a big one! I used to weight lift, but I felt the need to mention the weight, because it could be a negative surprise for someone looking for a light weight hatchet to pack. Also, I enjoyed your pictures

 

[Reno2507]

I went from the SFA, to a Council Woodcraft, and now just have an Estwing Sportsman hatchet. 14" long, cheaper & has hardened poll for stakes etc. That and a silky is what I use.

 

[CWL]

If you want the size & weight, not much beats the GFB Outdoor Axe, or you could get a tomahawk, which is pretty much the same form factor for cheaper.
Beyond that, you'll need to find someone to make you a custom.

 

[Square_peg]

I've been using the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe for about 8 years now and I'm considering a change. I do a lot of backpacking/bushcrafting in the winter. Lately, I've notice a larger saw and small knife is more calorie efficient than Small Forest Axe and small knife. But I'm still in situations where delimbing is faster with an axe and I'm no longer splitting larger pieces of wood. I'm thinking of buying the GFB Outdoor Axe for delimbing and mild splitting. Something I can hold with one arm and is much lighter than the SFA. Any competitors out there?

Also, I'm not concerned with cost.

Edit; Yes, I know you can swing the SFA with one hand. It's just a little awkward and still weighs 2.3ibs(ish)

This is about the size and weight of a typical American camping hatchet (boy scout hatchet). Why not just buy a camp hatchet like Vaughan's US made 1-1/4 pound super steel camp axe. The Vaughan is made with American 1080 steel which is noticeably better than
GB's C55. If you need a thin profile for cutting feather sticks just file the Vaughan slimmer. A fraction of the cost and better steel.