Anyone familiar with Bahco hatchets/axes?

[shecky]

I came across this pdf showing some Bahco hatchets, and have see a couple of them being sold for reasonable prices. But I've never actually handled one. The "French type" looks especially interesting.

 

[Ravaillac]

Better than average hardware store grade axes.

Steel grade and tempering seem to be generally OK.
Axe/Handle junction is OK.
Handle grain completly random.
Grinding job from Ok to bad.
Primary grind is generally pretty thick (compared to cutting axes - GB, Iltis...)
Secondary bevel.

I might hand pick one (and the first thing I'd do would be to remove secondary bevel), but I wouldn't mail order one, quality is far too "diverse".

 

[Danno4017]

I do not know about their Axe's but Bahco are a very respected tool maker.
Swedish I think, I used to have a set of their adjustable spanners and they were as good as you would get anywhere.
Things may have changed, I have not been "on the tools" for a 15 years.

 

[Nathan S]

I've never handled their axes, but I have a Bahco folding saw. It's very nice.

 

[Stubai]

Axes are medium to good quality, sometimes angles/edges need to be reprofiled. Good hard-working tools in my estimation.

 

[Tack]

Hi,
I have a Bahco 1 3/4 lb axe. It is German made and very good value for money.
Not perhaps to the level of quality of GB or Wetterlings but all the same a good performer after having some work done to the edge and the helve.
Tack

 

[Way-O]

Some of the best tools I have are older Bahcos. I'm sure most of their current product is top notch, at least from what I've seen. But there are a few obviously imported eyesores in their selection, e.g. a budget leatherman-type multitool...

The german axe featured in that catalogue page looks exactly like a German axe I bought for about 8 euros a couple of years ago. Otherwise like the lightest model listed there, but with a different coat of paint. The head was (surprisingly) decent, but needed a new edge bevel. The handles were less hit than miss, and even the one on the axe I selected had to go eventually.