Axe recommendations

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DarkenRahl

Joined
Jul 13, 2007
Messages
30
Howdy folks,

I finally bit the bullet and got myself a Fallkniven F1 and am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the postman later this week. Up until now I've done just fine with my SAK Forester but thought a larger fixed blade would be useful as I start venturing further off the beaten track.

I've now started eye balling axes and was hoping some people could share their experience and advice on what models I should be considering.
It will be mainly for log splitting duties when off in the bush but I don't want to go for a dedicated splitter as I need something that can do everything. Weight isn't an issue as it will only be getting used when there are vehicles nearby.

I like the workmanship on the Gransfors Bruks axes but they are a little pricey. Wetterlings don't look bad either.
What do you folks think provides the best bang for you buck in regards to a solid axe?
 
My personal favourite axe has been a Wetterlings that I tuned up a little. I prefer it to the GB stuff that I've had. But then I picked it out of a fairly large group and set it up the way I wanted it.

Still, I prefer the design of the bit. It is thicker and throws chips out of the cut better than the GB stuff that I've played with does.
 
A Wetterlings small or large hunters axe is a good choice. They generally need a little work on the edge when you get them but they are about 1/4 the price of a Gransfors. I have the large hunters and a friend of mine has the small. They make a mini axe also but it isn't available in the States yet.
 
I like Snow & Neally axes.
Either their single bit our double bit 3.5 pounders work well.

How big are the logs? If they are big enough, Snow & Neally makes some nice splitting mauls as well.
 
Bang for the buck, I don't know. I've got two GB's and they're spot on awesome.

A lot of people are happy with Friskars. Can't get much cheaper than that. I don't own any, so I don't know.
 
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If splitting is ur main goal, go for a GF SFA, The smaller ones are not really for splitting.
 
wintermute said:
Unfortunately, the Wetterlings are now 1/2 or more of the price of the GB's.
Click to expand...

Whoa, they did go up a bit.Glad I got mine for $30. With a little Google searching you can still find them for $40 to $50 depending on the model. So now they are about 1/3 the price. :thumbup:
 
i have handled some fine wetterlings, and they aren't too pricey for a good axe with a little elbow grease...

but perhaps you would want to go for a larger fiskars? you say there will always be a vehicle nearby...depending on teh size wood you are looking to split, i might even consider bringing a wedge or two and a sledge hammer.

but if you want it to be able to do anything and everything, i would vote midsize fiskars, wetterlings or gransfors bruks
 
The Wetterlings forest axe is my favorite for winter trips. I carry a Gransfor hunter axe the other seasons.
Scott
 
Quick axe question for Scott, on the GB hunters axe what are the pros/cons of the rounded back vs the more square profile of the similar size GB small forest axe other than the obvious stated in the literature that its for helping with skinning.

Sorry if its a bit off topic,

But just like Darkenrahl I am debating GB vs lower cost Fiskars

A
 
FYI - smoky mountain knifeworks has a few wetterlings for sale - less than $40, free shipping for orders over $10. I bought a large hunters axe from them - not as refined as a GB, but very nice overall. I also like the Fiskars - I have the large chopping axe & hatchet - both work great & are easy to maintain.
 
helping with skinning

Archimedes...

They GOTTA be talking about elk or moose...maybe American Bison....

Just my personal experience, but don't see the advantage a polled axe would give one. Certainly not with whitetail deer, or ANY deer.

Among others, I have an 18 inch Norlund, single bit. Again, just my experience, but it is too big for small tasks and too small for big ones. Takes and holds a nice edge, though.

YMMV
 
Archmedes, I honestly wouldn't use it for skinning so I can't answer. The only thing I don't like about GB is the thin profile of the edge. It seems to deform more quickly then a thicker convexed edge.
Scott
 
My experience is also that the thin edge is great for limbing, or other tasks in which you can sweep through with one stroke, but doesn't do as well at chopping through stuff where you're cutting notches in, as the thin profile doesn't throw chips out of the cut as well.

So my preference is the Wetterlings over the GB, as I do more chopping than limbing.
 
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