Axe Reviews Part 3 - The Wetterlings Hudson is IN

Operator1975 said:
I'm trying to do a service to people that would possibly like to, and have the ability to purchase products like these. Reviews are nothing new, especially with tools, axes, etc. I'm not advertising for anyone.

I've always found it humorous that people don't get nearly fired up over function of a product as they do the simple ability to own. It's classic and it will never change. Sad really.
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Lol! Says the guy trying to share his experience with a PRODUCT the maker sent him to review.

Just post the review so we can read it and look at the pictures. Nobody was talking to or about you.
 
I think you are right actually. I shouldn't of got dragged in on side issue garble, and then commented. I'll stick to axes, history, knowledge, collecting, and reviews. You stick with, well whatever you want to call that above.

Over and out.
 
40oz said:
Am I the only one amused that a trade axe designed specifically to be cheap to produce in large quantities and possessing none of the qualities that make for either a good splitting or felling axe is being referred to as "top quality" and being marketed at a premium price point?

That said, I looking forward to the review for entertainment purposes. :cool:
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No, you're not the only one, but I strongly suspect we haven't seen the end to this new phenomena of outrageously over-priced trade axes. It won't be long before BMC, Base Camp X, Treeline, Horse Brand Co., et all, get their paws on one of these over weight Hudson Bay look alike from Wetterlings and slap a coat of paint on the head in some hideous bright color, or paint some cute stripes or wildlife scenes on the handle, and sell the axe for $999.95, and that includes a 25 Page booklet detailing why ownership of such an axe has everything to do with the art of manliness. Of course, that pretty blue eyed blond gal in the Duluth Trading advert who is swinging what looks like a BMC axe may beg to differ.;)
 
Although the trade axe imported by the Hudson Bay Company was a cheap product for the time, the "modern" manufactured Hudson Bay pattern axe was not. The modern pattern was developed to appeal to the increasing popular camping and traveling public that could enjoy nature with the increasing leisure time occurring in the 1920's. My Peavey Hudson Bay which I posted over in the Hudson Bay thread as well as elsewhere was a premium semi-custom axe in that period. L.L. Bean in a business partnership with Snow & Nealley put out a premium Hudson Bay also at that time. These were not cheap goods, but luxury products for the new leisure class. The Collins as well as these all came with a heavy-duty high quality leather sheath. Although many were sold to timber cruisers, trappers, etc., most were sold to regular people just like today who like to use quality tools.
 
...and speaking of LL Bean, I hear they will contract with Snow & Nealley for future iterations of LL Bean branded axes now that they are 100% USA Made, but most importantly, a Maine product. I'm sure the pricing of such an axe will also be significantly less than the Council version, which is the way it should be for a superior USA made axes, since I fail to see why the Council Tool HB is twice the price of the Snow & Nealley HB.
 
I'm impressed with the Wetterlings so far, though I will say the profile surprised me...not what I was expecting from a Euro-axe. Does it feel unweildy, or will it be a good camp axe used primarilly for firewood (given it's assumed wood processing abilities)? I'm curious to find out.

As for the peanut gallery, you know what they say. Something something feed something trolls. This thread did add another one to my mute list though, haha. I for one enjoy reviews of nice axes, especially by someone who is going to use it. Review on! :)
 
SC T100 said:
I'm impressed with the Wetterlings so far, though I will say the profile surprised me...not what I was expecting from a Euro-axe. Does it feel unweildy, or will it be a good camp axe used primarilly for firewood (given it's assumed wood processing abilities)? I'm curious to find out.

As for the peanut gallery, you know what they say. Something something feed something trolls. This thread did add another one to my mute list though, haha. I for one enjoy reviews of nice axes, especially by someone who is going to use it. Review on! :)
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Thanks!!!

The axe itself does not feel unweildy, it just felt heavier than what I anticipated at first. Once you handle it for a while, it is fine overall, just have to get your mind and body on the same page as to what you are doing I guess, lol.
 
Operator1975 said:
Once you handle it for a while, it is fine overall, just have to get your mind and body on the same page as to what you are doing I guess, lol.
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Yeah, gotcha. I supposed with the weight and 24" length, care must be taken when splitting otherwise a shin or knee may be in danger. Looking forward to the uses and results!!
 
Operator1975 said:
Thanks!!!

The axe itself does not feel unweildy, it just felt heavier than what I anticipated at first. Once you handle it for a while, it is fine overall, just have to get your mind and body on the same page as to what you are doing I guess, lol.
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That's what I thought too. I envision it as a good axe for car camping or a permanent camp situation. This is a pound heavier than some other Hudson Bays, so maybe not as good for extended hiking or wilderness traveling by foot. I think the shape of this Wetterlings overall looks less susceptible to head loosening than my old Collins, but we'll have to see there. It is more reminiscent of the older pre-war Snow & Nealleys, although heavier.
 
halfaxe said:
I think the shape of this Wetterlings overall looks less susceptible to head loosening than my old Collins, but we'll have to see there.
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I'm not so sure. I like the thicker profile of this axe but I noticed the dimension of the eye measured from bit to poll is reduced compared to typical American HB axes.



As I discussed in a previous thread, this increases leverage against the crush points in the eye and will result in the haft coming loose sooner. The distance between the crush points (see link below for an explanation) is 16% greater in the Black Donald than it is in the Wetterlings. The beefier eye of the Wetterlings is of no significance in this regard.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1152684-The-drawback-in-the-Hudson-Bay-pattern

In general I agree with Forty-Two and 40 that this pattern was originally the Mora or Old Hickory of early axes - though not so well executed as those two knife lines. But what it is now is a very popular pattern for bushcrafters and weekend survivalists. A lot of these will sell and so a review by someone very familiar with axes will be a great benefit. I look forward to reading it.
 
I don't think that HB's are inherently going to come loose--just that they do require a closer-to-perfect job of fitting and wedging. My family's camp has an old USA-made Snow & Nealley HB that's goodness knows how old (my great grandfather purchased the place in the 50's if I remember correctly, though I believe the axe is later) and it's on its original handle. It's seen a lot of use over the years, mostly in splitting work, and it's still rock solid. But definitely most factory jobs these days will be more likely to work loose and need a bit of care when rehanging the head properly.
 
The profile looks like a roselli! I'm looking forward to the review of this "luxury" (ha) item.
 
i have one of these on the way from canada as i type. i'm looking forward to putting mine through it's paces. looking forward to seeing your review, too.

your's may be the first real-world use review of this axe on the web.
 
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