Birthday Ax.

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My buddy gave me a nice small ax/hawk. I know so little about these things. Its a gransfors bruks. Anybody heard of them. Its sharp as heck and looks hand forged.
 
Arguably THE top of the genre.

Check axe forum, or wait for Hollowdweller or go to Ramanon's Forums and search.

Very nice gift.
 
I own a Gransfors bruks also, given to me as a gift/cost of postage several years ago by our own Cliff Stamp. Very nice gift.


And if might be as Kismet says, that they are so close to the top that it is arguable. Fine axe, great steel.



munk
 
Many think they are the best. At the least, GB is the brand against which others are compared.

They are optimized for cutting softwood, but I have been impressed with my GB Small Forest Axe on the hardwood here in Ohio.
 
Thanks gents. I'd say this one is 20" long. I wonder if I could learn to throw with it? The guy who gave it to me is my best friend. My daughters godfather. I gave him an antique Shapleigh flolder with buffalo scale handles that was mint, never carried. I guess if there is anyone in the world I'd trust my life to it is him. This hawk or small ax or whatever has been with me all day today. You can just feel the quality. It came with a pretty cool sheath, so I don't see the need. Maybe I could add it to a khuk rig somehow?
 
aproy1101 said:
I wonder if I could learn to throw with it?
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NOoooooooo. . . . . . .don't do it Andy.:eek: :eek: :(

First off, it ain't meant for throwing. I'm guessing that GB has a gentle curve to the handle, with a slight swell on the end, designed to keep your hand from slipping off. You can throw it I guess, but a true throwing hawk works better with a straight handle that can slip from your hand. This makes for a smoother release in your throw (helps consistency/accuracy).

Secondly, throwing hawks are relatively inexpensive, I picked one up at a gunshow some weeks back for $20.95, that throws like an absolute dream.

That GB axe is a well made tool, that'll last for many years given proper care. Get you a cheap throwing hawk and fling away. If you bust it, oh well, least it's easier to replace than a nice gift from a good friend. :D

Sarge
 
Silver Falcon is absolutely correct. When I first learned of axes and hawks, right off the bat it was made clear to me that the two are not the same. A hawk is tempered for throwing- softer than a felling axe, it will absorb impact without breaking or chipping. The handles of hawks are designed to be readily replacable, as it is expected to break a handle in the course of learning.



munk
 
Good advice from the wise. I appreciate it. I haven't cut anything with it yet. Been reading the book they tie to it. Neat hunting ax. Need to go camping as soon as its a little warmer. So many new implements to chop with.

OT tonight I started working on my dad's sheath. An 18" GRS really changes the physics of the design. Still, I think it'll turn our well. He is getting excited to get this knife and I can't keep him waiting much longer.
 
I got the hunters axe. Boy is it a sweetie.
 
Andy, I have one of the Hunter axes and one of the Mini hatchets. The mini I keep with a "survival bag" and use the hunter on camp trips. Very good tools, nice gift! GB makes a throwing axe (double-sided) FYI.
 
aproy1101 said:
I got the hunters axe. Boy is it a sweetie.
Click to expand...

I have one of those and a mini. Those are my 2 GB's. The mini is prob. my fave. You have to kind of snap it for good chopping it is so light, but for the size and weight it's great.
 
Wow! I'm envious! Not only do ya' got a heckuva axe, you got a heckuva friend too!

I almost got one last week, but instead wound up going with a K5 Tactical hawk w/ hammer poll.
 
You are correct sir. He's one hell of a godfather for my daughter too. We have no "family" here in Atlanta, so its super helpful to have someone who is dedicated and trustworthy to help out sometimes.
 
Them's some good axes. :)

If you're gonna go and chop roots go get an axe from the hardware store. That's what the Lee Valley Catalog said. Save the Gransfors for the good stuff.
 
Yea I've got an estwing for the crappy chores. Just can't believe the difference when you hold these two. WOW. I don't know if I've said this enough, but I can't wait to learn to forge steel. (This weekend!!!???)
 
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