Can't Decide

S

spikebot587

Joined
Feb 8, 2013
Messages
2,328
I'm looking for a good all around woods tool and I think I have it narrowed done to either a gransfors bruks wildlife hatchet, or an H&B forge Shawnee hawk. which would you guys reccomend?
 
I'd be tempted to say the H&B but that's just because I want to try one. I also think the made in USA for less money part is important here AND I'd probably go for one of their polled hawks instead. Since you said "all around", the poll to me, is desirable. The "medium" is going to be similar to the Wildlife in weight - I'd be tempted to get the large. For carving purposes, if say you like making spoons or something while you're out there, I really like the Wildlife over the few hawks I've tried. That is mainly because it's shorter and I think the handle feels better, but also because the head is more compact, making the balance feel more wieldy. I personally think the Wildlife and a typical tomahawk are a really good comparison because there are a lot of similarities (like weight and edge geometry), so your choices make sense from that perspective. It also makes it a tough choice. I think you'd be happy with either, but H&B stuff is mighty tempting. You can get the hawk and sheath and still be ahead in the wallet.
 
Well, I'm no expert, but I do like the hatchets. That said, for the all around woods tool to chop some, make some kindling, etc., I'd go with the little ax instead of a throwing hawk. Just my opinion, for what it's worth.
 
I'd definitely go with a hatchet over a hawk. The pole can be handy for driving pegs and wedges, it will likely be a better choice for splitting and chopping over a wraparound style hawk as well. I will say that the design of the GB axes from what I can see in pictures doesn't impress me. So I'm not necessarily vouching for the GB specifically.
 
100% bias here because i'm a swede, joke aside, i believe the gränsfors might be the better 'all around' tool
 
I'd recommend a vintage American boy's axe with a high centerline. Or if you want off the shelf maybe the Council Bad Boy's Axe.
 
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