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Cheaper alternative to SFA

jeremy1517

jeremy1517

Joined
Sep 11, 2012
Messages
1,036
Does anyone know of a cheaper "decent" alternative to the Gransfor SFA?

I'd like something with a similar feel and thinness of the head.

I'm looking to buy new, don't want to buy a older head.
 
I asked the same question on Bushcraft USA; there really isn't anything similar, other than a Wetterlings, which costs almost the same. Closest thing is to re-handle an old head. I will probably get the Council tool Boy's axe, which has a 1/2 lb. heavier head.
 
Husqvarna Forest Axe is reasonably priced and has a fairly thin profile - my experience with Wetterlings is that they generally have a thicker bit profile than GBs.

Also, while I know the above is a 26" instead of a 19", take it from someone who owns a GB mini, wildlife, small forest and scandivanian axe - the SFA is too much of a jack of all trades size. It's very awkward for two handed use and a hatchet is generally going to be better for finer one handed tasks. I do still like to bust it out for carving tasks but that's about the most use it sees. If I'm having to stick with just one axe, I find that a boy's axe size (2 to 2.5lb on a 26-28" handle) is easily the most versatile. Generally though, I prefer to carry two axes - a 3lb Keen Kutter Jersey on a 31" along with a 14" wildlife hatchet.
 
I have the Wetterlings large hunter don't think the edge is too thick at all and it cost a lot less than a Husgvarna.
 
I have the 24" Council Tools velvicut hudson bay axe. Love it. Just heard good things about the size if the SFA. Wanted to try something similar out to see if I like it.
 
Are you talking about the Scandinavian Forest Axe or the Small Forest Axe?

It's funny, I've used similar sized axes, but something about the GBA's just puts them above the rest of the axes in their field.
 
Another option might be, wait til a used SFA comes up on eBay, might get it for cheap. They're so popular, they come up frequently. I'm looking at the completed listings now and seeing ones that went for Buy-it-now's of about $80. Something to think about.
 
GB SFAs for 80 on ebay? I've been looking and haven't seen that. It seems most are selling them at higher than the 120-130 you can get em retail in the US.

I AM seeing guys sell the regular Council HB axe for the price of the Velvicut. Ugh.

Also, if I'm missing something, please let me know, but the OP asked for cheaper alternatives. It seems to me the Wetterlings and the Velvicut are in the same ballpark. (I'd be glad to be wrong, by the way!)
 
Sure, pop "gransfors small forest axe" into ebay's search, then filter to completed listings. Most are buy-it-now's that were grabbed up quick.

I don't know of much out there that's gonna be comparable to a SFA that isn't at least $90 new. I say save up and invest in something you're only buying once. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
 
jeremy1517 said:
Does anyone know of a cheaper "decent" alternative to the Gransfor SFA?
I'm looking to buy new, don't want to buy a older head.
Click to expand...
Might be something cryptic about the abbreviation SFA. Has always meant something entirely different to law enforcement folks.
 
I built this one out of a Harbor Freight Firemans hatchet. So far its holding up pretty well! The head is a hair under 2lbs so it is a little heavier than a Small Forest Axe.

 
tobiism said:
I built this one out of a Harbor Freight Firemans hatchet. So far its holding up pretty well! The head is a hair under 2lbs so it is a little heavier than a Small Forest Axe.

Click to expand...


Oh man, that thing looks choice!! :thumbup: Nice work!
 
I think Condor is putting a ~23" handle on their greenland hatchet soon. Dave Canterbury had them make a special edition greenland axe with a 23" handle (as opposed to the 16") but they want like $75. I believe Condor is making this a standard production model soon.
 
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