Experiences with Gransfors Bruk Outdoor Axe

Hotshot10

Hotshot10

Joined
Dec 23, 2012
Messages
341
I’ve had my eye on the Gransfors Bruk Outdoor Axe for some time. I would like to know what people who have used them or own them think about them. If you have used one, what tasks did you do with it?
 
I almost bought one myself, either that model or the wildlife hatchet, but I was directed towards Council Tools Flying Fox. I haven’t looked back since- the cost and versatility are hard to beat IMHO. There’s a lot of hype out there. Beautiful axes, sure.
 
  • Like
Reactions: vab
I have owned a few of the GB Outdoor Axe.

Neat little tool. Feels more like a tomahawk than a hatchet in hand to me. The are fast, nimble, and punch above their size. Problem for me is that they they are not great at chopping and not great for splitting. Sort of a compromise. I don't currently own one. I have given up on Gransfors Bruks due to lack of quality control. The last 1/2 dozen or more that I have purchased all had wonky uneven grinds and cosmetic issues. I won't pay those prices for that level of quality. NOPE.

I like EngrSorenson EngrSorenson Flying Fox suggestion.
 
Though not specific to the Outdoor Axe, here is a similar thread with some GB experience:

Gransfors Bruks

What do you guys think of Gransfors Bruks? They seem really well made. Ive been looking at the Small Forest Axe.
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com

FWIW, as you may already know, the head weight of the Gransfors Bruks Outdoor Axe (0.75 lbs.) is a little under half that of the Flying Fox Woodsman Hatchet (1.625 lbs.) on a slightly shorter handle (14.5 vs 16 inches).


Bob
 
Last edited:
rjdankert said:
Though not specific to the Outdoor Axe, here is a similar thread with some GB experience:

Gransfors Bruks

What do you guys think of Gransfors Bruks? They seem really well made. Ive been looking at the Small Forest Axe.
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com

FWIW, as you may already know, the head weight of the Gransfors Bruks Outdoor Axe (0.75 lbs.) is a little under half that of the Flying Fox Woodsman Hatchet (1.625 lbs.) on a slightly shorter handle (14.5 vs 16 inches).


Bob
Click to expand...

I’ll have a look. Honestly, I was hoping for a Swedish axe, but I often buy American with knives and other tools otherwise.
 
Hotshot10 said:
I’ll have a look. Honestly, I was hoping for a Swedish axe, but I often buy American with knives and other tools otherwise.
Click to expand...
There’s nothing wrong with them, really- they’re just priced high for what they are and have a lot of hype surrounding them. If you like the idea of owning one you might be completely satisfied. They serve lots of folks just fine.

As a guy who uses axes fairly frequently, I just want a reasonable quality axe that I can repair or replace as needed. Council tool does a good job making tools for users.

If you’re interested in a high quality, unique product that’s made in Europe but designed by an American (our very own FortyTwoBlades), check out the Woox Forte axe. They have a 22” hafted version and a proportionally heavier head which is like a hatchet on steroids… and it’s in the ball park of a Gransfors. I have a full review in my signature.
 
I have a Gransfors bruks small forest ax. My first ax and is fantastic. Came extremely sharp! Chops really well as a one handed ax. Bites into wood really deep. Doesn't split wood well, or rather I'm no good at it. Nicked my blade on a piece of gravel while splitting wood. I wasn't having any luck splitting so I aimed for maybe 20% of the log. She sailed right through and hit the gravel. I sharpened it back although I still have the nick in the blade. It has a convex grind. I liked the small forest ax so much I got a wildlife hatchet as well. Haven't had a chance to use it though. I think my next ax will be a Council Tools Camp Carver or a Pack Ax, which I think come flat ground. I'd like to give them a try.
 
^^^ I think, with all due respect to Conan11, that this is the kind of review that hypes the product. New or casual users having a positive experience, ultimately because they paid for “out of the box” performance.

It might be true GB axes come with a proper edge- many axes don’t and I think casual users don’t realize that. I expect to sharpen every axe I buy, or get the Baryonyx special treatment if I’m feeling lazy. I personally think some axes get a bum rap because of the factory edge not helping performance.

Again though, there’s something to the “made in Scandinavia” allure with rustic woodsman’s tools. I just want OP to buy the axe he wants for the right reasons.

Sorrow for me would be sharpening out a dinged edge on a 150 dollar hatchet.

If OP sticks with GB, I believe the Wildlife hatchet would be the way to go. The outdoor hatchet doesn’t have as deep of an eye, and it’s light weight doesn’t lend itself well to general work.

I’ve also never rehafted a collared handle before, and that feels like a chore.
 
I love my ones, I got my first small forest about 10 years ago and still use it every ither day.

I have 2 x small forest 1 x large forest 1 Scandinavia and a couple of the small wood working ones.

I use them for everything, from chopping down pine to bush craft carving.

Love them all hehe
 
Muzza123 said:
I love my ones, I got my first small forest about 10 years ago and still use it every ither day.

I have 2 x small forest 1 x large forest 1 Scandinavia and a couple of the small wood working ones.

I use them for everything, from chopping down pine to bush craft carving.

Love them all hehe
Click to expand...
Quick question for you- do you use other axes?
 
Hotshot10 said:
LostViking LostViking

Sweet pictures.

What do you use it for primarily? Do you chop kindling with it?
Click to expand...
A bit of everything, limbing, fire prep, driving tarp pegs, just general camp chores.

EngrSorenson said:
He'd respond, but I think he can't find his way back to his computer 😜
Click to expand...
^^^^I enjoyed this post^^^^

I think my life would be better served if I tossed this electronic device into the lake.
The modern world holds no allure for me. Hence the "Lost"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top