Favorite Granfors Bruks?

Guyon

Guyon

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I'm looking long and hard at the Wildlife Hatchet, but I also hear the siren call of the Small Forest Axe and/or the Hunter's Axe.

I think the Wildlife Hatchet and a Camillus BK7 will be an outstanding camp combo.

Opinions?
 
When I carry a hatchet or axe, it replaces my big knife. So I'd probably take nothing bigger than a Fallkniven F1, if that. More likely, I'd pair a hatchet with a folder. That's just me.

Bear
 
Guyon,

In Mors Kochanski's grat book "Northern Bushcraft", he extolls the virtues of a small axe (the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe is a perfect example). They are light, easy to strap to a pack, and can do quite a lot of chopping. And you can choke up on it for somewhat fine work. A small axe, a Mora type knife and a folding saw willd o you wonders in the bush. I'd rather have a large knife than a hatchet I think, but I'd rather have a GB Small Forest Aze for my chopping needs and take along some fien cutting tools.

A nice "Nessmuk" set would be sweet too! Blues put together a nice one not that long ago.
 
I have the Gransfors forest axe and you couldn't ask for a better axe. I purchased mine through Lee Valley Tools. They carry the whole Gransfors line.
 
My outdoor knife is a Camillus BK-7 carried in a custom kydex sheath.

I actually just bought the GB Mini and plan to add the Wildlife Hatchet and Small Forest Axe later on. Should give me a wide range of options for different kinds of camping/hiking.
 
When I bought mine I was debating between the smaller Forest axe and the Scandinavian axe. I went with the Scandinavian and I wouldn't have anything smaller. I can wield it one-handed for hatcheting work, and it's the smallest size I would consider an axe. Size difference seems negligable, but the versatility of the Scandinavian is the key. I can make do with a BK9 compared to the Forest axe. This is not to impugn the Forest axe in any way, but it's a hatchet not an axe. I need a full-size GB axe, because the Scandinavian is really a limber. I like the double bitted axes, but I've never had one.
 
I have the Scandinavian Forest Axe, a couple Hunter's Axes and the Wildlife Hatchet. Best all around for camping I think is the Hunter's Axe, but for extended excursions I would want the Scandinavian. The Wildlife is my fireplace kindling-maker and there is none better, but I don't think I would bother bringing it camping. The Hunter's Axe is the smallest I'd go for that. I have big knives and khukuris that can do what the Wildlife will do, plus more.
 
hey TerryD - can you tell us a little more about those axes? i was looking at them too and wondering...i have the GB small forest axe and the scandinavian - couldn't decide between the two so i kept them both...i was thinking about getting one of the little hatchets from garrett wade but was wondering if i'd be disappointed, comparing to the GBs...

mostly i'm wondering about the handles - my GBs are done right with vertical grain...is it the same with the ones from garrett wade?

thanks...
 
Hi markmarkmark,
The handle has put up with alot of abuse and are still in great shape.
Yes they have a vertical grain.
I have compared it to my buddies GB and we can't find any significant difference in quality or design. I like the fact that they are cheaper (the scotsman in me) so I don't have to worry if anything happens to it.
What do you think of the Japanese Hand-axe?
Where are you from?
TerryD
 
i'm from colorado...

don't like the japanese axe...i'm just not a fan of laminated steel...no particular reason, just a preference...

from the way garrett wade describes those swedish axes, i wonder if maybe they're actually made by GB under some kind of contract with garrett wade...
 
I think that they are Wetterlings. Good axes, but not quite up to GB standards. I bought one, and sold it soon after. It wasn't forged as neatly, and was left a little thick behind the edge to penetrate as well as it might have. IMHO pay the extra and get a GB.
 
Small Forest Axe, Fallkniven F1, Spydie Calyso Jr. That and maybe an SAK w/ a saw can do anything you could need in the woods, besides hewing logs to build a cabin perhaps.

Nitin
 
I've got a few axe's from Garett Wade since I used to live a scant 15 minute walk from their NYC store. THey're swedish made and are just as good as the Granfors. Occasionally, you'll have to touch up the blade a little right out of the sheath, but they're already so sharp that you'll be touching up with fine and ultra-fine stones.
 
I have the Mini and the WH, and they are so well made and a joy to use. I plan on getting a larger model soon as well. The Mini is an awesome day hiking and overnight camping tool. It chops, whittles and carves like a champ.
 
MelancholyMutt said:
I've got a few axe's from Garett Wade since I used to live a scant 15 minute walk from their NYC store. THey're swedish made and are just as good as the Granfors. Occasionally, you'll have to touch up the blade a little right out of the sheath, but they're already so sharp that you'll be touching up with fine and ultra-fine stones.
Click to expand...



OK MMutt, fess up. Where in NYC?
:D
 
I used to live in Duane Street... one of the best streets to live on in TriBeCa... been there 25 years... paid $300 dollars rent while my neighbor paid 3000 for the exact same apartment. :p

Now, I live across the 59th street bridge in LIC...
 
Just recently replaced an abused Swamp Rat camp tramp with the 1 lb wildlife hatchet. It is an awesome tool. Extremely well made and priced. Very sharp and user friendly. My fixed blade is a Dozier Pro Guide. It has taken me 25years to come up with this comination. (not to mention the $ spent in between). As well , the hatchet is very portable either on the waist or at 13", it easily fits into any pack . A hatchet can accomplish far more than a large fixed blade. Lee Valley Tools is your best source.
 
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