first time buying an axe

[Sig_Op]

going to look at gransfors tommorow any suggestion, going to be for winter camping firewood prep shelter building

 

[Square_peg]

If you're looking for a Gransfors then it sounds like the Scandinavian Forest Axe might be for you. Another well made axe of similar size and weight is Council Tool's Forest Service Spec Boy's Axe. You'll need to do some sharpening on the Council but it's half the price of the GB and is made of higher carbon steel.

 

[Double Ott]

I agree with Square Peg...

You can find the Boys axe for $30 if you look a little.
http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=22BR

The Forest Service Boys axe is a special edition, with some extras added to meet the USDA Forest Service specs.
http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=22DV28C FSS

I've heard that the FS edition was a limited run, when they're gone that's it. CT is the only place left that I know of that has them now.

Good luck, Tom

 

[trailmaker]

If you mean "firewood prep" for a wood burning stove I would suggest getting a second axe or maul purpose built for splitting. If you mean firewood prep while on camping trips then the axes Pegs and Double Ott suggested would work fine. I suppose it depends a lot on the type of wood you split and how long you buck your rounds but I've found that purpose built splitters are far more productive than a chopping axe. Axes are like potato chips anyway, you'll want more and more so might as well get a splitting axe.