• The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
    Price is $300 $250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
    Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.

  • Today marks the 24th anniversary of 9/11. I pray that this nation does not forget the loss of lives from this horrible event. Yesterday conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was murdered, and I worry about what is to come. Please love one another and your family in these trying times - Spark

For those who own a modified Snow&Neely

B

BIGSHOVEL

Joined
Jul 24, 2009
Messages
44
Does anyone here own a Brian andrews modified Snow and Neely Pen Bay axe.

Are the mods worth the extra cash?

Will a Wetterling perform as well?

I am a fan of "Gucci" gear but for the life of me can't convince myself I need a Granfors.

So without a pissing match of mine is better, can someone give me some likes and dislikes of 19" axes.

Thanks in advance,

Brad
 
If you know you need that level of chopping 'power', then the ~19" class of axes is really handy. If you only do light chopping, or know you'll have plenty of dead wood for fires/shelter where you camp, then they can be overkill in a hurry.

I've got a couple of GB's (no SFA) anda 19" wetterlings. There is a large gap in fit & finish between the Wetterlings and GBs, but the Wetterlings is still a great tool IMO. Works well and chops smoothly.

I've also got a ~17" Brian Andrews-modified S&N 'kindling' axe, and it's a real winner. Superb grind, nice broad cutting edge, smooth face. It does a lot of work in a small package. That said, if I could do it over, I'd go for the longer 24" camp axe (or whatever it's called). The equal head would be put to much better use with a few more inches. The advantage of the kindling size is it will fit in a rucksack though.

The S&N is a great value, and Brian performs some great modifications that really improve function for a very modest price. If you go with S&N, I can't think of a reason to not get one mod'd by him. Versus a Wetterlings, it's a tough call. The S&N chops better for me, but the Wetterlings is more comfortable to use due to the extra length. It also weighs less than the S&N. The GB's are made for softwoods, so that may paint your perspective a bit as well.

All three are great tools that will serve you well. Try www.bensbackwoods.com if you go with the Wetterlings/GB. Go with Brian's mod if you go with S&N.
 
I'd place hi modded axes right next to Gransfors, IMO.

As for the Pen Bay (18") vs the Hudson Bay (24"),
The Pen bay is best for when you're going to do mostly one handed work, but want the option of using two hands from time to time.

The Hudson bay is best when you're going to do mostly two handed work, but want the option of using one hand from time to time.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
The Pen bay is best for when you're going to do mostly one handed work, but want the option of using two hands from time to time.

The Hudson bay is best when you're going to do mostly two handed work, but want the option of using one hand from time to time.
Click to expand...

That's a good way to put it. :thumbup:
 
I've gone and looked at his modded ones ever since that thread about the Gransfors SFA popped up. With cooler weather approaching, I'm going to need (want) some kind of axe. Looks like the best bang for the buck around.
 
Thanks for the well stated answers folks. I'm going to place an order with Brian. Does anyone know if the modified versions come with his updated sheath or not?

Thanks,

Brad
 
You have the option to order one of his sheaths from his website. I recommend his as the original is quite thin/flimsy.


BIGSHOVEL said:
Thanks for the well stated answers folks. I'm going to place an order with Brian. Does anyone know if the modified versions come with his updated sheath or not?

Thanks,

Brad
Click to expand...
 
I have the Hudson Bay camp axe modded by Brian. It is a great axe. Brian has discussed his modifications greatly in the past. Basically, Brian settled on the S&N to perform his mods over the GB's for the reason that the nature of the GB axe head shape, reflecting the surface from the eye to the axe edge does not permit him to perform the same types of modification he performs on the S&N. On his modded S&N axes there is a flat transition between these points that causes better penetration performance of the axe on splitting.

As Brian puts it, this results in the kind of performance enhancement that an experienced axe user would notice, but not likely the kind of enhancement that the average axe user would see. So basically if what you want is a beautiful, well sharpened axe with great F&F the G&B is probably the way to go. I think the G&B axes have a nicer look to them than the S&N ones. The fact that it comes with a good sharpened edge is going to satisfy most users. If you want slightly better performance because of the axe head shaping coupled with Brian's personal attention and care to improve the edge than the S&N is a good bet at a slight cost reduction over the equivalent G&B.

I would go with Spookey's recommendation on the Hudson Bay model. I have the 24" model and just love it. As an axe it is still lighter than my 17" Fiskars hatchet, but far better performer. His sheath is also well worth the extra cost.

DSC_0065-15.jpg
 
I bought my SN cause I just liked the style.I bought the Hudson bay and have never been happier.It's light enough to pack but big enough to get things done when you get to camp.The only complaint I have about my SN is the dinky blade cover/sheath.I lost mine somewhere in the woods and I'm not really out much.
 
Brian's mods are well worth it. You could perhaps do the same yourself, but he does a great job and it's a nice axe. Really nice.

632260515_MT7Jm-M.jpg
 
Well I ordered the Pen Bay and one of his updated sheaths. Now I need help on dealing with the wait. How many days until the big brown truck shows up.

Thanks for the input folks.

Brad
 
I basically did his mods (not nearly as well!) to a new axe before discovering that he sold them pre-modded. I would have bought from him if I had known, which I guess means that I thought his prices were very reasonable!
 
Well, I've only lurked here for a little while and I can tell all of you that you are an expensive group to keep as company.

My Pen Bay showed up today. Initial impressions are good for what I looked over. I split some softwoods with ease and the feel of the axe in hand is good.
I hope to get some playtime this weekend and will post up a few pics.

Brian's mods looked clean and his shipping time along with customer service was great. I do need some better pics of his blades if anyone could help it would be appreciated.

Back to the expensive issue with you guys. Someone showed a picture of a Blind horse patch knife with maple scales, I went to the website and bought just about one of everything.

I have 4 different models with six sheaths coming.

Brad
 
Hi Bishovel...You are screwed.....The vaccines no longer work once it has progressed that far...The only thing you can do now is keep buying...Buying makes the urge go away...

How is your silnylon tarp situation? You probably need some wool power socks too. While you are at it don't forget to buy plenty of 3m sandpaper to convex those edges :D Eventually, we'll get around to talking about hats and boots !!!
 
BIGSHOVEL said:
Back to the expensive issue with you guys. Someone showed a picture of a Blind horse patch knife with maple scales, I went to the website and bought just about one of everything.

I have 4 different models with six sheaths coming.

Brad
Click to expand...

Very nice. This can be an expensive place to hang out. Too much gear, too little cash. I wouldn't really worry until you start thinking of selling blood to pay for a new hammock.

Unless it's a really nice hammock.
 
Rotte said:
Very nice. This can be an expensive place to hang out. Too much gear, too little cash. I wouldn't really worry until you start thinking of selling blood to pay for a new hammock.

Unless it's a really nice hammock.
Click to expand...

I've only gotten cookies in return for my blood. However, if you work fast, you can convert those cookies into quarters....

Also Esav's new sig line is 'Join the darkside and get a free cookie'...yeah - and then turn that into a quarter!!!
 
KGD,

I am probably in good shape in hard gear department unless someone posts something I must have, please don't.

I spent my younger years as an Elk, Mule Deer, and Antelope guide out in Colorado, and Wyoming. I have gear stacked on gear in my basement.

But dear lord, for some reason these old style blades with wood scales are killing me.

My old Buck Kalinga and a few antler scale customs clients gave me are my work horses and have proved their worth in two decades of professional use. My leather handled estwing axe stil holds a special place in my heart, nothing controls an agressive horse like that did a few times along with quartering duties afield. The poll was modified full oval for cold skinning.

Boots, socks and tenting are covered. ASOLO, Smartwool and Holliday Inn.

Brad
 
BIGSHOVEL said:
My Pen Bay showed up today. Initial impressions are good for what I looked over. I split some softwoods with ease and the feel of the axe in hand is good.
I hope to get some playtime this weekend and will post up a few pics.
Click to expand...

Very interested in how youve been liking your souped up S&N?

I'm currently in the process of the S&N vs. GB. vs. Wett decision (I cant believe what a tough one it is), so your input would be very helpful - thanks!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top