GB Double Bit

B

BasiliOS

Joined
May 11, 2011
Messages
226
Howdy all.

I'm looking to get a present for my brother. I'm thinking of getting him the double bit axe in the 35 inch handle.

Would this axe be a good choice for felling and splitting or should I be looking for two axes instead of one?
 
I wouldn't try to split with a double bit.
If you want to give him a felling axe, then specify what kind of woods does he got there. By what type of trees is it dominated (how hard basically the tress are there).
 
Sorry I should have specified.

Mostly maple some oak and birch. A lot of pine trees too.

Why is splitting with a double bit not recommended?
 
Double bits are historically made for felling, have thinner cheeks and to split effectively for most hardwoods you need something with some meat in the cheeks. Doesn't mean you can't use one, all depends on situation.
 
I have no doubt the GB double bit would be an excellent tool. but ascetically its doesn't float my boat..
 
Double bits split just fine. Use the twist method. And they're great fellers, too.

The biggest drawback to a double bit is that they're a little more dangerous to work with.
 
Personally, I think you'd be better off with the GB American Felling (single bit) axe or the Council Velvicut felling (single bit) axe. Both good at chopping (bucking), splitting, and felling. I've have and have used both extensively.

I had the GB double bit. A nice axe but it is really only a throwing axe on a longer handle. I didn't like the aggressive toe and heel. Didn't feel safe when using it. It looks too much like a medieval axe for my liking as well.
 
I have two old GB doubles. They don't sweep as much as the toe and heel on the current model (like Cooperhill is talking about). I don't use them because they are far inferior to my vintage American double bits. They stick all the time, and don't throw chips as well, and don't split nearly as well. A vintage American with a high centerline will be a far better all arounder, IMO.
 
M3mphis said:
I have two old GB doubles. They don't sweep as much as the toe and heel on the current model (like Cooperhill is talking about). I don't use them because they are far inferior to my vintage American double bits. They stick all the time, and don't throw chips as well, and don't split nearly as well. A vintage American with a high centerline will be a far better all arounder, IMO.
Click to expand...

I will second this. I have several old American double bits, and they chop circles around the old GB double I have. Of course, that's comparing old to old. Really, though, I don't think of the modern GB double as a great all-round tool (much like Cooperhill, I think it of really just a great throwing axe placed onto a longer handle). Any number of single bits will be better at splitting than most double bit choices. Assuming you want to buy new, you could get him two or three Council axes for well under what the Gransfors will cost you. You could pick up a double bit, a single bit, and a splitting maul for +/- 200 bucks. All would be high quality tools. They just wouldn't have that raw look that the Gransfors has (I understand how appealing that can be, mind you). If you wanted something more along those lines, I'd cruise ebay for a well used (but clean and solid) vintage American axe or three.


cheers.


-ben
 
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