GB Hunters Axe, worth $50.00 more?

U

UNCLEDAN

Joined
Jun 14, 2012
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The title says it all. I'm getting either the GB small forest axe, or the hunters axe (probably as a x-mas gift to myself).

If you don't know, the only differences are the hunters axe has a rounded pommel on the back for skinning big game, and the handle is shaped slightly different to accommodate alternate grips.

[video=youtube;Ic6bGzO3KZw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic6bGzO3KZw[/video]

I don't know how much skinning I'll do with it but to be fair I don't plan on doing much hammering either. I sort of like the Idea of having the "skinning edge" but for something I may only use a couple times is it really worth $170.00 compared to the small forest axe at $120.00?

Keep in mind I'm not interested in other companies for cheaper/comparable axes. I'm set on the craftsmanship, fit and finish of a Gransfors Bruks.

Thanks
 
If you're not going to be doing what the hunter's axe is modified to do, then stick with the small forest axe.

I've got the wildlife hatchet, but I've been eyeing a forest axe for a while now.

You could always round off the back of the small forest axe yourself, and have the best of both worlds!
 
It sounds like for you the hunters axe is the way to go.


pialia said:
You could always round off the back of the small forest axe yourself, and have the best of both worlds!
Click to expand...

What I was gonna say. Doesn't look any quicker than just using a skinning knife. Cool little axe, though.
 
I was under the same dilemma a couple of years ago between those two. I read a review of someone who had the hunters axe and he stated the angle of the handle to the edge wasn't optimal for chopping. The primary use for me was going to be chopping. That made me lean toward the SFA and eventually buy it. I don't regret it at all.
 
I have not tryed the small forest axe. I do own the hunters axe and the wild life hatchet. Like you I don't pound stakes with the poll. If you are going to use it for skinning than get the hunters axe. I have found the hunters axe will do everything the wild life hatchet can do for me and more. I have thought about getting the small forest axe also, just because I like axes(and swedish steel):).
 
UNCLEDAN said:
So garry, does the hunters axe performs good in normal chopping tasks?
Click to expand...

Yes Dan I really like it. It would be fun to compare it head to head with the small forest axe. It is for sure not designed to split wood though.
 
I have a hunters and I hardly ever use it.

For me hatchtes of that size are not compact enough to be valuable in that aspect to me and not big enough to really have the advantage of size.

When I use my hunters it's too long to use with one hand unless I choke up and too short to use with two. It gives you a bit more impact than the Wildlife but not enough to justify the extra weight.

If I was going to get one with a longer handle I'd go up one and get the Scandinavian Forest axe, which has a longer handle. Actually what I did is get the 32" Wetterlings Chopping axe. It's a LOT heavier but I got one for like 50 some bucks from Smokey Mt Knife works.
 
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