GB mini hachet or GB wildlife hatchet

[uncool2]

I can not decide which to go with i just want one to help me start getting into carving and a good sharp axe will take hours of work out. I like the Gransfors bruks mini because of how light and compact it is but the wildlife hatchet would allow me to do more. What is your opinon on the matter of chosing one. I am 16 and don't have a lot money to spend but i have saved up and want to make sure i make the right choice.

 

[Square_peg]

I am 16 and don't have a lot money to spend but i have saved up and want to make sure i make the right choice.

I applaud you for saving up for something you really want. Between those two I'd pick the wildlife hatchet. You'll get more done with the larger hatchet.

But before you rush off to buy one you might consider some other options. For that amount of money you could get several cutting tools plus some sharpening equipment. The current hardware store import hatchets actually make decent little carvers if sharpened well. You can get one for less than $20. Add a good file and a sharpening stone and you're still well under $50. Add a Council Tools boys axe and you still end up spending less than you would on the GB.

Just food for thought.

 

[Steve Tall]

Have you considered the Husqvarna hatchet (also made in Sweden, but costs much less)?

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/800445-Husqvarna-Hatchet-Review

A made-in-USA option would be the Council Tool "Hunters Axe" (hatchet) which can be found for $22, maybe less.

It's just more food for thought. If you really want a GB, then go for it.

 

[BigGreenJeep]

I've owned both the Mini and Wildlife hatchets. Sold the Mini, kept the Wildlife. The moderately larger wildlife is more practical, no less handy for carving, and not much heavier to carry around.

 

[iloco]

You might consider the GB hand axe. It is lots cheaper than the mini. I have the mini, The hand axe, The Wildlife and the GB Hunter.
If you can afford it you can not go wrong with a GB. I have a lot of other axes but nothing compares to my GB's.

 

[pap11y]

I have the GB wildlife and the wetterling hunters axe.

I prefer the slightly larger hunters axe as its a better chopper..

 

[Square_peg]

I have a lot of other axes but nothing compares to my GB's.

I'm curious, compares in what way? What do you use them for?

 

[iloco]

Well to be honest I guess I am a collector of Axes and Knives. The GB's feel better in my hands. Hard to explain but they are just well made Axes.
I do mostly trimming trees in my yard with them. I am getting to old to do things in the woods I use to do.
Hope that answers your question.

 

[uncool2]

splitting small wood for the fire but mostly cavring.

 

[Shotgun]

If lighweight and compactness is something you're looking for then get the mini. IMO there's no real advantage to carrying around a heavier hatchet and if you need to do more cutting than the mini can provide you're probably best off skipping the hatchet and going with a 3/4 axe.

 

[OutdoorEnvy]

Definitely the wildlife hatchet. I have it and it's an outstanding tool. They're both fine tools made the same way, so quality wise you're good either way. The wildlife though has a 1lb. head and is light to swing but still is an outstanding working hatchet. I've carved with mine for prolonged periods and it won't wear you down at all. It has a very think bit and carves and bites well but still splits good too. It's really a great tool and much cheaper than the mini. I really don't think you'd be disappointed with it. Only the mini would leave you wanting a little bigger.

 

[mlamb]

I would go with the GB Wildlife Hatchet