GB outdoor axe price

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steelreserve

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Dec 30, 2015
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First post here on the forum so I'm sorry if this information is elsewhere but I can't seem to find it.

Why is the Gransfors Bruks Outdoor axe more expensive than many of the other GB axes? I realize it has the collar guard and different angle dimensions to the head to make it a nice little chopper but it is quite similar to the hatchets in size and materials for about $60 more. Even the Forest axes, and Splitting axes are less, some wit collar guards. Someone told me the smaller heads are harder to get precise. Is this true? I do now see the Large Carving hatchet is less than the small.

Thanks for the help.
 
Supply and demand are typically what dictate the prices of 'boutique' implements. Set your sights a little higher and start researching (and then searching out) a classic domestic axe from the 1950s when global competition was fierce and quality was at its very peak. And you'll save a pile of money!
 
I heard the mini hatchet is only made by one smith. I don't know if that just makes it hard to find or they are more difficult to make. I'm sure the amount of time it takes to make a certain style affects the price. The axes with guards are more expensive.
 
I don't buy the small heads being harder to make and more expensive either. My Vaughan is made in the USA and was a fraction of the cost of a GB at $26. Both have 8oz heads so the size is about the same, though the GB has a larger eye.

The Outdoor axe specifically I believe was designed by some survival expert or something along those lines. My guess is that the designer is getting a percentage of profit from each axe and thus pushing up the price point.
 
Thanks for the input guys. I did speak with Vincent at Grand Forest which is the U.S. HQ for Gransfors Bruks and he said that it is the small size of the head and the tomahawk type shape that drive the cost higher on this axe over larger and more traditonally shaped forestry axe heads.
 
I remember (sort of) from many decades ago, a marketing model which sought to maximize profits. A seller needed to adjust output vs cost to meet demand at a level which accomplished this goal. Production is being kept low which allows demand to exceed the output and, for the company hopefully, higher profits.
 
Bo T said:
. . . Production is being kept low which allows demand to exceed the output and, for the company hopefully, higher profits.
Click to expand...

halfaxe said:
I heard the mini hatchet is only made by one smith. . .
Click to expand...

If this means that only one smith is assigned at any given time to make these heads (as opposed to two or more at a given time), that would keep production low. Rotating smiths would also account for the different makers marks,

Bob
 
steelreserve said:
Thanks for the input guys. I did speak with Vincent at Grand Forest which is the U.S. HQ for Gransfors Bruks and he said that it is the small size of the head and the tomahawk type shape that drive the cost higher on this axe over larger and more traditonally shaped forestry axe heads.
Click to expand...

Just as I happen to have a Gransfors Bruks Small Hatchet in my possession at the moment here is a comparison with some similar sized and weighted American made axes.

23634820814_d73c9dd9e5_h.jpg


The Small Hatchet is priced higher than the Wildlife and SFA if I recall correctly. I've heard claims that the small size of the head, and the size of the eye make it more expensive to make.

From left to right a Kelly Woodslasher 1 lbs 4 oz for reference, 14oz no name, Marbles Camp Hatchet, 11oz William Mann/Lippincott Co, 8oz Vaughan older model with red paint, 8oz Craftsman, 8oz GB Small Hatchet, 8oz Vaughan current production about $26.
 
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The smaller axe is harder to make with that large of an eye. They have more rejects.
That is the story I got from a supplier when they first came out. The mini has always been on the expensive side even before GB had the reputation they do now.
 
Bo T said:
I remember (sort of) from many decades ago, a marketing model which sought to maximize profits. A seller needed to adjust output vs cost to meet demand at a level which accomplished this goal. Production is being kept low which allows demand to exceed the output and, for the company hopefully, higher profits.
Click to expand...

Ha Ha,
Look at the business of jewelry diamonds for this scenario in its purest form !!

G-B is expensive for several reasons.
Low automation of forgings, Swedish Labour & facility costs, & P.T. Barnum is in charge of marketing.
Actually any dunce could do their marketing nowdays given the big wetspot guys have trended to nowdays for axes.
 
Hacked said:
Just as I happen to have a Gransfors Bruks Small Hatchet in my possession at the moment here is a comparison with some similar sized and weighted American made axes.

23634820814_d73c9dd9e5_h.jpg


The Small Hatchet is priced higher than the Wildlife and SFA if I recall correctly. I've heard claims that the small size of the head, and the size of the eye make it more expensive to make.

From right to left a Kelly Woodslasher 1 lbs 4 oz for reference, 14oz no name, Marbles Camp Hatchet, 11oz William Mann/Lippincott Co, 8oz Vaughan older model with red paint, 8oz Craftsman, 8oz GB Small Hatchet, 8oz Vaughan current production about $26.
Click to expand...
did you mean from left to right?
 
after watching the videos showing off the Outdoor Axe, i'm convinced my little Norlunds will compete favorably with the GB Outdoor.
very similar in size and weight and design. i am considering adding a longer handle to one of the Norlund's to see if it will look and act similarly to the GB.
got nothing to do with the price of axes in Sweden but this thread got me to thinking about the axes i already have.

buzz
 
Hacked said:
From left to right (R-L) a Kelly Woodslasher 1 lbs 4 oz for reference, 14oz no name, Marbles Camp Hatchet, 11oz William Mann/Lippincott Co, 8oz Vaughan older model with red paint, 8oz Craftsman, 8oz GB Small Hatchet, 8oz Vaughan current production about $26.
Click to expand...

That older Vaughan is a nice looking little hatchet.
 
Square_peg said:
That older Vaughan is a nice looking little hatchet.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I need to put it on another handle and the bit needs to be thined out some more. It doesn't have as pronounced of a high centerline as the others but it sure has some good steel, well both do actually. Either way point is there are other options out there.
 
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