GB SFA vs Wildlife ?

SpookyPistolero

SpookyPistolero

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
6,105
Howdy folks-

Just curious to hear thoughts from folks who have owned both these two. I got to play with HD's GB Wildlife and am extremely impressed! Right now I'm leaning towards picking one up, but I've also been tempted (for a good while now) to pick up the SFA.

Are the heads the same size and weight on both? If you choke up on the SFA a bit, is the 'feel' the same as with the Wildlife?

I'm definitely getting one or the other, but I need to... meditate.. on which.

Thanks guys!!

Oh, anyone know a good source for GB's? Decent price with good shipping/communication?
 
The Wildlife is a 14" ish axe, and the SFA is 19" ish. That will be the determining factor for you I think. Which one will you actually have with you most? If you will carry the bigger one, I highly recommend the bigger one.

If being longer means that it will get left behind more, then get the smaller one :D

I know that was not the answer you were looking for, but it is all about what you plan to do.

As far as places to buy, I have had excellent luck with Piragis with axe and lots of other stuff. But, I am sure lots of places sell them.

B
 
I don't have the SFA but I have the hunters. I much prefer the Wildlife.

The 19" for me is too short for 2 hands and too big for 1 hand.

Also the Hunters which is close to the SFA weighs 2 lbs.
 
I like the SFA better ( I don't have a wildlife, but i have several other hatchets of the same size). I would not really use the argument that you can use the SFA two handed, mainly because you cant (well, i cant at least). When you try to use two hands on it, one is hardly doing anything. however, assuming you have adaquit arm strength (which you would have to, because i do, and most people are significantly stronger than me) you can get a good one-armed-swing out of it while holding it towards the end of the handle. Another advantage to the longer handle is balance while choking up, the torque produced by the long radius of the handle negates (most of) the torque excerted by the head. This makes it much more comfortable for fine carving IMO. with smaller hatchets, when choking up, i feel a little head-heavy.

I sent you an e-mail by the by.

I got mine from paragris (or somthing to that effect) and their service was great.
 
I have both and think the SFA head is about 50% heavier. Considerably more chopping power than the hatchet but for me it is a lot to carry on a long backpack. If I needed an axe, I'd carry a smaller axe and a Silky saw.

For canoe/raft/horse/car camping, no question that I'd take the SFA. Works great as a hatchet when choking up on the haft but offers more cutting power if you need it.

DancesWithKnives
 
G'day Spooky.

I haven't used the SFA or the Wildlife hatchet so I'm not in a position to comment on the relative merits of either.

With regards to your question as to which of the SFA or the Wildlife will serve you best, IMO your answer will lie in the following statement:

Brian Andrews said:
..... but it is all about what you plan to do.
Click to expand...

As an adjunct, I must admit I have been very impressed with the quality of the Gransfors product I do have extensive experience with, the GB mini :thumbup: :thumbup:

Good luck with your quest :D


Kind regards
Mick
 
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You couldn't go far wrong with either. What do you envision for tasks?

I just choke up on the handle of my SFA to make it behave like a smaller axe. This is easy and natural.
 
This is a tough choice, but I lean toward the SFA...as already mentioned, it really depends on what you plant to do with it. If you're going to do a lot of chopping, of course the SFA wins out. If you like to use a hatchet and backpacking, the Wildlife is a lighter choice.

ROCK6
 
Thanks guys, all good thoughts. I've got one of Brian's excellently modified S&N's, so it can take care of all my heavy work when 'car camping' or around the house. This'd likely be just for overnights/weekend trips, general camp duties, fire building, and bushcrafty stuff. I did also look up the weights on each and the head is heavier on the SFA. I think something smaller/lighter is in line here. :thumbup:
 
When I first saw this thread title, I though it was gonna be a vid of you fending off a horde of rabid squirrels with a Gransfors SFA. I'm sorely disappointed. Carry on.
 
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