GB Wildlife Hatchet vs. Hultafors Classic Trekking Axe

Grey Falcon · Jan 21, 2015

I'm in the market for a new hatchet and want to make sure I'm putting my money in the right place and I turn to you all for your experience and expertise. I was looking at the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet and the Hultafors Classic trekking axe. I like to do wood carving and would like something that will double well as a carving tool and a general use hatchet. I know both are great options and you get an inch or so on the handle of the Hultafors.

My dilemma comes in when both axes will basically cost me the same, so it isn't really like one is the more economical option and will be the same. It's alot to spend on a hatchet, but I'd rather buy well the first time. I already have a husqvarna forest axe as my big guy and that has worked out very well for me and it's intended purpose.

Anyone out there who owns either of these, or both, have any words on the matter? My main worry comes from the hultafors and wondering if the head shape will lend itself well to carving tasks. I know there is always a trade off no matter what you get, but user feedback would be helpful.

collim1 · Jan 21, 2015

I have the GB Wildlife hatchet and I am really fond of it. It came out of the box hair shaving sharp. It has not seen much hard use as of yet, but it does shape and process wood very efficiently. It's perfect for light camp chores and fire making if that's what you're looking for.

I have no experience with the other hatchet you mentioned.

Grey Falcon · Jan 21, 2015

I appreciate the information. Most people seem to be pretty happy with Gransfors Bruks and their quality. I just wish there were more videos or information on the Hultafors axe. I know they are the oldest axe manufacturer in the world and would assume some serious quality would be associated with that.

neeman · Jan 22, 2015

collim1 said:
I have the GB Wildlife hatchet and I am really fond of it. It came out of the box hair shaving sharp. It has not seen much hard use as of yet, but it does shape and process wood very efficiently. It's perfect for light camp chores and fire making if that's what you're looking for.

I have no experience with the other hatchet you mentioned.

Same here

I recommend the Wildlife
The Wildlife carves very well, with a light enough head to choke the handle and take short precise chops
Or choke to the head and use as an Ula

It needed a touch up on the sharpening, which I was very disappointed about considering the price
The convex in a section did not come to a final apex, so I needed to work that thru

Grey Falcon · Jan 22, 2015

All signs seem to point to the wildlife hatchet. I guess no one out there has much experience with hultafors it would seem

phidauex · Jan 23, 2015

There aren't a lot of Hultafors around, but they are the current maker of the Husqvarna axes which are quite well reviewed. I know you already have one, but if you are considering a Hultafors, you might consider another small Husqvarna. http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2011/11/husqvarna-forest-axe-review.html

Axe Master '94 · Jan 23, 2015

Just personal preference, but I don't think they're worth the absurdly high price. That kind of money could get you two stellar vintage pieces that would serve you just as well. (No contention on GB's quality, though- they are darn good stuff)

Grey Falcon · Jan 23, 2015

phidauex said:
There aren't a lot of Hultafors around, but they are the current maker of the Husqvarna axes which are quite well reviewed. I know you already have one, but if you are considering a Hultafors, you might consider another small Husqvarna. http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2011/11/husqvarna-forest-axe-review.html

Husqvarna is a great deal and the axes are great, I love my forest axe, but the head shape, weight and length of the husqvarna hatchet isn't exactly what I'm looking for. They are based off a different Hultafors hatchet. I want one that will have a little emphasis on carving so being able to choke up a little tighter on and a little lighter helps for precision. The haft of the other Hultafors classic trekking axe is a little longer too. They look like great axes, but, yeah, not too many people have used them it seems. I'm tempted to get the hults just to give it a good test and come back with my findings for anyone else who ends up with the same questions.

Axe Master '94 said:
Just personal preference, but I don't think they're worth the absurdly high price. That kind of money could get you two stellar vintage pieces that would serve you just as well. (No contention on GB's quality, though- they are darn good stuff)

I would love to restore an axe at some point, but I do not have the space, time or facilities to get that done at the moment. Right now I'd just like to make a solid investment in something I don't need to put work into. I know the prices are high, but most people who get one seem to say it is worth the money. Also, I'd rather just get one knowing that I would probably get one later on instead of lots of spending on cheaper things in between. Something I have done all too frequently looking for a more economical version of something.

Liberatus1 · Jan 23, 2015

The thing about hanging your own is that by the time you're done you understand how to care and feed your new axe. You didn't buy your way in you've earned it.

300Six · Jan 24, 2015

Liberatus1 said:
The thing about hanging your own is that by the time you're done you understand how to care and feed your new axe. You didn't buy your way in you've earned it.

Well said! Virtually anyone becomes much more caring of an axe once they've devoted serious time and effort towards setting one up to suit.