GB...Wildlife or Mini?

I, too, have both axes. They don't compare in any way or fashion and were not intended to do so. Two different tools for a variety of different tasks.

1). The Mini I will carry in my pack because of its lightweight.
2). I will not carry the Wildlife because of its excessive weight when located in a pack. If I needed to carry a heavier axe for some deep-in-the-woods project (been there), it would not be the Wildlife but something larger. The Wildlife is a nice little axe for around base camp or canoe camping, though (IMO).

Seems that no matter which one you choose to purchase, eventually you will need to have the other also. :)

My second Mini. This special Mini was presented to me with my name engraved in the handle.
cliffknifeej3.jpg
 
I think you made a good decision on the SFA vs. mini.

I've got the mini and the SFA and I agree with those who say the mini is too mini. Anything the mini can do a good leuku can do, and a leuku can do a LOT the mini can't. Leukus rock.

The SFA is a fine tool and I use it a lot. However, I've recently gotten a Wetterlings Small Hunting Axe and it's a ton cheaper and I think it's terrific. Not as pretty as a GB, but after one good workout, they'll all look equally roughed up.

However, as other have mentioned above, consider a kukri instead. It serves a lot of uses an good hatchet can't while handling the duties of a hatchet nicely. (That said, kuks can be a little alarming to people on the trail. Be extra friendly if you carry a kuk!)

Bob
 
I used the mini to cut a standing dead pine today, probably 5 inches easy,
it only took a couple of minutes.
I was regretting this little axe I got to replace my lost SmallFA but it's so light I don't even notice it in my cargo pocket.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
I'd take the Wildlife of the two.

If you don't mind a suggestion, since you are carrying it in/on the pack, I'd recommend the Small forest axe (you have to be careful with the SFA abbreviation, it can mean the Scandinavian Forest Axe -- a 24" Hudson-Bay type axe, or the Small forest axe - a 19" axe).
Small Forest Axe:
Small_Forest_Axe.jpg
Click to expand...

I've never had a Small Forest but I have the Hunters which is the same size(I think):confused:

The only problem I have with the hunters is for me it is a bit large for 1 hand and too small for 2 hands.

Comparing the 2 I prefer the wildlife in that aspect.

I'd love to try the Scandi Forest Axe sometime. It seems like it would be long enough to use w/2 hands.
 
So how do you guys carry the wildlife hatchet? Anyone attach one to a Pygmy Falcon II by chance?
 
Craig.
I have a mini & love it. I'll send it to you if you want to give one a test drive.
(add a light folding saw & you are covered)
Bill
 
I love the Wildlife GB. It is closer in size to traditional hatchets that I am used to. I don't backpack anymore so weight is not a consideration when you are car or canoe camping. As for price, they have both gone up, I guess it has to do with the Euro and the Dollar. Sometime in the future I will probably get the Mini, just to have it.
 
am still up in the air on this one....damn tough decision.

Bill, thank you for the offer. PM sent.

Craig
 
Hoping my Wildlife Hatchet shows up soon- I've got some kindling to split up. Plus I want to fondle it a bit.....
 
Will do- I'll get some pics this weekend, hopefully with the Silky SA210 that should be here as well.
 
hollowdweller said:
I've never had a Small Forest but I have the Hunters which is the same size(I think):confused:

The only problem I have with the hunters is for me it is a bit large for 1 hand and too small for 2 hands.

Comparing the 2 I prefer the wildlife in that aspect.

I'd love to try the Scandi Forest Axe sometime. It seems like it would be long enough to use w/2 hands.
Click to expand...

Yep Small Forest and Hunter's are the same length. Small Forest just doesn't have the grooves or polished poll. Personally, I find this size axe/hatchet ideal (it's also the same size as the S&N Penobscot Bay kindling axe), but I'm a big guy.

The Scandinavian forest axe (counterpart of the S&N Hudson Bay) 3/4-length axe is about the smallest that can be used two handed, and yet small enough to do hatchet work. Also called a cruiser or trapper's axe, because trappers used to carry that size with them to do the lion's share of the work.

I wouldn't use it for felling and bucking large trees. But if you're setting up camp for a few days to a week, it's a great camp axe.
 
My experience with the Small Forest Axe is different...I find that the 19" length is easy to put in my backpack if needed and works well in both one hand and two hand modes. For sure it's not going to work as well as a longer, heavier two-handed axe, but when I need the extra leverage the 19" length provides that advantage. When I find I need a bigger axe, I use a saw :-)
 
Well, I got my Gransfors today and unwrapped it. My first thought was that it was bigger than I had imagined. Looking closer at the booklet that's tied to it, the label says "420 - Small Forest Axe". Hmmmm..... not the Wildlife hatchet I ordered, although that's what the order form says.

The strange thing is, they don't even have the SFA listed where I ordered it from. Well, not a big deal, although attaching it to my day pack is going to take a little more creativity! Looks like a nice medium sized axe though, and I don't see any sense sending it back for a swap at this point.
 
Here's a few pictures of the GB Small Forest Axe I took today. Looks like it will work out nicely around the house, but I haven't tried attaching ot to my pack yet.

DSC_0006.jpg


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+1 on the SFA. It's the only GB I own, but I carry a smaller hawk on my belt often enough. The SFA isn't too much to carry around bushbeating and is a really good size for supported (car or group) camping.
 
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