Good light axe under $200

gamma_nyc

gamma_nyc

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Joined
Dec 1, 2007
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im looking for a do-it-all axe that can be used for clearing limbs and small trees downed from storms, and potentially light enough to take camping and to help with prepping firewood, bushcraft, etc.

I am overcome with all the options. If it matters for fit, im about 5’10” with long arms.

Thanks
 
US golden age make ~2.5lb boys axe should fit the bill nicely. You're going to get a lot of suggestions. Plumb, Kelly, Collins, Mann, etc.

In your shoes I'd get two or three really good US heads to fit your needs more specifically. Best ever made and they won't be around forever at bargain prices.
 
I used 3-4lb single and double bits for general stuff until I got a boy's axe. Now unless I need a 36" handle length for the task at hand I just use the boy's axe. I get the feeling it's making enemies amongst my full sized axes....
 
Curt Hal said:
GB Forest Axe.
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Assuming you WANT to spend close to $200 on an axe, This ^

If you're fine with anything of the right size and shape, keep an eye on ebay and the axe fore sale forum here for boy axes and hatchets. You'll find a usable one for 1/4 the price if you're lucky.
 
A17 said:
I used 3-4lb single and double bits for general stuff until I got a boy's axe. Now unless I need a 36" handle length for the task at hand I just use the boy's axe. I get the feeling it's making enemies amongst my full sized axes....
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Hey A17, may I ask what the head weight and handle length of your boys axe is? I have a couple axes that are just slightly too big and just slightly too small to be consider a boys axe, what is the sweet spot?
 
For dealing with downed trees/branches I'd scope out some Rinaldi models. The thin, wide bits and light overall weight fits the bill. Most of them aren't so well suited to splitting work unless it's pretty small stuff since the geometry is so knife-like, but for clearing/pruning type work they're fantastic.
 
gamma_nyc said:
Thanks for all your replies. It really helped me narrow it down quite a bit.

So far I like the GB Scandinavian Forrest Axe (model 430) https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/product/gransfors-scandinavian-forest-axe/

I’m picky about quality control, is there another maker that is as good for less than the $220 the GB 430 goes for?
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If you can find Wetterlings any more, they were typically slightly cheaper but the same quality. They're recently out of business, merged with someone, or something along those lines. The next rung down is probably Hults Bruk, those will run you closer to $130-150 for a medium sized axe of great quality. They make an axe called the Kisa, 2lb head on a 26" handle, that runs $139 on the big river site.
 
Grease said:
If you can find Wetterlings any more, they were typically slightly cheaper but the same quality. They're recently out of business, merged with someone, or something along those lines. The next rung down is probably Hults Bruk, those will run you closer to $130-150 for a medium sized axe of great quality. They make an axe called the Kisa, 2lb head on a 26" handle, that runs $139 on the big river site.
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Got it, thanks!
 
Handle length is 26-28" and 2.5-3lbs with handle. It has O.D. colored permabond-esq stuff in the eye, black over olive drab paint, and a red painted handle....Or just look at these pics. It has been the go-to axe ever since I got it sharpened.
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Husqvarna axes used to be a good value - being made by Hults Bruk, then Wetterling. I don't know who is making them, now, or if they are of the same quality; but they're worth a look.
 
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