Gränsfors Bruks Small Forest Axe - small crack in head. Is it safe to use?

Joined
Aug 12, 2011
Messages
2
I just received my axe today in preparation for a camping trip in the next few weeks. Upon inspection I noticed a crack in the underside of the head going from the eye to the head about 1/2" in length.

The vendor will replace it but they are backordered till the end of October. I'm wondering if it's safe to use the axe for light duties around camp, my feeling is it's not a good idea since the crack is between the handle and the head. But I would like more opinions before I leave such a beautiful tool at home.

3AZyG.jpg

FK9JO.jpg
 
that is poor showing for G&B.

However, you could use that axe your entire lifetime and it would be fine. It's probably not a crack just a flaw where the smith didn't get the forge weld correct. I highly doubt it will break. Gransfors tempers their heads very soft so I really think it will be fine. Not acceptable on an ultra premium axe, but its not unsafe in my view
 
Unless I'm way off the mark, it's not a crack. The head was forged from a billet of steel, the eye was punched, and during the forging, some of the eye was forged back shut a bit. It's no more a weakness than if the eye was that long in the first place.

My vote is it is not an issue. You're just seeing a bit of the manufacturing process. There's plenty of steel on either side. You're good. :)
 
You're welcome. I've had the same question come up on one or two that I've made. Mine haven't been that open, but that shouldn't affect strength. I've seen much larger openings on wrapped-and-forge-welded axes, and they hold together fine. This has more steel than many of those do.
 
Yes it doesn't look like a crack, more a incomplete welding.
A crack would be serious trouble but that seams to be mostly a cosmetic defect that probably have little effect on functionality.
I'd just be concerned with water or dirt getting in it, maybe you should fill the gap with epoxy or something.
 
I would still ask for that replacement, though. On an axe that spendy, it would always bug me if I didn't. Just throwing it out there.
 
yes, I would get it replaced for sure! Just don't worry about using it in the meantime. At the price GB charges, they should not have let that head go out!
 
While the axe my be structurally sound....Yes, I'd get a replacement. Part of the high price you pay for a GB axe is for it to look pretty. We can't let them get sloppy.
 
That is not a crack. The 'imperfection' was caused during the manufacture of the axe. I would get back with the company and see what they say, but I seriously doubt that you'll ever have any problems out of your little axe.
 
don't worry about it. I've got both a Wetterlings and a GB like that. it's not a problem, it's just something you don't *expect* to see.


-ben
 
Challenge would be to use it enough that is becomes an issue.

I doubt anyone could do it.

Plus you should have your 20 year warranty on it.
 
Last edited:
This is a common thing that happens in the manufacturing of the axe, I have seen a lot of other posts on this in other forums, even some fancy custom makers have this show up. It will be fine, beat hell out of it and you got 20 years of warranty to send it back in and have a good chance of another with the same thing.

Pat
 
My BG SFA has the same "crack" in the same place, but more closed up. Unless it gets bigger, I say it isn't a problem.
 
I've sold dozens of these axes on eBay and I haven't seen one that didn't have a V on the underside of the head. The GB SFA I use has this and I've never had an issue with it.

DSC5710.jpg


unnamed.jpg


If you return it I think they will likely say this is normal and part of the forging process.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top