Granfors Bruks Scandinavian vs Council Velvicut Hudson Bay (24") Help Me Choose!

jake9095

jake9095

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Jan 28, 2013
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I recently went winter camping and I found that my CRKT Birler left me wanting more axe. I started doing research and filtered it down to 2 axes. Granfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe and a Council Velvicut Hudson Bay (24"). For some context I backpack and camp all seasons and I want an axe I can use for just about all my wood processing needs. I plan to carry the axe and a mora or medium sized fixed blade for fine work. I really wanted to buy american made axe but Granfors reputation is undeniable. Right now I am currently leaning towards the Granfors because of the longer handle but I want some other opinions and experiences.

Thanks,
Jake :thumbup:
 
I debated between the Scandinavian Forest Axe and Small Forest Axe but went with the latter of the two since the Scandinavian Forest Axe was similar in size and weight to boys axes that I already had on hand. I think going with any quality axe you will be happy comparing it to an option from CRKT. One thing to consider is that Council Tools has a new axe coming out in the future that may be an option.

"We are coming out with a new 1.25lb Premium Velvicut Hudson Bay Belt Hatchet on a 14" handle sometime this Summer and closer to Christmas we will be launching our new Wood-Craft Premium 1.75lb Camp Carver that I know will have a 14" and 19", and possible a 24" handle." It would still suffer from a shorter handle, bit assuming that 1.75lbs is the head weight it would be comparable to the Scandinavian Forest Axe in that regard.

Of the two you are currently considering I would probably go with the Gransfors just because I'm not a huge fan of HB patterns. They are notorious for the heads coming loose, and tend to have flat wedge like profiles where as I perfer a nice high centerline.

I have to question taking such a large axe backpacking though. The heaviest axe I've hiked into camp personally was 2lbs even with a 1.25lbs head and 25" handle.

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I tend to buck, limb, split, and carve with an axe if I bring one to camp. What do you plan to use yours for? Different axes and features work better for different tasks.
 
I know you didn't ask about it, but the council tool boys axe on a 24inch handle would be a good all around tool for what you describe. It offers more head weight that isnt' ideal for much one handed work, but for two hands it packs a punch.
 
jake9095 said:
I recently went winter camping and I found that my CRKT Birler left me wanting more axe. I started doing research and filtered it down to 2 axes. Granfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe and a Council Velvicut Hudson Bay (24"). For some context I backpack and camp all seasons and I want an axe I can use for just about all my wood processing needs. I plan to carry the axe and a mora or medium sized fixed blade for fine work. I really wanted to buy american made axe but Granfors reputation is undeniable. Right now I am currently leaning towards the Granfors because of the longer handle but I want some other opinions and experiences.

Thanks,
Jake :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Checkout the wetterlings hudson bay it can be had for 108.00 and its kind of a compromise between the two
 
You have the US flag as your avatar and ask this question??? :P (Just kiddin'...)
 
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The GB Ray Mears Wilderness axe is in between the small forest axe and the scandinavian axe, with a heavier head better suited for splitting. It could be a good choice too. But otherwise the Council Woodcraft axe or the boy's axe on the 24" handle could be excellent.
 
I got a little too excited and ended up ordering the Gransfor Bruks... The price was not too much more and the reputation of reliability won me over. I will probably buy the Council Velvicut down the road to compare but for now I got the Gransfor. Thanks for everyones input.
 
D'oh, too late. I was going to suggest looking at the H&B axes.
 
That GFB will be fine, but then so would the CT HB.

I've been rather impressed with the HB in its intended application, outdoorsy/camping stuff not full scale logging or clearing. Very handy for carving. I think the head coming loose is overstated objection. My experience with it is that if the head is hung properly with a little excess handle overlapping the head and used for light tasks as intended, ie not felling large trees or splitting huge rounds, the head stays on just like any other axe and feels better suited to its intended uses than even a boys axe.
 
jake9095 said:
I got a little too excited and ended up ordering the Gransfor Bruks... The price was not too much more and the reputation of reliability won me over. I will probably buy the Council Velvicut down the road to compare but for now I got the Gransfor. Thanks for everyones input.
Click to expand...

I bet you end up happy with it. Post some pictures of the fit and finish if you get a chance.
 
the hb will pop chips better and splits better, the gb will bite deeper and hold an edge longer.

the gb is a nicer overall product but I think the CT HB could do bigger work for its size better then the gb.
 
I think you made a good choice. I have both. For camping though I like the Wetterlings Foresters Fine axe over both of them. It was only made for a short time but there are still a few available. With a 1.4 pound head and a 24 inch slim handle, it's made like a Hudson Bay should have been made.
 
With a mora knife a gränsfors axe makes perfect sense. Swedish quality, made just ~200km from each other. Nice to see them end up together after going all the way across the Atlantic. ;)
 
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