Granforse Bruk Mini Belt Axe or John Greco Mini Axe

S

sblacke

Joined
Mar 29, 2002
Messages
3
I would appreciate if some of you could give me your opinions on which may be the better axe. I want something really sharp that is good for chopping. I will use it mostly during hunting and will carry during scouting trips. I had been leaning toward a Busse BM but since I've got a good skinner, (Chris Reeve), I think an axe would satisfy my chopping needs for a smaller cost. I could get a Busse BM next year. The axe will most likely remain in my truck most of the time for emergencies and other situations. I can usually find answers to my questions by looking at previous posts on these forums but have not been able to do so on this one.

I'm almost sold on the GB but when I read that the John Greco was made from A2 steel and had micarta handles, that is when I started to wonder because my Skinner has made me a believer in A2 steel. However, I value your opinions. I've seen posts praising GB by some of you whose opinions I've learned to respect.
 
I believe one of the guys on the Knife Forum at Huntamerica has the Greco and likes it a lot. Uses it for trimming trees in which he's placing a stand and for clearing shooting lanes. Also some butchering chores. I've never handled one---just seen web photos---so I can't give you any personal opinion.

I've got the GB Mini and really like it but I won't belabor the point because you've probably read all the praises in prior threads.
 
Wood handles have much in their favor, and the steel in the GB is more than sufficient for most tasks.
I wouldn't leave the highway up here without a real axe and the smallest that will do real work is the GB small forest axe or hunter's hatchet. A light saw such as the Sawvivor with wood and bone blades makes a lot of sense too.
 
The biggest problem with axes/hatchets from knifemakers is that the stock thickness is the same as what they use for knives, which has its drawbacks for axes (binding in wood and poor hammering ability mainly, but balance issues as well), plus the integral design can shift the balance back from the head, and the handles are often too thin. Concerning the Greco specifically, the only comments I have read are from Terrill :

I've tried the small axe by Greco and a few
others. What I found was that they did a fair job but not so good that a "Brute" by Camillus couldn't
surpast them and also offer other uses.
Click to expand...

in :

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=162985

Considering the chopping ability of the Brute isn't that high for a large knife (assuming it is similar to the Machax), I would lean heavily towards the GB. Here is a thread of interest on the GB mini :

http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthrea...=157814&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=


-Cliff
 
Hey guys, thanks for the responses. I'm going with the Gransfors Bruks. I might even go with one that's a little bigger. What you guys have mentioned makes a lot of sense and what you have chosen certainly says voulumes. Cliff, thanks for that first thread. I hadn't read that one but its the type of thing I was looking for.

I'll let you know what my thought are when I get an axe. Thanks again.
 
It probably doesn't matter which GB you start with - unless you find a tree across the road while trying to drive home. You'll probably end up with a few. The small forest axe is incredible in just what it will cut for such a small axe.
 
The GB mini belt axe is tiny, even cute, and not much better than a large knife. The GB Wildlife hatchet is another story and well able to do some serious work though small scale. However, my favourite is the small forest axe as it is a little bigger, a 1 1/2lbs head, with a slightly longer handle but still daysack portable. Its the one I carry on my woodsman pack. If its for the truck only then you can go for a full sized axe, either American Felling Axe or Scandinavian Forest Axe, but then you are getting into the realms of chainsaw country. Axes don't need petrol or chain oil and will keep you fit :D

Lastly, I love the way that they all arrive paper cutting sharp. It takes a little on your part to keep them that way (DMT red). Ray Meers, survival expert and TV presenter, carries them.
 
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