Gransfor axe/hatchet questions

T

TheSavageChavez

Joined
May 9, 2007
Messages
17
Hey all. I did a search and no one (from what I saw) had anything to say about the Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe. I went camping a couple of weeks ago, and was in desperate need of a chopper, primarily for firewood.

I also need some imput on the Gransfors Mini Belt Hatchet. This'll be for little camp chores, like preparing food, carving and whittling, stuff like that.

AND I was thinking of getting a Fallkniven S1, to serve as my main carry camp knife, but thats for another forum. :D So any feedback from anyone who's handled any of these pieces would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

Tom
 
The forest axe is great ! Fine quality and built to last ...
 
:thumbup:
Yep, I have both the Mini-belt and Wildlife hatchet (the next size up).
A lot of guys think the mini is too small. That little SOB can get the wood chips a flyin! If you are cramped for room (backpacking, day hiking, etc.) it is great.
You always want to bring the biggest you can take of course, but if weight or size is an issue then this thing works and it will out chop any of those large chopper/whacking knives for limbing and the rest, imho.
But it is small and smaller than you were expecting when you see it first hand. Find a pic where it is shown with a dollar bill for perspective.
Now, if you have the capacity in your load for something larger go with the Wildlife. Bigger head, longer handle, and heavier of course.
The knock I have heard on the GF is they are designed for soft woods. But I have whacked green birch and oak as well as treated lumber (posts) and they worked great!
Short on cash? Consider the "Poor Man's Gransfor" S.A. Wetterlings. Less expensive and well made but not as consistent in their forging/finishing.

Good luck to you! :)
 
ADD said:
Short on cash? Consider the "Poor Man's Gransfor" S.A. Wetterlings. Less expensive and well made but not as consistent in their forging/finishing.
Click to expand...

I have the Wetterlings Small Forest Axe, which is similar to the Gransfors. I'd personally like to see the axe before I bought it. My wetterlings has a funky bevel on it, but it doesn't seem to change the performance which is excellent.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=483305

I don't have a Gransfors mini, but I have handled them and they are awesome. It seems like a lot of money to spend on a "toy" axe at first but I assure you they are capable of a lot! I don't know anyone that has had anything bad to say about them.
 
If you'd like a size comparison, here's a pic...

GBAxecompare.jpg


Mini Wildlife and Small Forest Axe
 
I seem to remember hearing good things about Wiseman... check the Good, Bad, & Ugly pages.

Note that the axe in my pic isn't the Scandinavian Forest Axe, which is a larger tool.

You'll love them!
 
Honestly, if you only plan to use your axe for camping, "small forst axe" should be enough: it is good for small chopping and occasionnal felling/more serious chopping. Scandi forest axe is the full size stuff: heavier and not necessary unless you doing intensive logging felling.
 
TheSavageChavez said:
Thanks everyone for the info, especially for the picture of the 2 side by side. Thats about what I had wanted. So it sounds like I'll be the proud owner of those axes within a couple of weeks. And the Fallkniven too :) I found a site that offers them pretty darn cheap, and that is

http://www.wisementrading.com/woodworking/gransfors_axe.htm

Anyone have any business with them?

Thanks again.

Tom
Click to expand...

I just got a Wildlife from them. I originally ordered around the first of the year but they were out of stock and on backorder. They emailed me and let me know, I cancelled the order and then was surprised to hear from them again when they became available (July). I had it in 2 days after I replied to that email and told them I was still interested. I think they have great service and would buy from them again without hesitation. The GB came hair popping sharp.
I told you that whole story to let you know that they are a popular item and may be hard to get at times. Hope you have good luck in that respect. :thumbup:
 
I have a GB mini & a Wetterling small forest (I think that's it, the onle slightly larger than the GB mini) and the GB is smaller, more convenient to carry (can carry in back pocket) and chopping efficiency is equal to the larger Wetterling. I'm going to try to reduce the main bevel on the Wetterling to get more performance out of it b/c I do find the GB mini handle to be about 2" too short for maximum performance.
 
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