Gransfor Bruks axe-how tough is it?

[Minnesota]

I've seen these on here for a while now and I've seen the reviews. They look like great choppers that can also carve too. I have no experience with axes. I've heard people say that gransfors have thin egdes and are prone to chipping in the cold. I'd like to get a nice axe like a gransfor but those stories kinda scare me a little. I don't do much camping in the winter, but if It were to get down to 0F would I be okay?

Also, how tough are the wood handles? I'm used to polymers and sythetic materials. How does the wood hold up to being dropped, and the shock of chopping? I've heard of people wrapping the handle portion under the head of the axe. Does this work?

Thanks.

 

[Kenny H.]

I'm not sure on the durability because I've never handled one myself but Gransfors has a great customer service policy and if you look around at the various threads here, you'll see they'll replace pretty well any chipped axe.

 

[gak]

This chap pounded on a smaller one:

h ttp://www.knifetests.com/GransforsBruksMiniAxeDtest.html

 

[coniferwoodsman]

They are some of the best! Heads are hand forged, handles are hickory and tough. I've used mine in all seasons with no issues and I can be pretty tough on tools. There are other axes out that are good performers and less money, but with GB's warranty they are a good value.

 

[Calebklyne]

Mine has held up fine in all seasons, you might have issues if you a chopping frozn wood but you shouldn't be doing that anyway and I have no doubts they would replace it if you did

 

[Cpl Punishment]

I wouldn't worry about their toughness.

ANY axe is prone to chipping if you use the head cold and/or on frozen wood (especially on conifers -- the frozen sap is like chopping steel, almost). Remember these are made in Sweden -- not exactly a tropical country.

It's standard procedure, when chopping in cold conditions, to shove the axe head under your jacket for a while to warm up the head, and make it less prone to chipping.

Wrapping the haft below the head gives some overstrike protection. I also like how it looks, especially if you dye some rawhide strip and wrap it with that.