Gransfors Bruk Scandinavian Axe Handle Colors

A

AAAT2007

Joined
Feb 3, 2017
Messages
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Hello,

I am new to bushcrafting and axes. I recently purchased 3 GB Scandinavian Axes and going to keep one. They all vary quite a bit. One is particularly darker than the others. I haven't seen a GB this color straight out the box so I'm tempted to keep it. The only issue I can see with the dark one is it's eye.

What do you think? Is the darker hickory any different than the normal pale ones? Will the darker one darken even more once oiled (I really like the tone of the middle one)? Does the grain pattern have any effect? Which one should I keep?

http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/gransfors-bruk-scandinavian-axe-handle-colors.190091/
 
AAAT2007 said:
Because I am not very experienced and would like input from others on the quality of woods.
Click to expand...

All 3 handles exhibit good quality grain structure with minimal run out or heartwood. All three will make fine tools. Pick your best looking to you and have fun.
 
They all look like above average excellent quality and grain orientation. The third dark one may be all heartwood. Some people believe heartwood handles have inferior strength but research by the USFS years ago disproved that. GB handles are over strong for the head weight anyway. I prefer all heartwood handles myself as long as the grain is ok. I would base my selection on the head forging appearance on those three.
 
Halfaxe is right the one does appear to be heartwood, the first few pictures I couldn't really see a difference in shade. But like he said Gransfors are put together with thicker than average handles for the head weight. Nothing to worry about.
 
Give two to your buddies then all three of you run around smashing stuff up in the name of protesting something of current popularity.
Provided you don't get arrested. At the end of the evening, compare them & keep the one what held up the best.:barf:

Seriously ?? "What colour" ?
 
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What would be better grain orientation? What should I look for on forging besides orientation?
 
Ideal grain orientation is vertical and parallel with the head. All three have that although up to 20 degrees or so is ok. The grain should go straight up the handle with no runout. All three are ok but the center handle has some runout but it straightens out. I wouldn't consider it bad at all but the others are better. For the forging I look to see if the eye is straight through, no angle. I check the bevel and grinding for evenness. Also the overall symmetry and beauty. Really all three are above average and anyone should be happy to have any of them.
 
all 3 are keepers, nothing wrong with any of them to be honest... i prefer darker handle because they all get dark in the end, might aswell have a headstart :)
 
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