Gransfors Bruk vs Wetterlings axe which is better

Hacked said:
I have two local sources for white ash, and one for Hickory in 8/4". I'll keep a look out for white oak, do you think it has any advantages over Hickory?

"White oak machines well, nails and screws well although pre-boring is advised. Since it reacts with iron, galvanized nails are recommended"

One of my local suppliers carries it but that part of the description has me leaning back towards ash or hickory. I'm guessing the ash will be cheaper, and know it will be easier to work.
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If in fact you can get your hands on Hickory that definitely is the way to go. The ideal properties you're looking for make most other woods a lesser quality substitute and that's why boat loads of Hickory goes over to handle makers in Europe. Hickory does not grow in, or anywhere near, Sweden! Ash, Beech and Birch - handled implements in Europe tend to feature larger eyes and thicker hafts.
 
browningsilver said:
I'm a new bushcraft enthusiast which explains why I'm so interested in the Swedish axes.

I never knew how popular and involved collecting old vintage American axes was. Just curious...Where on earth do you find them? Garage sales and swap meets?
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Fleabay certainly is convenient and there are deals to be had if you poke around long enough and you're patient. Otherwise keep your eyes out in Craigslist etc and start perusing farm auctions, flea markets and garage sales. One fellow here JBLyttle routinely scores old axes and hatchets by the truckload and for sure he'll have something if you can get hold of him.
 
I own a GB small forest axe. I love it. The length, the weight, the balance, grind, fit and finish are all close to perfect. When my buddy wanted an axe but bigger than mine he ordered the scandinavian forest axe and he loves it for all the same reasons as me. When I started looking for a larger axe and I didnt want to spend as much, I went and picked up a husqvarna. I love the quality (on par with GB, and Wetterlings) you get for the price and would say it is the best value axe you can buy brand new. Obviously the makers (Hults Bruk) have to skimp on the finish a lot more than the higher end swedish axes but for the price its worth it. I never cringe swinging my husqy as I do with the GB when taking on a frozen pine knot. Get a Husqvarna.
 
IV got a GFB Scandinavia forest axe and I love it.mits the perfect size for my uses. It came sharper than any other blade I've ever bought.
I understand the appeal for vintage heads but saying the preformance of the GFB is lacking is crazy and not everyone has the time to restore one.
As far as maintaining them I use a combination of tung oil and beeswax to prevent rust aswell as preserve the handle.
 
I own both and love them both. However, I just ordered one from Liam Hoffman of Hoffman Blacksmithing in North Carolina and from what I know already, his blows them both out of the water. Each hand made by him. Each with a lifetime warranty. Each made in the USA! Look him up.
 
jmarston said:
You are very correct, Hacked. I apologize if I came off as condeacending. Nothing magic about these axes. Just a quality tool. Strange, it seems, that a quality tool these days can possess such "magic" properties. A boutique axe, no doubt, but certainly quality.
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Yes the Swedish axes are indeed fine quality tools. No doubt on this end. I started with Wetterlings, then G.B., Hults Bruk etc. Then someone told me about Husqvarna axes costing half as much and being made by a famous Swedish maker, on contract. And I clued into the utilitarian Fiskars line. I tend to be utilitarian in my choices so if I had a do over, I would not fret buying the Huskies or Fiskars for working tools. Which is what they were intended to be,.... as I see it.
 
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