Gransfors Bruks French Trade Axe

[survivalofthefittest]

Does anyone here own the french trade axe from GB? Looks likes a pretty sweet little tomahawk but at 340 ish dollars...of course you get what you pay for but just wondering if anyone had any personal experience with it!

 

[psp7]

I've never seen any of the special historical axes in-stock. I wonder if they need to be special ordered from Sweden as they all list well over $300 and some over $1,000. There may be a few dealers that have 1 or 2, but I'd contact GB in Carolina to find out.

 

[crossada]

There are a few dealers who have had them in stock before.

The only review i remember was from several years ago on here and it was positive other than a loose fit on handle. It has a bigger head than most competitor hawks and i'm not sure i would like it because of that but it does look cool.

 

[PDE]

For what it's worth, I have learned not to spend more than $200.00 on an axe, it is fine
for a knife, I just won't for an axe anymore. I don't know why.

I must say when I look at the prices on GB's expensive stuff, I always
say "is it really all that much better?"

My answer is always no, but then again I just don't have a use for those
kinds of axes.

I might if I was doing some sort of re-enactor or something,
or if I was a collector. But, no I use all of my axes and

knives, that is what they are for, right?

(By the way, I am not sure I have even seen GB's high end stuff by their
master smith near me.)

Who actually buys those sorts of things anyway?

 

[BearKinder]

I've never seen any of the special historical axes in-stock. I wonder if they need to be special ordered from Sweden as they all list well over $300 and some over $1,000. There may be a few dealers that have 1 or 2, but I'd contact GB in Carolina to find out.

I think Duluth Pack has them in stock now.

 

[Kentucky]

Im sure its a well made axe, no doubt..For that kind of money you could any number of custom makers to forge you one and Id bet it would look better.
Trade axes were historically almost always made with the "wrap&weld" method of construction. I dont know if gransfors does that or not..
Im sure you would be happy but I would check around if you want a period correct trade axe...

 

[survivalofthefittest]

Oh yea i mean i know about lots of other forges i am just curious if anyone had experience with these, GB makes quality stuff, and i love the look of the french pattern axe so im just wondering if there were any user pics or info or discussion in general! Thanks everyone

 

[guyfalks]

I actually own one, even though I am not a tomahawk person. It is a light head attached to a very thin handle and does not inspire confidence in its ability for rough use. I think of it as a Gransfors mini-hatchet in tomahawk form.

I had the good fortune to pick it up used (but like new) a number of years back; the current retail price seems outrageous for what you get. Is it dollar devaluation and marketing, or does it really cost that much to make?

I am not a fit judge of period authenticity, but can say that it is not wrap and weld construction. On the other hand, it is very well made and probably quite capable of holding its own against a similar custom made piece.

 

[cherokee tj]

www.highlandwoodworking.com has these axes

 

[cherokee tj]

10 years from now owning a Lars Enander made tomahawk will be like owning a Loveless made knife.

 

[canoe2]

You could buy an authentic old 18th C. french trade axe for less money.