Gransfors Bruks hunting axe question

J

jim c

Joined
Jan 20, 2001
Messages
176
Hi,
I purchased a new Gransfors Bruks hunting axe yesterday. It is my first axe and I really don't know much about them. The store where I bought it from had the sheath zip tied to the axe so I couldn't inspect it before I purchased it. When I got home i noticed a small crack in the handle next to the metal wedge on top of the axe. The crack goes all of the way to the axe head. It is about 1/8 inch in length.

I really don't think it will affect function or will get any worse but with my limited knowledge of axe's i figured I would ask the question. Do you think this is anything to be concerned with?

Thanks for your help.
Jim
 
I'm no axe expert, but if I purchased a product brand new and discovered a defect, I'd return it for a replacement or refund. And if I did replace it, I'd inspect it thoroughly before I left the store. Having said that, others with far more experience that I may advise you differently. But because I tend to obsess about these sorts of things, that's my stand on any product I purchase brand new.
 
Those 'afterthought' metal cross wedges that makers smack in these days (to lock the wood wedge in place, and as extra insurance against loose heads?) naturally want to part/split the wood inside the eye because there is no pre-cut kerf for them. As long as this crack/split doesn't emerge on the handle at the other side you should be OK.
 
Metal wedges are driven like a nail so you can expect these cracks. I have 2 GBs and both have cracks next to the wedge, but driving them on an angle is intended prevent them from splitting the handle any further.
 
jim c said:
Hi,
I purchased a new Gransfors Bruks hunting axe . . .

I really don't think it will affect function or will get any worse but with my limited knowledge of axe's i figured I would ask the question. Do you think this is anything to be concerned with?

Thanks for your help.
Jim
Click to expand...

I don't know if the crack will be a problem. But why take a chance? There shouldn't be a problem to get a return or replacement.

If there were two unpackaged in the store and you saw one had a crack and the other didn't, which one would you buy?
 
cityofthesouth said:
Metal wedges are driven like a nail so you can expect these cracks. I have 2 GBs and both have cracks next to the wedge, but driving them on an angle is intended prevent them from splitting the handle any further.
Click to expand...

My SFA has it as well. It's an inevitability of the wedge, in the end it's more secure so it's worth it.

But, of course, it depends on the severity. Pictures will help.
 
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/j6721/1915C864-573E-4EC7-B5D7-97C116734CD8.jpg
 
1915C864-573E-4EC7-B5D7-97C116734CD8.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
 
I'm pretty sure my SFA has that too. It hasn't been an issue, and I personally wouldn't worry about it unless it bothers you. Otherwise exchange it for one you can inspect. But I seriously doubt that will be an issue.
 
That often times just happens with a metal wedge, you could always hit it with a lot of linseed oil hoping it would swell the wedge to fill the crack
 
Being that the axe is new, and you paid a good price for it, and have found something you don't like...I would ask it be replaced.
 
jim c said:
1915C864-573E-4EC7-B5D7-97C116734CD8.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
Click to expand...

You got yourself a decent haft from what I can see from this end. Why the wedge is thicker than the haft halves though is a whole other question. Are these handles otherwise installed so incredibly loose that an oversize wedge is required to fill the hole, nevermind do what they're suppose to: tighten the joint?
 
Had that wedge been driven at a 45 deg angle in the other direction we probably would not be haveing this discussion.
 
garry3 said:
Had that wedge been driven at a 45 deg angle in the other direction we probably would not be having this discussion.
Click to expand...

Huh?

There must be several dimensions of thought here. The whole thing seems dead simple to me. Or maybe I haven't lived long enough. Idiot 'afterthought liability insurance' add-ons don't make an implement perform any better aside from enriching lawyers.
 
300Six said:
Huh?

There must be several dimensions of thought here. The whole thing seems dead simple to me. Or maybe I haven't lived long enough. Idiot 'afterthought liability insurance' add-ons don't make an implement perform any better aside from enriching lawyers.
Click to expand...

He's saying, if the metal wedge had been driven exactly opposite of the handle grain, rather than almost with it. The wood wedges are pressed in and they actually do a pretty nice job from what I've seen - the wood has noticeable flare. The metal wedge and lawyers are the likeliest pair I can think of as well.


OP, that is a perfectly typical GB hang, send it back and get another one just like it. Nothing to be concerned with.
 
cityofthesouth said:
He's saying, if the metal wedge had been driven exactly opposite of the handle grain, rather than almost with it. The wood wedges are pressed in and they actually do a pretty nice job from what I've seen - the wood has noticeable flare. The metal wedge and lawyers are the likeliest pair I can think of as well.


OP, that is a perfectly typical GB hang, send it back and get another one just like it. Nothing to be concerned with.
Click to expand...

Exactly. had the metal wedge been driven accross the grain at a 45 deg angle to the eye it would more than likely not have split. Basic wood working 101.
 
Thanks for your help guys. I think I am going to keep it and use it. I really like the design and it is as sharp as my Busse knives. I'm sure I will be buying more as there are two stores that sell these an hour away from my house.
 
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