Gransfors Bruks Mini Hatchet or Busse Paul's Hatchet?

A

Architect

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For you guys that use these kind of items - If I was looking at something to take along on on a longer camping trip or for just knocking around second-growth forest in the Maryland doing minor clean-off of deadwood and minor trail clearance (at my father-in-law's community common forest area), which of these lightweight items would you recommend.

If you think a machete, bolo or other is more appropriate, that's fine, but I often wish I had a hammer, so these items are more appealing.

I don't want to even consider a larger hatchet or axe - If I ever get into the situation where I need a larger item, I will get a chainsaw and a splitting maul.
 
I dont' know dick about the Paul but the GB rocks. I am up to two (one for me one for my 12 year old) they are well made enough to take down most anything you have time to chop on. They come *shaving* sharp. Have had mine for over a year and I take it on every pack trip we take 1-2 times a month. You won't regret getting a couple.

-Sam.
 
I have the next size bigger than the mini, and the reason I got it is to go with my Tuatahi professional axe that is used in axe competitions, and really like the swedish steel that is used like in the Tuatahi. Is extremely sharp, the quality, and workmanship is excellent.
They can be had at Cutlery Shoppe website.

Larry
 
GB. I like Busses, but having handled the PH, the Swamp Rat version, and the GB mini, I'd take the GB every time. Much better balance, feel in the hand, higher performance geometry, much better looking, and it's the cheapest of the three, too. No contest.
I don't have the mini, got the Wildlife, plus the small, and Scandinavian FAs. The mini is tempting, though.
 
I don't have a hatchet but I can still limb a tree and take down old fence posts. I wouldn't want to carry my 25" sirupati farther than the back yard but the 18" WWII model isn't so heavy that it couldn't be packed along. A 15" ang khola would also make a good hatchet replacement. Just food for thought.

Frank
 
Gränsforsbruks hatchets and axes are very good. However, there is a company here in Sweden, manufacturing if not better, than certainly as good as products as GB. The name is; Hultafors.

I have tried both Gränsfors and Hultafors. I like Hultafors better, most because the ergos IMO are better and the price is about half of GB's for a similar product. I've also noticed that Hultafors pays a greater attention to details and quality.

~Paul~
 
Architect :

something to take along on on a longer camping trip or for just knocking around second-growth forest in the Maryland doing minor clean-off of deadwood and minor trail clearance
Click to expand...

For clearing limbs and such I would tend to prefer a decent long blade, Martindale makes many machetes which would be suitable, just pick one with the right length and balance. You may have to do some minor edge work to get the sharpness up to 100%. Ref :

http://www.cutsforthknives.com/cutsforth_knife_machete_and_axe_005.htm

The hatchets would be better all around tools for splitting and general cutting chores, or working in thicker woods. The GB hatchet is purely a wood optomized tool, the Busse one has a wider scope of use, but won't do as well in wood working.

Paul :

I have tried both Gränsfors and Hultafors. I like Hultafors better, most because the ergos IMO are better and the price is about half of GB's for a similar product. I've also noticed that Hultafors pays a greater attention to details and quality.
Click to expand...

I have only used one :

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=200354

And would agree the quality is there. Do they make an full size felling axe with a much slimmer bit, similar to the profile of the GB forest axe?

-Cliff
 
the closest is this one: 840326 SY 21-1,0 SV 1000 g 500 mm 20" Hickory 842003 4 5800 g
However, it's not a heavy duty felling axe.
 
Architect,

The GB Mini and the Busse PH are different. The GB Mini is a more efficient chopper than the Busse PH. The Busse PH is smaller (small enough to fit in my pocket), more indestructible, and has better control than the GB Mini when used as a handheld cutting tool.

When I'm planning on going light and fast in the wilderness, and I want to take the smallest possible reliable tool to get me through an emergency, I take the Busse Paul's Hatchet. For less demanding situations, you might be happier with the GB Mini.

--Mike
 
I have both the Mini and the next size up hatchet. You'd be hard pressed to find better cutting tools. The handmade quality really shine through on these, and as stated, they come razor sharp.
 
Drop by my place in Maryland and I'll let you borrow one of my khukuris. Oh, and we could talk architecture too if you like...:D
 
Thanks for all the feedback. I was interested to see that the SwampRat Paul's Hatchet appeared in the most recent issue of Tactical Knives. I was quite surprised to see just how tiny the hatchet is, especially next to the Camillus BK-9.

I have in the past, when I lived on property covered in brush, used a Sandvik tool, with a wood handle and a replaceable blade, that you kind of hammer into a heavy duty steel "bow". It is pretty lightweight and makes a great brush and limbing tool, but that's all you can do with it. I still have it, but rarely do any limbing or brushwork in downtown San Francisco.

Since this is a most infrequent need, I am just going to wait until I really need something. However, I am currently considering moving to Oregon on a couple of acres, which would tend to tip the balance to more of a little splitter like the GB.
 
How do the above small hatchets compare to the Firestone Belt axe?
I got one in trade, but living in a one bedroom apt in the middle of Seattle... well, I don't get much opportunity to go out and wack anything harder than pan handlers ;) and they're way too soft anyway...
Has anyone one done comparing between the Busse/Swamp Rat/Brunsfors (SP?) and the Firestone line?
 
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