Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe; For Beginners

[bcknives]

Before I start, I would like to say that I am a beginner at axes. So I am doing this from MY point of view and perspective.

Hello All!

I bought the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe about two months ago. I have been splitting very small pieces of pine wood, for the most of the time I have had it. I was splitting again over the weekend and had an over-swing. The wood handle completely split. I am sure that this is my own fault for lack of knowledge, and skill. I have been told that I need the splitting axe, because it has a collar for protection. The way I see it is that it is an axe and should be able to take over-swings.

So today I went out to Ace Hardware, and bought the Fiskars X-15 Splitting Axe. I think that if you're a beginner (like myself) and trying to buy a new axe, buy the Fiskars axes. They are not to expensive, and great!

~Ben

 

[Square_peg]

Thanks for the report. If you get a handle with a grain that 'runs out' then it's very easy to have a head fly off. This sounds like what happened to you though I can't be sure without seeing the broken shards of the handle. A handle with a run out shouldn't be used.

The Fiskars is a good axe (and so is the GB). Any good axe should take a few overstrikes. In any case the GB is certainly worth taking the time to re-hang it. Or else you could sell the head to me for a song and a dance.

 

[bcknives]

Thanks for the report. If you get a handle with a grain that 'runs out' then it's very easy to have a head fly off. This sounds like what happened to you though I can't be sure without seeing the broken shards of the handle. A handle with a run out shouldn't be used.

The Fiskars is a good axe (and so is the GB). Any good axe should take a few overstrikes. In any case the GB is certainly worth taking the time to re-hang it. Or else you could sell the head to me for a song and a dance.

Yes, I agree the GB is a good axe (probably better than the Fiskars). What I was trying to say is if you are new to splitting wood the Fiskars is a good one to get.
I'll post some pictures. By the way, it's not completely split, I worded that wrong. It's beginning to split, so it's still one piece (sort of).

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[Square_peg]

...What I was trying to say is if you are new to splitting wood the Fiskars is a good one to get.

Makes perfect sense now.

 

[Double Ott]

I'm going to suggest contacting the vender to see what they say about it. If every axe haft split on one or the first over-strike, I'm sure that the typical axe handle would have been re designed by now. My opinion is that it should take that punishment, at least a few times.

Tom

 

[Liam Ryan]

Skip to about 2 minutes to see a neat trick for splitting small sticks with a short axe. The sfa is too short for splitting effectively, you have to get close and then you instinctively overcompensate to ensure it wont go short and hit you.
[youtube]X5W6r5U7yBE&feature=related[/youtube]

 

[bcknives]

I'm going to suggest contacting the vender to see what they say about it. If every axe haft split on one or the first over-strike, I'm sure that the typical axe handle would have been re designed by now. My opinion is that it should take that punishment, at least a few times.

Tom

I contacted the North American Distributor, and they sold me a new Small Forest Axe replacement handle for only $20. Instead of the original $40.

 

[bcknives]

Skip to about 2 minutes to see a neat trick for splitting small sticks with a short axe. The sfa is too short for splitting effectively, you have to get close and then you instinctively overcompensate to ensure it wont go short and hit you.
[youtube]X5W6r5U7yBE&feature=related[/youtube]

I've seen the video. Thanks for your input.

 

[daizee]

I contacted the North American Distributor, and they sold me a new Small Forest Axe replacement handle for only $20. Instead of the original $40.

Let's call that a 50% win for customer service. Not terrible.
That would be about twice the price of a generic handle, but you can't actually by a decent 20" handle off the shelf or online, as far as I can tell. Given that it's imported and product specific, that's not bad.

 

[bcknives]

Let's call that a 50% win for customer service. Not terrible.
That would be about twice the price of a generic handle, but you can't actually by a decent 20" handle off the shelf or online, as far as I can tell. Given that it's imported and product specific, that's not bad.

Plus, I will know that the handle will fit correctly, that to me is priceless.

 

[M3mphis]

Sounds fair to me. Let's face it - an overstrike is user error. It happens but its not really GB's fault. Sounds like you've got a great outlook on it already, so I'm just making an observation.

 

[Liam Ryan]

Plus, I will know that the handle will fit correctly, that to me is priceless.

I have tried fitting a different handle to a small Wetterlings, I think getting toothpaste back in the tube would be easier.
What is the name of the American Distributor? I wouldn't mind a GB haft they are pretty nice.

 

[bcknives]

Sounds fair to me. Let's face it - an overstrike is user error. It happens but its not really GB's fault. Sounds like you've got a great outlook on it already, so I'm just making an observation.

That's what I am going for! I blame myself! Thanks!

 

[bcknives]

I have tried fitting a different handle to a small Wetterlings, I think getting toothpaste back in the tube would be easier.
What is the name of the American Distributor? I wouldn't mind a GB haft they are pretty nice.

You can call this number (843)851-1340.