Gransfors Bruks vs. Wetterlings?

C

Captain Longhandle

Joined
Dec 5, 2009
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I am looking for an all around chopping axe that's good around the house and good for camping. I was considering an American Felling Axe. I am sure my collection will become extensive, but the first one must be multipurpose.

Thanks for you input.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums!

I have the Gransfors and like them, but I bought over a decade ago when they were a lot cheaper.

Since the owner of Gransfors bought Wetterlings, people say the quality has improved a great deal so they would also be a fine choice for the money.

DancesWithKnives
 
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i love my small forest axe but there isnt a ton of difference, GB is hand forged and comes a bit higher quality from the factory but once you beat on either for a year o so i doubt you would notice a difference
 
Both are above average.
GB are better finished and have better quality control.
Wetterlings are a bit rougher in finish and are less consistent in quality but on an individual basis you can find some Wetterlings that are as good if not better than GBs for a lower price.
For the Wetterling you'd better hand-pick it or order from a dealer you trust and ask him if he could hand-pick one for you.
 
You won't be disappointed. In addition to using one, I've given several as gifts. Always well received!

DancesWithKnives
 
Captain Longhandle said:
Thanks for the input. I have decided to go with GB Scandinavian Forest Axe. I am ordering right now. Can't wait.
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I have a Scandinavian FA and love it. The Scandi FA can do lot's of jobs really well and I was surprised how well it works one handed, sort of like a big hatchet that you can also swing two handed if need be.

Enjoy that fine new axe:)
 
I received both a GB Small Forest Axe and a Wetterlings Large Hunter's Axe today via UPS (from different vendors). Both have 19" hafts and heads about a pound and a half. (The Wetterlings is a Christmas present for my High School senior son). I have to tell you, the difference between the two is miniscule. Fit and finish on the Wetterlings is excellent. Actually, it's hafted with a nicer piece of hickory than the GB. There's a split in the forging which extends about 1/2" in front of the eye on the GB. I doubt it will affect the performance of the axe, but the Wetterlings has no such problem. I paid about $39 for the Wetterlings and $109 for the GB. The GB came shaving sharp out of the box. The Wetterlings needed some time and effort, but really isn't any big deal. I'm tickled to have the GB, but had I known that these Wetterlings were gonna be so nice, guess I'd have gotten two.

Bottom line: Each axe is a separate work.

PC
 
PeterCartwright said:
I received both a GB Small Forest Axe and a Wetterlings Large Hunter's Axe today via UPS (from different vendors). Both have 19" hafts and heads about a pound and a half. (The Wetterlings is a Christmas present for my High School senior son). I have to tell you, the difference between the two is miniscule. Fit and finish on the Wetterlings is excellent. Actually, it's hafted with a nicer piece of hickory than the GB. There's a split in the forging which extends about 1/2" in front of the eye on the GB. I doubt it will affect the performance of the axe, but the Wetterlings has no such problem. I paid about $39 for the Wetterlings and $109 for the GB. The GB came shaving sharp out of the box. The Wetterlings needed some time and effort, but really isn't any big deal. I'm tickled to have the GB, but had I known that these Wetterlings were gonna be so nice, guess I'd have gotten two.

Bottom line: Each axe is a separate work.

PC
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I have a bunch of the S.A.Wetterlings axes in various sizes. All arrived sharper than any other axe I've received but I've sharpened them all shaving sharp to my liking. I have two of the Carpenter's Axes as its my favorite. S.A.Wetterlings the best made axe I have found for the money spent.
 
Couldn't comment on Wetterlings but one of my GB's is the large splitting axe which I use regularly. It's excellent and the attention to detail in the design is the best on any splitters I've had (about 3). It looks and feels like it's been made by someone who knows what it's purpose should be:cool: Personally I think they should also do an "extra" large model, with about an 8" longer handle and +1/2 lb weight head. I'd buy that for a...pound sterling:rolleyes:
 
Debating the same question right now. Not sure which road to travel down. NEED MORE INFORMATION!
 
PeterCartwright said:
There's a split in the forging which extends about 1/2" in front of the eye on the GB. I doubt it will affect the performance of the axe, but the Wetterlings has no such problem.
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This "split" is actually the place where the softer steel used for the eye is folded over. It is not a defect, it is simply deliberately left there during the forging. I found it on all the GB axes I have seen so far. I doubt it will result in any problems.

Congratulations, you've got really fine axes!
 
This "split" is actually the place where the softer steel used for the eye is folded over. It is not a defect, it is simply deliberately left there during the forging. I found it on all the GB axes I have seen so far. I doubt it will result in any problems.

Congratulations, you've got really fine axes!
Click to expand...
Is this in reference to the ear muff type flap of steel that hangs over the bottom on both sides of the eye?
 
Iboschi said:
Is this in reference to the ear muff type flap of steel that hangs over the bottom on both sides of the eye?
Click to expand...

No, I have been referring not to the ears viewed from the side, but to the "underside view" of the hatchet just in front of the eye.
 
Thinking about the Wetterlings Large Hunting Axe now. It looks like a good performer.
 
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