I just received my first Gransfors Bruks axes: two Mini Hatchets and a Small Forest Axe. They are real beauties! The grain of the SFA handle is almost perfect. The same on one of the minis. The handle of the other mini is a little of axis, but will surely never break no harder than the thing can be swung. All the handles appear to be cut from medium to medium/large trees as the arc of the growth rings are fairly flat, though that is hard to say with absolute certainty. Having made a longbow from hickory, I am impressed with the wood on these axes. I did a lot of research on the web before buying them and am not the least dissapointed in the quality. The finish of the steel is slightly rough behind the bevel, but the quality is obviously high.
I swung the axes around a bit to feel the balance. I also held them in a variety of ways for grip and comfort. They are excellent in all ways. The idea that even a large hunting knife could outcut the mini is hard to swallow. The weight distribution alone will make it cut better than all but the heaviest and most unwieldly knife; and the handle promises great leverage to the chop. Doubtless, the mini will be with me on any excursion into the woods that does not require a large axe.
That brings me to the SFA. WOW!!! I have felled more than one tree with full size axes of single and double bit varieties, an Estwing 26" camp axe and even smaller hatchets. I have swung many an axe; felling, limbing, choping, splitting, shaping. The SFA has a weight and balance that tell me it will do the work of a larger axe with ease. I was a bit worried when I ordered it, but what clinched the deal was a comment from Chad Engelhardt's site. He said, "If I could only own one axe, this would be it. In fact, the SFA offers such high levels of performance over such a broad range of tasks, that if I were limited to one edged tool for a north woods excursion in colder weather, this would be the one tool I'd take." Now, I'm not one generally moved by impulse and hastily read words. This was just the quote that summed up all the others I had read about the SFA. Neither do I expect the SFA to outperform larger axes. But for my, in my present stage of life, I expect to be well served by this fine axe. The handle has overall well shaped and I especially like the hooked end. I have a tendency to swing an axe hard and like to put my energy into the swing, and not waste any on overgripping a straight handle.
Well, 'nough said for now. It may take me a while, but I will get back with a report on the actual performance of these fine tools, not just my imaginings. I just wanted to share my excitement with folks who might sympathize. (I'm the only male in a house of five. Even my dog is a girl!)
jeff <><
I swung the axes around a bit to feel the balance. I also held them in a variety of ways for grip and comfort. They are excellent in all ways. The idea that even a large hunting knife could outcut the mini is hard to swallow. The weight distribution alone will make it cut better than all but the heaviest and most unwieldly knife; and the handle promises great leverage to the chop. Doubtless, the mini will be with me on any excursion into the woods that does not require a large axe.
That brings me to the SFA. WOW!!! I have felled more than one tree with full size axes of single and double bit varieties, an Estwing 26" camp axe and even smaller hatchets. I have swung many an axe; felling, limbing, choping, splitting, shaping. The SFA has a weight and balance that tell me it will do the work of a larger axe with ease. I was a bit worried when I ordered it, but what clinched the deal was a comment from Chad Engelhardt's site. He said, "If I could only own one axe, this would be it. In fact, the SFA offers such high levels of performance over such a broad range of tasks, that if I were limited to one edged tool for a north woods excursion in colder weather, this would be the one tool I'd take." Now, I'm not one generally moved by impulse and hastily read words. This was just the quote that summed up all the others I had read about the SFA. Neither do I expect the SFA to outperform larger axes. But for my, in my present stage of life, I expect to be well served by this fine axe. The handle has overall well shaped and I especially like the hooked end. I have a tendency to swing an axe hard and like to put my energy into the swing, and not waste any on overgripping a straight handle.
Well, 'nough said for now. It may take me a while, but I will get back with a report on the actual performance of these fine tools, not just my imaginings. I just wanted to share my excitement with folks who might sympathize. (I'm the only male in a house of five. Even my dog is a girl!)
jeff <><
!