Hachets: Gransfors VS Council Tool UPDATE

Agreed. Just because I cant afford the GB doesnt mean I dont have a metal file sitting in my tool box that was passed down to me.

Ill get the review done. There are a lot of trees down across the river from recent weather and I have a new kayak, this equation has to equal fun right?

I think Operator was thinking I was going to do the review with both of the hatchets as they come from the factory, but thats just not fair. Its like a 350z vs a Honda civic.

What kind of yak? I bet the council would make a good anchor:D
I couldn't find the video but this will give you an idea of what the GB is made out of. GB vs Busse Battle Mistress
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/532644-Gransfors-Bruks-Wildlife-AXE-Hatchet-Video-Destruction-Test-Completed
 
I havent clicked your link, I might later.


But really guys? These are hatchets. Probably the simplest tool other then a standard wrench. There can not be that much difference (AFTER touching up the edges). The handles are the same length, edges are very close. Heck I dont even know why im doin the review!

I just want some paddle time mixed with chopping time !!!!!!!!!!
 
When did we become so damn jaded on this forum? Talk about zapping the fun out of it.

Compare the two and let us know your thoughts. I don't think it's necessary to be super fussy about it.

Personally, I think the Noss videos are mostly worthless.
 
If you do a timed cut, please please don't cut as fast as you can. accidents happen when you rush. pick a slow pace and stick to it with both. I don't want to see a picture of your hand missing several fingers ;)

I am thinking more of a test where I count the number of swings. Timing could get dangerous youre right, thanks for the warning.
 
When did we become so damn jaded on this forum? Talk about zapping the fun out of it.

Compare the two and let us know your thoughts. I don't think it's necessary to be super fussy about it.

Personally, I think the Noss videos are mostly worthless.


Thats what I was trying to do on here. Didnt think any body would mind a healthy battle between two cutting tools.... on a blade forum.

What are the "Noss" videos? (...off to search now).
 
Can't find them anywhere are they gone. I really liked the vids.

I was going to say "I'm sure they're still on youtube." But I don't see them. It looks like the guy started his own forum and pulled all content elsewhere. I'll PM you a link.
 
If you do a timed cut, please please don't cut as fast as you can. accidents happen when you rush. pick a slow pace and stick to it with both. I don't want to see a picture of your hand missing several fingers ;)

YES I take back the timed cut. How about 50 chops 25 each hand in similar wood no timer. That should tell how each chops.Then basic camp stuff which most would use a hatchet for. Kindling, fuzz stiks, pounding stakes.
 
If you are going to alter it before hand, then, anyone could do that and make a flea market hatchet damn near a GB. But if you are going straight up out of the box, it is what it is.

It's a safe bet that most anyone on this forum could do a decent job of sharpening an axe and would do so with any new axe purchase. I wouldn't pay an extra $100 just for a factory edge that I could produce myself in minutes.

What interests me is what happens when the two sharpened axes go head-to-head. That would give us some data on whether it's worth our money to spend extra on a premium axe.
 
What interests me is what happens when the two sharpened axes go head-to-head. That would give us some data on whether it's worth our money to spend extra on a premium axe.

This is what I will try and find out.
 
I have not done any chopping with these yet. But here is a good side by side comparison...

The Gransfors next to the Council...
IMG_20120319_121533.jpg

You can see the Gransfors is very attractive and sleek, while the Council reminds me of its bigger brothers and more traditional American look (Which I prefer).

Here you can see the shapes of the handles.
IMG_20120319_121319.jpg

I have to admit that from handling both that I prefer the Council. It has a wider/beefier handle and fills my hand a little nicer. The Gransfors again is very sleek looking and still feels very nice. The Gransfors handle comes nicer to the touch, I believe it is oiled? The Council is a little rough but some sand paper and Tung Oil will put it on par with the Gransfors.

Picture of the grain (GB on left/CT on right)
IMG_20120319_121429.jpg

Neither grain is very good, Gransfors is a little better. However these are not huge chopping tools so I doubt it will matter.

Mounting...
IMG_20120319_121459.jpg

I have to say that while the Council's flush mount looks ok, I really like that the Gransfors left a little sticking out the top. That looks better and just makes more sense to me. Even though I dislike metal wedges, the Gransfors looks better here (to me).

Here is what I am looking most forward to testing...
IMG_20120319_122404.jpg

The Gransfors has a little curve/ forward sweep to it. This might help it chop a little better then the Council tool.

Edge to Edge
IMG_20120319_121646.jpg

Looks about the same. Council has barely a little more cutting edge.

Council...
IMG_20120319_122219.jpg

Pretty darn straight!

Gransfors...
IMG_20120319_122113.jpg

Little crooked but not bad. Doubt it will affect it much.

The Edge on the Council came sharp enough to peel a cutie...
IMG_20120319_121031.jpg


SO FAR, I will be selling the Gransfors because it is not $90 better then the Council. Now if I had the money and were in the market to buy a new hatchet, I would pick the GB. But on my budget, I can not afford something like that and I have no doubt the Council would serve me just fine.

Hopefully some chopping is to follow soon.
 
When did we become so damn jaded on this forum? Talk about zapping the fun out of it.

Compare the two and let us know your thoughts. I don't think it's necessary to be super fussy about it.

Personally, I think the Noss videos are mostly worthless.

ah, most arent jaded, just some i guess...

i think the review is a good idea...

looking forward for more... thanks for taking the time L4...!

yeah memphis, those noss vids are a little weird, but to each his own i suppose...
 
Thanks bear. If anyone would like to see a test done or different pictures just let me know. Keep in mind that this hatchet will be for sale so I am not going to abuse it or risk damaging it.
 
Id say make sure they both have a good edge and just start chopping:thumbup: A good chopping session wont hurt either..Find out which one has better edge retention..I know what steel GB uses..Its akin to american 1055 carbon steel..I have the metallurgical breakdown saved somewhere..0.54% carbon, water quenched @ appx 1500* and tempered @ appx 385* so its deffinitly a medium carbon simple steel..
Id guess that council uses something close..I do like the profile of the GB hatchets..
 
Back
Top