Looking for a Medium Size Axe; Wetterlings Bushcraft or Gransfors Bruks Small Forest

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Ethan_Hardy

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Sep 10, 2011
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I am looking into getting for a medium sized axe for canoeing. I have the Wetterlings Wildlife coming for Christmas (hopefully ;)), which is going to be my Pack/Kayak hand axe. Which between the Wetterlings Bushcraft and GFB Small Forest Axe do you prefer and why? I want one bigger than the Wildlife with a haft under ~20". The uses would be slitting and chopping, with some felling here and there.
 
Ethan_Hardy said:
I am looking into getting for a medium sized axe for canoeing. I have the Wetterlings Wildlife coming for Christmas (hopefully ;)), which is going to be my Pack/Kayak hand axe. Which between the Wetterlings Bushcraft and GFB Small Forest Axe do you prefer and why? I want one bigger than the Wildlife with a haft under ~20". The uses would be slitting and chopping, with some felling here and there.
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I would recommend that you step up to a boys axe or a DBL bit cruiser for the uses you stated. A 3lb head on a 28" haft is even better.
The sweeds are nice for some things but not for your stated use. I would really in courage you to get a vintage head around 3lb's and order a 28" haft, and never look back. Can do it on the cheap also.
 
I'm with Garry, I think a boys axe is the ticket (vintage or new Council). If you have your heart set on an import then check out the Husqvarna forest axe. If owning a brand name that will bedazzle your friends is important then get the GB.

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You really need something with more weight behind it for your stated uses. The axes you mentioned are more for bushcraft, not splitting and serious chopping. That is where GB and the like come up short. If you are dead set on it, I'd look into the GB Scandi Forest Axe. Longer handle to get a faster, fuller swing.
 
I wouldn't go vintage. I would go with a European product, either wetterlings or gransfors for sure. Can't be beat.
 
I do like the size of the Husq, though a bit big, ill definitely have to look into that as well as the GB Sandi. I wouldn't say I need it for serious chopping or splitting, just stuff about ~4" across. For firewood and what not. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. :thumbup:
 
Take this from someone who personally owns a GB Scandinavian axe, Small Forest axe, and Wildlife hatchet: The SFA has a very limited and niche role and for most, is way too jack-of-all-trades. If you're doing something that honestly requires you to be very conscious of your pack weight and only take one relatively light axe, then I guess the SFA could work. It can do quite a few light chores decently and makes for a great woodworking axe. At only 19" though, it can only JUST barely be swung double-handed (and quite awkwardly at that). Felling, bucking, limbing and any real serious work is just out of the picture.

Seeing as though you're talking about having two axes, there's not much reason for that second one to be something so similarly sized. The Wildlife is great for light chores and woodworking and pairs very well with something in the 28-32" range for heavier work. For me, that's a 3 lb vintage Jersey on a 28" straight. Others would go with a lighter boy's axe like the Council Tool boy's axe.
 
In all seriousness OP, the first two replies to this thread are the way to go. Look into Council Tools if you don't want to buy vintage.
 
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