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might buy a new axe,Wetterlings,GB,Hultafors? help!
- Thread starter markv
- Start date
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2014
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- 746
General consensus is to get a vintage American axe if you live in the States. As for why, there's quite a lot of info scattered around the board. Basically edge and overall geometry is better for the type of trees there. They can also be had cheap if you're patient/know where to look.
Probably 24-inch is the minimum you'd want. I think 19-20 inches is basically the worst size, even though Ray Mears said it's the best. The small forest axe isn't really good two-handed or one-handed while a 24 can be used properly two-handed and nearly as well as the 20 single-handed. It is also safer and you can do much more work with that size.
Something in the 28-inch and 2.5 pound range head seems to be the best to learn on. Don't know if you've used an axe before, but maybe let us know experience, general location, and what the axe will be used for (camping, felling, size of trees, carpentry).
Probably 24-inch is the minimum you'd want. I think 19-20 inches is basically the worst size, even though Ray Mears said it's the best. The small forest axe isn't really good two-handed or one-handed while a 24 can be used properly two-handed and nearly as well as the 20 single-handed. It is also safer and you can do much more work with that size.
Something in the 28-inch and 2.5 pound range head seems to be the best to learn on. Don't know if you've used an axe before, but maybe let us know experience, general location, and what the axe will be used for (camping, felling, size of trees, carpentry).
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2012
- Messages
- 515
There's a good discussion the relative differences and similarities between the GB, Wetterlings and Hultafors axes directly beneath this thread. You might as well have a look at that.
As for the question of a 20 inch handle axe or a cruiser axe, it's impossible to advise you because you haven't said what you want it for. 20 inch is an odd size for an axe handle, but it does have its place. 20 inches is really a long handled hatchet, certainly if it has a head under 2lb. The role of this size axe is really that of the Hudson Bay pattern, it's for hiking and canoeing with more of an emphasis on shaping and whittling wood than on felling or splitting.
The cruiser pattern is going to be around 28'' like a boy's axe. This size is in a while different category when it comes to felling and splitting, but will be about a pound heavier, if you're worried about packing extra weight. In my view the boy's axe can also be a wonderful wood shaping tool for things like paddles.
In the context of the garden it depends whether you're wanting to prep fire wood (if this is the case you might just want to get a full size axe, and maybe a maul) or to manage brush in which case the 20 inch axe (or a machete) will be excellent.
In the context of a camping trip, it probably depends how much hiking your doing, what time of year it is and how long you intend to be out. For example if you're out for a weekend in mid-summer, a smaller 20 inch axe will more than likely be sufficient. Whereas if you're out for a week in winter, then you will probably benefit from the cruiser or boy's axe.
As for the question of a 20 inch handle axe or a cruiser axe, it's impossible to advise you because you haven't said what you want it for. 20 inch is an odd size for an axe handle, but it does have its place. 20 inches is really a long handled hatchet, certainly if it has a head under 2lb. The role of this size axe is really that of the Hudson Bay pattern, it's for hiking and canoeing with more of an emphasis on shaping and whittling wood than on felling or splitting.
The cruiser pattern is going to be around 28'' like a boy's axe. This size is in a while different category when it comes to felling and splitting, but will be about a pound heavier, if you're worried about packing extra weight. In my view the boy's axe can also be a wonderful wood shaping tool for things like paddles.
In the context of the garden it depends whether you're wanting to prep fire wood (if this is the case you might just want to get a full size axe, and maybe a maul) or to manage brush in which case the 20 inch axe (or a machete) will be excellent.
In the context of a camping trip, it probably depends how much hiking your doing, what time of year it is and how long you intend to be out. For example if you're out for a weekend in mid-summer, a smaller 20 inch axe will more than likely be sufficient. Whereas if you're out for a week in winter, then you will probably benefit from the cruiser or boy's axe.
no, actually prolly close to a half a hundred axes hung and un-hung. that is i have all sorts of doubles and small hatchets.
an axe collection. lot of axes i'll never use, too heavy, don't want to buy or make a handle. makes me think, maybe i should try using some of what i already have.
i simply want to blow some dough on a new small forest axe.
you guys have GB's, Wetterlings, Hults.
tell me Y i need a new axe.
sll good
buzz
an axe collection. lot of axes i'll never use, too heavy, don't want to buy or make a handle. makes me think, maybe i should try using some of what i already have.
i simply want to blow some dough on a new small forest axe.
you guys have GB's, Wetterlings, Hults.
tell me Y i need a new axe.
sll good
buzz
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2011
- Messages
- 2,709
buzz, You NEED a new axe because you have Axe Fever. However, buying a new axe will only relieve your symptoms and does not cure the underlying disease
Bob.
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2014
- Messages
- 1,638
I have no opinion on one from the next but I have two GB axes and while I think they are over hyped, they are well enough made, and I enjoy them quite a bit for the tasks they are intended for. I have an SFA and a ... uh I forget what it's called. The small hatchet. I really like it as a carving tool. I had a go at making a spoon recently and it was extremely handy for that.
I absolutely love my GB small forest axe. I've carved, limbed, bucked, and split with it and it's always a pleasure to use. And it takes and holds a wicked edge. But I can't compare it to the others as I don't have them. It's a small thin-bitted axe with a very comfortable handle that can do a little of everything. It's awesome, and if you have a use for it and understand its role I don't think you would be disappointed.
exactlly!!!