My third Gransfors. Need some opinions.

Severance

Severance

Joined
Feb 4, 2006
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Hi guys, I just picked up my third Gransfors, and I was hoping for some feedback. I own a Scandinavian Forest Axe(made by TT/ Tobias Thelin) and a Wildlife Hatchet(made by MM/Mattias Mattson). I have enjoyed them both, but the Wildlife Hatchet has really been my friend. I liked it so much that I just bought a second one last week to keep around as a backup, or possibly a gift. It arrived in the mail on Saturday, and when I inspected it, I noticed that it was also made by MM. I then noticed something that seemed out of place. The wall of the eye is much taller on one side than the other. These two pictures should clearly illustrate what I am describing. I do of course know that this will in no way affect the performance of the axe, but it just looks so lopsided. Does this appear in other Gransfors axes with some frequency? Would you be bothered by this? Any input is greatly appreciated.
 

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If you watched the recently submitted G-B axe head-making video (month ago?) on this forum you'll understand that these are not machine-made precise and that the very busy fellow working the drop hammers doesn't have a heck of a lot of time to fuss around. M.M. might still have been a little 'bent out of shape' himself when he crafted this one (and allowed it to pass inspection!) after a weekend's revelry though.
If it had been me coughing up a pile of dough for that particular axe it would have gone right back in exchange for a straighter one!
 
300Six said:
If you watched the recently submitted G-B axe head-making video (month ago?) on this forum you'll understand that these are not machine-made precise and that the very busy fellow working the drop hammers doesn't have a heck of a lot of time to fuss around. M.M. might still have been a little 'bent out of shape' himself when he crafted this one (and allowed it to pass inspection!) after a weekend's revelry though.
If it had been me coughing up a pile of dough for that particular axe it would have gone right back in exchange for a straighter one!
Click to expand...

:thumbup: I agree. That's the only way they will learn to do a better job at QC.

Tom
 
I sent these two images to the dealer(a VERY reputable one) and spoke with them about inspecting their remaining stock. It turns out that they had 2 more Wildlife Hatchets in stock. One of them is WORSE than mine, and the other is about the same. It seems that an exchange will not be in order. I am torn....I don't know what to think about this. PLEASE GOD do not misconstrue this as Gransfors bashing. I love their axes, but this is a little disheartening, to say the least.
 
Hey Operator, I appreciate the input. I agree, it will likely chop as well as a wooden spoon. Seriously though, consider the fact that while function may be the foremost concern, aesthetics also play a part. Sure, the axe will work fine, but it looks lopsided as hell. Why can't I have an effective axe, AND one that has some semblance of symmetry. Don't be a dick.
 
While GB's are without a doubt one of the best brands out there with a price that reflects this, and it is a handmade product. I can't imagine they're not aware that a big portion of their customers are buying their tools because of the prestige of owning and using the best, and with that, are expecting superior fit and finish. In that vein, I would want a replacement. The onus is on the dealer to get you an acceptable axe. Do they not inspect their inventory?

The price you paid should get you a geometrically flawless axe. That being said, if you just decide to keep it, take comfort in that with a file and some skill, an experienced ax man can get every bit of work out of a tag sale axe head. I don't really think that the big price difference is proportionately correlated to a big difference in performance.
 
There is a degree of jest from Operator1975; virtually guaranteed he wouldn't have put up with that. I think it was Dean Martin once said " Beauty may only be skin deep but ugly is to the bone". Your 'baby' will function just fine and had you said it only cost you $25 then that would be 'end of story'. This not being the case (financially) may be you want to show us close ups of the grain orientation of the handle while you're at it. If this really was a Monday morning 'hangover' or Friday afternoon product then it would help to give the entire thing a 'once over'.
 
I have a GB Carpenter's axe that is like that, but not as bad. It happens when they're doing the finishing eye strikes, which comes after the initial squaring of the head. I'm not really bothered by it, but I get where you're coming from. That's why when I've ordered, I always make it a point to request an axe that is the 'pick of the bunch'.

I bet it happens on more axes than we realize.
 
Severance said:
Hey Operator, I appreciate the input. I agree, it will likely chop as well as a wooden spoon. Seriously though, consider the fact that while function may be the foremost concern, aesthetics also play a part. Sure, the axe will work fine, but it looks lopsided as hell. Why can't I have an effective axe, AND one that has some semblance of symmetry. Don't be a dick.
Click to expand...

Classic.
 
Marcelo Cantu said:
While GB's are without a doubt one of the best brands out there with a price that reflects this, and it is a handmade product. I can't imagine they're not aware that a big portion of their customers are buying their tools because of the prestige of owning and using the best, and with that, are expecting superior fit and finish. In that vein, I would want a replacement. The onus is on the dealer to get you an acceptable axe. Do they not inspect their inventory?

The price you paid should get you a geometrically flawless axe. That being said, if you just decide to keep it, take comfort in that with a file and some skill, an experienced ax man can get every bit of work out of a tag sale axe head. I don't really think that the big price difference is proportionately correlated to a big difference in performance.
Click to expand...
Under no circumstance will I fork over $100+ (plus shipping&handling) for something that is supposed to be Supreme classy but then requires grinding and finishing before I can show it off. There are millions of $5-10 bargain bin and garage sale items with "China" or "India" stamped on them that will similarly pass for Supreme quality, based on appearance.
 
That is absolutely unacceptable. I would return it and wait until the dealer gets more in stock. I had to pull out my Wildlife Hatchet and check it. It is a work of art compared to the one you posted. Mine was also made by MM. I was recently told by a dealer that Gransfors Bruks is moving to a new location so production is down for a while. Don't expect any new stock for another month or so. I was interested in getting a GB American Felling Axe, but couldn't find any with the longer handle. I decided to go with a Council Velvicut and do not regret the decision one bit. The Council is a beauty. The grain is nicer than any of my GB's.

Thinking about it I wonder if the move made them rush to get some orders out the door before then end of last year. You never know the Smith's might have been pressured, rushed, etc.
 
i just received my wildlife hatchet also and i am going to return it because the handle fitting is terrible. my other two GB's are works of art so i am thinking this was just a bad day for someone(MM). i hope the replacement is better.
 
It would not bother me but you are the one who has to be satisfied, not me.
It is just a back up so I would return it and wait for more to come in stock, I guess, no need to agonize over it.
 
In accordance with the general consensus in this thread, I sent the axe back to the dealer. I will enjoy the one I have, and maybe try again in the future. In a world where quality/qc has jumped off a cliff, there are still a handful of companies that defy the trend. Gransfors is one of these companies, and I certainly hope that isn't changing. Thanks for the input gentlemen.
 
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Severance said:
According to the general consensus in this thread, I sent the axe back to the dealer. I will enjoy the one I have, and maybe try again in the future. In a world where quality/qc has jumped off a cliff, there are still a handful of companies that defy the trend. Gransfors is one of these companies, and I certainly hope that isn't changing. Thanks for the input gentlemen.
Click to expand...
No harm done. If these folks truly value their pricey reputation they'll come clean on this and shape up on the quality control. I sent a 10 year old made in USA stainless Thermos bottle (vacuum seal failed) back to Batesville one time to request an off-warranty repair and lo and behold received back an apology, a brand new Thermos and no invoice! Ask me why I continue to buy their products.
 
I've had a beautiful GB scandinavian forest axe since august that ive used for taking down trees and splitting. Snows been too deep to do much of anything outside lately, got about 3 feet here at the moment. cant wait to take her back outside . Still sharp as ever. As for QC I've seen videos of them being made, and they could be trying to push out as much product as possible given their popularity for reasonable price, and generally great quality.
 
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