Need an Axe

S

soapboxpreacher

Joined
Apr 3, 2010
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I am considering an Axe. I want one for some lighter use but not anything under 15" so no hatchets. I have come across 3 I like the Wetterling, Gränsfors Bruks (GB), and Snow and Nealley (SN). SN has a Penobscot Bay Kindling Axe 18” handle with Guard, GB has the Small Forest Axe 19", and Wetterling Large Hunting Axe or the Large Camping Axe (19").

The GB is the most expensive 120+. the Wetterling is around >70, and the SN is >60. As for what I have read from quite a few reviews is the GB is the sharpest and best finished but for splitting the Wetterling wider head split better in fact most have stated they like the wetterling a little better than the GB...not to mention it is 1/2 the cost. But both are very difficult to get. I am yet to find a place that has a wetterling in stock. As for the SN, it is made in the USA and it seems can be found but I know very little about the performance. It is not as nice as the other but certainly very close. The head design is very nice and wide enough to split well. I am leaning towards the Wetterling because I like the cost over the GB. But I havent made a decision on the SN. Sound off and let me know what you guys think.
 
Oh and what is the difference between the Wetterling Large Hunting Axe and the Large Camping Axe? The obvious differences are weight and head shape.
 
Go to the tag sale/flea markets and pick up an old American made axe head for 2-3$. Clean it, re-profile and sharpen it,re-haft it. You'll have something that is uniquely yours and probably better quality and absolutely cheaper. I've picked up Collins,Vaughans,Plumbs etc through the years. I usually use them for a few years then sell them when I find something neater.--KV
 
kvaughn said:
Go to the tag sale/flea markets and pick up an old American made axe head for 2-3$. Clean it, re-profile and sharpen it,re-haft it. You'll have something that is uniquely yours and probably better quality and absolutely cheaper.
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And you'll have a great time too. I've found old Norlund, Plumb and Craftsman treasures under heavy rust.

Jeff
 
As noted above, flea markets are a good source of hatchets and axes. I rehafted an old hatchet onto a boys axe handle and was amazed at how well it performed after being cleaned up and resharpened. Total cost of that project was about $15. I also rehafted 2 Norlund Hudson Bay hatchets for about $15 each. Three amazing performers for $45 is hard to beat......
 
soapboxpreacher said:
Oh and what is the difference between the Wetterling Large Hunting Axe and the Large Camping Axe? The obvious differences are weight and head shape.
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The poll (back part of the axe head) is flat on the camping axe and more rounded on the hunter. The roundness of the poll on the hunter is used when skinning game - by pounding under the skin to separate it from the flesh.

Wetterlings is a great bang for the buck. I have a number of GB and Wetterlings and the GB are generally finished better, but the Wetterlings have great edge retention and toughness. At least on par with BG.
 
kvaughn said:
Go to the tag sale/flea markets and pick up an old American made axe head for 2-3$. Clean it, re-profile and sharpen it,re-haft it. You'll have something that is uniquely yours and probably better quality and absolutely cheaper. I've picked up Collins,Vaughans,Plumbs etc through the years. I usually use them for a few years then sell them when I find something neater.--KV
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I agree. I found an old Plumb, rehafted it, sanded down the head and made a sheath for it. I use it with pride and it's a great ax to boot!
 
I found myself in the same spot as you about 6 months ago, I researched for several hours, which brought me to either GB or Wetterlings, I decided to go with the wetterlings 19", about a month after my GF bought me a GB 25" for Christmas, Both have exellent wood handles, I liked the finish on the GB a little more, it was a little smoother. The back of the head of the axe on the wetterlings was finished smooth (which I liked better) the back of the GB was left unfinished and rough. Both were paper slicing sharp out of the box and both had just slightly uneven grinds as well, much like the picture above. The Wetterlings is slightly thicker at the head. The thinner heads will cut better but won't split as well and vice versa for wider heads. Overall I'd say they're pretty close to equal in my opinion and if getting only one I'd go for the Wetterlings for the better price or the GB if the 20 year warranty is more important.
 
I love Gransfors Bruks' quality. It's gotten to the point that I don't even like to use cheap axes. Cheap ones now feel crumby in my hands.
 
canadiantrailman said:
Perhaps this is a tad big for your needs. This is my axe of choice. It fits in my pack with the head or handle out at the top or it fits right down outside one side.

Oxhead Felling Axe, made in Germany. 27 inch handle, 5 1/2" cutting face, the blade is thin for felling trees. Bites into wood like there is no tomorrow. This axe means business and allows for a two handed grip making for a safer, stronger and more controlled swing. My knives are no competition.

I bought mine through Traditional Woodworkers in TX.

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Impressive is an understatement
 
I have two of the Oxhead axes, same head as posted picture, one with long handle, one with more of a hatchet/hunter handle. Totally blown out of the water, the shape and profile of the cutting edge make for an effortless cut, and not to heavy to carry. Dont' have any experience with any others sorry.
 
Zanuha said:
You want a cheap working axe? Fiskars.
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I also have the Fiskars Large Chopping axe (28" handle) and it's one of my favorite axes. My only problem with it is that if it grazes a rock or pebbles while limbing it will tear up the edge. If the blade was just a little harder I would probably not even mess with a Gransfors or Wetterlings, as it chops great, feels great, is light and the composite handle feels indestructible. It also splits well too because the head is wedge shaped. I've heard that if it is sharpened a few times a harder steel becomes exposed as I haven't had mine too long yet. Can anybody chime in on this?

I also have a Wetterlings Large Hunting axe as well and it is exellent, but was over the twice the price of the Fiskars, which chops just as well.
 
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