Neeman Northlander Felling Axe

J

jmh76

Joined
Mar 27, 2012
Messages
101
First off, I want to preface this by saying I am a realtive new comer compared to you guys. So take this as you will and this is purely my opinion. And we all know what those are like. After seeing all the buzz surrounding John Neeman Tools over the past year or so, I decided I wanted a felling axe. Knowing John was a custom maker I inquired about having a bearded felling axe. Which is now added to his line up of tools. Specs: 5.03#, 32"

This thing is a real brute. Of course the fit and finish is what you would expect. Perfect. It is like a little more refined Grandfors Bruks. The first thing I noticed is the handle is much thicker than all of my older US made axes. Feels very substantial. And would likely last for generations of use. That leads me to the head which is a thing of beauty. The L6 bit took a mirror shine. Cheeks are pretty flat with ALOT of metal as they near the eye.

If I had to do it over again I would not have it engraved makes me not want to use it. But I had to try a few cuts cause thats what it is ment for right. So here it is. At first sight of it I questioned the thickness of the cheeks as if it would sink in or not. Swinging this thing feels great the handle has great curves and the fawns foot is perfect. I think I have gotten used to my skinny handles though.

I took my newly handled Kelly double bit 4^2 and Northlander and did a little chopping. Not apples to apples but just waht I took. Specimen is still wet red oak. The wedge shape of the Northlander does not sink in like the Kelly. (cheek profile) I had to swing pretty hard to get decent chips. (Chips on ground in first pic are Kelly chips) There is no roll when the Northlander bites, very balanced. However it would make a better splitter than a feller (opinion):( This being said, it is still a joy to use. I dont plan on using it like my "Oldies". Mainly just wanted to get my boys a well rounded collection when I'm to old to swing. Overall, a very well crafted tool.
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That is a beautiful axe. I'm not sure the edge is thicker than a vintage American axe, just that the cheeks are not concave. The depth of the steel is uniform the full length of the bit instead of a higher centerline and narrower at the toe and heel.
 
The head shape on that thing is absolutely Gorgeous! :eek: But I can easily imagine what you mean about cutting vs. splitting, looking at the profile of the bit. Still, an unbelievably handsome tool. Great purchase!
 
Thank you for sharing that with use. I think most here, me included have never even seen a John Neeman axe. There is alot going on with an axe design and this one sure is different. I do wonder how it would perform in a wet soft wood. Maybe with the long toe and short heel there is no need for a high center line. Just a thought, I really don't know. You may be able to find out though :D.
 
That's very nice... Thanks for the write up and pics. If I had the $ I'd order a Neeman axe tomorrow.

That thing looks to be about as thick as 'Betty', my 4 1/2 lb Tasmanian Collins.
 
Jmh, so do you know if the head was forged before john left Neeman to start up Autine? That's a beautiful beast BTW...
 
Is that thick of a profile meant for a specific type of wood? The axe is so beautiful, I just don't understand how thick it is
 
chuxwan said:
Is that thick of a profile meant for a specific type of wood? The axe is so beautiful, I just don't understand how thick it is
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I'm really not sure what type of wood it is designed for. Certainly not Red Oak. This thing would wear you out tring to fell one. I am actually thinking of having it re-profiled. It is waaay too thick. :( Like I said before, given the shape it is would work better as a splitting axe.
 
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