New 18" Axe for Camping, Chopping, Splitting, Etc.

S

soapboxpreacher

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Apr 3, 2010
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I posted this in the wrong place initially so I have moved it here. I apologize for the duplicate post. Didnt see an axe section till now.

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.

Wetterling has 2 axes that are the same length one is the Large Camping and the other Large Hunting. The Camping is slightly heavier and the head shape is a little different. Other than that what is the difference or benefit of one over the other? Also...no one has the Camping Axe in their SKU. So I cant even pre-order.
 
I don't have a Wetterlings.

I do have a GB Hujnter's axe (same size as the small folresgt, but with a polished poll), and an S&N Pen Bay.

The GB definitely came sharper, and the haft is a bit more square in profile and fits my big mitts a little better. That being said, I used my Pen Bay for years and years with no trouble once I put a good edge on it. The little hump on the end of the S&N is also useful for retention depending on if you use it one or two handed.

Between the two, if you really need to save money, and don't mind sharpening, the S&N is a great little axe. However, if you have the $$ to blow, IMO the GB is worth the price.

Might also want to post a WTB in the buy/sell/trade forum here, you may be able to get a GB at a steal.
 
Thanks...I have found wetterlings for 39 bucks. Not bad. The SN are more. I am leaning toward it at the moment. My mitts are a medium/large size..I was a little fearful the Pen Bay handle would be a little uncomfortable. It looks thicker then the GB...so it would also be thicker than the Wetterlings as well. Many have mentioned going to a flea market to find an old axe and reprofile/finish it. To be honest I have never been to one. I would assume it would be hit or miss to find an old american axe at one. Plus I cant see myself hunting for one at several flea markets. But you never know.
 
I have one Wetterlings and three GB's. I think the Wetterlings is as good as the GB. No experience with the SN, but I would like a HB profile blade.
 
soapboxpreacher said:
Thanks...I have found wetterlings for 39 bucks. Not bad. The SN are more. I am leaning toward it at the moment. My mitts are a medium/large size..I was a little fearful the Pen Bay handle would be a little uncomfortable. It looks thicker then the GB...so it would also be thicker than the Wetterlings as well. Many have mentioned going to a flea market to find an old axe and reprofile/finish it. To be honest I have never been to one. I would assume it would be hit or miss to find an old american axe at one. Plus I cant see myself hunting for one at several flea markets. But you never know.
Click to expand...

The thing with the Pen Bay's haft is that it is longer than it is wide. From the pictures, it looks round, or a fat oval in shape, but it's not.
 
Ordered the Wetterlings Large Hunting Axe. Too many reviews and recommendations not to pass it up. It is really liked. Now I want to get a 24+" Axes next any suggestions?
 
GB Scandinavian Forest Axe, S&N Hudson Bay Axe, Oxhead Universal Forest Axe.

I'm sure Wetterlings has a model that size, but don't know what it's called.
 
I don't really care for the 18" or so axes. Too big for one hand too small for two really.

I have a GB Hunters and although it's nice and all I think the GB Wildlife is the most hardcore chopping true 1 hand hatchet there is.

You asked about larger ones. I just got a 32" 3 lb 4" cutting face Wetterlings Chopping Axe from Smokey Mt Knife Works.

I haven't used it yet but it's super sharp and I think is going to make a great axe for those larger jobs.

I have seen the up to over $100 bucks on various websited but Smokey Mt Knife works has them for 59 bucks!:thumbup:
 
Check the 26"-er I posted above. And check the review listed under "Shine on You Crazy Diamond". At least he thinks the Husqvarnas are finished a bit better than the Wetterlings. I'm still waiting on mine, so I don't know.
 
I bought this axe in 1982. Its an Ames "kindling Axe" I have not seen any others aside from old hardwear stores. The one pictured (mine) is 17 1/2 in. long, 1 in. wide, blade is 6 1/4 long. As you can see in the first pic it has a flair at the bottom for a good 2 handed swing, and a nice hickory handle/shaft. as you can see from the top shot the angle of its cut, and in the 3rd pic the temper and edge. Not only have I used this felling Many trees over the years, its also been used as a maul 100s of times, and cuts like a Large Axe. I've file sharpened it twice in the field, and one more time on my grinder 4 years ago. It holds its edge Very very well. Light to carry, and room in your backpack won't be used up. It takes out chunks very much like a woodsmans double edge, even as light as it is. 3 LBs? Check one out. If you can find one? While camping everyone wants to use it cuz it cuts em down. My 2 cents worth. Great Axe. Enjoy. edgy:thumbup:
Oh yeah, it throws like a comp axe as well.:D
 

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