New Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet Issue?

C

Crossblade

Joined
May 15, 2012
Messages
7
Hi all, believe I initially posted this in the wrong area... sorry to double up on the post...
Not sure if this is really an issue, though am a little concerned with the recent Gransfors Bruks wildlife hatchet I received through an online seller. It has what appears to be the makings of a knot under the axe-head, and are worried this may cause some type of weakness in the handle/axe?
I have also noticed there is excessive grind towards the bottom of the blade, and a flat spot right on the point/edge. Is this normal for these axes, it may sharpen out over time so I guess is not the biggest of issues.

 
A small knot wouldn't concern me. A knot's orientation can make it worse. A knot running through the haft parallel to the head of the axe would concern me. In a floor joist or a rafter such a knot is called a 'spike' and can seriously degrade the strength of the piece of lumber.

Can you post a picture of the grind?
 
I don't see a knot. Are you talking about the oval where the grain runs out on all directions? Like this:

bruks.jpg
 
It's hard to tell what your hachets grind looks like to see what your talking about when its hiding behind a mask.:D
 
Had to take a few extra photos... :) yeah, was meaning the oval, not quite a knot I know, just seemed like the makings of one and was just wanting to know if any problems there.
Here are photos of the grind, showing the flat spot (3-4mm right on the point).
Was not sure either on the slight split that appears in the axe head near the handle, possibly just a normal part of manufacture - though concerend this might increase over time...
Really just trying to determine whether this is worth the trouble of returning for replacement, as I may be liable for return shipping costs. I'm figuring this could just be filed down (if I was to get an axe file..) :) thanks so much all :)




 
Hey,

The flat spots on the toe and heel of the blade are done intentionally. They clip them to reduce the chance of the corners chipping as they are vulnerable. Normal GB process.
The grain on the haft looks to be excellent. The oval is not a knot at all, just the grain. Like I said the orientation of the grain looks ideal.
A small "crack" at the front of the eye is totally normal. It frequently happens when they drift out the eye. It will not cause any issues, it's 100% normal.

SO....I'd say you're golden! Now go get it dirty!! :thumbup:

Beautiful axe, BTW.
 
Last edited:
Crossblade said:
.... yeah, was meaning the oval,
Click to expand...

That oval is exactly what you WANT to see. Centered in the side of the haft it means that you've got essentially perfect grain alignment in that haft.

I would file out the flat spot and hone it with a stone.
 
Thank you so much M3mphis for your sound knowledge and quick reply. Am a fair bit unfamiliar with these methods of make, and definately more educated now thanks to your input. And also to Square_peg on the grain confirmation ;) Have been itching to get this beauty into some wood. She really is is a wonderfully crafted axe!
Just need to decide now whether the Bruks shrpening puck is really worth the extra hard earned $$$, or to just go with the lansky one or smiths diamond combo-paddle. Thanks again guys.
 
I have the Smiths. I like it real well. CooperHill raves about the DMT diafolds.
 
It the Smith's large enough to efficiently sharpen an axe? It looks too small to me. Might be nice for touch-ups, though.
 
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