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Norlund or velvicut hudson bay?

N

newsasquatch

Joined
May 4, 2013
Messages
241
Anyone have experience using these two axes. Nowadays it seems like you csnt get a norlund without spending some serious dough so is not like I'd spend that much more for a velvicut. I found some bigger norlund hudson bays online that would be about the same size and weight as the velvicut but maybe I should just go with the velvicut because it appears that the velvicut might be a superior product. Norlund is a cool axe and most likely an excellent product, it has history, a cool insignia, and is a collectors item. Anyone use both? Which do you prefer, and why?
 
These implements are eye-catching for sure. There is a previous thread on here about the inherent weakness in the design when compared to a conventional axe. Their origins are from inexpensive trade items and recreational users merely took it from there. If all you want to do is use this axe then whatever is least expensive, seems to me, is the way to go. And if appearance is not as important as utility/durability then maybe seek out an ordinary axe and devote the savings towards other things.
 
I have a Norlund HB hatchet and a Velvicut HB. Different sizes so I can't compare directly but the Velvicut is about as well balanced and constructed an HB as I've seen. It has a bit more weight at the poll and the eye is proportionally larger than the Norland as well as my similar sized Collins HB. I've used the Velvicut to cut through blowdowns and limb and even some shaping (making wedges and trimming beams) and it's done fantastic. I love using it and don't feel guilty that I'm abusing an antique.

edit: As far as the HB pattern goes I use the choked up grip for slicing and peeling bark, scraping small brances off the trunk and any other "fiddley" tasks. I find the HB pattern more versatile than a standard head pattern. The Velvicut is also very easy to control one handed for when the other hand is busy holding the work.

One slice.



 
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Wow, impressive, so I assume you'd go with the velvicut over the others if you could choose only one of them. Those images make me want one lol.
 
@300Six, I simply want the best quality HB for my collection. I now have some bigger axes for "real work", but I want something light that I can take with me on a jaunt in the woods, or on a long hike. I read about the flaw in the design, and figure that I dont plan on using it for bigger tasks so I should be fine, and if I have to rehang it after a while-so be it. Even though im a poor student, I still like to get the highest quality items so I dont ever have to buy one again, so if the velvicut or norlund is better, thats the one I want. I read in another thread that the metal on the norlund is not very good quality, but at the same time the velvicut has softer metal compared to GB and other swedish axes, so I'm still not sure which to get. Thanks for lettin me know about the eye.
 
I have a velvicut and find it a nice alternative to the michigans that I use for heavy work. I typically use the velvicut for limbing and light splitting. It holds an edge well in my experience and is easy to get razor sharp. I don't have a norland so cannot compare the two. It is definitely a light duty axe in my opinion - I have used it for splitting rounds and it does not perform well in that arena compared to the bigger/heavier axes I own. I have not experienced haft problems, but do not use it all that much, so would not expect those problems to show up anytime soon - my head is still very tight on the handle. I find it to be a really elegant tool - very well finished and a joy to use - should work really well for your intended purpose. The one I have came with a really nice sheath.
 
Here's some comparison pictures. The Collins and Norlund are on my handles and the Council is on it's original. (BTW I'm gonna make a new handle for the Norlund so if anybody has a nice pic of one on it's original profile haft post it up!) Council took some pains with the eye to give a a strong mechanical bond, including a ribbed eye that is a bit larger than other HB patterns I've seen. Mine has not shown any sign of loosening after some solid use.





 
@Stevewest, very cool, sounds like a great tool!

@Alocksly, good to know about the precautions that Council took with the eye. l notice that the council HB has less of a curved edge. This seems more practical--as more metal meets wood. So far I think I'm gonna bail on the idea of a Collins or a Norlund. I saw a really cool large hudson bay Collins Legitimus on the auction site yesterday, but I think I'm gonna forget about it, I don't have the money to get a bunch of different axes that are same models so I'm just trying to acquire a model from of every kind. You got a very cool collection!
 
Mind posting the link to that auction? I have a large Hudson Bay that someone polished the stamp off from, and from what's been said here, it MAY be a Collins.
 
Last time I posted a link from eBay I got a warning from admin. Look up Collins legitimus cruiser axe. It's a hudson bay though.
 
@darth taco, did you find it? I was thinkin it might be perfect for you bc its army green and a relic from our past
 
Mine is a darn near copy of that, but the stamp remnants ( a CO and N) are different. Bah, the mystery lives on!
 
Alocksly said:
(BTW I'm gonna make a new handle for the Norlund so if anybody has a nice pic of one on it's original profile haft post it up!)
Click to expand...

Here you go, Russ. This is a shorty.

3.jpg


And the lovely orange paint on the top of the eye is also factory - in case you really want it to look original.

6.jpg
 
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