Old Gransfors questions

[spketch]

My grandfather gave this axe to my father and I'm trying to find out more about it.
I know it's a gransfors bruks, but there are no makers initials on the head. From what I could find this dates it to pre-1986? I didn't think to measure the head but the handle is 27". I have read that they weren't always the quality axes they are now., just want to figure out for my dad what he has. Ill be visiting next weekend so i can take more pictures/measurements is needed. Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Steve Tall]

I bought a similar (but larger) 3.5 pound GBA, but I didn't rehaft it yet, and I can't tell you anything about it.

 

[Liam Ryan]

I have two older Wetterlings, and you could still see traces of the same shade of blue paint on it.
My best guess is it's patriotic.

 

[bearhunter]

That's a wonderful looking old axe

 

[Ernest DuBois]

Hello,

Isn't that film of the latest owner of Gransfors talking about the company here somewhere? The one on which he revels that the difference between now and then is largely one of marketing strategy - stamps with the primary forgers initials being one example mentioned.

I would say that old axe is a good one with all the more value because it predates some of the hype surrounding these axes - as good as they are, don't get me wrong - of late.

E.DB.

By the way this older Hults was also painted with blue

 

[spketch]

Some nice old axes guys.
Maybe I've got things confused. The way I understand it, the forgers started marking their axes when gransfors changed up the way they were paid. Gransfors says that the current flat monthly pay rate (instead of the old pay by volume) results in better quality axes. This makes me assume that the older axes are inferior.
I know very little about axes, please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[halfaxe]

I don't think the older swedish axes were inferior to the new ones. The older ones had more shaping at the grinder to polish off the forging marks. That was the style and method in the US where they were trying to compete with all the other axe companies in a declining market. They changed designs and marketing mostly, but also allowed more time at the forging and at the same time eliminated a lot of grinding. There is a youtube video where the CEO of Gransfors describes this.

 

[killa_concept]

I own a GB Scandinavian forest axe and small forest axe. Both amazing tools that take and hold an amazing edge - great for light felling, limbing and of course carving/bushraft. Not too hot for splitting anything too thick or knotty though. Profile just isn't there.. Next time I go camping, I'll still probably bring along the small forest axe but I'll opt for my newly hung 3lb Keen Kutter on a 28" straight octagonal for any heavier tasks or any splitting.

Anyways, the GBs were my first axes and I liked them so much that I wanted to pick up a double bit by them. However the costs on those models were just a wee bit high. Ended up finding two of the older models on flea bay though - a 2.5lb cruiser and a full size 3.5lb. Both with remnants of that light blue paint they used prior to the business model switch. Having sharpened both up and having the new models for comparison, I'd say they're of fairly decent quality. When I gave them a vinegar soak, both had nice wide temper lines. Sharpening them up and subjecting them to use, I'd say the heat treat is pretty good (52-54 hrc is my guess) and on par with some of my older restored heads.. but not as solid as GB's current line (57hrc and still very tough). Both the heads were hung on 28" handles and still see occasional use, but I've just come to the conclusion that single bits are more practical..

That all said, quite jealous of your new axe mate!