Question to AXE: Gransfors or Wetterlings?

Iboschi · Dec 28, 2009

I live in the pacific NW and am thinking it is past time I pick up an axe for hiking and woods bumming. I think it would make a nice addition to bushcraft chores. I'm thinking I could carry the Gransfors Small Forest Axe without it encumbering me too much. Any longer and I'll probably not carry it. So, should I stick with a Gransfors or should I consider Wetterlings? Comparisons are welcome. I'm not knowledgeable about either, and would appreciate some fingers pointing me in the right direction.

CSG · Dec 28, 2009

I bought Wetterlings as they are far more affordable but just as capable.

Iboschi · Dec 28, 2009

I was just noting that Wetterlings appear to be heavier. Not concerned about the carry weight of an 1lb, but don't' know if it comes out better as a heavier chopper or not?

ZombaiO · Dec 28, 2009

I have a 19'' Wetterlings - it's an excellent chopper and splitter

Also great for hacking bones

Gravitas · Dec 28, 2009

I have a GB small forest axe which is by far the most utilized tool I own. It is easy to carry, stuff in your pack or even put on a sturdy belt. What amazes me most is how well it keeps an edge. I just took down a 4" oak last weekend and spent about 4 hours carving a bow and the axe was still extremely sharp.

I have no experience with Wetterlings but from what I've heard GB actually bought the company and both axes are now produced in the same factory. I'm guessing the quality is relatively comparable.

DWK2 · Dec 28, 2009

It's my understanding that Wetterlings was bought by the owner of Gransfors, but not by Gransfors. I read that he intends to maintain Wetterlings as a separate factory/entity.

DancesWithKnives

trailside22 · Dec 28, 2009

They are both great. I either one would be a great addition for your applications. Find the one you like best or can get the best deal on and go with it.

hollowdweller · Dec 28, 2009

The Gransfors is better IMO QC and ergonomic wise but the Wetterlings are a good hatchet for the money.:thumbup:

milani74 · Dec 28, 2009

I have a 15 inch Wetterlings and absolutely love it. Best axe I have every owned.

I have no experience with GB but have heard nothing but good things from them too.

coaldigger · Dec 28, 2009

Both are very good IMO ! The GB has a better fit & finish but for the money the Wetterlings (with a little work) can be just as nice

& you save a lot of money:thumbup:

Stickman · Dec 28, 2009

I don't think you can go very far wrong with either of these brands. I have the GB SFA and find it to be excellent for my purposes... I was lucky to have it hand picked per my instructions. If I could find a Wetterlings that met the alignment and symmetry issues that I feel are important I wouldn't hesitate to pick it up and work at fine tuning it.

Yorkshire Boy · Dec 28, 2009

I have 2 GB axes, in the UK we can buy the small forest axe for less than a RC IZULA.

Dantor · Dec 28, 2009

I suggest if you can afford a GB, get that, one of the best out there but...
Wetterlings are good, you might have to do a few mods to get them
as good as a GB but both are excellent!

Iboschi · Dec 28, 2009

I'm going to see if there is anywhere in my area where I can handle either in person. I fear I'll have to rely on the internet for ordering and unfortunately someone just grabs the closest one to shove in a box. I think there may be other crazy people like myself on the forum here. I will stand at a store and go through an item and QC them myself for about 5-10 minutes before I pick one. Most people grab the first off the rack and go, like my girlfriend. When she sees me go into Quality Control mode, she slips away quietly and checks back every 5-10 minutes. Anyway, I hope I can handle at least one before I buy.

Dannyboy Leather · Dec 28, 2009

Post expired.

Iboschi · Dec 28, 2009

Dannyboy Leather,

Thanks for the comparison! I'm finding that I probably won't be able to handle either before I buy, so your input is definitely appreciated. You've answered some big questions for me. I'm curious, which would you chose if you had both available and you were going to fell a ten inch tree (if either hard or soft wood would change your answer I'd be interested in the difference)?

Calebklyne · Dec 28, 2009

i have to say the gb is worth the extra money

DWK2 · Dec 28, 2009

I agree with Calebklyne but I bought my Gransfors axes a long time ago when they were cheaper and the quality control difference was quite substantial.

If I were regularly felling ten inchers, I'd probably go for the Scandinavian Forest Axe or a full size felling axe.

DancesWithKnives

kgd · Dec 28, 2009

I guess one thing I'd question the OP on is why they are so pre-occupied with length versus weight. A 24" handle with the same size head can out chop leaps and bounds over one with a 19" handle yet doesn't provide much weight difference. I guess it depends on how you carry it. If you simply use straps and tie the axe externally to your bag then the little bit of length differences has very little effect on carry.

When I received my Snow and Neely Hudson Bay camp axe with a 24" handle, it was actually lighter than my Fiskars 17" handle. It also completely mastered the Fiskars at every task I compared the two of them against one another with.

jw2n · Dec 28, 2009

Both are good, but I prefer GB. With some serious shopping, you can save some dinero on them. If you order from a dealer, call them and ask them to choose a nice one. Good, straight grain in the handle. Symetrical head with the eye closed tightly. If you tell them that you are planning on buying several models over time (even if it's a fib), you can bet they will probably send a good one. The GB is thinner than the Wet. You will have to decide which profile works better for you. I have not had the sticking prob that others have, and I chop both hard and soft woods.