I've been looking for a source for a quality axe. A search on Blade forums told me Gransfors Bruks is the way to go. I found thier website and liked what I see. I'm looking at the Scandinavian ax or the American felling ax. The biggest tree I'll be using it on would be about 10" to 12" in diameter. This ax would also be used for limbing and a small amount of splitting dry wood. I like the size of the Scaninavian model but I'm 6'2" and am wondering about the proper lenght of the handle. I've looked in my area and nobody has heard of Gransfors Bruks much less stocks them. So what model would you suggest,the Scandinavian or the American model? Could somebody me with a online source and possibly with a link?
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Questions about Gransfors Bruks products
- Thread starter Stoneage
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2001
- Messages
- 1,385
I have the double bit felling axe and the Scandinavian Forest Axe. I believe that the American Felling has about the same handle length as my double.
The felling axe is definitely more efficient for chopping through logs in the 10-12" range and has the weight to split much better than the SFA. It is too large for hatchet applications, like preparing small kindling. The SFA a great compromise size. However, if you are used to the full-size axes commonly available in U.S. hardware stores, the SFA may feel a bit small for the heavy duty work.
A couple members of this forum have previously referenced Gransfors sources and a search might turn up a few names.
The felling axe is definitely more efficient for chopping through logs in the 10-12" range and has the weight to split much better than the SFA. It is too large for hatchet applications, like preparing small kindling. The SFA a great compromise size. However, if you are used to the full-size axes commonly available in U.S. hardware stores, the SFA may feel a bit small for the heavy duty work.
A couple members of this forum have previously referenced Gransfors sources and a search might turn up a few names.
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2001
- Messages
- 193
Stoneage- Look up Skywoods Canoes: www.skywoodscanoes.com. They have the best prices I've found, a good selection, reasonable shipping, and very friendly service. I think you'll be pleased if you decide to purchase from them.
I'm also 6'-2", recently bought a Scandinavian forestry axe that I am very pleased with. It is a very efficient chopper, and will work well for the canoe-camping role I bought it for. But if I wanted a real chopper with good weight and reach, and size and weight were no issue, I'd purchase an American feller. Hope this helps a tiny bit. Take care, Regan
I'm also 6'-2", recently bought a Scandinavian forestry axe that I am very pleased with. It is a very efficient chopper, and will work well for the canoe-camping role I bought it for. But if I wanted a real chopper with good weight and reach, and size and weight were no issue, I'd purchase an American feller. Hope this helps a tiny bit. Take care, Regan
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2001
- Messages
- 39
My first choise would be the "Scandinavian Forest Axe" (i have one).
The head of the axe is big and heavy enough for any work.
If you work with the axe a long day there is a very great advantage of the smaller weight of 2 lb from the SFA (the american felling axe has a weight of 3,3 lb).
For splitting jobs I have a "Small Splitting Axe" also made by Granfors. The axe has also a 2 lb head. The "Big Splitting Axe" with his 3 lb head is much heavier. If you work with the big axes you get long arms at the end of the long working day.
Some of my friends works in the forrest every day. They confirm this statements (and they all use axes made by Gransfors!)
To find the best length for the handle there is a simple trick:
Get the head of the axe in your hand with the handle up. The handle should end directly under the shoulder.
With a handle in this length and a head of the axe not to heavy, you have always full controll at the work likewise you can work with the axes a long time without getting lamley arms.
The head of the axe is big and heavy enough for any work.
If you work with the axe a long day there is a very great advantage of the smaller weight of 2 lb from the SFA (the american felling axe has a weight of 3,3 lb).
For splitting jobs I have a "Small Splitting Axe" also made by Granfors. The axe has also a 2 lb head. The "Big Splitting Axe" with his 3 lb head is much heavier. If you work with the big axes you get long arms at the end of the long working day.
Some of my friends works in the forrest every day. They confirm this statements (and they all use axes made by Gransfors!)
To find the best length for the handle there is a simple trick:
Get the head of the axe in your hand with the handle up. The handle should end directly under the shoulder.
With a handle in this length and a head of the axe not to heavy, you have always full controll at the work likewise you can work with the axes a long time without getting lamley arms.
Thanks all for the replies. I went to the skywoods site not knowing what the prices would be.I anticipated the prices for Gransfors Bruks products would put thier axes out of my finacial reach. I was pleasantly suprised! I see I'm going to have to order several of thier axes and hachets. Again Thanks!
Cliff Stamp
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 17,562
For that size of wood, I would agree with DanceWithKnives and get the full size felling zxe. In regards to splitting, I would get another axe. A felling axe does not split well, not does it have the necessary durability. Splitting axes/mauls are cheap and can be found at any hardware store.
-Cliff
-Cliff
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2001
- Messages
- 1,385
Cliff is certainly correct in stating that a maul will serve better for splitting. I bought GB's largest splitting maul (about 5-6 lbs, I think) and their incredible wedge. The maul would shave your arm (as would the wedge) despite the significantly greater edge angle. It is easier to swing than some of the 8-12 lb hardware store mauls. Seems to perform about as well, with less effort.
Note that GB specifically warns users not to pound wedges with their regular felling axes. The steel on the sides of the head is not designed to withstand continuous pounding.
Note that GB specifically warns users not to pound wedges with their regular felling axes. The steel on the sides of the head is not designed to withstand continuous pounding.
I ordered the SFA after trying to resist for a month...
It finally arrived today at lunch, and I was chomping at the bit for the shift to end so's I could see how that baby would chop.
I brought down a small frozen birch with 8 strokes...it was about 4 inch dia.What a great edge the factory honed on this nice Axe...
I'll be happy now and will stop thinking about the FELLING AXE..yeah right !!!!!
It finally arrived today at lunch, and I was chomping at the bit for the shift to end so's I could see how that baby would chop.
I brought down a small frozen birch with 8 strokes...it was about 4 inch dia.What a great edge the factory honed on this nice Axe...
I'll be happy now and will stop thinking about the FELLING AXE..yeah right !!!!!