- Joined
- Dec 11, 2006
- Messages
- 1,659
I get so opinionated on this topic that I generally try to stay out of these discussion, and just you you all have the fun 
Must be feeling different tonight
Here is the deal the way I see it.
Axes in the US used to be required for actual work. Since the advent of saws and now all the crazy equipment we have, there is no need to for companies to be so picky about their axes. So, the BEST ones are the old forgings.
Other countries have experienced similar things, and Gransfors has done an excellent job of bringing back high quality back to axes. Their marketing has also done an excellent job in making people think there is none better. However, despite popular belief, they are not as good as they could be. It more revolves around geometry than it does material, heat treat or handle grain. Many think that they are the best because they are WAY better than anything they have used before. But, it can and does get better. It is just not easy to come by.
A couple of years ago I went on a quest for the perfect axe, regardless of cost. I can buy GB at cost just like everyone else. But, they are not the axe I want, or can not be made into the axe I want. If they would work for me, I would buy them, modify them and sell them too and not care what the final cost ones. When it comes to the axe, I will pay for it.
If you cruise eBay, estate sales, or places like that, you can come across some gold mine type finds for axes. But, more than likely, it will still take a considerable amount of work on your part. Some of my favorite axes are old ones. The down side is that most folks no longer know how the proper profile should be for an axe, or how to set them up.
If you ever have an axe project and want my opinion on how to shape it, I would be glad to help. I love axes and to me it not about selling stuff.
I happened to pick the Snow and Neally to modify because they are good quality. They have classic head shapes and there is enough steel there for me to shape them the way I want. Sometimes I get funky grained handles and things like that. But, those go back. They do not get turned into modified axes
B
Must be feeling different tonight Here is the deal the way I see it.
Axes in the US used to be required for actual work. Since the advent of saws and now all the crazy equipment we have, there is no need to for companies to be so picky about their axes. So, the BEST ones are the old forgings.
Other countries have experienced similar things, and Gransfors has done an excellent job of bringing back high quality back to axes. Their marketing has also done an excellent job in making people think there is none better. However, despite popular belief, they are not as good as they could be. It more revolves around geometry than it does material, heat treat or handle grain. Many think that they are the best because they are WAY better than anything they have used before. But, it can and does get better. It is just not easy to come by.
A couple of years ago I went on a quest for the perfect axe, regardless of cost. I can buy GB at cost just like everyone else. But, they are not the axe I want, or can not be made into the axe I want. If they would work for me, I would buy them, modify them and sell them too and not care what the final cost ones. When it comes to the axe, I will pay for it.
If you cruise eBay, estate sales, or places like that, you can come across some gold mine type finds for axes. But, more than likely, it will still take a considerable amount of work on your part. Some of my favorite axes are old ones. The down side is that most folks no longer know how the proper profile should be for an axe, or how to set them up.
If you ever have an axe project and want my opinion on how to shape it, I would be glad to help. I love axes and to me it not about selling stuff.
I happened to pick the Snow and Neally to modify because they are good quality. They have classic head shapes and there is enough steel there for me to shape them the way I want. Sometimes I get funky grained handles and things like that. But, those go back. They do not get turned into modified axes
B
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