size question for a new axe guy

F

Furious_Toast

Joined
Jul 28, 2014
Messages
51
So i have a nice hunk of change saved up and I'm looking into buying myself a wetterlings axe. My question is this though, what size do i get? Itll be my all around axe for camping and backpacking so lots of chopping, limbing, splitting, and fire making. I basically want the best all around axe. So far my choices are the outdoor axe - 2.3 pounds at 19.25 inches, the les stroud bushcraft axe - 2.2 pounds at 22 inches, or the foresters fine axe - 2.2 pounds at 23.25 inches.
Im mostly looking at the outdoor and foresters axe, but is the extra 4 inches worth it? Being that it will be my all around im honestly not sure. Any help is appreciated!
Thanks,
Chris
 
If you're set on getting a new axe such as the Wetterlings, I'd look at the Husqvarna Forest axe - it's a good size, pretty much identical to the Wetterlings, and you'll save a good bit of cash too. For me, I prefer an axe in this size for all around use - not too small and not too big. I have a 30+ year old US made Snow and Nealy Forest axe (or Boy's sized axe - ~28" haft in the 2.25 lb. range) that is excellent. You might also look at Council Tool - their Velvicut line has received high praise, but I don't believe they have a boy's sized Velvicut. The Council Tool standard line is also good quality and made in the USA. Of course, you could get a better axe than all of these and save a bunch more $ too if you find a vintage head or complete vintage axe from any of the old US makers, i.e. Kelly, True Temper, Collins Legitimus, Sager, Plumb, Norland, etc...
 
High_Noon said:
If you're set on getting a new axe such as the Wetterlings, I'd look at the Husqvarna Forest axe - it's a good size, pretty much identical to the Wetterlings, and you'll save a good bit of cash too. For me, I prefer an axe in this size for all around use - not too small and not too big. I have a 30+ year old US made Snow and Nealy Forest axe (or Boy's sized axe - ~28" haft in the 2.25 lb. range) that is excellent. You might also look at Council Tool - their Velvicut line has received high praise, but I don't believe they have a boy's sized Velvicut. The Council Tool standard line is also good quality and made in the USA. Of course, you could get a better axe than all of these and save a bunch more $ too if you find a vintage head or complete vintage axe from any of the old US makers, i.e. Kelly, True Temper, Collins Legitimus, Sager, Plumb, Norland, etc...
Click to expand...

I will definately take a look at the husqvarna axes, thank you!
 
High_Noon said:
You might also look at Council Tool - their Velvicut line has received high praise, but I don't believe they have a boy's sized Velvicut. The Council Tool standard line is also good quality and made in the USA.
Click to expand...

CT has the "Bad Axe Boy's Axe" - their boy's axe in the Velvicut line.

http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=JP22DV28C

Also, Omaha knife has a few more CT FSS boy's axes, with Velvicut handles for $59.99. I recently purchased one and it's NICE :D
 
You are comparing three axes that are close to the same thing. I believe the Les Stroud has a straight handle, the others curved. All those axes are close to ideal in size for a bushcraft axe in my opinion. I own the Foresters fine axe, my only Wetterlings. I bought it a couple years ago. It's a good axe and I have not regretted the purchase. I prefer a longer handle on a light axe for camping. You can do more work. You do sacrifice some packing ability with a longer handle.
 
Last edited:
Do a little homework, develop a little bit of patience and start scouting out vintage domestic axes. Swedish stuff may be 'de rigeur' at the moment but that doesn't mean they are better than north American-produced axes are/were. 50 years ago, for instance, if you were shopping in Canada for a least-expensive axe you'd wind up with a Swedish copy of a domestic! Value is all in marketing and public perception.
 
300Six said:
Do a little homework, develop a little bit of patience and start scouting out vintage domestic axes. Swedish stuff may be 'de rigeur' at the moment but that doesn't mean they are better than north American-produced axes are/were. 50 years ago.
Click to expand...

Agreed. But if you must have a new axe, I'd be tempted by the Omaha, Council Tool FSS axe at $59.00 (mentioned above by parasloth) and it might be your best bet in terms of price/quality for a new axe. I almost pulled the trigger on one a few weeks ago, but didn't b/c I am more than happy with my S&N. Besides, I think I'm up to 12+ axes at this point (which is small change compared to some of the folks on this forum). I can't see spending $139.00 for the Velvicut Bad Boy either, but that's just me and it sure is nice. I know the Husqvarna is nice, but I prefer American patterns to the Swedish ones.
 
What do you mean by "camping?" Backpacking and what I consider camping are not things that I would use the same axe for.
 
Some important questions: Where are you located? Will you be camping a lot in winter? How much wood processing do you plan to do? And what type of trees are in your area?

Chances are that if you're from the States you may be better off with an American-made axe. While many will say Gransfors and Wetterlings are the best axes they are somewhat specialised for softer woods and smaller trees than what you find in America or Canada. If you're camping in winter a lot you will most likely want a larger axe for wood processing, especially if you take a pulk/sled. You can just do so much more with a larger axe, think nearly twice the work over the 19" axe for a forest/general purpose axe of 2.25 lbs. or more, and double again for a felling axe in the 3+ lb. range.

The 19"-23.5" range is a fairly poor length really, too small to do any real work and too big for the intricate tasks. People like the size for packability but it's also a very dangerous length. I would say you want 24"-28", so given that I would say get the Forester's Fine Axe if you are set on Wetterlings.

A rule for the general purpose axe is to hold the axe by the head and see if the handle just fits into your armpit, that's a good limbing length for a handle, and just long enough to process a fair bit of wood. You could measure that length as well using a stick if you can't get to see the axes firsthand. That will at least tell you if the larger Wetterlings is a good fit.
 
chuxwan said:
What do you mean by "camping?" Backpacking and what I consider camping are not things that I would use the same axe for.
Click to expand...

Bingo!

It depends on how far you're hiking, how much gear you're carrying and how much of your pack weight limit you're willing to spend on an axe. Priorities.

For car camping I'll bring a boy's axe at a minimum. And if I'm hiking a moderate distance (7-10 miles) in a group I might still bring a boys axe - letting one friend a camp stove and another carrying a water filtration device - spread the load around. A moderate hike solo calls for a lighter weight axe. I like a claw hatchet for it's multi-functions and mid-weight/mid-length. For longer hikes I'll go with a lighter hatchet.

My lightest hatchet, a Fiskars, weighs about the same as a 16 oz. plastic bottle filled with bourbon. CHOICES!!!!!!

If I'm going 15 miles + I'll skip the hatchet, go light on my knife (like a Mora Companion) and bring the 16 oz. of whiskey! I sleep good. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top