small axe

AWSmith

AWSmith

Joined
Aug 23, 2012
Messages
76
I am in the market for a smaller axe. Currently, I have a Wetterlings Swedish Forest axe which I love, but like the option- or the combination of the two-of a smaller axe. Been looking pretty hard at the wetterlings wildlife axe and the small hunting axe, watched several reviews of both (and the GB equivalent), and I am still undecided.

Anyone here have either owned both or used both, and have developed an opinion? I would be very curious to hear. The Gransfors Bruks equivalents are an option as well, so don't be hesitant to mention those too.
 
I have GB's SFA and the same-sized Wetterling's axe (19") along with the smaller GB Wildlife hatchet. My Wildlife has been used a lot less. I find the large axes just as easy to pack and much more effective. I kow it's a skill thing, but I just don't need a small axe for what I do most of the time. Either I'll go with the more functional larger SFA or stick with a heavy duty knife over the smaller axe. I don't discount the smaller axe though. They do make a good hunting companion when you're hunting and might need the heavier tool but in a more compact package. Tough decision, but it wouldn't hurt to give one a shot...

ROCK6
 
Another model to look at is the Council Tool Boy's Axe--Forestry Service edition.
 
Like Rock6- I like my GB SFA. I had a Wetterlings model- I think the Game or Hunter? Nice but just did not get used. I prefer the 19" at minimum.

Bill
 
For the smallest ones I have the GB Mini. Lee Reeves single, Gerber Pak Axe, and an old Sears. I find that I can accomplish 90% of what they can do with a large knife. The small hatchets still provide a light hammering function that the knife does not. Also, I am willing to do chores with the hatchet that I do not really want to subject my knife to. Split pelvic bones, chop in the dirt, and drive shelter stakes are what come to mind immediately.

I have many hatchets that fall into the "standard" category and like different aspects of each. I especially like the Lee Reeves double but it removes the hammering function.

I have a GB SFA and the Gerber Camp Axe. I find myself frustrated with the Hatchet/Axe middle ground size. These 18-20"
OAL are a little unwieldy one handed and are cramped two handed. Despite this I pack the SFA frequently and adjust myself to it.

I am really interested in the 24" GB that Mears is marketing. When I use Kochanski's method of wrapping your hand around the bit and measuring to your armpit for a properly fit pack axe, my number matches Mears GB.

It can be argued that an inch here or there doesnt make much difference, nor does this take into account bit size, shape, profile, or weight. As Jack O'Connor used to say that the difference between a perfect rifle and a bad one, as in the case between a beautiful and ugly woman, can be measured in millimeters. Giving away my age here.
 
Actually I find myself wanting to go in the opposite direction now. I have a G.B. small forest and recently got a Wett. hatchet. Love em both. Only complaint is that the sheath snap on the Wetterlings is smaller and inferior to the G.B.'s. A truly minor complaint though. Now I'm thinking about a full sized axe to replace my trunk beater...Maybe.
 
I definitely am of the attitude that if I'm going to bother carrying an axe it's going to be full sized or close to it. Even if you take a light head and stick it on a long handle you're going to get much better performance than making it stubby. Extra handle length hardly adds weight and it's worth dealing with it sticking out of the top of your pack if it makes serious chopping about 10x easier.
 
I'm usually in the minority here but I don't really care for the intermediate axes.

My most used axes are the GB mini and Lee Reeves Double bit when I'm backpacking. I also have an old Marbles #5 that is a nice size to carry also.

I find the Norlund hatchet and GB Wildlife I have a bit too large to backpack with. But I would rank the GB wildlife as one of the most aggressive choppers of any hatchet it's size. If I was going to pack in somewhere in the winter and stay there for a while I'd probably take it.

The intermediate ones I don't like. Like the GB Hunters. I have one but I feel somewhat unsafe chopping with it with one hand unless I choke up and the handle is too short for me to use with 2 hands. I just have to concentrate on aiming too much when I'm using 2 hands.

I've never tried the GB Scandinavian Forest axe with it's longer handle but I'd probably like it over the axes the size of the Hunters.

If I go beyond a hatchet then I really like to go pretty much full size because when I swing a hatchet it hits where I want. If I swing a full size axe it does too.

I have a few old axes I use but I got this "Wetterlings Chopping Axe" that I got off SMKW for around 50 bucks and it is a GREAT full size chopper and is 32" long. I wouldn't want to carry it more than a mile or two but that's what the hatchets are for. :)
 
Winter woods camping I take my council tool boys axe. Most of the rest of the time I use either my GB mini or my GB wildlife hatchet.

For me the intermediate size SFA etc are okay but just not right for much of anything.
 
I have a Gransfors Bruks mini, amd I find for the size, this little hatchet is amazing
 
Wetterlings Large Hunting Axe. It's really like a larger better tomahawk. Great for limbing, kindling and even going through small trees. I have had good luck chopping larger stuff while on my knees.

Tucked in the front of my 5.11 Rush 72

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IMG_0754.jpg
 
panzertroop said:
Wetterlings Large Hunting Axe. It's really like a larger better tomahawk. Great for limbing, kindling and even going through small trees. I have had good luck chopping larger stuff while on my knees.

Tucked in the front of my 5.11 Rush 72

IMG_1455.jpg

IMG_0754.jpg
Click to expand...

Love what you did with the handle. :thumbup: You have to realize fellas that I am relatively new to SERIOUS axes and proper use. As in knives, I am on an axe bell curve. I find that most of us get close to the apex fairly quickly though. But this old dog is still learning all the time. I never even heard of a feather stick until last year. It never stopped me from making a fire, but it is definately valuable knowledge in ugly conditions. I don't know were my axe curve will take me but I at least have some reasurance when I buy a better quality tool that my money wasn't wasted. At least in future trade if not in use. Actually I'm having great fun with the little boogers right now and see them as keepers. But a full sized axe is on my radar.................. I'm not in the far north anymore so the priority has lowered.
 
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