So, which one of these axes?

D

d.weglarz13

Joined
Jun 4, 2008
Messages
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edited to add another axe to the list!
Okay guys, here is the deal so far. I have narrowed my search for my perfect axe down to a few axes, and would like to hear some opinions, pros/cons of each. Again thanks all for your patience and most valued opinions!
1. Velvicut Hudson bay axe
2. Gransford Bruks Scandinavian forest axe
3. Velvicut American felling axe
4. Gransford Bruks American Felling axe
5. Council #1.75 Hudson bay axe(what is the difference between this and the Velvicut hudson bay?)
6. Council Boys axe Forest service( I think i am liking the longer handle....:D


It seems the Boys axe and Hudson bay 1.75 is right in the middle between the other choices, as far as length goes. Please tell me what size is better for what. Again, probably not the felling axe, because it looks too big to carry, but again maybe its not. Will i be able to strap something like that to a pack? Please keep the ideas running.

Again, thanks. Just feel free to throw out opinions..
I am mainly looking for all around usefulness, and aesthetics are very important too.
And of course, I'm looking for the best axe that I can run out and use any excuse I can to go use her!!
This may sound silly, but being able to defend oneself with it is a big plus too, in case of zombies!
I do go hiking so maybe smaller is better? But i definitely need something bigger than the piece of crap Gerber large axe that i have, and really want a good strong(but not too heavy is possible) axe! But, then again maybe the larger one is preferred for specific reasons.....?
Again, i don't want to buy an axe, and realize i would have liked the longer or shorter one instead. I rather get the right one while i can. I hope you guys understand. (i am sure this won't be my only axe, but lets just keep it that way, and pretend we are talking about THE axe to have when out in the woods!)

Please do tell.........

Thanks guys,
Dave Weglarz
Knife guy, soon to be knife and axe guy!!:D
 
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2. Gransford Bruks Scandinavian forest axe

Well I have never really heard anyone who got it and didn't like it. It's longer than the CT Hudson bay so it'll have a little more power and reach with the swings. It's just small enough to lash comfortably to a pack for hikings, etc. It won't be good for just general wood splitting at the house. If that will be a main use then go with your 3 or 4 option above. Anything else and the GB Scandinavian axe should be a great allround user for you.
 
Cool. Any opinions on which company has a better fit and finish, sharpness, weight, feel, etc.? Like i said, although use is most important, aesthetics is a close second.
Im guessing the smaller version isn't as good at splitting wood at home, is because of the power and size? Yes, being able to strap to my pack is important too.
Thanks again, keep those opinions coming!

dave
 
Well when you want an allrounder and don't want multiple axes your going to get an axe that's decent at everything but won't excel in anything either.

That's why us axe guys have more than one axe. If you want to comfortably pack the axe and that will be more the main use than at home splitting, you are already ruling out 3 and 4. So 1 and 2 seem to be your options.

Fit finish is very very good for both. Hard to pick a winner. GB has been making high end axes longer than CT. I personally think you'll like either one and be happy with it. Shift your focus to getting to use the tool and not which tool :)

good luck
 
I'd still say CT boys axe Forest service edition.

Except for the combative use, not that it wouldn't work, for that I'd encourage you to get a dedicated piece, such as a Tomahawk or a GB wildlife hatchet could be pressed into service.
 
I guess finding the right size handle and head is very important to me. I had no idea there were so many choices.
What would be the big difference between a head like the hudson bay, as opposed to a head like the boys axe?
And again, im assuming the difference in handle length is more or less for power when chopping.....
And, yes, using it at home is important too, but not if its tooooooo heavy to carry, know what I mean?
 
There isn't any appreciable difference in performance between the Hudson Bay pattern and the boys axe which is a Dayton pattern.

The handle will stay tighter in the boys axe, and are a little less prone to breakage in the boys axe.

There really isn't a perfect axe. For example for most general use including bucking firewood shelter building etc. The boys axe would be a great choice, so would the GB Scandinavian forest axe, the Hudson Bay axes would work as well, but less efficiently due to the shorter handles.

One thing you haven't mentioned is safety. The longer handles are safer than a shorter handle.

Personally I don't find the longer handles harder to pack, and I'm willing to carry them for the greater usefulness.

I highly recommend you read through the aircraft section of Mors Kochanski's Bushcraft. He does a fine job of expanding on these points.
 
I own the CT 1.75lb axe and enjoy it greatly. Keep in mind, the main difference between the Hudson Bay and the Velvicut would be the fit and finish. The Velvicut is polished, has a shorter handle, and comes with a razor sharp edge. If you feel comfortable doing some work on your own, the regular Hudson Bay is quite nice. I actually used a rotary tool with the sanding head to get a wicked edge on it and polished the head after stripping the paint.

You may also want to look at Wetterlings as well if you want a Scandinavian ask. I have the Large Hunting Axe and it is one of my favorites.

The main thing to consider is what you want that axe to do. Some of the axes you listed vary in weight. No matter what, you will find a heavier ask is always going to cut more. A longer handle will produce more power, but can also be cumbersome. The final factor to keep in mind is the geometry of the head. The Scandi axes have thinned out cheeks giving you a deep cut and a nice carving axe. On the downside, these bits tend to stick tightly in wood and may not be the best splitting option. If you find yourself getting into axes, you will end up getting a few. Personally, I think axes are aesthetically pleasing and have rounded up a few now.

Here is what I have and the role it works best in...

Fiskars Hatchet: lightweight hatchet, not the sharpest and doesnt hold the best edge, nice day hiker / beater axe
Wetterlings LHA: great compromise between power and packability, perfect bush axe, very sharp and still manageable for carving tasks (I recommend it highly)
Council CT: 26" handle gives you some more power, long edge, weight actually comes in close to the Wetterlings - still packable, the hudson bay shaped head allows you to get nice edge control for intricate tasks
No-Name Jersey: Restored axe, heavy axe at 3 1/2lb with a longer 30" handle, due to the shorter bit on the Jersey for a larger axe it is still nimble and can be used almost like a hatchet for delicate work, need to play with this one more....

I'm still searching for a nice small hatchet for myself. It's addicting...
 
I am liking the CT boys axe Forest service, but Bens is sold out. Anywhere else? i can't seem to have any luck.
Now that i think about it, i don't mind carrying it strapped to the pack, even if a bit larger. I just don't want a pure splitting axe, more of a all arounder with good power is better....
darn, the choices are getting more frustrating!
Im really starting to love the boys axe, and if the polish is only thing different between that and the Velvicut, i can polish it myself. But, i saw the Forest edition, which seems cooler.
I dig the Scandinavian or Hudson bay, because of the fact it is good for detail work too!
But, i definitely want a 26" or larger handle now! Just not a 35 yet. thats next maybe..
My head is starting to hurt......


dave
 
d.weglarz13 said:
What would be the big difference between a head like the hudson bay, as opposed to a head like the boys axe?
Click to expand...

Mostly just the slight weight difference. However the eye length difference comes into play, too. The Hudson allows you to choke up just a little further for slightly better control in bushcrafting work. But the longer eye of the boy's axe will take more heavy chopping than a Hudson will.
 
I see. Thanks for clearing that up.

What is the difference between GB and Wetterlings? Is GB better fit and finish? I think i heard that somewhere.
 
If bensbackwoods.com is out of the FSS edition boys axe. Then pick up a Council Tool boys axe off amazon.com, and do any slight polishing and tunning up you need once you receive it.

It is the same axe. The forest service edition just comes with a little better wood, and the head is tunned. Up to FSS specs, and the heads are painted a different color.
 
Get a small Fiskars camp axe (they are made in Finland) at walmart they are $24 good also as a pack axe.
Get the Council boys forest for a little bigger work,then when you are ready to move up get one of the felling axes.
Thats where I am at now,I want to get me a GB American Felling next
 
Better wood? Oh boy, that sucks. I really want the best, you know? It would make me feel worse now, knowing the wood is almost as good, although im sure its still pretty good.....
Nowhere else sells it? I can't find it anywhere else so far.
 
My CT Hudson Bay was from their "standard" line and it has almost perfect wood grain. I wouldn't be afraid to get the regular boys axe.
 
In other words....the wood on the standard line will be just fine.

There is a really good review of the boys axe on YouTube. It is of the standard line axe.

Council tool makes really good axes.
 
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