I've had this axe for some time now so the pictures are of when it was new. It's not quite so pretty now 
.
This isn't intended to be any sort of so called review, but rather is to show it in comparison to the well known Gransfors Scandinavian Forest axe along with a few thoughts.
For actual specifications I'll refer anyone interested to this link https://strongwaytools.com/product/finnish-bushcraft-axe-2/
As shown the Strongway is quite a bit larger than the GB but is the smallest and lightest of their Finnish style axes in this size range. For anyone wanting something smaller and shorter they do make others.
Grain orientation. The Strongway handle is ash.
I've used the Strongway now in temperatures around the -30C range, or low -20's F, so while not particularly cold it does give me confidence that it's reliable enough in the cold for my purposes. I don't venture out in the bush much below these temperatures any more like when I was young either.
No edge damage occurred when splitting wood or when clearing trails while trapping this winter. This is after putting it directly to work without warming it like some people prefer to do. I've also used it extensively to check ice thickness while traveling the lakes and for limbing when cutting firewood and for peeling bark etc.
One thing I debated over was the leather overstrike protector. While I can see the purpose of it I felt like it would hold moisture, as well as making periodical oiling of the wood in that area not possible. It also made the handle thicker than I liked when choking up on it so for these reasons I decided to remove it.
It chops very nicely and comes extremely sharp with an excellent quality leather mask. Overall I'm well pleased with it with no regrets. Fit and finish is outstanding. I decided one day to try it for hewing just to try something different with it although of course this isn't it's intended purpose. I really enjoyed using it this way and it surprised me by how well it actually worked. This is on a jack pine.
All pictures are of the summer and early fall. It seems I haven't taken any pictures of it being used in the winter for some reason.
I meant to share this some time ago but don't have any means to post pictures while in the bush with a marginal cell signal so had to wait until coming to a town for Christmas.
Bottom line: I'm happy with this axe and while not inexpensive the pleasure it gives me makes it well worth it. Some things are worth more than their dollar value and this is one of them, at least for me.
Merry Christmas everyone.
.This isn't intended to be any sort of so called review, but rather is to show it in comparison to the well known Gransfors Scandinavian Forest axe along with a few thoughts.
For actual specifications I'll refer anyone interested to this link https://strongwaytools.com/product/finnish-bushcraft-axe-2/
As shown the Strongway is quite a bit larger than the GB but is the smallest and lightest of their Finnish style axes in this size range. For anyone wanting something smaller and shorter they do make others.
Grain orientation. The Strongway handle is ash.
I've used the Strongway now in temperatures around the -30C range, or low -20's F, so while not particularly cold it does give me confidence that it's reliable enough in the cold for my purposes. I don't venture out in the bush much below these temperatures any more like when I was young either.
No edge damage occurred when splitting wood or when clearing trails while trapping this winter. This is after putting it directly to work without warming it like some people prefer to do. I've also used it extensively to check ice thickness while traveling the lakes and for limbing when cutting firewood and for peeling bark etc.
One thing I debated over was the leather overstrike protector. While I can see the purpose of it I felt like it would hold moisture, as well as making periodical oiling of the wood in that area not possible. It also made the handle thicker than I liked when choking up on it so for these reasons I decided to remove it.
It chops very nicely and comes extremely sharp with an excellent quality leather mask. Overall I'm well pleased with it with no regrets. Fit and finish is outstanding. I decided one day to try it for hewing just to try something different with it although of course this isn't it's intended purpose. I really enjoyed using it this way and it surprised me by how well it actually worked. This is on a jack pine.
All pictures are of the summer and early fall. It seems I haven't taken any pictures of it being used in the winter for some reason.
I meant to share this some time ago but don't have any means to post pictures while in the bush with a marginal cell signal so had to wait until coming to a town for Christmas.
Bottom line: I'm happy with this axe and while not inexpensive the pleasure it gives me makes it well worth it. Some things are worth more than their dollar value and this is one of them, at least for me.
Merry Christmas everyone.
