Swedish axes

[Bige610]

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572990&highlight=snow+neally

and

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=587605&highlight=snow+neally

 

[NoFair]

Question for those of you that were bothered by the "FIt and Finish" of the Wetterlings, could you please expand on that subject.

I am not sure what you mean by that? If the axes are of the same steel and the same size and both have straight grain hickory handles with a properly hung head then what was wrong with the Wetterlings.

I have never used a Gransfors but have handled them and they pretty much look the same.

If we are only talking about uneven grinds, then that could be corrected if someone wanted to take the time. It is actually a enjoyable project to take on for some people. I mean to coax the perfect edge out of the axe and see the performance improve is a great accomplishment. After all we are "KIFENUTS"

I don't mean to start an argument I am just looking for knowledge like most that come here.

Paul

I buy Wetterlings, but I can hand pick them from a large selection There are quite a few lemons with uneven grinds or bad grain direction among them. They are usually very sharp and still work well even though they don't look as nice.

Cosmetically the GB ones I've looked at have been great, but since I can check grain direction and perfectly grind the axe myself quickly I get 2-3 Wetterlings axes over a single GB...

Axes often get edge nicks and damaged edges so being able to grind it is a good thing...

Sverre

 

[klammer]

Question for those of you that were bothered by the "FIt and Finish" of the Wetterlings, could you please expand on that subject.

I am not sure what you mean by that? If the axes are of the same steel and the same size and both have straight grain hickory handles with a properly hung head then what was wrong with the Wetterlings.

I have never used a Gransfors but have handled them and they pretty much look the same.

If we are only talking about uneven grinds, then that could be corrected if someone wanted to take the time. It is actually a enjoyable project to take on for some people. I mean to coax the perfect edge out of the axe and see the performance improve is a great accomplishment. After all we are "KIFENUTS"

I don't mean to start an argument I am just looking for knowledge like most that come here.

Paul

Not fit and finish related but you mentioned them being the same size:
For axes of the "same size" / Length, from my experience the whetterlings have shorter blades (Cutting edge).


- Blade / bit not aligned with the handle (very common from the ones I have gone through)
- Eye not completely "closed" "forge welded" leaving what look like crack coming from the eye. (Also seems very common)
- Very noticeable uneven grinds
- Handle fitting does not seem very clean, gaps due to misshapen heads

 

[J_Curd]

I only own a Wetterlings, and I cant find a single thing wrong with it. Im no expert, but I really like the Carpenter I bought.

 

[coaldigger]

I just purchased 2 wetterlings from SMKW last Sat. they were the small models. Mine look good & will shave hair now ! I also looked at the GB's while I was there, they look Awsome :thumbup:

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[bladz]

If you spend hundreds on knives, why not spend less that $100 on the Rolls Royce of axes?

This was my thought before getting my GB SF Axe. It is nuts how well it cuts and how much I like it.

 

[Erasmus]

Yeah, that's the Gransfors Bruks I have. It spoils the hand for all those cheap axes that accumulate..

 

[Marion David Poff]

I have owned or worked with the following, GB; Hatchet, Scandinavian, American Felling, Wetterlings Hatchet and Chopping, Iltis Small European Felling and Camping Axe.

And only one of them has exhibited zero defects, the American Felling Axe by GB.

So, I guess my point is that you should either pick your axe in person, or work with a dealer who you can trust. Call them up, and tell them up front, this is what I need you to do....

The only axe that displays the obviously mis-shapen head, is the Wetterlings Chopping Axe, but then again, it is a pre-buyout product. And even then, it works just fine, though it is obviously not a dream machine, as are the Brian Andrews custom tuned S&N's.

So, then the question becomes, what do you want to say with your dollar or pound? I might like to tell the axe manufacturers that I will buy the absolute best axe product, made in America, with hand finishing. I think that would be a good thing to say....