Swedish style or American?

D

d.weglarz13

Joined
Jun 4, 2008
Messages
1,944
I know i have similar thread on here somewhere about the shape of heads, but I am still trying to figure out the real differences and personal preferances between the two styles, all while reading as much as I can.
Thanks

Im trying to learn all I can..........Im like this with knives too....:D:thumbup:

So, Swedish or American, and for what uses?

dave
 
Both are good and can do all tasks in my opinion....

I think you just need to pick one and go with it.
 
The GB Swedish axes are patterned after the American jersey pattern just scaled down.

The pattern most folks think of as the American pattern is known as the Dayton pattern. As in the CT Velvicut felling axe.

Both types of heads will perform wonderfully as long as the edges are tunned up right and they are hung correctly.

I just encourage you to stick with good performers such as Council Tool, Wetterlings, Gransfors Bruks etc. Most of the hardware store brands are not worth the time it takes to look at email, the very few times you find one with decent geometry,the wood will be junk and the heat treat will be awful.
 
Yea, its down to either GB, or Council Tools so far (maybe VC, but probably not.)
I will NOT get a hardware store brand.

So, if i understand correctly, the only difference between the Dayton style and the Swedish, is really personal preference of which looks better?

Ive narrowed my search down to either
the Scandinavian Forest Axe(i wish it was more like 28" though) or
the Boys Axe(i wanted the Forest Service edition, but sold out so maybe the regular one)

Any advice on these?
 
Last edited:
I have both the GB forest axe and the CT 'boys axe'.
Both are fine axes without a doubt.
However, if I had to choose between the two I would choose the CT.
The reason is that I believe it to be a bit more versital axe. It's a little heavier and a little longer.
For felling the CT wins hands down IMO.
Maybe a review/comparison is in order ;)
 
bearhunter said:
I have both the GB forest axe and the CT 'boys axe'.
Both are fine axes without a doubt.
However, if I had to choose between the two I would choose the CT.
The reason is that I believe it to be a bit more versital axe. It's a little heavier and a little longer.
For felling the CT wins hands down IMO.
Maybe a review/comparison is in order ;)
Click to expand...

Oh pleasssssse!!!! hahaha, that WOULD be cool. But, could you expand just a bit more on that? Can you still do a bit of smaller work with the Boys axe? Or is the forest axe WAY better for making shavings or carving, etc? I definitely DO want the more versatile, so i would like to know a little more. Thanks for that by the way....
 
d.weglarz13 said:
Oh pleasssssse!!!! hahaha, that WOULD be cool. But, could you expand just a bit more on that? Can you still do a bit of smaller work with the Boys axe? Or is the forest axe WAY better for making shavings or carving, etc? I definitely DO want the more versatile, so i would like to know a little more. Thanks for that by the way....
Click to expand...
I believe the GB would be the better carving axe ( I don't really carve, but the head seems better suited for that task ).
Both make shavings well.
I burn wood for heat and use both for limping. Both work well, but I tend to use the GB more often. Not to say that either is better than the other for that task, I have just had my GB longer and am more use to it I suppose.
I have cut and bucked up wood with both, the CT just has more 'umph' in that department.
If you really think about it, the CT is only around 30 bucks. Which is one of the best deals out there!
So just get the GB and chip in another 30 bucks and get both :D
 
haha, yea, I guess thats what Im gonna have to do....It makes sense when you put it that way, something i haven't been able to do in my own mind so far, so thank you most of all I suppose:thumbup:
dave
 
When i say detail work too, Im really talking about taking a smaller piece of wood, putting on a block, and shaping it down to the size of a handle, or another tool, or a sharp stake, or perhaps some pegs, etc. Im guessing both the Boys axe and the SCandinavian FA can both do this? But im not sure. also, could the 31"American Felling axe from GB accomplish this or not as well at all? IM liking the american style(dayton), but don't want to get something that is strictly for felling trees. Chopping fallen trees into smaller bits can be fun too! I guess a bit of versatility is key here, so any advice is appreciated.

dave
 
I also have the GB American felling axe.
Fantastic axe, but unless you have to, leave the smaller chores to the smaller axe/hatchets.
That's what they are meant for ;)
 
Okay, but what choice would be better between the American Felling Axe GB and the CT boys axe?, price don't matter. Im now thinking i need a Scandi Forest for the smaller work, and either the boys axe or the American Felling for the heavier chopping. How does that sound so far? But, Im still not sure which one to get first! haha

Bear Hunter, could you tell me out of the SFA or the GB Amer.Felling, which do you prefer if you were to have one as your main axe? oh, and if you have time to post a pic or two of any of these in-hand, that would be awesome! Thanks again for your help.
 
My GF and I just used my Wetterlings Large Hunting Axe today to cut down a small dead tree. Unfortunately, afterwards she stepped on a hornets nest and we are both hurting now.

Anyway, I think you would be very happy with a Scandi style axe such as the GB Forest Axe. Keep in mind, it isn't like one style of axe cannot do both intricate work and cut down trees, it's just that it may be stronger at one task as opposed to the other. The Forest Axe will be plenty light enough for you to actually want to tote around on a regular basis. Start with that one and decide if you want to get another. You probably will.
 
cool. thanks for the advice. Im just hoping the GB isn't a tad too small, as I am 6 feet tall. Thats why I was wondering between the Boys axe and the GB American Felling. But thank you
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top