The old Painted, Epoxied Gransfors Bruks- Anyone have one?

Joezilla

Joezilla

Moderator- Wilderness and Survival Skills
Moderator
Joined
Jul 22, 2005
Messages
4,360
Does anyone have any of the old Gransfors, when they used to do epoxy filled handles and painted heads? I would love to see one of these in person. Marks a time right before they transitioned to classic style.

http://www.dolectures.com/speakers/speakers-2009/gabriel-branby
about 1/3 the way through.

oldgransfor.jpg
 
I doubt anyone has one in that good of condition as it would had to be completely unused and would be quite collectible. One of my GB double-bits is from that era though I believe as it shows very small traces of that hue of blue paint in the eye and on the markings (the 3.5lb - something tells me that the 2.5lb is wee bit older).

You can sort of spot some of the blue paint in the "3 1/2" stamping on this picture:
P1070060.jpg
 
I've seen some pictures of them on the forums, but don't have one. It's a shame that they stopped making those design. I like them much more than the new ones.
 
Wow, I didn't know they sold them in the US. Do you know where they can be found? I've been looking for one for a while.
 
rg598 said:
Wow, I didn't know they sold them in the US. Do you know where they can be found? I've been looking for one for a while.
Click to expand...

Garrett Wade. Backordered until next week. They ain't cheap.

"Classic Boy Scout Axe
Made in Sweden, this iconic axe has been resurrected after years of neglect.
Hand forged by Sweden's premier axe making firm and using American Hickory for its 15" handle, this is undeniably a gorgeous tool. The head is forest green and the furnished cover is made of leather. Each has two original labels as shown from the 40's, an embroidered scout badge and an "Official Handbook" published by the maker with detailed instructions in English on safe axe use, maintenance and inspiration. Replacement handles are available."
 
Thanks for the info. I'm not sure if this is a new one, or an axe that has come out of storage. It looks like their drop forged axes, which they still make, but I don't know why it costs so much. However, I can't find this exact one listed by Wetterlings. On their website here, under products/drop forged, they have the available models, but this one doesn't appear to be there. This is a great find.
 
I was walking in the woods and found a really rusted axe. I started to polish the rust off it and saw the gransfors bruks logo stamped in the middel of the cutting edge. It had about 4 inches of handel left and red epoxy on the handel. I started to use a wire wheel on it and it had a whole bunch of blue paint on it. I went on to gransfors website and cannot find a axe that looks like this. It looks exactly like the gransfors bruks outdoor axe exept it is about two times the size and the logo is stamped in a completely differnt spot. so I think I found a older gransfors bruk axe. if any one has any idea of how old this might be please reply. Are the older models better built then the new ones? Is it valuable restored?
 
My understanding from member 300Six is that the older GBs were discounted imports, and weren't quite as good as the American heads of the time. However, they are still very good axes from what I've seen. Post up some pics in a new thread!
 
Old thread but I have a hatchet that looks like it was one of those...it has the epoxy in the head and some red paint on the bottom of the handle...looks to have been sanded and coated in linseed oil. I don't remember if it had any paint on the head...I'll have to look.

I'll snap some pics when I get off work and look to add them in the new thread.
 
SC T100 said:
My understanding from member 300Six is that the older GBs were discounted imports, and weren't quite as good as the American heads of the time. However, they are still very good axes from what I've seen. Post up some pics in a new thread!
Click to expand...

Swede stuff during the 1950s-60s was equivalent (price-wise) to current buying of Mexican/Indian/Chinese goods. Swedes specifically emulated (copied) versions of north American domestics (which Europeans had no interest in) and sold them over here in order to bolster production and sales. I don't think anyone of the time ever had anything to say bad about them only that there is (and has always been) that odious mindset that 'price implies quality'. Swedes have always made good stuff and used best grade materials but when they were hurting financially in local and international markets did try to the extreme to streamline the fit and finish of their products. Some of this did hurt their reputation, many years later. Darned if you do and darned if you don't!
 
Last edited:
Upload them to a site like photobucket and copy the image link...then paste it into your post
 
Here's a few more HB with the painted handles/ heads and red epoxy in the eye. Pics taken from crappy smart phone - sorry about quality.

0.6kg or 1 1/4lb
cqSeBmK.png

o0GULw3.jpg


0.7kg or 1 1/2lb
GK3wDgz.png


2kg or 4 1/2lb
7XRQd7U.png


And a Wetterlings/ SAW I'm guessing was produced about the same time
J8pNzqO.png
 
Joezilla said:
Does anyone have any of the old Gransfors, when they used to do epoxy filled handles and painted heads? I would love to see one of these in person. Marks a time right before they transitioned to classic style.

http://www.dolectures.com/speakers/speakers-2009/gabriel-branby
about 1/3 the way through.

oldgransfor.jpg
Click to expand...
I have two older gransfors with some of the original light blue paint one is a hatchet and has the square G logo and the other is a longer 28 inch with the red epoxy in the eye
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top