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Too many axes to choose from

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
Joined
Feb 2, 2005
Messages
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Well, I have gotten some mileage out of my Estwing camp axe, but want something a little more traditional looking. I play around with my Estwing when getting firewood, but I normally use a wedge and maul, and chainsaw. Soon, a splitter for this fat man. I really like the Hudson Bay axe design, and have it narrowed down to a few. I am looking for something to take with me to a solitary camp location, not too far from home. I'm perplexed by all of the choices. I'm looking at the following brands

Snow and Nealy
Gransfors Bruks and Wetterlings (from the same factory at least)
Cold Steel Trail Boss

I was going to order the Trail Boss, and then decide on either a Snow and Nealy or a GB. I've got a couple customs to get, so I would like to narrow it down to just one axe. I am planning on forgetting about the CS, and going with the GB. How hard are the SN's to get?
 
I would look at a Wetterlings...I bought a Carpenter earlier this year and its a monster...I can shave my arm with it after a few minutes work on a belt sander. Definitely Trad, and neigh unkillable.
 
I bought an S&N several months ago... I had been looking for one for quite some time, and while on a vacation in NY state I passed a small hardware store that had an S&N poster in the window... I decided to take a look. Turns out they only had one left. After giving it a look over, I decided to snatch it up. Excellent axe, I am very happy with it. I have sanded the smooth finish off of the handle and given it a few generous coats of teak oil. The thing takes quite a sharp edge, even though I just use the sandpaper/mouse pad method.

I also have a Wetterlings, however I accidentally left it back in Florida and havent had time to give it a test run. From what I saw, though, also a very nice hatchet. Doesnt have a smooth finish, so wouldnt require any mods to make it nice and comfy.

As of right now I would say go with the S&N, but thats only because I havent used my Wetterlings yet. As far as GB goes, I cant imagine the difference in price could possibly be worth it. Then again, I havent used one.

I think you'll be happy either way you go... I think its just a matter of how much you want to spend.

Good luck!
 
SHS, wish you would've said something at Scott's I had my CS 'boss there and a GB.
I really like S&N but when LT. Mike and I were in Maine last month we stopped at Kittery Trading Post and looked over some new S&N's. Very poor grinds, the bevels were horrible and I wouldn't waste the coin on one now.
The trailboss for the money is a great axe. The edge needs a little touching up but not a new full grind like the Snow's do.
Of course the GB's are the best and I wouldn't get rid of the 4 or 5 I've got.
Ask Scott about the CS, it's a great tool for the price.
Ed
 
harpoon41 said:
Ask Scott about the CS, it's a great tool for the price.
Ed
Click to expand...

Thanks Ed. I have heard some great things about the CS, most notably Dan's using it in the bush. Anyway, you made my day when you told me who made that HBC Chief camp knife. I still can't get over it.
 
hollowdweller said:
How about a vintage Norlund off ebay?
Click to expand...
Ditto!
The Norlunds are nice, but the bigger ones can be pricey even on ebay.

The smaller Norlund hatchets are great as well and seem to be obtainable at a lower price.

If i was starting from scratch i think i'd just buy a modded S&N from Brian Andrews at off the map outfitters.
 
Okay - call me a fan boy - but I listen to people who do it for years.

Ray Mears suggested the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe to fit your bill.

I have one now - and I love it - I don't think you can go wrong with one.

TF
 
I have a truck load of Fiskars and a couple Wetterlings. If your not concerned about fine performance or trad looks I think it is hard to beat Fiskars they just keep goining and going. My poweraxe ( splitter) gets sharpened and greased at the end of winter and does a stellar job all the next season.
I have used the Wetterlings hatchet quiet a bit and it is superb. It is actually a Wetterlings head made for Husqvanna so Husky on the cover and handle. The head wasn't finished/sharpened to the same degree as my mates GB the same size but cost less than half that price. But I had no probs finishing/profiling/sharpening it ( come on that is half the fun) I think GB price went up when Ray started to endorse them.
I was never a fan of Estwing I like a axe I can choke up on and the steel handle doesn't lend itself to that.
Carl
 
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