Velvicut vs. Gransfors Quandary

[JerryRig]

First post in this particular corner of the forum. I consider myself to be very capable and considerate axeman, and I will make this as concise as possible. This is in no way a jab at Council Tool (queue consideration of a Velvicut model.) I own the Council Tool 28" Hudson Bay Pattern, as well as the 36" Jersey Pattern. Within the first hour of serious use I knew that I would soon have to rehang the heads of both the aforementioned tools. What I mean explicitly is that there was roughly half an inch of migration on each tool. I paid around 100 dollars for both axes, and I consider the heads worth that money, so again this is in no way a smear of Council Tool. As I consider a premium axe I simply ask from people who have experience with the Council Tool Velvicut line and/or the Gransfors Bruks products, have you had any issues with the marriage of the head to the haft of your tool? Thanks from SC.

 

[jake pogg]

Man,in a way it's kinda an odd question:Sounds like you're looking to own an American felling axe(of a decent quality,or even better,whatever).
It seems like both your candidates named in a way are already second-best:CT because,whatever quality(craftsmanship or materials or assembly)they're only a copy,a facsimile of the real article.
GB ditto,albeit probably of the admittedly more conscientious craftsmanship*(btw you didn't specify a model of theirs-i must presume a 3+lbs American-style felling axe as their native,Swedish models are a different animal,and can't really be compared straight across the board with CT products).

And,in Any case,you may end up re-hafting your own Anyway,at Some point(so it's all the same,why bother looking for a decent haft job outta the box?)

So,adding all together,why not buy a decent vintage axe and a good quality stick of your own?!

* i too had to reforge a brand new CT Hudson Bay once,the twist of the blade was crazy,undoable...No big deal,we axe-users are practical folk,that's kinda what it's all about...

** in my local hardware store they had to stop carrying these cabbage cutting boards...for sourkrout,you know...made in Norway...They were made plenty decent,but the humidity differential was just too great between the two climates...they invariably warped catastrophically...what can you do,the nature of wood itself...So,do your own hafting no matter what...

 

[garry3]

Jerry take Jakes advise he is shooting you straight. I usually don't weigh into these threads anymore because nobody ever does the right thing and I am just wasting my time. If you take the advise given you will be the first I have seen since I have been a member, 2012, seven years.

 

[Square_peg]

Between GB & Velvicut the quality is close enough that choosing the weight, handle style and length that suits you might be the way to go. What will you use the axe for, camp bushcraft or chopping/splitting wood. And if chopping/splitting will this be small wood for camp or large wood?