wetterling vs gransfors what brand do you recommend which is best?

H

hyetactical

Joined
May 31, 2007
Messages
10
just curious between these two Swedish manufactures is there any difference in quality between the two? What is more recommended on these boards?thank you
 
It's my understanding that GB now owns Wetterlings. I'd say that GB is one notch up in terms of fit and finish, but you can't go wrong with either one.
 
Wetterlings was bought out in 2009 by the guy who owns and manages GB. Wetterlings is still a separate independent company. The only connection is the gentleman who owns both...if that makes sense.

As for which is better that's really personal preference. I own axes by both companies and they are both great. both are good quality and will last a lifetime. In my experience the GB axes come with a little nicer fit and finish, and the handles are slightly different between the similar axe sizes.

I had to do some minimal sharpening on my wetterlings, but that's just because I like mine insanely sharp.

Both come with leather pants that leave something to be desired. I ended up making new sheaths for both.

Wetterlings axes are much more affordable.

If I had to pick one I would choose the wetterlings....I just like it better...YMMV
 
hyetactical said:
just curious between these two Swedish manufactures is there any difference in quality between the two? What is more recommended on these boards?thank you
Click to expand...

Something to consider might be the Hultafors axe. Also a Swedish manufacturer and very affordable compared to the two you asked about. The stock sheath is better than the others. IMO all three make a great product.
 
I have one from each company. A GB Scandinavian forest axe and a Wetterlings Foresters fine axe. I like both and consider them equal in quality. I suggest you study their various models and buy the one that appeals to you.
 
I've just gotten my first GB axe, their "hand hatchet." It's an amazing piece of work, I'm smitten with it. Very practical and packable, I'm already looking for another (larger) one for bigger tasks.

Although I can't personally speak to the quality of Wetterlings, I've heard great things there also. I've given consideration to one of their axes too.
 
I can't comment on Wetterlings, but my GB Wildlife Hatchet has been amazing. Shaving sharp and handles carving and light chopping effortlessly. With care during use and stropping after use it has remained sharp as new.
 
Its like asking, should I buy Ford or Chevy? They are both high enough in quality where personal preference and features are the most important deciding factors. If you like the handle shape of GB better then wetterlings then buy a GB. If you prefer the head shape of wetterlings then get a wetterlings. Look at different models from both tho, each has a variety. And chose the one that fits your needs best.
 
GB hatchets for the bushcraft type work. If I wanted some thing for more traditional use(chopping and splitting) neither would be my top choice. What I am trying to say is the GB hatchets make better hatchets for carving. It almost takes a specialty hatchet to better or equal them. And they are ahead of Wetterlings in quality control by a wide margin last I knew. For instance I have not seen uneven grinds on GB like I have on Wetterlings and the hangs are like wise better. If you go with a Wetterlings there is nothing that they bring to the table that a good vintage hatchet doesn't do better.
Your mileage may vary.
 
Hults Bruks, Wetterlings and Gransfors all use the same steel from a Swedish company called Ovako. According to Cegga who works at HB they all use more or less the same heat treatment. So after this it comes down to geometry and erganomics like Mr Guitarist said:

If you like the handle shape of GB better then wetterlings then buy a GB. If you prefer the head shape of wetterlings then get a wetterlings.
Click to expand...
 
On the axes I own, the fit and finish of Granfors is much better than the Wetterling axes
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top