What do you know about the Gransfors Bruks wildlife hatchet which sells for $112?

C

chemistguy

Joined
May 28, 2013
Messages
308
seems like a good deal for camping and hiking, but is it worth that much money? can I just get by with an ESEE-4? what would I actually end up using it for?
 
The way you state your question sounds like it would be too much money. What is your proposed use? First you have to determine if there is a desire to process larger wood more efficiently than any knife you now have. An axe will process much more wood than any knife. Gransfors Bruks makes high quality axes but some of us feel that they have certain shortcomings compared to vintage North American axes.
 
halfaxe said:
First you have to determine if there is a desire to process larger wood more efficiently than any knife you now have. An axe will process much more wood than any knife.
Click to expand...

Well, its not really an axe thats being discussed.

A knife of the same weight and suitable dimensions can absolutely compete with a hatchet. Usually they are more expensive, but thats probably not that much of an issue if a GB hatchet is a viable alternative.
 
KingKoma said:
A knife of the same weight and suitable dimensions can absolutely compete with a hatchet.
Click to expand...

I would agree with this statement above if we were talking about a short chopping test but, over the long run the only knife that can hang in with a hatchet for "sustained wood processing" would be a kukri, and even then it would have to be the correct model of kukri that is built specifically with wood processing in mind. Sure there are many knives that can chop wood and even do it well but they [and your wrist/arm] do not hold up so well under sustained use.

Certainly I would never consider an ESEE 4 as a sustained wood prossessing knife that in any way could compete with a GFB Wildlife Hatchet in that role! It is a great knife that can do many many things but.....

I have the GFB Sm Forest Axe and can say it is very well built. They don't give them away but then again they are much more personal than a Lowes hatchet or small axe so it is what it is. If you are looking to save money there are some very good inexpensive hatchets and small axes that have become readily available at most hardware and outdoor stores. The GFB and other hand made [or mostly hand made] Swedish axes are for someone that wants or appreciates the individual craftsmanship. I love mine and use it often.
 
I like the Hunters Hatchet over the wild life hands down. I bought mine before they were cool so I did not pay near what they go for today. I was able to handle them before I purchased. The Hunters had a better feel to it than the SFA. A touch lighter also. They are great tools with excellent balance. Really nice. But the cost is way up there. Worth it or not is up to you.
 
shortwinger said:
I would agree with this statement above if we were talking about a short chopping test but, over the long run the only knife that can hang in with a hatchet for "sustained wood processing" would be a kukri, and even then it would have to be the correct model of kukri that is built specifically with wood processing in mind. Sure there are many knives that can chop wood and even do it well but they [and your wrist/arm] do not hold up so well under sustained use.
Click to expand...

No. Just, no. A well made knife will take significantly more shock, both in magnitude and amount. This is because the weakest link in a hatchet is usually a wooden pole, in a knife it is a hardened steel bar. Stating that "your wrist/arm dont hold up well under sustained use", well, that would require some explanation. I have been checking out Cliff Stamps yt channel, and he seems to be able to chop, extendedly, with a variety of large knives.
 
I'm thinking about weight as an issue, since I want to go backpacking. Is the 1.5 pounds worth the weight?
 
I have hatchets, I use hatchets and I really enjoy them, but in my opinion the only thing they do well that a knife cant is shape wood. If I were to be in the market for a smallish wood processing tool, capable of whipping up a bit of fire wood rapidly and if need be enough to keep me warm for the night plus get material for shelter, brush clearing and other odd jobs, well, then I wouldnt go looking for a hatchet because, for the same weight, it only does the chopping (barely) as well as a large knife. Everything else: advantage knife.

Is it worth the weight? If you are willing to look like a hyper active hamster with some severe itching going on and are not interested in picking up a skill, then I would suggest a folding saw. The sensible option, for sure. If you are, like me, not really in to "sensible" anything, and you are interested in learning a skill were failure means severe bodily harm, go for a knife or hatchet or whatever.
 
chemistguy said:
I'm thinking about weight as an issue, since I want to go backpacking. Is the 1.5 pounds worth the weight?
Click to expand...

I used to back pack a lot. I never felt the need to waste time and energy chopping or processing wood. I just did not do it. I used fire for warmth and to cook with. Never wished I had more weight to pack. Just not needed.
 
If you are planning on doing a lot of chopping or limbing then an ax or hatchet is worth its weight. If not then a knife will suffice. The wooden handles on hatchets and the weight in the head give them a performance advantage over knives for specific tasks. The hickory will absorb a lot of the shock while chopping/cutting wood. Saws give a performance advantage for specific tasks, also. But it is more difficult for most to sharpen a saw in the field. A hatchet seems to offer a durability advantage over most knives and saws.
 
Just an aside, google oldjimbo. He has some ideas about small hatchets and modifying inexpensive hatchets. Also some comparisons.
 
I thought the same about small axes. I've always used knives for everything.
Anyway, I got a GB mini belt hatchet for Christmas & it's opened my eyes to hatchets & hawks.
I can do nearly everything with a hatchet that I could with a knife, plus a few things that I couldn't do. The only thing that a knife is better for, is the use of the point. But I alway's carry a folder, so it isn't an issue.
Another thing about a hatchet is that they look less threatening to the public & that's a big thing here across the pond.
The only thing that I'd change would be a slightly longer handle. 10 1/2" is just a bit short for my liking, but the weight is great at 7oz (head).
I'll probably get a GB outdoor axe next, as with the longer handle 14" & a head weight of 1lb it would fill my needs more than the Wildlife axe which comes between these two in handle length. I like the look of the steel collar on it, as I've made a few dents in the belt hatchets handle whilst splitting branches.
Go for it, the price is a bit steep, but the guarantee & knowing who made it means more to me than saving a few £/$.
 
OP,
I hike and like to carry something to clear blowdowns from trails as I go- just a "paying it forward" type thing. I ran into one AT section hiking group that thanked me for it, tough spot to work through the tree with packs on.

I also work fencelines on foot and camp. I own a GB SFA(19"), Fiskars 14" hatchet and a Bhaco folding saw. I like and use all of them. Only thing I intend to change is to pick up a Silky folding saw. I would not personally want to go much shorter than 14" on a hatchet.

Bill
 
Got the GB small forest axe, the GB wildlife hatchet and the ESEE 4.
I like to use the small forest axe and hatchet for processing wood, making kindling, etc. The small forest axe is more effective if you need to process more wood, but the hatchet is lighter in the pack. Used the hatched for carving spoons and bows as well, even used it for shaving ;) Can do some precise work and food prep with them as well, but I often bring a Mora or other bushcraft knife along for that purpose. The ESEE 4 doesn't end up very often in my pack for backpacking trips.
I also like folding saws a lot since they are more efficient for certain tasks compared to an axe, also less heavy and more safe :)

But it really depends on what you want to do on your trip (and which area).
 
If you like fine tools and like the feel and look of them they are great, I have the three small ones, forest, hunter and witch ever one is next, just cause, don't need them, I have power saws, and splitting axes, knives, and all sort of stuff. I do tote the little one thru my gun belt at the small of my back and don't really even know it's there all day wondering the woods during hunting season.
But they are VERY nice tools just to haul out and play with and tote around....

Bill
 
Simple answer - its not worth $112

But then again, it not what it is worth, it is what someone is willing to pay.
 
DisCUSSing $$ value of somethings worth is comparative.

I grew up raising tobacco and I laugh my butt off at what people waste on cigarrettes. What is it 35.00 per carton? For 3 cartons I could buy a tool I could use for years.....

If you enjoy it and use it, it is worth it.

I love my GB axe and I love my Fiskars, I have forgotten what I paid for them and don't really care anymore.

Bill
 
That axe is more of specialized tool for processing game and wood. It won't be as great as a dedicated axe or a dedicated game knife but it'll do both. GB makes awesome stuff but that axe is more of a niche piece IMO.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top