I've thought carefully before posting this. I've done a couple of searches here and online.
I've looked through The YouTube. But I think that this is the place where I will get the best information.
The Short Version:
I'm looking for a mid-sized axe for wood processing for fires, for making other implements out of wood (tools, weapons, traps, etc...) and for making natural shelters. I'm dancing between either a 20" or a 25". What works best for those tasks? What do you suggest and why? I'm in the Northeastern Woodlands.
My confusion comes from Swedish axes being made for trees specific to Sweden and not being compatible for use in the U.S. (from what I've read in magazines & online) to their being more brittle? Again, I ask with complete ignorance on the matter.
I'm leaning towards the Wetterlings Fine Forester's/Universal Woodsman/Bushman Axe (whatever they are naming it this week), the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe or the Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Axe.
Appreciate any input from those of you who've used either or both.
Rough Specs:
Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe: 19" http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/products/forest-axes/gransfors-small-forest-axe/
Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Axe: 25" http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/products/forest-axes/gransfors-scandinavian-forest-axe/
Wetterlings Fine Forester's Axe: 23"+ [Wetterlings has no product information on their website regarding their product.]
The More Detailed Version:
I'm ready to buy a good quality Axe now. Of course, Gransfors Bruks and Wetterlings are the top two contenders. I've also seriously considered a Council as well. Because I'm a tool nut in my professional life, tools are very important to me and the quality of the tool is very important to me. I don't want a showpiece, but workhorse.
I don't want something to adorn or to keep to a fine polish and to place on a stand so I can look at it, but I want something that I can get good & dirty and that I can use without any fear of it failing on me. I certainly don't want a primadonna of a tool either (tools that look great, but ain't worth the materials they were made from). I think that the Swedes hit the sweetspot for a tool that is priced fairly for what they offer and have heard mostly good things about them with GB being the standard for comparisons.
I plan to use my axes for wood processing for fires, for making other implements out of wood (tools, weapons, traps, etc...) and for making natural shelters. For the longest time, I thought a 20" axe would be ideal to carry in my pack. Never had one, never used one. I'm more used to using either a 15" hatchet or a 32" full size axe. I came across a 25" axe that I got my hands on (didn't actually use it, but handled it) and I'm thinking that 25" should be the way for me to go. The increase in handle weight is negligible and I feel that the benefits are far greater with the extra length giving me more power and control out of my swing.
I love the Carpenter-like features of the Wetterlings. I think I'd get the most use out of that one and think that it'd be ideal for what I'd want to do, but hearing about Wetterlings experimentation with manufacturing processes and hit & miss quality issues lately has me a little weary truth be told where the GB has a stellar if not near perfect reputation and again, that really matters to me. I think in the end, the GB Scandi would
be the way for me to go if I wanted peace of mind with my purchase, but the Wett I think will always be in the back of my mind haunting me. However, it seems that the Wett fits right in the middle of the pack in size for a nice compromise and the features that will make it (again) more useful.
Whatever I get, I know I will end up modifying (some kind of handle wrap for better grip, staining the handle, wrapping the neck with wire and Gorilla Tape for more strength and overstrike protection, lanyard hole if the one I end up with doesn't come with one)...just like I did with my little $14. Lowe's Kobalt Hatchet Project (but with a much better finished product):
Cheap Hatchet Restoration Project: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ing-a-beat-up-amp-well-worn-tool-back-to-life
Custom Homemade Sheath Project: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/968283-E-Tool-Cover-Hatchet-Sheath
Bushcraft Axe Thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/984824-Survival-Axe-VS-Bushcraft-Axe
I've looked through The YouTube. But I think that this is the place where I will get the best information.
The Short Version:
I'm looking for a mid-sized axe for wood processing for fires, for making other implements out of wood (tools, weapons, traps, etc...) and for making natural shelters. I'm dancing between either a 20" or a 25". What works best for those tasks? What do you suggest and why? I'm in the Northeastern Woodlands.
My confusion comes from Swedish axes being made for trees specific to Sweden and not being compatible for use in the U.S. (from what I've read in magazines & online) to their being more brittle? Again, I ask with complete ignorance on the matter.
I'm leaning towards the Wetterlings Fine Forester's/Universal Woodsman/Bushman Axe (whatever they are naming it this week), the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe or the Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Axe.
Appreciate any input from those of you who've used either or both.
Rough Specs:
Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe: 19" http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/products/forest-axes/gransfors-small-forest-axe/
Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Axe: 25" http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/products/forest-axes/gransfors-scandinavian-forest-axe/
Wetterlings Fine Forester's Axe: 23"+ [Wetterlings has no product information on their website regarding their product.]
The More Detailed Version:
I'm ready to buy a good quality Axe now. Of course, Gransfors Bruks and Wetterlings are the top two contenders. I've also seriously considered a Council as well. Because I'm a tool nut in my professional life, tools are very important to me and the quality of the tool is very important to me. I don't want a showpiece, but workhorse.
I don't want something to adorn or to keep to a fine polish and to place on a stand so I can look at it, but I want something that I can get good & dirty and that I can use without any fear of it failing on me. I certainly don't want a primadonna of a tool either (tools that look great, but ain't worth the materials they were made from). I think that the Swedes hit the sweetspot for a tool that is priced fairly for what they offer and have heard mostly good things about them with GB being the standard for comparisons.
I plan to use my axes for wood processing for fires, for making other implements out of wood (tools, weapons, traps, etc...) and for making natural shelters. For the longest time, I thought a 20" axe would be ideal to carry in my pack. Never had one, never used one. I'm more used to using either a 15" hatchet or a 32" full size axe. I came across a 25" axe that I got my hands on (didn't actually use it, but handled it) and I'm thinking that 25" should be the way for me to go. The increase in handle weight is negligible and I feel that the benefits are far greater with the extra length giving me more power and control out of my swing.
I love the Carpenter-like features of the Wetterlings. I think I'd get the most use out of that one and think that it'd be ideal for what I'd want to do, but hearing about Wetterlings experimentation with manufacturing processes and hit & miss quality issues lately has me a little weary truth be told where the GB has a stellar if not near perfect reputation and again, that really matters to me. I think in the end, the GB Scandi would
be the way for me to go if I wanted peace of mind with my purchase, but the Wett I think will always be in the back of my mind haunting me. However, it seems that the Wett fits right in the middle of the pack in size for a nice compromise and the features that will make it (again) more useful.
Whatever I get, I know I will end up modifying (some kind of handle wrap for better grip, staining the handle, wrapping the neck with wire and Gorilla Tape for more strength and overstrike protection, lanyard hole if the one I end up with doesn't come with one)...just like I did with my little $14. Lowe's Kobalt Hatchet Project (but with a much better finished product):
Cheap Hatchet Restoration Project: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ing-a-beat-up-amp-well-worn-tool-back-to-life
Custom Homemade Sheath Project: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/968283-E-Tool-Cover-Hatchet-Sheath
Bushcraft Axe Thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/984824-Survival-Axe-VS-Bushcraft-Axe

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