Why buy a CT pack axe or GB sfa ?

The pack axe and SFA are in two different categories. I'm not sure if a long handle hammer hatchet bridges those gaps. On one side you have a really long hatchet. On the other you have a really long hammer. You can't fell a tree with one and can't bang wedges with the other. I see that you're trying to split the difference but i feel like you ended up with the worst of both instead of the best of both.
 
Whiskey_Jim said:
The pack axe and SFA are in two different categories. I'm not sure if a long handle hammer hatchet bridges those gaps. On one side you have a really long hatchet. On the other you have a really long hammer. You can't fell a tree with one and can't bang wedges with the other. I see that you're trying to split the difference but i feel like you ended up with the worst of both instead of the best of both.
Click to expand...

How can this do neither of those two things ?


Btw this is a riggers axe head which weighs 1¾ lb, basically the same weight as the SFA which is sold as a small axe.
 
Hickory n steel said:
They both have a 19" hickory handle, come with a sheath, and cost about 130$.
I believe the head weight on both is 1-3/4lb to 2lb, the CT comes in 2 lengths and both are listed at 2lb so I'm assuming that's the head weight ( otherwise the longer one would weigh more )

The CT does have a hardened poll unlike the GB, but the sfa has a much thinner bit which it's users love.


This is what I've done, but I'd like to see what you've done along these lines.
This would be something like a 1-1/4lb - 1-3/4 hatchet head hung on a 19" or longer handle.
It could be a riggers axe, half hatchet of some sort, a Tommy axe, a standard scout type hatchet, or really any kind of hatchet head you've hung on a longer handle to make the most of its weight.

If you haven't done anything like this I encourage you to, Who doesn't
think about how much better and less expensive a vintage hatchet is than a Swedish boutique " bushcraft "axe ?
Click to expand...

This describes why I hung my Plumb like I did and than I came across this post the other day. I like the GB, but I can't and won't buy one new, it's just not me, I am to embedded in yesterday.


Whiskey_Jim said:
The pack axe and SFA are in two different categories. I'm not sure if a long handle hammer hatchet bridges those gaps. On one side you have a really long hatchet. On the other you have a really long hammer. You can't fell a tree with one and can't bang wedges with the other. I see that you're trying to split the difference but i feel like you ended up with the worst of both instead of the best of both.
Click to expand...

I think the tool needs to fit the job also. I would never expect or attempt to fell a tree with my Plumb, however if packed in or even if just camping with my family, this would for me make a great all around use. Kindling and splitting quarters for smores to an emergency lean to or splint.

Hickory n steel said:
Why can small axes not fell small trees, and why can a long hammer not bang in wedges to fell said tree ?
Click to expand...

You beat me to my long winded response LOL!
 
Whiskey_Jim said:
On one side you have a really long hatchet. On the other you have a really long hammer. You can't fell a tree with one and can't bang wedges with the other.
Click to expand...

You're right. You can't fell a tree effectively with a hammer, and can't pound wedges effectively with a hatchet bit. But maybe try flipping it around. :D :D :D
 
junkenstien said:
Yes sir ,I agree all of them are dangerous.Did the same thing with a beat up victory this summer,made a 22 inch handle out of a piece of ash and it was awkward to use two handed so I was useing it one handed alot to cut up brush for burning,it came out of my hand twice and almost got my shins four or five times,not from missing but cutting through and keeping on going, anyways handle broke and I put it on a 27 inch handle,use it the most of all my axes .That's a real nice one you got there Miller.
Click to expand...
What was the reason for broken handle? Combination of long handle and small eye or just plain target being missed
 
The Small Forest Axe has a 1.5 lbs head. The Scandinavian Forest Axe has a 1.75 lbs head. So your riggers axe would be between the weight of the SFA and 19" pack axe as far as head weight. Good to see more folks experimenting with camp/pack axes or long handled hatchets whatever you'd like to call them. For my uses I still perfer a nice American pattern generally a Dayton with a high centerline. And a longer handle length around 24-25". You'll be happy to hear that I grab one every time over the SFA. If you want any specific specs on the SFA let me know and I'll be happy to grab them. It will give me an excuse to get it out of the closet. Don't get me wrong, it's a good axe, I just like the ones I've put together better.
 
I put this together with spare parts for a little fun.
The handle, from a hardware store woodslasher full size axe.
I wanted to save the handle and rehang the woodslasher to it however the damage was to severe and I needed to cut it down to the shoulder.

I think it fits in nicely to this thread...
The head is a modern imported Collins Hatchet, at 1&3/4lbs. Very SOFT steel.

I married the two and made this guy...
2&1/2lbs. on 25"

20171220_142318.jpg


20171220_142125.jpg


20171220_095741.jpg


20171216_224740.jpg


20171220_142329.jpg


Very well balanced, not to short for my arm length, a good solid weight, the hang is solid and the handle feels great.
This was all about the handle ;)
 
Miller '72 said:
I put this together with spare parts for a little fun.
The handle, from a hardware store woodslasher full size axe.
I wanted to save the handle and rehang the woodslasher to it however the damage was to severe and I needed to cut it down to the shoulder.

I think it fits in nicely to this thread...
The head is a modern imported Collins Hatchet, at 1&3/4lbs. Very SOFT steel.

I married the two and made this guy...
2&1/2lbs. on 25"

20171220_142318.jpg


20171220_142125.jpg


20171220_095741.jpg


20171216_224740.jpg


20171220_142329.jpg


Very well balanced, not to short for my arm length, a good solid weight, the hang is solid and the handle feels great.
This was all about the handle ;)
Click to expand...
Judging by (and from) what you trimmed off you definitely extended the life of this handle considerably. 'Good save' (as they say in hockey) and 'nice play' with the resulting hang.
 
Miller '72 said:
I put this together with spare parts for a little fun.
The handle, from a hardware store woodslasher full size axe.
I wanted to save the handle and rehang the woodslasher to it however the damage was to severe and I needed to cut it down to the shoulder.

I think it fits in nicely to this thread...
The head is a modern imported Collins Hatchet, at 1&3/4lbs. Very SOFT steel.

I married the two and made this guy...
2&1/2lbs. on 25"

20171220_142318.jpg


20171220_142125.jpg


20171220_095741.jpg


20171216_224740.jpg


20171220_142329.jpg


Very well balanced, not to short for my arm length, a good solid weight, the hang is solid and the handle feels great.
This was all about the handle ;)
Click to expand...
Looks great, and you seem to have hung it very well.
How long is it ?
 
300Six said:
Judging by (and from) what you trimmed off you definitely extended the life of this handle considerably. 'Good save' (as they say in hockey) and 'nice play' with the resulting hang.
Click to expand...

Thank you 300six.
I was disappointed that I needed to give up on saving it as a full size axe handle, but I neatly surprised myself in look and function on this.

As the steel is soft i don't expect the sharp edge to last as long as say my plumb but for function and for letting others use.
It will do the trick.
 
I'll contribute. I have Mann axe 1 3/4 lb with a small eye I recently put a haft on. It is stamped Lewiston, PA and True American on the other side. It was rusty but cleaned up nicely with a wire brush in a drill. I have no clue on it's mfg. date but after hanging I thought it would make
a great camping axe. The haft is 24 1/2" and over all 28" at 3 1/4 lbs.. The haft had some damage so, I removed it from another ax and reshaped it for this head. Which it fit well. I think this is a well suited size ax for a week long camping trip that could be packed out for a day.
I've used it for limb work and realized it could quickly build a shelter, clear fence rows and help at base camp. This in the thinking of Miller's ax
above with a little longer handle. I have some photos coming with assistance. DM
 
Square_peg said:
I like it. Not so sticky like a GB.
Click to expand...

I only have a 25" modern India steel Collins to compare it to in my arsenal but that's not even a comparison. The Collins made in India won't keep a sharp bit and this Elm branch would have dulled it blunt.

This Plumb on the other hand is one of the hardest bits to file that I have.
It's pretty awesome!
 
Miller '72 said:
I only have a 25" modern India steel Collins to compare it to in my arsenal but that's not even a comparison. The Collins made in India won't keep a sharp bit and this Elm branch would have dulled it blunt.

This Plumb on the other hand is one of the hardest bits to file that I have.
It's pretty awesome!
Click to expand...

Hmm, never seen a made in India collins axe but based on yours I probably don't want to. ( My made in India HF hatchet is actually pretty decent )

Your plumb there seems like a great axe.
 
Thanks jb.
This ax feels comfortable for me to swing and use with both hands even though it has a short handle. I feel more in control of it when reaching up to cut a limb. It fits in a area that a hatchet falls short and a full ax is too much. I'm glad I was offered a trade for it. I'll put it to good use. DM
 
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