Quality swedish axes/hatchets?

[jackelope]

Kind of been wanting one of these for a while now and am just curious if anyone else has one. I'm thinking pretty hard about getting a Gransfors Bruk Outdoor Axe. Not sure what I'd do with it other than camping use. I like the idea of the history and quality of them more than what I'd use it for to be honest. Also was looking at Wetterlings.

https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/product/gransfors-outdoor-axe-2/

Anyone?

[92xj]

I have one, the wildlife hatchet, that I use around the house, camp and take it into the backcountry (if I am not the one with a tag and having to carry a weapon).  They are awesomely hand made tools.  I'd recommend them.  They will also cut the *censored* out of you when cutting kindling, just a big gash down the bone with no blood, crazy.

[Special T]

I don't own the brand  your referring to. I actually have an eastwing that I love. I think with a couple of you tube videos and some time with a file you can make most hatches pretty awesome.
Wanglerstar on you tube has a couple good videos on axes and hatches including a comparison. He really likes a huskivarna carpenter's axe/hatchet.

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[NW SURVEYOR]

We do a lot of surveying for the FS which requires us to blaze the trees along the lines.
This requires a 3# head with a SHARP edge.
The axe is also used in conjunction with a good machete (Also SHARP) to clear brush and small trees.
We generally use a 16" Mill *censored* file and work the sides back quite a distance from the cutting edge.
We then touch up the edge periodically to keep it sharp.
The use of an aluminum scabbard allows us to carry them safely through the timber while not in use.
An errant swing can really lay you open, as can careless filing.

The best axe I ever used was a "Stroax" which was Swedish or Finnish.
They were $60 for the head only in 1989 at which point I bought two.
You could take down a 14" fir pretty darn quick if you knew what you were doing.
After wearing them out I tried some others with poor results.
About 10 years ago Stihl came out with a good axe and I bought two more of those.
They're pretty good.

The problem is that these work axes do not make a good camp axe as any dings really affects the cutting quality.
They are fine for camp duty, but cannot be placed back into the work truck if they have imperfections on the edges..

If anyone has a 3# Stroax, I'd entertain buying it.

Later,
Rob.

[jackelope]

I don't own the brand  your referring to. I actually have an eastwing that I love. I think with a couple of you tube videos and some time with a file you can make most hatches pretty awesome.
Wanglerstar on you tube has a couple good videos on axes and hatches including a comparison. He really likes a huskivarna carpenter's axe/hatchet.

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I have an Estwing axe and a smaller hatchet. Also have a couple old hatchets from my grandfather...can't recall the brand name. As a kid, I would daydream about my grandfather letting me use them. When he died, they were one of the few things of his I absolutely had to have. Really it's more about the cool factor with this purchase. Handmade, history, craftsmanship, quality, etc.

[Special T]

In one of the videos he talks about the differences between really high end and  more off the shelf brands like Huskivarna. A big part of the difference is the time put into shaping the metal, which is what is reflected in price.  Similar discussions about firearms have been had on here.  Some knowledge, a file, and some sandpaper can take a mediocre product a hand fit pics of excellence.

Take the 1911 for example there are many manufacturers. The main difference in price and quality is the labor for high tolerances and the had fitment and polishing that takes place.

I bet some of those old heads you have from your grandpa could be refurbished by you. You could show/teach your kids and that would be better than any purchase. 2c

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[carpsniperg2]

My buddy has one think its a hults? Its a great hatchet and holds a edge very good.

[Jeeper]

I have a couple -hunters axe and a smaller forest axe. Treasured by me! Very nice, very sharp. Also have a look at Wetterlings, nice at a lower price.

[257 Wby Mag]

Josh , Ive also heard good things about the husquvarna...

[jmscon]

Check out this company

https://www.lie-nielsen.com
Their motto is "Heirloom quality tools"

And this ax

https://www.lie-nielsen.com/product/hand-tools/wetterlings-axes-bushman-axe-?node=4066

And this hatchet

https://www.lie-nielsen.com/product/hand-tools/scout-hatchet?node=4066

The company used to sell Swedish axes but I think they are making their own now.

I've been drooling over their tools for quite a while now!

[HardCorpsHuntr]

I would recommend getting an axe made in USA, as there are several small hand forged axe makers that appear to be of great quality.  I have bought several old USA made axes, single and double bit, and cleaned them up and rehung them myself.  Much cheaper, fairly easy, and fun.     

https://www.hoffmanblacksmithing.com/axeordering/

I have a couple of Husqvarna axes, Swedish made, and they are solid.  I especially like the multi purpose axe.

https://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-26-Wooden-Multi-Purpose-Axe/dp/B004WJGXAQ/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495302544&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=husquvar+axe

I have a friend who bought a Nielsen camp axe and the head became loose after an hour of use.  He was disappointed, it was fixed by Nielsen.  He's happy now. 

[HardCorpsHuntr]

A few I hung.

[Netminder01]

tag

[Smokepole]

I have an axe & hatchet collection.  I like Gransfors Bruks the best.  I have both the wildlife hatchet for my day pack & a Scandinavian Forest axe behind the seat of my truck.  They are works of art. 

You can buy Gransfors axes in Bellingham at Wes Spur.  It is fun to walk in and choose an axe that speaks to you.  They have also shipped to me, with great packaging & fast shipping.  I call and ask them to pick me out a good pc. with proper grain orientation and alignment.    http://www.wesspur.com/

You'll never be sorry you splurged.  If you go with a cheaper axe, you'll still want a Gransfors.  That'll be nagging on ya until you finally break down!   

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some wood to split. 

[jackelope]

I have an axe & hatchet collection.  I like Gransfors Bruks the best.  I have both the wildlife hatchet for my day pack & a Scandinavian Forest axe behind the seat of my truck.  They are works of art. 

You can Gransfors axes in Bellingham at Wes Spur.  It is fun to walk in and choose an axe that speaks to you.  They have also shipped to me, with great packaging & fast shipping.  I call and ask them to pick me out a good pc. with proper grain orientation and alignment. 

You'll never be sorry you splurged.  If you go with a cheaper axe, you'll still want a Gransfors.  That'll be nagging on ya until you finally break down!   

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some wood to split. 

Kinda what I'm talking about here. Next time I'm in Bellingham, I'll have to check that place out.
Thank you

[Smokepole]

I added a link to WesSpur.  If you get one post of pic. 

[Smokepole]

My favorite axe of all time is the Gransfors Scandinavian Forest axe.  It is the holy grail of my collection, anyway.  It is about the size and shape of a hudson bay axe.  I remember the first time I hefted a Norlund axe.  I was just a kid, and chopped down quite a few trees with it.  It was addictive to swing and chop.  The Gransfors feels even better, with a little more heft to the head, and a better hollow grind that really sends chips flying.   

[Smokepole]

My forest axe was made by Tobias Thelin.  Here is he, making them in the factory.

[Smokepole]

My son and I both carry a wildlife hatchet in our packs during hunting season.  Great for building a warming fire, building a quick shelter, or chopping a brisket.  They are so sharp, you could gut a deer with one.

Sorry so many replies... you said the "A" word.   

[tlbradford]

I bought this for an all around tool and it gets a ton of use.  From driving stakes, to breaking concrete, to splitting wood.  It isn't for packing around but it is amazing around the camp, house, or back of the truck.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

You won't be disappointed. 

[predatorpro]

Hard to beat a gransfors....

[LDennis24]

I always liked some of these axes.

https://axeandadze.com/

[KFhunter]

I've been wanting a GB for a long time

[Bofire]

  I have been looking at them, have to lock it up to keep, kids, camp buddies, and others from trying it out. The Gransfors look really good.
Carl

[Night goat]

For a budget Scandinavian axe, I've never had a single complaint about my fiskars, bought mine back in the late 90s, still a good quality axe, I've heard the steel has changed a bit since then....

The only reason hy I don't have a GB axe.... Well, an axe isn't part of my daily life, at this particular time in my life (means I don't have a woodstove or a need to split wood), but I've been wanting one for years, every bit of research I did points to GB being unmatched in quality

Definitely on the want list, and will get a GB when. My cabin gets built

[257 Wby Mag]

Just picked it up at madsens in centralia, hand forged, Swedish quality, $80.  Damn nice tool....

[quadrafire]

Bailey's has a good selection it looks like. Don't know if they are Swedish or not

http://www.baileysonline.com/Forestry-Woodcutting/Axes-Mauls/Hatchets-Hunting-Axes/?page_no=1

[singleshot12]

If you want quality for a dirt cheap price check out MORA

[Night goat]

If you want quality for a dirt cheap price check out MORA

Mora makes axes....!?

I've had a mora before, damned fine knife, best one I've had in years, paid like 15$

Id buy a mora axe!

[jackelope]

Just picked it up at madsens in centralia, hand forged, Swedish quality, $80.  Damn nice tool....

Not bad, Jud. Thanks...

[257 Wby Mag]

Word has it they're made by hults bruks...

[Alchase]

Could someone explain the fascination or advantages of Swedish Axes?

Two years ago, I finally had to buy a new ax when I broke my piece of crap Fred Meyer special, and had to run into Twisp to pick up a new Fiskars splitting axe a couple years ago.
Dang thing is danger sharp. To be honest, I only chop wood in Deer camp or the occasional fire in the back yard.

[Bullkllr]

Could someone explain the fascination or advantages of Swedish Axes?

Two years ago, I finally had to buy a new ax when I broke my piece of crap Fred Meyer special, and had to run into Twisp to pick up a new Fiskars splitting axe a couple years ago.
Dang thing is danger sharp. To be honest, I only chop wood in Deer camp or the occasional fire in the back yard.

Steel quality, holding an edge. Probably also some hype, but they do take their wood cutting pretty seriously over there.

Fiskars is made in Finland, no?

In my experience I can get a cheap axe sharp. Keeping it sharp is another story. The head just gradually disappears.

[Alchase]

Thanks for the info.

[Smokepole]

Another difference is the shaping of the head for the type of work to be done.  My Gransfors axes are hollow ground.  They are good for splitting, and don't get stuck in a round of wood too often.  They chop deeply and chips really fly.  Hardware store axes are seldom shaped properly for splitting or chopping.  They look like an axe from a distance, until you start looking at them close.  I like good, traditional tools of all kinds, including brooms.  I like hickory wood, because it feels better in the hands than plastic or rubber.  Hickory and steel looks cool in my woodshed.   

[singleshot12]

Husqvarna quality is ok but now you pay twice as much just for the name

[Machias]

My favorite axe of all time is the Gransfors Scandinavian Forest axe.  It is the holy grail of my collection, anyway.  It is about the size and shape of a hudson bay axe.  I remember the first time I hefted a Norlund axe.  I was just a kid, and chopped down quite a few trees with it.  It was addictive to swing and chop.  The Gransfors feels even better, with a little more heft to the head, and a better hollow grind that really sends chips flying.   

That's the one I have, LOVE IT!!!!

[Machias]

My forest axe was made by Tobias Thelin.  Here is he, making them in the factory.

Same guy who made my axe!!

[Alchase]

That was cool!

[Night goat]

Could someone explain the fascination or advantages of Swedish Axes?

Two years ago, I finally had to buy a new ax when I broke my piece of crap Fred Meyer special, and had to run into Twisp to pick up a new Fiskars splitting axe a couple years ago.
Dang thing is danger sharp. To be honest, I only chop wood in Deer camp or the occasional fire in the back yard.

Steel quality, holding an edge. Probably also some hype, but they do take their wood cutting pretty seriously over there.

Fiskars is made in Finland, no?

In my experience I can get a cheap axe sharp. Keeping it sharp is another story. The head just gradually disappears.

Kyllä fiskars on suomalaista

means yes fiskars is Finnish

the reason why Scandinavian steel is so prized is because of unmatched ore quality with a very high carbon content, Scandinavian and German ore is some of the highest quality and purest ore in the world, and have a very long lineage of craftsmanship that goes back over a thousand years, part of why the Vikings took over europe and most of the known world was because of the quality of thiet steel, that and they were completley bathsit and extremely savy businessmen

[KFhunter]

I just bought an Eastwing campers axe.




I took my work sharp to it and made a new convex edge and it's a chopping fool now.  I had it sharp enough to gut a deer, but not hair popping sharp, I took it to a chunk of larch that's been dry for 5 years and hard as a brick.  Thought to see if I could roll the edge but it held, and it stayed sharp.  I got it to pop small limbs off logs and emergency tree across the road truck axe. 

Pretty happy with it, but you must put your own edge on it or it's not worth packing.  It's not a GB, but the handle will never fall off and it does hold and edge pretty good.  If you don't remove or replace the axe scabbard the right way it'll lay your hand wide open, so caution there.  I grab the top edge of the scabbard and slide it on with due care so it won't bite me. 

[jackelope]

Well I'm happy to report I finally pulled the trigger on an axe. Went with the Hults Bruk Akka.  It showed up this morning. I haven't taken it out of the box yet but I'm pretty excited.

This one:
http://hultsbruk1697.se/products/the-akka/

[tlbradford]

Well I'm happy to report I finally pulled the trigger on an axe. Went with the Hults Bruk Akka.  It showed up this morning. I haven't taken it out of the box yet but I'm pretty excited.

This one:
http://hultsbruk1697.se/products/the-akka/

Look at you Mr. Fancypants!    You and your kids should enjoy that.  Plus, at that price, you are certain to never accidentally leave it stuck in a stump while you drive home from camp.

[jackelope]

Someone asked for pics.







Sorry for the cheesy inside the jacket picture. It was either that or in the hay all over the back of my Jeep.


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[Boss .300 winmag]

I just bought an Eastwing campers axe.




I took my work sharp to it and made a new convex edge and it's a chopping fool now.  I had it sharp enough to gut a deer, but not hair popping sharp, I took it to a chunk of larch that's been dry for 5 years and hard as a brick.  Thought to see if I could roll the edge but it held, and it stayed sharp.  I got it to pop small limbs off logs and emergency tree across the road truck axe. 

Pretty happy with it, but you must put your own edge on it or it's not worth packing.  It's not a GB, but the handle will never fall off and it does hold and edge pretty good.  If you don't remove or replace the axe scabbard the right way it'll lay your hand wide open, so caution there.  I grab the top edge of the scabbard and slide it on with due care so it won't bite me.

Got one next to the wood stove, works great.

[quadrafire]

Someone asked for pics.







Sorry for the cheesy inside the jacket picture. It was either that or in the hay all over the back of my Jeep.


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Hope That's not for rabbit processing
I like it and would love to have one

[T-Dozzer]

Check out the yearly packwood fleamarket. So many axes/hatchet, your head will spin.  There is also a shop that refurbs used ones down in Tacoma called Vulcan something, but doing it your self is simple enough. 
You just bought the  Ferrari though.