Reccomend me a good bushcraft axe

[Law]

Im looking for a good portable bushcraft axe I can fit in my bergen, any reccomendations?

[Bernie]

Hi Law

For the record, it's "recommend" - one C and two Ms. Now that's out of the way, it'll help to know what your budget is and what you intend to do with it. Just making firewood, or do you see yourself felling small trees, clearing brush or even maybe a spot of carving?

I've had no trouble or concerns with the cheap axes I've had from car boot sales. They need more attention to get them right and to keep them sharp, but I don't break into a cold sweat when my wife takes one to chop the roots of a bush in the ground.

[Ehecatl]

I have a Gränsfors Small Forest Axe. This fits into my pack fine, although for a quality axe that's kinder on the wallet, a Hultafors Chopping Axe may be better. As Bernie says, it may depend on what you require it for.

[Bernie]

Let's not forget budget! I'd love a Gransfors, Hultafors or even a Husqvarna, but they're not exactly easy on the wallet. :o

Skinflints like myself tend to get what we can at car boot sales. ;)

[bopdude]

Also check out the Robin Wood axes, not badly priced at all :)

[OakAshandThorn]

Since most of the folks here are in Europe, you should be able to get a hold of Swiss surplus axes. The Swiss take pride in their craftsmanship :). I landed one of their surplus hatchets (with the CFL embossed logo, whatever that stands for) recently for $25 from a US distributor. They don't come sharp or well-profiled along the edge bevel. Plus, if the axe wasn't stored in an ideal environment, the wood can shrink leading to a loose axe head. Most people I know replace the handle on them anyway with something longer (20 inch) because of the relatively heavy head (1.5 lb/0.7 kg). This would be more of a project axe option. For "higher-end" axes, at least in terms of fit and finish, you are going to pay a premium. I'm not sure how much Helko axes (made in Germany) cost in the UK, but you might want to check them out. They are very well made, quality axes that come ready to go.

[FishyFolk]

I guess most axes will fit in Bergen. What will you use it for?
There is a certain difference between chopping fire wood for the camp in the Boreal forest in winter, and chopping some sticks
to boil some water for a brew on the hobo stove...

But for the first option, you cant go much wrong with the Hultafors felling axe. Relatively light axe, but full sized handle.
For the latter I have one of the small wetterlings hatchets...well, have and have...my wife has adopted it, and I have not actually
used it much. But she loves it, and she is a country girl, far more expereinced in what is ag ood tool than I am :-)

[Woody]

+ 1 for Robin Wood 's axe.
Quality hand forged tool at a very affordable price.
Shame it doesn't have a mask included.
I think Robin Wood is selling these too now but not sure...

I think actually attending a axe skills course will give you a much better idea of what you'll need.
And it will give you a chance to handle and try out all the different sizes and weights.
Learning to use it is just a massive bonus ...
👍👍

[Bernie]

... the CFL embossed logo, whatever that stands for...

I don't know, but I found this on the Internet so it must be true. :P


CFL: Commission Fédérale du Logement (French: Federal Housing Commission; Switzerland)

[rosseveritt]

Hey there,

I have a Hultafors Trekking Axe and never had any problems with it. The cheapest place I have found is here. :) - http://www.mytoolshed.co.uk/p1014841/Hultafors_Trekking_Axe_800g/product_info.html

Hope this helps.

Cheers. :)