gransfors

[swkieran]

just some advice really as im goona buy one they seem really good axes,which is the best one to get a good all rounder in other words,also is there any other good axes about i know you get what you pay for etc,

[Shewie]

The SFA is the most popular all rounder as far as I know, I treated myself to Rays new Wilderness (http://www.raymears.com/Bushcraft_Product/814-Gransfors-Ray-Mears-Wilderness-Axe/) axe at Chrimbo :)

I've never owned the SFA but I hear it's more than capable for tasks around camp, the only ever gripe I've heard is that it's not a great splitter. What sort of stuff do you think you'd use an axe for ?

[JEEP]

As Shewie says; it really depends what you need the axe for.

The Granfors small forest axe is a great allrounder, good for splitting smaller logs and rougher carving jobs. But, if you wish to split bigger logs it is a tad on the light side to do a really good job - for carving it is a big too large for the delicate jobs.

My personal combo (at the moment) is a Øyo Viking axe and a Hultafors large hatchet. The Øyo is a small axe with a curved handle, great for carving and making kindling. The Hultafors is the same lenght as the Granfors small forest axe, but with a heavier (more wedge like) American style head, making it more effective for splitting aswell as being able to split larger logs than the Granfors small forest axe. The heavier head, however, makes it a much less than ideal axe for carving; it can be done, but a Scandinavian style axe, like a Granfors, simply does a better job at carving.

If you are interested in the traditional Scandinavian "allrounder", as I figure most bushcrafters are. Try looking at Wetterlings axes (http://www.wetterlings.com/). Handforged and fitted with hickory handles, like Granfors - but can be found at much lower prices. I ordered a large hunting axe from them yesterday, after having handeled one. The handles are a tad rougher than Granfors', but the heads are very similar in both style and workmanship.

[swkieran]

thanks for the info guys,i'l be using it for splitting firewood things like that just general use really but i also want it big enough that it can go in the back pack or have it on a belt,hope that makes some sense :)

[CanadianMike]

thanks for the info guys,i'l be using it for splitting firewood things like that just general use really but i also want it big enough that it can go in the back pack or have it on a belt,hope that makes some sense :)

Then you want the SFA, it'll satisfy all that you are looking for. I have one and have used it for all kinds of things, including felling small trees, splitting small to medium sized logs, making shavings, etc.

[swkieran]

thanks mike have you any pictures or links at all m8

[CanadianMike]

thanks mike have you any pictures or links at all m8

Of me using it? Or overall anything regarding it?

Here's a pile of wood I split to dry out around the fire last year while camping on an island:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs314.snc3/28343_399853579206_510619206_3956072_7840540_n.jpg

Knocking some limbs off a tree we cut down (bowsaw and my axe, tree was about 12" thick at the base):
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs314.snc3/28343_399853819206_510619206_3956103_7778461_n.jpg

Doing some light work (shaving):
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs538.snc3/30493_398099774206_510619206_3914731_3730233_n.jpg

This is a good watch for advice and techniques using the SFA (am sure you've watched it, Ray Mears on axes, I often go back to every few months just because I found it well done):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tUUctg6dfk

[swkieran]

some nice pics there mike :) is that out in canada and thanks for youre advice i'll have a look around for 1,looks just as capable as the gransfors :)

[CanadianMike]

Yup, in Canada during a couple trips last year. The island I mentioned is a small island on a small lake called Lake Clear we spent a weekend on with some friends for camping fun and fishing.

Hehe, and that Small Forest Axe is made by Gransfors Brux, seems you might be getting things a bit confused.

[swkieran]

looks nice place to be mike :),yeah i mucked up there sorry lol,

[RobbC]

I have just been told that i am getting a gransfors bruks small forest axe for my birthday, and needless to say i am over the moon! I will keep you posted on how things go.

Robb