Wetterlings Backcountry Axe

[Phil_R]

Wetterlings next to Cold Steel Trailhawk:

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd5/flipr_photo/IMG_0245_zps8df232a9.jpg

I've tried the CS for BushCraft, but in my hands the Backcountry Axe does everything better. No further comparison with CS Trailhawk... Between my Wetterlings Backcountry Axe and my Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe, the choice comes down to blade profile and the job at hand. Thin profile of GB makes it first choice for removing limbs from fresh felled trees, thicker profile of Wetterlings makes it better at splitting wood for campfires.

Blade Profile: GB Scandinavian Forest Axe (left), Wetterlings Backcountry Axe (middle), Condor Greenland Pattern Axe (right)

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd5/flipr_photo/IMG_0240_zps372a3652.jpg

GB Scandinavian Forest Axe (top), Wetterlings Backcountry Axe (middle), Condon Greenland Pattern Axe (bottom).

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd5/flipr_photo/IMG_0243_zps292b334b.jpg

[Bernie]

Now I have axe envy again. :ashamed:

Thanks for the photos, they show a lot of detail. How do the prices of the three compare?

[beermaker]

nice axes!! I'm a bit jealous!! Also interested in prices - never too early to start dropping hints for Christmas!

[Phil_R]

U.S. prices converted: 31 July 2013 exchange rate £1.00/$1.52 (full price delivered to my door)
GB Scandinavian Forest Axe = £85.30
Wetterlings Backcountry Axe = £60.86
Condor Greenland Pattern Axe = £32.40

[beermaker]

Cheers Phil T^

[Realearner]

So big difference in the prices, but as a comparison direct for tasks. Does the cheaper one really perform any worse than the top price, or does it lose it's edge quicker? Etc etc.

[FishyFolk]

Also worth looking at is the Hultafors HY-20 felling axe.
http://www.forestschoolshop.co.uk/cutting-tools/hultafors-agdor-felling-axe-hy-20.htm

It comes without a sheath though. But excellent axe. And Tony will make an excellent sheath for it for a sum of coins. Here is the one he made for mine.
And at roughly 42£ it's a good alternative to the GB and Wetterlings axes.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8396/8708519202_1248fc94df.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bumblingbushcraft/8708519202/)
IMG_0749 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bumblingbushcraft/8708519202/) by BumblingBushcraft (http://www.flickr.com/people/bumblingbushcraft/), on Flickr

Here it is without the sheath. The haft is 65cm, with a head weight of 0,85kg it could replace most hatchets of usable size.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8512865214_bb07031254.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bumblingbushcraft/8512865214/)
IMG_0541 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bumblingbushcraft/8512865214/) by BumblingBushcraft (http://www.flickr.com/people/bumblingbushcraft/), on Flickr

[Phil_R]

So big difference in the prices, but as a comparison direct for tasks. Does the cheaper one really perform any worse than the top price, or does it lose it's edge quicker? Etc etc.
Matching the tool to the job at hand is more important than the price of the tool. My Condor holds an edge as expected, no chipping or curling of edge. Is my GB Scandinavian Forest Axe the best axe at any price for removing limbs from a fresh felled tree? Probably not... Is it the best that I own, for this particular job? Absolutely. I know there is probably a Fiskars axe that would do anything I need done for less weight and less money.

[FishyFolk]

Matching the tool to the job at hand is more important than the price of the tool. My Condor holds an edge as expected, no chipping or curling of edge. Is my GB Scandinavian Forest Axe the best axe at any price for removing limbs from a fresh felled tree? Probably not... Is it the best that I own, for this particular job? Absolutely. I know there is probably a Fiskars axe that would do anything I need done for less weight and less money.

I hear jo on that one.

but another thing is. These axes...GB, Hultafors, Wetterlings...just by their looks they invite you to take good care of them. I own a fiskars axe...gets thrown around, and used for every dirty job an axe was never intended for. The edge is kept in a usefull state, thats it. My hultafors axe gets all the love, because it's a peace of kit I take pride in owning. Simply because I like the old school axes better. Is the Hultafors better quality or gets the job done faster or better than the other? i doubt it...

...can someone remind me where I was going with this? :confused2:

[shepherd]

beautiful axes brother

[OakAshandThorn]

T^ Starting an axe-mob, I see ;). Now all that's left is for Hults Bruks to start shipping their axes to the US, which may happen soon :D.