New Gransfors Outdoor Axe

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8thsinner said:
My wildlife hatchet with a wedge I feel would do as good a job as this one, at slightly less weight, though I do not have a wedge so can't compare, and besides a good root of a hard wood would make a good enough wedge if you know what your doing.
Just remember that the wildlife hatchet as well as most of their axes don't have a hardened poll so it would be a bad idea to use a metal wedge.
 
does look as if its pitched against the Roseli it would have to be very good for me to replace my Roseli though as its served faultlessly

I am ashamed to say I have about 10 axes.. GFB's , Wetterling, Roseli , etc, etc. Pity me and my addiction.
I to love the Roseli ! especially when its main purpose is to be spliting, how ever it doesn't do very bad at all at felling, Great balance! How ever, after I re handled my Norlund Hudsons bay axe ( 1.5lbs) with a 20 inch handle, it seems to find its way into my pack more then any of my others.
Will I try this new one? Sadly I am an addict that can't be helped, I imagine it will find it's way into the collection..:)
I feel like this is an A.A. meeting (Axes Anonymous) .......
 
swanseajack said:
Does he mean a wood splitting wedge, not a metal wedge?
I have a WLH, is it OK to use the poll with a wood splitter?
Well uhh if the splitting wedge is made from steel (as I believe they tend to be) then it would be a bad idea to hammer it into a log with the poll of the hatchet. The eye of axes are soft to resist cracking so unless you get a splitting maul with a hardened poll hammering metal wedges or other axe polls with the poll of your hatchet could cause it to crack, break or deform. I think hammering wooden wedges (as in made of wood) is ok though at least I hope it is...
 
Did anyone ever get one of these? With them being a new addition to the Woodlore shop, I might have expected to see one in use in the latest RM series (given the interest that the large crook knife has generated).

I know the popularity of the SFA among those folk who like Gransfors axes, but for someone who doesn't do limbing and felling and who really just does a little bit of firewood splitting and wood carving and whose older arms get tired more quickly than they used to, a smaller axe has its attractions.

I have been sent two photos by Woodlore, one being a close up side view of the head, and one being an end view of the head profile. I won't post them here but I'm sure that the shop will send you a copy if you ask (I'm little surprised they aren't up on the Woodlore web site).

I asked Woodlore for bit more information, especially the difference between this and the Wildlife hatchet, as they are of comparable size and weight. I'll paraphrase their response in case I infringe any copyright /confidentiality.

  • Outdoor Axe (OA) has a slightly longer handle than the Wildlife Hatchet (WH) and is slighty lighter, making it a bit easier to use.
  • Head profile is main difference: WH has typical axe style bit, OA has splitting style blade and is recommended as a carving knife.
So, any further thoughts /comments?


Geoff
 
That axe looks to be too chunky in my opinion. The cheeks are too full and I would not be suprised if it binds in unseasoned wood. In dry wood it would do ok due to the wide and angle of the blade and the compression that would do to the wood but still would not be anywhere close to a well profiled axe. As a splitter it would do great, but for chopping, get a decent axe.

As for splitting wedges and hammering with the poll....
Metal wedges are a no-no. Luckily these days you can buy composite wedges made from ABS plastics that work fine and won't damage your axe. Failing that, use a wooden wedge. They are free, don't damage your axe and are easily replaceable.

Geoff: I would stick with the wildlife hatchet. It's a good size and a better axe in my opinion. Yes the Outdoor axe is lighter but it will take more effort for cutting due to the reduced efficiency from the wider bit. If you will be primarily chopping, get the WH.

Paul.
 
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Seriously, how many of us fell trees with an axe anyway?

In fact, how many of use own an area of land that's got a decent amount* of trees on in?

I know I don't so consequently most of the time a splitting axe is the best thing. Admittedly I do have two chainsaws but they don't get much use, were it not for the fact that I got them given I doubt I would have them.























*The Rowan at the end of the garden doesn't count;)
 
Here is a comparison I found on the internet between the Outdoor Axe and the Wetterlings Wildlife Axe.

Gransfors-Wetterlings
 
Not much I'm prepared to say about an axe from a picture other than .....

Whilst I'll concede that these days it's probably a practical consideration, the addition of a metal collar at the top of the handle doesn't say much about the axemanship of those they think will be using it :lmao:



Kind regards
Mick
 
Its a fine little thing, a better firewood spliter than it looks
and very pretty! I don't take mine out to much ( I take my Roselli, at least untill
I pick up my Dave Budd axe at the Bristol show next month! )
An importer contact of mine who is close to GB says that they are not sure that they will be making many more
so if you fancy one, it may be worth picking one up!
Chris.
 
I feel it compares more to the Mini (although alittle stouter) than the larger hatchet or axe. I would shorten the handle and call it a more affordable and powerfull belt axe.
 

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