Alternatives to the GB Scandinavian Forest Axe?

[Tiley]

Much as the title suggests, can anyone recommend an alternative to this axe? I'm after something of good quality but a not too punishing price tag - if that's possible!

Many thanks, in advance, for your suggestions.

 

[Kepis]

Hultafors Chopping Axe,lovely bit of kit and fairly cheap too.

DSCN3506 (2) by Mark D Emery, on Flickr


Link to one of many sellers http://www.mytoolshed.co.uk/p101484...MIqpq-06TS2AIVJ7XtCh2HYAQpEAQYASABEgKgIfD_BwE

 

[Barney Rubble]

How about the Hultafors Classic Felling axe. It's very similar to the GB and considerably cheaper. I just did a google search and found it on one website for £69. The Hultafors Classic range is their top end stuff which I would suggest has been designed to rival GB.

 

[WealdenWoodsman]

I am a massive fan of the incredibly reasonably priced Husqvarna axes. They have had some bad press in the past but I love the ones I have, very well built, good steel and takes a razor sharp edge (and importantly keeps it).

Their equivalent to the Scandinavian Forest Axe is the Husqvarna Multi-Purpose Axe. I've had mine for a couple of years and in my opinion it is very close indeed to the performance of GB stuff. Plus they tend to retail at around the £40.00 mark which is a real bonus.

 

[Broch]

I know I'm repeating myself (sorry) but all my axes (and I have quite a few) are over a hundred years old, range from small kindling hatchets to full felling axes, made by old companies like Brades etc. and have not cost me more than a fiver; often a lot less. The steel is excellent, holds a good edge, and they all perform admirably. If you really want to have a GB or Hultafors I know I won't dissuade you but you won't actually be getting an axe that will do a better job (IMHO ).

 

[dave89]

I know I'm repeating myself (sorry) but all my axes (and I have quite a few) are over a hundred years old, range from small kindling hatchets to full felling axes, made by old companies like Brades etc. and have not cost me more than a fiver; often a lot less. The steel is excellent, holds a good edge, and they all perform admirably. If you really want to have a GB or Hultafors I know I won't dissuade you but you won't actually be getting an axe that will do a better job (IMHO ).

I see what your saying, I myself have a old kent pattern thats great but I just I happned apon it. If i wanted a axe in the next few days I doubt I could find a good quaility one for less than £5. Where would I look? first suggestion is usually a carboot but from my experience they are just full of rubbish and magic mops.

 

[WealdenWoodsman]

As someone who collects old axes I would say that it can be a bit of a mine field if you don't know what you are looking at. Not all of the older axes were made of quality steel, much like today.

 

[Broch]

I see what your saying, I myself have a old kent pattern thats great but I just I happned apon it. If i wanted a axe in the next few days I doubt I could find a good quaility one for less than £5. Where would I look? first suggestion is usually a carboot but from my experience they are just full of rubbish and magic mops.

The buying of tools for life should never be a rushed decision
But I take your point; I have been collecting for years and, to be honest, car boot fairs have far fewer good ones on offer. The last couple I bought were from an antiques fair but they were both £3. There was a nice one in an antiques barn near us (you know the kind of place, a big hall with a number of different vendors individual 'shops') but they wanted £15 - however, those places are worth a rummage.

 

[Broch]

As someone who collects old axes I would say that it can be a bit of a mine field if you don't know what you are looking at. Not all of the older axes were made of quality steel, much like today.

As long as it's a stamped make from the turn of the 19th century it's a fairly safe bet in my experience. I've never had a duff one but then, for the money, it wouldn't be the end of the world. I just make sure they're not 'hammered' (I don't mind a little bit of 'history' but not abuse). One thing to look out for is when a handle has been 'burnt' out ruining the tempering but I have the facilities to re-harden and temper anyway. The other thing to look out for is a distorted (or even cracked) eye from hammering.

 

[Tiley]

Many thanks for the suggestions thus far. I have to admit, I have neither the time nor inclination to rummage in the antique branch of things, hence the greater interest in newly made axes. I do realise that I am probably missing a trick there but, like I say, it's all a matter of that most precious of commodities - time...

 

[SiWhite]

These always struck me as being good value - I've not seen or held one, but the quality appears good...

http://wood-tools.co.uk/tools/bushcraft-axe/

 

[Tiley]

These always struck me as being good value - I've not seen or held one, but the quality appears good...

http://wood-tools.co.uk/tools/bushcraft-axe/

It certainly looks the part and has the added benefit of Robin Wood's input. I am tempted... very tempted!

Ideally, I'm looking for something of about 1.2kg in weight and with a 64cm handle so, although this one is close, for me, it needs a little more weight.

 

[Kepis]

These always struck me as being good value - I've not seen or held one, but the quality appears good...

http://wood-tools.co.uk/tools/bushcraft-axe/

saw one of these the other day, head was mounted at an angle to the helve, the grind was crooked and the head had a crack in it, i had heard good things about these, but tbh i wasnt that impressed, might have a been a one off that got through the system i suppose, but even so.

EDIT: it was the smaller carving axe i saw, not the bushcraft axe