Axe choices

[Waldganger]

Hi there

I'm onto my second axe like object.

First was a Cold Steel Trail Hawk, this one is a Roselli Long Handle.

I think its too long.

I've been using it, and I basically only use it choked up, so about five inches less.

In Australia we have so many eucalypts that drop branches that its not particularly hard to find deadwood, and anything larger for shelter I will have a saw.

I'm thinking of getting a GB Mini Hatchet. the handle length is spot on, and I could probably sell the Roselli for the same $$ as it would cost for the GB.

What do you people think?


cheers

 

[heath]

I have the Rosseli large and love it (I know this bucks the trend a bit but I think it looks really cool). I don't have a GB but I have a small Wetterlings which looks very similar, and I use them both depending on what I'm doing. If I'm spending some time in the woods and am likely to be doing a fair bit of splittling then I'll take the Rosseli as I think the head profile is much better at splitting. If I want to go a bit lighter or am planning on using it for carving then I'm more likely to go for the Wetterlings. Having said that Iv'e been using the Rosseli a fair bit for carving recently and it does the job well (I just wish my arms weren't so weak, I obviously need more practice). I don't know what the availability is like for you but Husqvarna do a little hatchet that looks similar to the wildlife at a fraction of the cost. You might have to do a bit of work on it to get it spot on (I had to do the same with my Wetterlings but British Red has posted some grest tutorials on doing this) but once you've done the work it will probably work just as well.

 

[heath]

Sorry, I just noticed that you were talking about the mini hatchet not the wildlife. I have no experience with this type of axe (something that small) but I know that lots of people like them. I guess it depends on what you want to use it for.

 

[Chris the Cat]

My Rosseli long has proved a better all rounder than my ( now sold! SFA )
However,I await the arrival of my Dave Budd axe with great excitement!
Watch this space!!!
Cheers.
Chris

 

[Waldganger]

well I just ordered a Wetterlings wildlife hatchet, might not have to sell my Roselli after all.

cheers, and I'll let you know how I go

 

[HAMMER]

Have got myself a Gerber Camp Axe, and cant fault it. It will handle everything for bushcraft. Chopping, splitting...everything. Its weatherproof, and holds a great edge.

get one.. it'll last for ages... the head is a more prominent 'V' shape and makes chores a very simple task.

 

[Everything Mac]

what is the axe intended for?

I did a short review of a few gb axes here:
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?92914-Gransfors-Bruks-axe-reviews

atb
andy

 

[Waldganger]

kindling, roughing out shapes, rough work like tent pegs etc.

will use a saw for limbs bigger than 3-4".

I found that what I was using it for, I was choking up, so not really efficient.

Will keep it around the house for the fire inside.

 

[heath]

kindling, roughing out shapes, rough work like tent pegs etc.

will use a saw for limbs bigger than 3-4".

I found that what I was using it for, I was choking up, so not really efficient.

Will keep it around the house for the fire inside.

I reckon the Wetterlings will be perfect for what you want.

 

[Everything Mac]

kindling, roughing out shapes, rough work like tent pegs etc.

will use a saw for limbs bigger than 3-4".

I found that what I was using it for, I was choking up, so not really efficient.

Will keep it around the house for the fire inside.

go for the wildlife as opposed to the mini.

 

[mr dazzler]

The roselli long handle version was what I had. It was ok but I found the handle wrong shape and too smooth. So I rehandled it and it works very very well now, packs an amazing punch especially when held on the fawn foot end, very high karate...... It does take a bit of nerve to max out with it (practise for a few years ) but its woorth it to see big thick chips flying about.....

 

[Waldganger]

thats a nice job on the rehandle!

how does one go about re handling these? any tips or tuts around?

cheers, should have my wetterling in a couple of weeks.

 

[Waldganger]

I received the wetterlings today, and I'm very pleased with it. A whole different kettle of fish compared to my Roselli.

fit and finish is excellent, head came pretty sharp, although I'll give it a little touch up before I take it outdoors.