Axes Which one?

[maddave]

I'm thinking of investing in a new axe and there are a couple I've been looking at. The Wetterlings small hunting axe or the Gransfors Brux Small Forest Axe.

I have the Smith & Wesson Hatchet (see below) which was given as a gift and holds a good edge but it's very light and not really suited to chopping thick branches & the like. I'd like to know from the axe users, which model you recommend and why?

Many Thanks

 

[Hoodoo]

I don't think you could go wrong with either the Wetterling or the SFA. I have both. The wetterling I keep in the trunk or back of my truck where it might get knocked around. The SFA gets used on canoeing and camping trips. The SFA has a nicer handle. The Wetterling is cheaper but still a lot of axe for the money.

 

[Tony]

The Wetterlings Large hunting axe is the closest to the GB SFA in size.

 

[BAHDog]

I have been using the GB axes for a couple of years now and can say easily that they are the best axes I have ever had the pleasure to chop with. I got the Mini for long day hikes. Then I got the Wildlife hatchet and was very happy with it's performance, but I have to tell you I was just blown away by the Small Forest Axe pictured below. It is powerful yet light. The handle is good for one or two hand chopping. The forged head is so sharp you can whittle with it. It cuts deep with a medium power chop, and the beautiful wooden handle absorbs the shock of the impact very nicely.

It is hard to name my favorite size, but when I have to do a lot of chopping it is the GB Small Forest Axe.

Here are the Wildlife and the Mini next to a Brusletto Troll. Both are exellent little axes. As I said the Mini is a real favorite when out on a long hike. It is so nimble you can use it as a knife so it makes a good backup for your main knife.

 

[larry the spark]

This might be interest, it compares the SFA with a Rosselli. I haven't used a Rosselli but it sounds great. I own a Granny SFA which I think is bloody great!

http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=71

 

[Stew]

Well the Roselli certainly comes out well. Of course, it's only one man's opinion and it's even more expensive than a GB.

Anyone else tried a Roselli?

 

[maddave]

Looks like the grannyB is coming out on top at the moment. Don't like the look of that Italian jobbie :shock: Perhaps I'm a bit of a traditionalist, but it just looks...well ODD!

 

[larry the spark]

The Roselli is Finnish not Italian Check out www.roselli.fi ........some great products

 

[TAHAWK]

I never tried a Roselli. They certainly look interesting. (Nice link to the article comparing GB and Roselli. Thanks.)

I have owned and used GB, Hults Bruks ["HB"], Wetterling, Fiskars [that modern, plastic handled model], Norlund and Estwing. The GB (SFA) is my favorite, but all I do is cut wood. All except the Estwing have a larger blade profile. The Estwing is narrower yet.

 

[Hellz]

I've got the GB Wildlife Hatchet and rate it very highly. Sharp as you like and with a really good balance of weight and power for such a little axe.

I'd be very tempted by the SFA if I needed even more chopping power, but I don't at the moment :roll:

The only other GB I have is the Large Splitting axe, which is superb, but probably not relevant here :-D

Hellz