Bearded axe?

[JohnL]

Hi guys,
for a while now I have been on the look out for a bearded axe, for no other reason than I like the look of them. I looked at the gransfors bruks historical range but they don't seem to make them any more. I have asked multipal smiths for a quote but no one seems to have time.
Now I have found this on eBay.
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/201735788257

there seem to be many axes of this type coming out of Bulgaria and Eastern Europe, starting from £20 and going up to this at £75

what do people think?! Could be good, but might not be?

 

[crosslandkelly]

Have a word with Dave Budd of this Parish, he will sort you out.

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=98

 

[mrcharly]

Hi guys,
for a while now I have been on the look out for a bearded axe, for no other reason than I like the look of them. I looked at the gransfors bruks historical range but they don't seem to make them any more. I have asked multipal smiths for a quote but no one seems to have time.
Now I have found this on eBay.
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/201735788257

there seem to be many axes of this type coming out of Bulgaria and Eastern Europe, starting from £20 and going up to this at £75

what do people think?! Could be good, but might not be?

That is massively overpriced. I bought one from eastern europe. What you get is a thick wedge of steel, not very hard at all. After a bit of work, you'll have something useable as a "carpenter's axe" type, but too heavy for real carving use.


I like mine but it it not worth £75 that is a massive ripoff.


If you have that sort of money, talk to people like Dave budd (who might want a bit more than that but you'll get a decent bit of steel, not something one step above mild steel.

 

[JohnL]

I have emailed dave budd a few times but had no response so assumed he is to busy.

It is quite expensive but the same seller has others for £20, so I assumed this could be better made. All axes are just a metal wedge after all, but I don't see many people complaining gransfors are over priced?

 

[Trotsky]

I have emailed dave budd a few times but had no response so assumed he is to busy.

It is quite expensive but the same seller has others for £20, so I assumed this could be better made. All axes are just a metal wedge after all, but I don't see many people complaining gransfors are over priced?

Dave will get back to you, it just sometimes takes a little while. The first time I emailed him about ordering something it took a little over a fortnight. It all depends on what he's got on and if he can get at the PC. He's a nice guy though so I've little doubt you will hear from him and you won't regret buying from him.

 

[Janne]

I have emailed dave budd a few times but had no response so assumed he is to busy.

It is quite expensive but the same seller has others for £20, so I assumed this could be better made. All axes are just a metal wedge after all, but I don't see many people complaining gransfors are over priced?

Metal wedges yes, but the metals are different and the workmanship too.

You get what you pay for. Personally I would not pay the money they want for those rusty pos.
Just the description turns me off.

 

[Samon]

I can make you one from an existing head. Done a few on this thread and plenty of others that I haven't shown. http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124816&page=5

I currently have a very large kent pattern axe head i'd be willing to recreate into a beared style. If you're interested just send me a pm.

Oh and check out the cold steel bran romahawks and viking axe, I've owned many of them and they;'re great value.

 

[baggins]

If you want a good user as well as a good looking bearded axe. have a look at the Rosseli axe range. really well made axes that are still very practical. i've had move over 10 years and it still works beautifully and does all i need it to do.

 

[HillBill]

Not a well made head for £75 that.

 

[Trotsky]

Not a well made head for £75 that.

Agreed, looked at the photos some more and I don't think much to the profile, looks like a film prop at best.

 

[Dave Budd]

Hi John,

I think I just replied to your email? What Trotsky said is quite right, I do take a few weeks to reply to emails. I would rather be in the workshop making stuff than sifting through offers of enlargements, google rankings and offers of investments from Nigeria every day. I have to force myself to spend a day every couple of weeks sitting infront of the frustration engine and catch up on genuine emails!

Anyway, axes. I don't have much in the way of axes at all right now. I have one bearded axe head on it's own (a shiny one!) and one finished bearded axe. If I did just email you, then you'll have details and pictures

I'll be making more beardies soon, but won't have anything ready for a month or two. The show season runs from March to November and my season of woodland management runs from November to March, so getting stuff made is tricky!