Begginer's Axe?

[Gingerbread]

Hello,

I'm thinking about booking myself onto the axemanship course at Bushmoot, and so I've started looking into getting my first axe.

The advice I've received so far is that when starting out, it may be better to go for a cheaper axe, than to buy say, a Gransfors Bruks axe, as I'll also be learning how to sharpen, and take care of my axe correctly. That said, I also want to make sure that the axe I get is still of reasonable quality.



Does anyone have any recommendations on where to look for an axe, or if there are any particular axes which they'd recommend?

 

[sunndog]

Robin wood axes are getting extremely popular on here, and at £40 very reasonably priced

 

[Leshy]

+1 for the Robin Wood axe.
Inexpensive but great quality!
Razor sharp out of the box...

 

[Hibrion]

Just buy the gransfors first time out. Decide what you want it for and pick the best size for you. You won't get better quality in an ace you'll use.
It isn't difficult to look after an axe once you have a bit if common sense, remember they're made for hard use, so you might as well save yourself money in the long run and get a good one to begin with. But once and buy right.

PS don't forget to take your size into consideration when choosing: a small forest axe will work as well for one man as a scandi for another.

 

[Janne]

Get two axes.
One Gransfors and one old, rusty and blunt one at a bootsale.

Learn how to use an axe with the Gransfors, and learn how to sharpen on the old one..
To restore an old "useless" object to its former glory is very satisfying!

 

[Sparky415]

Get two axes.
One Gransfors and one old, rusty and blunt one at a bootsale.

Learn how to use an axe with the Gransfors, and learn how to sharpen on the old one..
To restore an old "useless" object to its former glory is very satisfying!

Just this ( and take a look at Ray Mears ‘axe videos’ )

 

[mrcharly]

Question one: What do you want to do with your axe?
(split wood? carve wood? carpentry?)
Question two: How rich are you?
Question three: How much workshop/playspace do you have?

I would recommend a cheapish axe to start with, combined with a fine file for sharpening (and some wet and dry paper for finishing the edge). However this depends on the answers to the questions.

 

[MartiniDave]

From experience I would say avoid Bahco, they don't really hold an edge very well.
I like the look of the Robin Wood axe, but haven't handled one. I do however trust the man, based on how he comes across on his videos and website. I f buying now I would probably go that route.
For carving and "bushcraft" I use Gransfor Bruks.
For splitting large rounds its an Aldi splitting maul or a large Hults Bruks that belonged to my dad that I re-handled.
I've never used Wetterlings, Hultafors or any of the others.

Dave

 

[FGYT]

Go on the course and learn to use the axes they have then you will have a better idea about what you want for you and what you want to use it for Every body is differnt

Never understand people who book a course to learn about something but buy all the stuff before (unless you have to ) a lot find out hat what they bought really inst suitable for them or a cheaper option was better etc

 

[Muskett]

Just buy the gransfors first time out. Decide what you want it for and pick the best size for you. You won't get better quality in an ace you'll use.
It isn't difficult to look after an axe once you have a bit if common sense, remember they're made for hard use, so you might as well save yourself money in the long run and get a good one to begin with. But once and buy right.

PS don't forget to take your size into consideration when choosing: a small forest axe will work as well for one man as a scandi for another.

^This.

If you get "into" axes you will buy more than one. FGYT is also right in that as you learn you will find what works for you. Axes, bushcraft, woodworking, are usually now considered a hobby which a part is accumulating knowledge and some tools. Your first GB axe should be what you think you might like in getting into the subject. It might be the Small Forest axe (a backpacking axe), or a felling axe (proper axe), or a small carving axe (because you want to make wood things). Your call. You might change your mind after the course and have to buy another!!

I'm a fan of GB axes because they are just lovely tools in their own right and part of the return on the investment is just ownership. All quality.

 

[Wayne]

I am running the axe skills course at the moot. I will have a quite a number of axes for you to try from GB to Brades, Kent pattern to Bearded axes.

An axe is a tool if subtlety when used well. I would hold off purchasing an axe until after the moot. Although I suspect there will be axes for sale in the shop and bring and buy.

I will not be selling axes so there will be no pressure sales pitch of one style over another.

Once you have a better understanding of the tool and how to get the most from it you will be able to make a more informed choice on the right tool for your intended use.

I will tailor the course to meet your requirements so you learn the skills your going to need.

 

[Robson Valley]

What an extraordinary opportunity = try before you buy and all sorts of designs to work with.
No axe is any damn good whatsoever if you cannot maintain the edge.

 

[Janne]

What an extraordinary opportunity = try before you buy and all sorts of designs to work with.
No axe is any damn good whatsoever if you cannot maintain the edge.

+1!

And if you know how to use an axe, you can still do a good job with a lower quality one.

 

[Wayne]

What an extraordinary opportunity = try before you buy and all sorts of designs to work with.
No axe is any damn good whatsoever if you cannot maintain the edge.

I agree that's why we will be covering maintenance, storage and of course sharpening. I am a bit of a sharpening stone nut and cant pass a sharpening stone if i don't own one already.

 

[Gingerbread]

Thanks everyone, I've booked myself onto the course, I haven't brought an axe yet, so I'll just wait until after I've been on the course. In terms of restoring axes, I've read guides in the past (I think there was one in Bushcraft Magazine sometime last year) but I lack the workshop space/ tools to be doing this, otherwise it'd be something I'd have a go at.

 

[mrcharly]

All you really need are a file, some sandpaper (preferably decent quality wet and dry) and patience.

 

[Wayne]

Thanks everyone, I've booked myself onto the course, I haven't brought an axe yet, so I'll just wait until after I've been on the course. In terms of restoring axes, I've read guides in the past (I think there was one in Bushcraft Magazine sometime last year) but I lack the workshop space/ tools to be doing this, otherwise it'd be something I'd have a go at.

Cool will be good to have you on board. Remember ask lots of questions and by the end of the course and the moot you will be a seasoned axeman. Happy to restore any sharp that comes your way

 

[ceryni]

I've been tempted to pick up a robin wood hand axe. They're 40 odd quid and look fantastic.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[Suwarrow]

Hi Wayne, can I ask if you'll be running any more Axe Skills courses?
Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the Bush Moot but would be very interested in attending one (I can't see anything similar on your Forest Knights website).

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[PiterM]

Hultafors Classic... easy to use, sharp, solid, priced well below GB: