Gransfors Large Carving Hatchet

[bb07]

I've just seen this for the first time. Do any of you have any knowledge of this hatchet? I'm wondering if it would be a good (lighter) alternative to the Swedish Carving Axe.
It does look very similar to the Wildlife Hatchet (head, not handle) though, and certainly wouldn't perform like the Swedish Carving Axe, I don't think. Thoughts?


Gransfors Large Carving Hatchet : Centre Grind - £66.95 : Woodland Craft Supplies

 

[robin wood]

It is a wildlife hatchet head with a red beach handle. I find some folk prefer the weight of the wildlife hatchet to the heavier carving axe. The head shape is not the perfect shape for carving but it works well enough, I can be very happy using this tool. The red beech handles are lovely and worth the extra £10 or so on either this or the carving axe.

 

[bb07]

Thanks for the info Robin. I thought at first that it might be something completely new.

 

[Lyope]

I have this axe, with the posh handle and an asymmetrical grind for right handed carvers. In fact, it was the axe that accompanied me on Fritiof Runhall's spoon carving course, organised by Robin last month.

Having had a chance to compare it against Robin's Swedish Carving Axes, I think I made the right choice. And not just because I'm a feek and weeble gurl, either. It's easier to control for a novice and for spoons, I think it's almost perfect.

The main difference that might make you want to go for the Swedish Carving Axe is that it's got a bigger, curved blade. Which means you can do more effective slicing cuts and waste wood faster. If you're doing bowls and stuff, that might be a big advantage, I don't know - I don't carve bowls. Yet. The downside is that it's heavier and you'll tire faster if you're not so strong.