Large Felling Axe quesiton over 4lbs - UK brands/ UK Buys?

[eddieb]

HI All, Im only curious as i dont want one
We (I) use a lot of scandinavian axes up to around the 2.5lb sizes which are great for the bushcrafting and forest work we do. But i was curious to the larger axes that are available to buy in the UK.

Now in the common hardwear retail store i see large axes and i can just see that the steel and build isnt that great at all, so where are people buying quality steel larger felling and splitting axes (not mauls) and good quality?

Basically i have only seen cheap axes in our shops and then i have seen some bespoke type blacksmiths that make and sell some that are looking high end i.e. thornwood forge. ut surely theyre not the entire market are they for quality large axes?

 

[slimshady]

Secondhand , carboot sales, etc. Buy old, make new handle, jobs a good 'un. Cheaper than Gransfors.
Alex.

 

[stonepark]

Hultafors HY10 - 1.5kg are decent, though have increased in price over last few years (about £75 to £80 now).

Hultafors felling axe HY 10-1.5 SV, 840185

Hultafors felling axe HY 10-1.5 SV, 840185: Handle/head: hickory/Swedish axe steel Total length: 80,3 cm Weight axe head: 1500 grams Weight: 2275 gram

www.knivesandtools.co.uk

Agdor Felling Axe 1500g

Felling Axe at a Great Price An axe suitable for small-scale felling, made from blasted and clear-lacquered ironwork. The shaft is curved and made from hickory. The axe is hand-forged and made from Swedish axe steel using traditional methods in use since 1697. Has a clear tempered zone within...

casstrom.co.uk

 

[scruff]

I've been working on a 4 1/2lb Yorkshire Pattern (Skinner & Johnson) this week. It's really a labour of love though as it's a lump! If it wasn't for Cubitron I wouldn't have even started it.

Second hand is definitely the way though, fleabay ftw!

 

[Longstrider]

I can only reiterate the above. If you want a , good quality, brand new 'felling' axe you will either have to bite the bullet and fork out 'serious' money for an imported item or a hand-made axe done by a skilled 'smith.

A better option is to watch E-bay and try buying an axe made by one of the old British companies that made good tools. Even if you have to source and fit a new helve it'll be a far better axe than something bought today from B+Q.

To my mind a 4lb axe is not a 'feller'. It's more of a topping axe or large snedding axe. My own felling axe is an ancient, but highly efficient Elwell 7.

For an imported tool of over 4lbs and of good quality you will do a lot worse than consider the Gransfor Bruk American Felling Axe .. if you a couple of hundred to splash out.

 

[Broch]

I have 'brought back to life' a number of old British made axes - from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Until a few years ago you could get them very cheaply on car boot sales - 50p for a ChipChop and maybe a fiver for a large Elwell. Sadly, those days are gone.