Wetterlings Axe

[MikaelMazz]

Does any one have a Wetterlings axe? I have heard alot of good stuff about them and 50 or 60 dollars does not seem to bad for a good quality axe. I have used a 12" axe that I litterly pulled out of the ground(and it is a very good axe with good steel) for many years and cut hardwood trees down up to about ten inches with it, but somthing bigger would help for heuvyer work. I bought a larger axe from a local store and the grind is wrong and the steel is not very good.
What do you think of Wetterling axes? Is the 26" forest axe a good choise?
I want something that will last me a lifetime.
Any other suggestions for a good axe would be welcome.
Here is a link.
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Categories?category=Axes:Wetterlings
Thanks,
Mikael

 

[squirrelhunter23]

i have one and for the money its the best axe to own. i carry it all the time all year round. can't beat it holds an edge and won't cause undo fatigue with use, plus its not too heavy.

 

[dogwood]

Great axes. You can't go wrong with a Wetterlings.

The company went through a tough spot few years ago -- some quality control problems -- but they're back to consistently producing marvelous axes.

Get one and don't look back -- you'll be glad you did.

 

[wolf_diver]

I Got one and im happy with it, except for the blade mask looks a little cheap.

 

[Bmatt]

I have the Wetterlings Large Hunting Axe (about 20" long). I had heard about some issues with the axe and how they're supposed to be so inferior to Gränsfors Bruks, but mine came absolutely shaving sharp with an almost perfect grain and a perfectly aligned head. The mask/sheath is very rugged and well constructed. I have only used the axe a few times, but I can tell it is a real winner. Got mine for $51. It's a well-crafted axe that's worth the money. The axe you're looking at looks like a good choice as well.

BTW, I have seen GB axes in person, and I think the fit and finish looked no better than my Wetterlings.

 

[Tor helge]

I second what Bmatt said.
I have the 15" hunters axe and is very pleased with it.

Tor

 

[MikaelMazz]

So I wont have to worry about having to regrind it and the head will be alined properly?

What would be the best place to get one? A site from the U.S would be best.

Thanks for all your input.
Mikael

 

[British Red]

I would worry. I would worry a lot!

I have handled three Wetterlings lately. Every one of them looked to have been ground by a blind man with a house brick.

Now all of them made great axes with some work. But the work involved a complete re-grind - involving many hours with a mill ******* file or, on one occasion, a slack belt sander.

I love Wetterling axes. But their grind work is bloody woeful and has been for several years. It might be that the ten I have handled have been exceptions - but I doubt it, They are great axes, but don't, please don't, buy one without looking it over unless you are willing to do a complete reprofile.

Your money. Your call.

Red

 

[MikaelMazz]

Dogwood said that their quality control is now better. Is this true?
When where the ones you talk about made?
Thanks
Mikael

 

[British Red]

I can't tell when they were made - they were sold last year. If they have improved that's great - but how will you be sure?

My advice is to check the item over before you buy - so shop in person not online if possible!

Red

 

[dogwood]

I can't tell when they were made - they were sold last year. If they have improved that's great - but how will you be sure?

My advice is to check the item over before you buy - so shop in person not online if possible!

Red

Red,

All of the ones I've seen for the last year here in the states have been very good. This has also been the experience of others I've known.

Now, between 2 and 5 years ago, there were issues aplenty. But ever since the sale of the company to the same guy who own GB, it seems that his commitments about fixing the problems with quality control have been met.

At least that's been my experience here and the experience of everyone I know in the states. But naturally, YMMV.

 

[dogwood]

So I wont have to worry about having to regrind it and the head will be alined properly?

What would be the best place to get one? A site from the U.S would be best.

Thanks for all your input.
Mikael

Here in the states, I think that Ben's Backwoods www.bensbackwoods.com is the best place to get Wetterlings. The prices are good and the service there is great.

 

[British Red]

Red,

All of the ones I've seen for the last year here in the states have been very good. This has also been the experience of others I've known.

Now, between 2 and 5 years ago, there were issues aplenty. But ever since the sale of the company to the same guy who own GB, it seems that his commitments about fixing the problems with quality control have been met.

At least that's been my experience here and the experience of everyone I know in the states. But naturally, YMMV.

I hope its true - its certainly not so nearer the "source". Either way, I think the advice to handle it, check it over and be happy with it before paying is sensible - mind you it is for GB too - I've seen a few shoddy ones of them too!

Red

 

[Bmatt]

What would be the best place to get one? A site from the U.S would be best.

I bought my LHA from www.crystalfallstradingcompany.com last year. Shipping was super fast.

 

[Boston973]

I got mine from Bens backwoods
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=51

I was a disapointed at first when I got it. there were definetly alot of small imperfections and a the Grind was horible. I only got it a few months ago. However after a few hours of tender care, filing, sanding and sharpening I love the thing. The alighnement is great and the grain on the hadle is fine. The steel is superb and since that last time sharpening it i have used it several times and its still sharp as heck.

Here are soem pics of it right out of the box.
Here you can see a bit of just how bad the grind was

 

[Dave Budd]

I've got a couple of wetterlings axes and several gransfors, as well as lots of other brands. I try to use all of my axes so that I get a feel for which is better for particular things (lots of toys so I may as well pick favourites )

BR is right in that the wetterlings are not well finshed out of the box, certainly compared to gransfors axes. But they are half the price and if you can't sort out a poorly ground/sharpened axe then you shouldn't be using it! I almost universaly prefer my wetterlings to my gransfors as it happens.

like underwear, it's all personal preference.

 

[Peter_t]

But they are half the price and if you can't sort out a poorly ground/sharpened axe then you shouldn't be using it!

exactly my thoughts! somewhere allong the line your gona hit something hard and get a big chip in your blade.

btw what is it you prefer about wetterlings over gransfors? i have no real experience with either, only five minutes with a wildlife hatchet which was nice but i would never pay that much for one.

pete

 

[Schwert]

I highly recommend Ben at Ben'sBackwoods....good fellow.

My only Wetterlings is the felling that I bought several years ago...same general comments as others...it needed a good bit of edge work, but otherwise was perfect for the price paid.

I am looking at their new mini...which seems massively better than the GB mini (size and shape wise).

I would not hesitate at all to order from Ben.

 

[British Red]

I have one of those Schwert (the mini that is) - stunning little axe. I really like it a lot and its a lot "meatier" than the GB.

If you look around somewhere theres a photo of it next to Singtecks GB mini which might give you a direct comparison (or at least there was a couple of years ago)

I think Mr Budd hit the nail on the head with his comments - there is nothing wrong with a Wetterlings - indeed two of my favorite axes are Wetterlings. You probably will need to work on the bevel but its good practice for when you dink your Enockson or Lee Reeves

I did a tutorial on how to do it with loads of pictures - no fancy kit required - a mill b@stard fill, some cheap diamond hones and wet & dry paper. and you will be slicing paper in a few hours
Red

 

[Dave Budd]

GB axes in my box thus far are the wildlife hatchet, SFA and the carving axe; though I have played with other peoples felling axe, mni hatchet and carpenters axes for more than 5 minutes.

Wetterlings, I only have the hatchet now but I did have teh next one up (similar to SFA size) and Husqvarna axes have the wetterlings logo on them so I guess same factory?. Again, played with others axes when the opertunity arises.

I mostly use hatchets day to day (the other axes are specialised tools in my opinion, except for the sfa which I don't use much as it isn't the best tool for any job I do). So I have most experience with the wetterlings and GB hatchets. I like the slightly shorter fatter handle of the wetterlings (though my GB is quite old and the hadnles have changed since I bought it), I also like the slightly thicker blade.