Which axe as a good startin point??

[hawsome34]

Does anybody have any good suggestions which axe would be the best option to start learning with?

Bearing in mind I wouldn't want to buy, then have to sell or put in the back of the shed as it becomes obselete as I pick up skills and techniques.

A lot of friends have mentioed the GB small forest axe? Does anyone know of a stockist in the northwest UK, and of any courses in the same area?

Cheers for your help.

 

[match]

There's an ongoing discussion on BCUK about GB versus Wetterlings axes, with each side having its fans.

Having tried both, I'm a Wetterlings fan, but that aside, for most tasks they're pretty equal - at least unless you're using an axe 24/7 and want to specialise with what you use it for.

However, the Wetterlings are significantly cheaper than the GB - at around 25 qud for their SFA equivalent.

 

[Stew]

Depending on how much you're intending to do, a Fiskars hatchet might suit you fine - it has me!

 

[happy camper]

Hello
there is lots of info. and advice about which axe to choose on the site if you search. Opinions obviously vary but often come back to the gransfors sfa. It really is an excellent and versatile axe and i don't think it could become obsolete, so no worries on that front. The wetterlings long hunting axe is very similiar in its design/dimensions and is meant to be both an excellent performer and slightly cheaper, i think the compromise is on the fit and finish as it's not quite as sharp, or pretty, out of the box, but apparently it can be brought up to scratch very easily. Another option is the roselli, which is quite unusual, the most expensive of the three, but an excellent and beautifully made tool.
here's an article comparing the gransfors smallforest axe with the wetterlings...
http://www.outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=147
and here's one comparing it with the roselli...
http://www.outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=71
As far as a supplier, i'd recommend outdoorcode, who is a member here, i think he does all three, his prices are excellent and his service is very good and very quick.
cheers and i hope this helps

 

[Shinken]

personally i like gransfors, from word go QUALITY!