which axe for general carving

[baggins]

hi Folks,
i've just refound my wood working mojo, dusted off my draw knife and crook knife and started on a couple of small projects. my Axe is a cheap hatchet so i have been looking at getting a dedicated axe for roughing out and carving. looking at the GB range, i am at a loss as to what would be the better axe to go for. the carpenters, the Swedish carving axe or the carving hatchet?
what do folks here use and recommend.

 

[Disco1]

Have a look at the Robin Wood axe http://www.robin-wood.co.uk/shop/the-robin-wood-axe/

 

[baggins]

nice one, not that it makes my decision any easier, just adds another to my short list, lol!

 

[beezer]

look out for a kent pattern axe head on flebay. you can get them for about a 10er, then you get to make your own handle.

 

[Robson Valley]

The Stubai Carver's adze is OK, about a 7/75 sweep. Overpriced and really awkward to learn to keep carving sharp.

 

[Hammock Hamster]

Hi Baggins, I use or have used most of the non specialist GB axes and can highly recommend them.
Which one to choose would depend quite a bit in what sort of carving you plan on doing. Unless your looking at cutting out joints and mortises forget the carpenters axe, it doesn't lend itself to other types of carving.
I now only use two carving axes the Swedish carving axe which is great for most types of carving and a GB mini hatchet which also works well for most things. The former is obviously heavier and can be a chore for really long carving sessions but the extra weight also helps with fast stock removal. The mini hatchet is great to use all day long and also fits in your pocket but the head is lighter if you want to do heavy work.

I know that probably raises more questions than it answers but hopefully some food for thought.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[baggins]

thats great, thanks guys.
HH, that was exactly what i wanted to know. the mini is probably too light for what i'm after, so the Swed is more than likely the fav at the mo. Heavy stock removal for bowls etc.
now to decide on either a left hander or double bevel.heard mixed reviews on the newer single bevel ones.

 

[Hammock Hamster]

I'm right handed and mine has a right hand bias which seems to work well for me. I used a double beveled one some time back and didn't get on with it too well


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[baggins]

nice one. thanks for that.

 

[overclocker_kris]

i have the right handed carving axe from gb, and i have over time made it so it is only a little bit right hand biased. i found i kept digging in or glancing my knuckles as it was from the factory grind. i do like the axe and i would recommend, but i would also say you learn your tools. and its great to know a tool inside and out weaher it be a £10 hatchet or a £200 carving axe.

 

[Braidsta]

SA Wetterlings wilderness hatchet for me, I had a go with a GB (name escapes me, it was highly recommended) and my hand just didn't like it as much, I'm glad I persevered and found the wilderness hatchet, designed for carving or not, I don't know.

 

[Gary Elson]

Hi baggins
I am the proud owner of both a GB SFA and a left handed Gb Swedish carving axe plus some other stuff
Secondly I also live in Warwickshire (about 3 miles north of Coventry) but only have a limited supply of timber at the moment
Could possibly spare you an hour if that would help etc
Regards
Gary