Pappa said:
I'm sure this question's been asked before, but the forum search won't let me search for the phrase "which axe", or the word axe.
I'm looking for a small, portable axe, and I was wondering if you could recommend one. I don't mind shelling out a bit more for good quality.
Pappa
How portable is portable?
Mini-hatchet (12" long or so, <= 1lb weight) - The GB mini axe is good, and I've heard good things about the Vaughan mini. My GB mini may come up for sale if I've still not used it much by Spring...
Hatchet (bigger, heavier, definition varies) GB wildlife, Wetterlings short hunter(?). I have a host of cheap junkers instead from my Viking reenacting days.
Half axe (GB SFA size ie 20 oz hatchet head on a ~20" handle) I like the SFA, but it *is* just a long handled hatchet. The Wetterlings and Rosellis are also reputedly good, though the Roselli is "non standard".
3/4 axe (GB Scandinavian Forest Axe, about a 2-21/2lb head on a 24" handle)
All small/portable by certain definitions (ie I am aware of bigger axes). A half axe is generally a fair compromise, bit OTT for UK use in fact...I find the mini a bit *too* mini, but I'm a BF&I type...I usually carry a cheap spear and Jackson hatchet that I rehandled...
There's some Swedish army issue axes on ebay at present for a tenner. Swedish people like axes, and my experience of Swedish Army surplus dictates I must buy one. Dunno how big they are...
HTH,
Jim.