This is what I want.Gransfors Bruks Splitting axe
Camp Axe Suggestions
- Thread starter LittleBlueSubaru
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From your choices, it sounds like large pieces of knotted hardwood are not a consideration. I have found my estwing to be very useful. It has enough size and weight to swing with force, then can be pounded with a sledge if necessary. It can also be well sharpened.
What makes an axe worth $120??
Damn.. I always say "You can tell alot about a guy by his Axe collection" well maybe not always, but when I see a collection like that we have a real man on our hands.
I use the Eastwing 26" it works well as an all around Axe, but is not a "splitting Axe" by any means.
That is why I said I want one. I don't own one. I have been to the shop and held one. It is a work of art. That is one of their cheaper axes too.
I don't understand the need for a work of art to turn big pieces of wood into small pieces of wood.
And, you can't even hit the flat end with a mallet..
Some people don't understand why someone needs a Corvette ZO6, when a Aveo, will get you around just fine.I don't understand the need for a work of art to turn big pieces of wood into small pieces of wood.
And, you can't even hit the flat end with a mallet..
And the Vette won't even carry four people...
Some people don't understand why someone needs a Corvette ZO6, when a Aveo, will get you around just fine.
And the Vette won't even carry four people...
Not exactly an apples to oranges comparison...
There are serious performance upgrades between the two..
Are the $120 axes that much "better" at turning big wood into small wood.
OK, how about we substitute Camry and Lexus ES? Or an IKEA kitchen cabinet, versus a custom made hardwood cabinet with dovetail joints, and finished by hand. Both may have the exact same functionality, durability, and similar look. The point is, some people value one thing, others value something else...
None of your comparisons have the exact same functionality, durability and look. In order to pay more for something you need to get something more out of it. Even if that "more" is just a name. Otherwise you are pretty much dumping your money into the trash.
And that is my question. What makes these axes worth $120 to a person. Lingo apparently does not feel they are worth it to him (at least not yet). So what makes these axes really nice? Do they hold an edge longer than others? Is the balance while cutting that much better?
Any excuse works really.
"Cause I want the most expensive axe I can find" works.
As does.
"Paul Bunyon had one, I like Paul Bunyon.."
Or even
"Cause it's cool"
I have gotten to hold one and it does have a much nicer balance than the splitting maul that I bought at my local hardware store. The materials used to produce the axe also seem to be of a high grade. Now having said that I am too cheap to buy one myself. I think that it is a very nice tool and one day I may have one. I do appreciate craftsmanship. I feel that finely made items that are made by true craftsman are worth more money, especially from dying arts such as blacksmithing.
Gransfors Bruks are each made by a Blacksmith in Sweden. They are not mass produced.
Gransfors Bruks U.S. - Axes
Here is their main web page.
http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/index.html
Gransfors Bruks U.S. - Axes
Here is their main web page.
http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/index.html
land crusher
Morgen, morgen nur nicht heute...
Quality of the steel/blade. They hold an excellent edge.
Also, the handle. Finding a good ax handle with properly aligned grain is a real bitch these days.
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- Thread starter
- #37
I wanted to thank all who responded. I ended up getting the Fiskers Pro Splitting Axe. Although I don't think I would split cords with this thing, it is great for splitting, actually resplitting wood at the camp site. The unbreakable handle really sold it, kids will have a hard time breaking it. Thanks again and happy camping.
Now that is something that I actually had not thought about (stupid of me). Watched a neat show on Axes on the history channel tonight. Cool stuff!!!
Wow, there is a $769 axe on that link Dan posted
As D'Animal points out, the Gransfors is a hand-made axe of the highest quality. The blade itself durably holds an edge when splitting high volumes of lumber. Additionally, each blade is precision finished so that the edge of the blade lines up perfectly with the swing axis of the handle. A Gransfors axe needs no conditioning or blade work to be 100% ready.
This is not true of most axes.
If you want quality and are wiling to pay for it, get a Gransfors.
If you want quality, but aren't wiling to pay for it and instead would prefer to work for it, get a Wetterlings.
Wetterlings axes are also hand-made and are also properly matched between the shaft and the axe head in terms of swing direction and grain. The missing step in Wetterlings is the blade prep itself. You have to prepare the blade yourself in terms of getting the bevel set and the blade sharpened. The good news is that (1) you should know how to do this anyway and (2) it saves you a ton of money.
If you want to get something that is useful in the wilderness for actually cutting wood, do not get a hatchet, get an axe. The length is worth it.
If you want a single axe that is versatile, strong, durable, well made, a good value then get the Wetterlings LHA (Large (or Long) Hunting Axe). I've been very happy with mine in a wide variety of backcountry applications.
Have fun
This is not true of most axes.
If you want quality and are wiling to pay for it, get a Gransfors.
If you want quality, but aren't wiling to pay for it and instead would prefer to work for it, get a Wetterlings.
Wetterlings axes are also hand-made and are also properly matched between the shaft and the axe head in terms of swing direction and grain. The missing step in Wetterlings is the blade prep itself. You have to prepare the blade yourself in terms of getting the bevel set and the blade sharpened. The good news is that (1) you should know how to do this anyway and (2) it saves you a ton of money.
If you want to get something that is useful in the wilderness for actually cutting wood, do not get a hatchet, get an axe. The length is worth it.
If you want a single axe that is versatile, strong, durable, well made, a good value then get the Wetterlings LHA (Large (or Long) Hunting Axe). I've been very happy with mine in a wide variety of backcountry applications.
Have fun
An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual, 9923-2823-MTDC, Index
excellent link if you are interested in axes.
Gransfors are very nice ... the little mini-hatchet is a great option to a sheath knife .. and along with a good folder will do most hunting chores up to - but not including - moose anyway.
Also look at Council Tools for good axes ... and American made!!
excellent link if you are interested in axes.
Gransfors are very nice ... the little mini-hatchet is a great option to a sheath knife .. and along with a good folder will do most hunting chores up to - but not including - moose anyway.
Also look at Council Tools for good axes ... and American made!!
