The Best mades are re-branded CT Velvicuts (CT's high end line - better steel, handles and fit and finish), so they're really $120 axes marked up.
Camp Axe Suggestions
- Thread starter LittleBlueSubaru
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The Best mades are re-branded CT Velvicuts (CT's high end line - better steel, handles and fit and finish), so they're really $120 axes marked up.
Tigerstripe40
SILVER Star
I did some research on axes and for a good axe,
Husquvarna has some good stuff in the $40 range.
Gransfors Bruks seems to make good stuff, but it's kind of pricey. $175 for a hunters axe.
If money were no object, I'd probably get a couple John Neeman axes. But HOLY COW!
Husquvarna has some good stuff in the $40 range.
Gransfors Bruks seems to make good stuff, but it's kind of pricey. $175 for a hunters axe.
If money were no object, I'd probably get a couple John Neeman axes. But HOLY COW!
What sharpening stone do I use with my axe? It's the Fiskar 17 I see sharpening stones at Lowes, and Home Depot but they look like they are just for knives.
Max.Powerzz
Cruisers and Art!
My wife got me this Swiss Army surplus Axe for Christmas, best camp axe I've ever had. Not a pocket knife 
, but a real 50 year old army surplus axe from blade hq http://www.garrettwade.com/product.asp?splid=mob&pn=04D04.11
, but a real 50 year old army surplus axe from blade hq http://www.garrettwade.com/product.asp?splid=mob&pn=04D04.11
Adventure Ready
Uncommon Adventure Equipment
Appear to be back in stock many places in the US.
Adventure Ready
Uncommon Adventure Equipment
Swedish steel is regarded as the highest quality around. It holds an edge better than most any other make and is exceptionally hard and durable. The fit and finish of the axes is also superb - the heads almost never come loose even after decades of use. Out of the box mine they are razor sharp (no exaggeration, the edge is insane) and perfectly balanced. They simply have a reputation for never failing. Like a Cruiser vs. a Jeep. 
Saddletramp
GOLD Star
I like your comparison, Gransfors Bruk is the LandCruiser of axes. It will never let you down and you will own it for life.
Dirty Koala
SILVER Star
I have a Gransfors Bruk Forest Axe. It feels very nice in the hand, well balanced, very sharp, and is a fine piece of craftsmanship. A little pricey, but quality usually is.
Saddletramp
GOLD Star
I own two, the American Felling axe and the Forest axe and they are made so well that mine will be passed down to my son someday and probably outlast him.
Dirty Koala
SILVER Star
Funny you should mention that. My wife is due in about 2 weeks with our first son. When I bought my axe about a year ago, I said the same thing...this will be passed down when we have a son.
If you guys want a heritage tool on the cheap that has way more meaning behind it than a gfb(not saying theyre bad theyre actually excellent) you should try restoring an antique axe head. I have done several now as gifts for family members and personal use and the quality of the steel is unparalleled for the price point.
A picture of a before and after on a stanley, all hand sanded and sharpened, no grinders or anything pnuematic.
A picture of a before and after on a stanley, all hand sanded and sharpened, no grinders or anything pnuematic.
NLXTACY
Wits' End
Love that photo!
Tigerstripe40
SILVER Star
Husqvarna axes seem to be very well reviewed and inexpensive.
I just got a Husqvarna hatchet. It was $42 shipped and many of the reviewers have stated that they are as good as the GFB axes.
Also hand made in Sweden.
I just got a Husqvarna hatchet. It was $42 shipped and many of the reviewers have stated that they are as good as the GFB axes.
Also hand made in Sweden.
From what ive read unless things have changed very rescently theyre wetterlings produced(another excellent brand) and have the highest value for a new axe imo in the price bracket.
Tigerstripe40
SILVER Star
It appears they are using Hultafors since 2011.
http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2011/11/husqvarna-forest-axe-review.html
I got the hatchet, and it was pretty sharp out of the box, but there was a little bit of flash on the edge of the axe. A couple strokes with a file and a quick rub with a stone took care of that. It wasn't razor sharp out of the box, but after using the hone, it was shaving sharp.
Ah thank you. For some reason i thought it was wetterlings but makes more sense if its hults.
It's worth that because you can chop through nails and it still has a good edge--Well, at least one nail in the log that it went through----plus it is a hand-made implement-something that a craftsman put his heart into to make it the best it can be--unlike the mass-produced "good enough for a year" stuff that's prevalent on the market today.
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Just bought one of the Husqvarna forest axes this weekend, locally. It's got great balance, and is just the right size, sharp too. It's a good thing the weather has been foul here, it has me looking longingly at some of the small trees on my property.
I'm so stoked guys, i had to share my own experience today.
- yesterday i visited a lady who i now know as a usedstuff re-seller, she doen't really know what she's got, but she has a good eye.
-bought a ton of great stuff, but she was firm on the axe, which i spotted in her ad. Man with LandCruiser needs axe, me thinks - to last a lifetime!
http://www.usedvictoria.com/classif...r-Hoses--so-much-more-of-other-stuff_23976134
^here is the link to the ad, if really curious..
-i've been looking for a good while and in the end she was firm at getting $20 bucks, which i thought was steep. i bought a lot of great tools and a mint coleman 444 stove, and got an incredible deal overall, which i might resist elaborating on.
yesterday this axe had some minor mildew on the handle, and little rust on the painted black head, little pitting and a sharp edge, and tight fitting head, with a hickory handle..
today and im cleaning it up, insert pictures:
my clean up reveals letters MADE IN SWEDEN - what!
then i see a stamp with lettering GBA - whats this? it appears to be a gransford bruks
i won the axe lottery. i suggest the one that's best is this, cause i feel elated.
it's a 3lb head and 30 1/2 " overall length. "perfect, but it will have to do."
- yesterday i visited a lady who i now know as a usedstuff re-seller, she doen't really know what she's got, but she has a good eye.
-bought a ton of great stuff, but she was firm on the axe, which i spotted in her ad. Man with LandCruiser needs axe, me thinks - to last a lifetime!
http://www.usedvictoria.com/classif...r-Hoses--so-much-more-of-other-stuff_23976134
^here is the link to the ad, if really curious..
-i've been looking for a good while and in the end she was firm at getting $20 bucks, which i thought was steep. i bought a lot of great tools and a mint coleman 444 stove, and got an incredible deal overall, which i might resist elaborating on.
yesterday this axe had some minor mildew on the handle, and little rust on the painted black head, little pitting and a sharp edge, and tight fitting head, with a hickory handle..
today and im cleaning it up, insert pictures:
my clean up reveals letters MADE IN SWEDEN - what!
then i see a stamp with lettering GBA - whats this? it appears to be a gransford bruks
i won the axe lottery. i suggest the one that's best is this, cause i feel elated.
it's a 3lb head and 30 1/2 " overall length. "perfect, but it will have to do."
