Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Which Axe, again?

There is... I apologize to the rest of the group, but not Brad.

I call bullshit when I see it.

I'm not famaliar with Condor axes but it might be an option. There are other budget minded axes and tools out there and even some from Europe. Bahco makes axes and the ones I've seen are hafted with ash. Helco of Germany makes competively priced axes and some of their models like the Yankee and Classic are hafted with hickory (my preference).

Here's an link
http://www.helkonorthamerica.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=80

I have a Bahco, Really nice performing axe but you need to sharpen it yourself and make a sheath. Ben's Backwoods and 4 dog stove both carry them.

People have had the handle break but mine has been good so far.

I don't have extensive backpack hunting under my belt but if someone wants to carry an ax in Death Valley what business is it of yours.

Dude! You have a serious ax addiction. The best cure would be for you to send all but one of your axes to me

I do have axe issues! The problem with your suggestion is which one do I keep? Lol.

I could probably advise you there. You can keep anything I don't already have.
Beats the Hell of of collecting Stamps:)

You guys aren't going to believe this....

I actually used an axe at work today.

I am sorry to hear that, better luck tomorrow.

I just ordered up a Wetterlings small hunters axe. I think it will fit my needs quite nicely. And if not, well thats an excuse to buy another.

What did that set you back?



Travis

I hate computers too....

Why is always 120 degrees in Kalispell?



Travis

It was $80 shipped, but then the small outfit I ordered it from called a little bit ago, and said they don't actually have any. So they cancelled my order.

So is Wetterlings or Hultafors better, or about the same?

As you might imagine, Wetterlings, Hultafors, and Gr�nsfors Bruk axes are all common here in Sweden where all are made.

After looking lots of examples of all three brands (and a smaller brand whose name I can't think of right now), at a number of stores, I see fairly small differences in the design of their heads.

I haven't used the Wetterling or Hultafors so I can't comment on the steel or tempering, but many of the guys I have hunted with have Gr�nfors Bruk so I have used them quite a bit. I am impressed with how sharp they come, how hard the edges are and how the polls are softer (as they should be).

However, I have seen both Wetterling and Hultafors sometimes come with handles with bad grain alignment, making for a weaker handle. By "sometimes", I'd guess perhaps 20% of the Wetterling and Hultafors I have seen in stores. Of course how far a handle has to be from perfect grain alignment to be "bad" is subjective and I just using my judgement as a woodworker.

I have not seen a Gr�nsfors Bruk axe or hatchet with what I would consider "bad" grain alignment, although a few were not ideal in my opinion.

Overall, I'd say that if you can pick out the very axe or hatchet that you will purchase, just pay attention to the grain in the handle and you will be fine with any of the three brands.

If you are getting your chopper via mail order, I think Gr�nfors Bruk is the safest bet -- I think they just pay more attention to grain flow than the other two makers.

John

I have an old single bit, 2 1/2 pound head on a sawed-off handle which I carry often. Truth is though, a saw is much more useful than an axe anywhere I've gone. On one fifteen day trip I spent two days cutting through slide alder whilst trying to take an ill-advised shortcut. The folding saw was of much greater value than the axe. Likewise for cutting firewood.
I have carried a light hatchet and consider it to be of less value than the heavier axe.
I have an Estwing axe which I bought just because I like the look of it but I never strap it to the pack. It's not a great wood chopping axe though it is a great elk splitter. GD

Something you fellows have available there is the 3/4 axe, I have never seen one here and suspect it would be a handy item to carry for the camp.


Chainsaw is better.

You should use one to cut off your head.

You obviously have no [bleep] BRAINS in it.

Auzzie Troll.

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