Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades Another ax thread

Something to use one handed, limbing, cutting saplings, splitting kindling, butchering, general purpose, carry on a pack or in the back of the truck.
Granfors bruks, hults bruk, others? Models?
Need help here, just haven't done the research to figure out what's available.

Axes was one topic i enjoyed Steelheads posts on.

Field grade knows some stuff on em also.

20" ish handle would be good I'm thinking. Something one hand-able but long enough to use two hands if needed.

Oh boy I love axe threads!!! Any good name in axes will probably work but I like the eastwing fire side companion. It's more like a small sledgehammer with the one end shaped like an axe. I haven't got one but think having one handy by the stove or fireplace makes sense. I think the heavy weight & steep angle would bust up kindling without having to swing a hatchet harder & may be some what safer in the house. But a hatchet is way more fun & definitely more useful. Maybe maybe not??? Bill out. 🐾👣🇨🇦

Got one. More of a mini splitting mail and excels as a 2lb hammer for driving stakes etc... Totally different purpose though.

I like this little dandy jack, think it’s the hand hatchet by GB... sharp little bugger, like skin a deer sharp.

Have you looked at the new Council Tool Sport Utility Flying Fox Woodsman Hatchet? I just played with one and plan on ordering one tomorrow. Maybe several for Christmas presents.

I have a Gransfors Wildlife Hatchet and a Small Forest Axe. Both are excellent tools.

Back lately as "Girlhunter"

An axe, I'd go a Council Sport Utility Hudson Bay,you can get them with 18" and 28" handles, or maybe a Husqvarna carpenter's axe.

I'm not a fan of short handled axes, but they do have the uses at times. That said, with what you want, I'd be looking at a Tomahawk.

Get a Cold Steel Frontier. They are a little rough to start with but CHEAP. Get a few handles, sharpen, removedthe set screw and reseat the head. Tomahawks are impressively useful. I've cut the [bleep] out saplings around the place up to 6" trees. You can also remove the head and just use it as a 'knife', skinning tool etc etc.

I've put together so damned many axes in the last year and have a basket full of heads and handles waiting. I'll snap you a few pics tomorrow to show you a few.

Like I said, don't underestimate the usefulness of a Hawk and if you are really out there and bust a handle, it's no trick to make a new one from a stick. No wedges needed.

I've also put some riggers/carpenter heads on longer handles that are quite useful. I also like putting hatchet sized heads (1 1/4 pound) on 24" handles. The swing past their weight class.

Aside from the Tomahawks, which have 22" handles, I generally don't use anything less than 24". The shorter they get, the more dangerous they become and less useful.

My Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe is one of my favorites. I have the Hults version also and that one has seen more use. Both are excellent light axes.

Guess I'm looking for a hatchet more than an axe. Post some pics if you could, I'd appreciate it.

That crkt burler is nice but their Freyr is real nice, bigger head, longer handle, more blade to it also. Kinda expensive but that's Canadian price. Cheaper for you guys, & not as expensive as the Graunsn, spell check we're are ya now ? I have a mini broad axe but I'm left handed, it's tr. I keep thinking I'll change it over to left but I don't use it much anymore, it's a keep sake from my uncle so I'll just leave it. Besides I can always buy a lefty. Bill out. 🐾👣🇨🇦

I'm also not a fan of the flat sided Swedish axes, I much prefer a convex head. I know 'everyone' thinks the Swedes are the axe gods, but truth is, American axe making in the late 1800's into the 1900's was the pinnacle of axe design.

Swedes dealt with lots of softwoods.

Hatchets tend to be neither fish nor fowl either, generally.

I'll get some pics up tomorrow of the different styles and show you also what you can do with a tomahawk. I haven't touched a hatchet in years, it's been tomahawks for the 'shorter' axes and mostly 28-36" for the bigger stuff, with a few 24" handles.

Tomahawks pack away easy, as it's just one rap on butt to remove the head. They are just held on by friction.

Damn, thanks. Look forward to seeing some pics.

If you get froggy before then, here:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015404579?pid=924170


Set screw has to be removed, sanded above the head, because they press it on and it creates a ridge in the wood that needs to be sanded down. I also remove the epoxy, sand and coat the handle with BLO, and reprofile/sharpen the head.

They truly are impressive for $20.

I have a BMC 26" hudson bay I'd part with....I flamed and BLO'ed the handle, cold blued the head and oiled the sheath. Just can't find a use for it, if anyone is interested at $160 shipped....

https://www.bestmadeco.com/products/hudson-bay-axe?taxon_id=1570

Kellory’s gonna gush.

Cold Steel Frontier tomahawk compared to Gransfors Wildlife hatchet.







As you can see, easy to remove head, just give it a rap on the butt (reverse it to seat head, give it a rap on the head end of handle, I do this against a log etc)






No wedge as in a traditional axe (this is a riggers axe head I put on a different handle, discussed below).




I dropped this tree this morning, bucked it in half and limbed it with the tomahawk. Took all of a few minutes. Limbing was one handed. You can really generate some speed with the 22" handle.

Using the hawk head alone makes it a handy tool for cutting meat, veggies, whatever the fugg and skinning. Plus makes travel with it a little easier if you want.









This one is a riggers (or carpenter's) axe head that I put on a handle I removed from a 36" full sized axe. I cut it down, reshaped handle and obviously shaped it to fit the much smaller eye on the riggers head, it's now a 23" handle.



It's about a 1 1/2 pound head but it also has the hardened hammer poll so you can drive stakes, nails, crush heads or whatever the fug you'd do with a hammer. I'm going to make another like it so I have one for each vehicle. One of these or the tomahawk would be my choice. Playing with game/food etc I'd pick the hawk. If you gonna be Johnny builder and hammer some shiet, go with the riggers. Though I do like the longer handle. Typically they come with 13-17 inch handles, again neither fish nor fowl.

Now, as my gift to you, if you decide to go either route (hawk or riggers), send to me and I'll fashion it right proper, that's assuming you aren't accustomed to working over axes.


Also, with the tomahawk, there might be the temptation to go to the bigger Cold Steel Rifleman's hawk. Don't do it. I have one, that I removed the poll from but it still has a smaller flat section you can hammer with. That said, it's enough bigger/heavier to make one handed use not that great. After playing with a bunch of them, I've found the Frontier version to be the best all around choice.

Frontier compared to Rifleman's hawk.

Frontier Hawk compared to a Council Sport Utility 28" Hudson Bay (1.75 pound head)




I know this is likely bigger than you want, but it's a hatchet head (1.3 pounds) that I put on a boys axe handle (28"). It's a frigging beast and you can really get the speed going with it (Wildlife hatchet pictured with it).

Oh, and if you think the 22" handle on the hawk is a little long, cut the fugger down. It's a straight handle so you can make it any length you want.

You can have a 14" handle for it to put in your pack, a 22" handle for cutting shiet around camp, whatever you want.

Good thread, I appreciate the pics and comparisons.

Yes sir. I have lots of other axes if anything interests you.

The biggest problem with many American axes is too high a center line, especially newer axes. Good for splitting but not for much else. Best to reprofile and give more of a convex edge. I'll see if I can get some pics to better explain in the next day or two. Snow tomorrow, so I'll be hunting.

I much prefer the Basque Felling ax and the Basque Splitting ax.

Felling axes and splitting axes are a bit different than what he's asking for.

Yup but the Basque make just about everything!

Not familiar with their line. Do you have a link to their hawks?


Still hard to beat a $15 dollar American head, a new piece of hickory and a little sweat, but that' me.

When you figure out what you want, an axe or hatchet you might want to consider these.

Eastwing "Carpenters" 13" 2 lbs. . Stacked leather handle. Very versatile around camp or hunting.


Snow & Nealley Hudson Bay 24" 3.2 lbs.

The Estwings can be a little 'tiring' on the hands with the metal handle and they are heavy.

Agreed on the HB, they are a good all around, master of none axe, if you want that added length/weight. That's not being sarcastic.


I scuffed at hawks since forever, but have changed my tune that past few years, for a carry around/hunt with kind of axe.

I love axes/hatchets

Probably my favorite got off the old man, he has a twin to it that needs a handle

RIght?

I'm old and retired, so I haven't touched a chainsaw in years. Not that I won't in the future and not that I have anything against them. Just that I have time and there is something relaxing about the chop, chop, chop of an axe.

One has to appreciate the history of American axe making, and cutting [bleep] up with a 100 year old axe. I'll never tell you that are more efficient than a chainsaw, or a hand saw in many situations. But they are enjoyable and allow an older guy to get a little mid-winter exercise and enjoy 'nature' without smelling gasoline and oil.

Yes there is a line let me find a link. I think most guys tend to order from a maker on a semi-custom or custom base from Spain.

Very cool Kelly broad hatchet.

An Axe to Grind manual, good read for axe lovers.


An Axe to Grind

Granddad's broadaxe (off set handle) and hatchet.

Oh ya, if they could tell stories!! I love old stuff...

👍

Few I just enjoy lookin at
image hosting russia

Well now that you mention it..
I got this one a year ago. I think I was told the head was #1.25 - 1.5 (I can't recall exactly). Fella guessed it was from the 30s or 40s. No marks on the head. The handle is quite narrow.
I got it thinking I would wear it from my belt and use it around camp to clear brush, etc. It's just a little long and a little heavy for comfortable one handed use.

Nice

Here’s one I bought off dale Howe last year, dunno if he forged the head or not??

This is sweet!

https://www.lamnia.com/en/p/41493/tools/hachas-jauregi-butcher-axe-carbon-2-00kg




When I was a kid I had an old meat cleaver I found in an outbuilding wall on the farm. That heavy cleaver supported a prolific fort building enterprise. Always building something, I was almost never without it. That is until I left it in the bottom of my radio flyer wagon under baskets of garden tomatoes put for sale up by the road. I always assumed it was stolen by a prospective tomato buyer. I suffered its loss for many years.

Girlhunter,

I'd be very interested in your comparison/review of Trail hawk, Frontier hawk, and Pipe hawk.

Kingston, that cleaver there I found in my barn when I bought this place years ago, cool piece

It's obviously a Hudson Bay pattern, looks like 1.5 to 1.75 pound head, from the pics. Lots of good 'no name' axes out there.

I don't have a Pipe Hawk but have had a Trail Hawk but gave it to a friend. A little smaller cutting edge than the Frontier but it certainly is a good way to go if you need a polled hawk.

Thanks

It's almost impossible for me to spend $150 on an axe when I get get a good, old school American head for $15 and a piece of hickory for $7 that will beat most anything made today.

Scott, where do you get your handles? Thanks

I can’t get post image to work. Looks like it’s down.

Ya me neither

I was getting them from House Handles in MO, but I was getting about 50% culls. Also be prepared to remove a lot of wood from them, but that's far better than not having enough to work with. About a year ago I found a local guy that runs a saw mill and makes handles, so that's my avenue right now.

Avoid Beaver Tooth handles.

Also, Whiskey River has good handles, inventory is spotty and they are a bit pricey but they are good to go.

https://whiskeyrivertrading.com/collections/whiskey-river-premium-select-handles

Obliged

Snow & Nealley good quality or hype? The Hudson Bay model they make is slick looking.
Council 2# Hudson Bay too.

They used to be alright, but IIRC they then took production over seas. Then a couple years ago, they were bought and the new owner was restoring production in ME. This is all from fuzzy memory.

I've only seen them on Beans site recently.

I probably have an original one. If you want it I’ll look.

I've read the heads are made someplace in the mid-west and assembled in Maine. I've not laid my hands on a newer version.

I'd definitely be interested in one. Thanks Brian.

Good stuff! Thanks for "hanging" that.

Now that post image is up, here are two of my favorites.
The plumb needs a correct handle.

That Plumb would be fun to hang. Looks more like a Rockaway pattern.

Husqvarna axes are made in Sweden by Hults Bruks I think. Anyway they are quality for the price. I like to carry the 13 inch hatchet hiking. I also have the carpenters axe, but it is a little big to carry for me. I buy them on "sale" at amazon and use my free credit card points. I sharpen them up and give them away to friends. 40 bucks shipped is a good price point.

https://www.amazon.com/Husqvarna-57...ative=165953&creativeASIN=B00HC077GQ

https://www.awesomeaxes.com/husqvarna-carpenters-axe-review/

Either of these two Wetterlings axes would do the job. I bought the smaller one back in 2001, the 19 inch in 2009. Both have done everything I have asked of them. They are great tools in the woods for clearing downed trees off trails, making kindling, or cleaning a campsite. The smaller ax has even processed some hogs.

Oh, one a forgot. Pretty indestructible, Fiskars X15 23" axe


https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-Chop...Y2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

There are just too many good old axe heads around for cheap to spend $150, or more, on an axe in my opinion.

Hey gawdammit....You're blowing my sale...grin

should I drop the price to $140?

That wasn't directed your way! Yours is a quality piece.

Snow & Nealley® axes are being made once again in the USA thanks to an Amish man and his sons who bought the iconic brand. Caring deeply about their work, they drop forge each blade from high carbon steel, then hand-temper, grind and finish it. The result is top notch craftsmanship you'll notice.

My Snow & Nealley was bought in the late 1980's.

Girlhunter;
Good evening, I trust that this finds you well and you're as ready for Christmas as you hoped to be.

It would seem that axes are an affinity that crosses cultures and borders, thanks for the interesting photos and ideas on the various uses and types. In particular, I've got to agree with your thoughts that very good projects can be had for much less than $150USD, but then I seem to enjoy projects as much as axes....

We've got all sorts of "flea market" areas up here across the medicine line - typically on either Saturday or Sunday - where one can find all sorts of old used ax heads, usually in fair to good condition for very reasonable prices.

For years I picked up anything that looked to be made in Sweden as well as decent US made ones. Someday I'll empty the vehicles and take some photos of the finished ones as well as some of the interesting project heads still waiting handles.

Like you, I've been experimenting with longer handles on lighter heads and not only are they safer to use - further from one's own limbs, shins and such, but they're a different animal with an extra foot of handle somehow are they not?

For shorter stuff, I've been playing with reshaping roofing hammers into handy little 12oiz -14oz tomahawks which cut all out of proportion to their size. It doesn't hurt that they look sorta cool too.

Lastly, I've been fooling with a couple double bit axes - using them mainly for splitting and experimenting with different types of sharpening to see what works best.

Anyway, it's cool to know I'm not the only ax aficionado out there!

All the best to you and yours this Christmas season.

Dwayne

Agreed on the smaller heads on a longer handle. Much under appreciated. That said, I believe axes are an 'afterthought' in today's world.

I was just in the local hardware store and happened to look at axe handles after reading this thread.

Holy crap!.......$$$$$$$$$$

Brand? How much? The ones I get from my local guy range from $7 to $9 per.

Just used my Granfors a couple days ago to take out some thick mature landscaping plants in my front bed.

Darn near effortless.

I'll check the brand again but prices ranged from $25 to $35......I'll have to check Sampson's
in Fairbanks on my next trip.

To add on to Girlhunter's long handle, small head point:

I made an axe head from an old truck axle, 2 lb, with a hammer poll and longish blade, but short cutting edge and put a longer handle on it from a single bit handle I had laying around. I'll have to measure it, not sure on length. First axe I made from scratch, so learning experience, I didn't draw the cheeks out as far as I'd like, but so far it's a real chopper. Limbed some, and chopped some small lodgepole for schidts and giggles. Going to make another one for a buddy, but will make wider cheeks and probably widen the edge as well, as this one will bury itself and get stuck. Neat to have in the truck, but too heavy I think for what the OP was writing about.

Been making some small hatchets from ball peens though that I think would fit the bill nicely. After I plow my driveway out out, going to fire up the forge and try to crank a couple more out this weekend and post up for sale on FB or here if anybody'd be interested.

Got any pics billy goat? Thanks

I do but on my phone. I'm happy to text them to anybody with an iPhone. Maybe I'll try another pic hoster or something tonight. Been saying that for months.

Copy just pmd ya

You should be right in the middle of '[bleep], I have too damned many axes' territory. All the logger and old loggers around, there has to be an abundance of old axe heads.

Get the [bleep] on it and gather some up. I'll take a few and put together a few handy [bleep] for you.

A pair of Puget sound doubles would be hella cool

Ya I got the ol man on the lookout he’s always out and about

Puget Sound head. The Sagers are pretty common, I'd love to have one. This is a Plumb.

Link doesn’t work

You talking to me?


Here's a different pic

👍 I’ll check the ol mans shop he’s got some double bit heads out there

Which reminds me, the boy found the remnents of a old steam donkey down on the coast last week, at the tail end of there setting.. be cool to take a metal detector down there and look around

I have a Gerber version of this one, looks to be identical, probably same thing rebranded. I've been known to shape an old hockey stick to put in the hollow handle to reach higher on a chaga tree.

On the Cold Steel tommy, did you need to do much work to it before use, or just as is? Seems a good price for a complete ax, is it real soft steel or what?