I need a mid-size axe, the little Soligen hatchet just isn't big enough for comfortable splitting kindle for the chiminea. My research leads me towards a Hudson Bay pattern and I'm currently thinking a Council Tool Velvicut, Council Tool but of course I've looked at the GB and Husqvarna models. This GB is running a close second at this moment, Forestry

American made does play into my decision but I'm not willing to waste my money if someone here can enlighten me.

A warning: you'll be at risk of being put on ignore if you recommend a Gerber - straight handled, ugly, non-traditional axe. Both my brothers use them and I'm just not buying one.

The Velvicut is a quality tool. Hard to go wrong with it.

GB would be my pick.

Big GB fan personally so I'd be leanin' ya the other way, but it would be based solely on personal bias. I've never not been happy with GB, but I only have to make me happy.

The GB Outdoor axe might be a better option seeing you mentioned splitting too.

GB for me also. Small forest axe.

Husqvarna's are HALF the price of Gransfor and just as GOOD.

Don't let anybody B.S. you...

This is your huckleberry!

http://www.amazon.com/Estwing-Fireside-Splitting-Nylon-Vinyl-Cushion/dp/B000HAEI1A

Bender I would have put you on ignore if that wasn't so funny.

...you just can't go wrong with the GB's...I especially like the GRANSFORS BRUKS SMALL FOREST AXE.

I use Wetterlings axes. They offer the best 'chop' for the buck. Swedish, forged, fit and finish are fine, come sharp, stay sharp, and are cutting machines.

Sweet pair there Sam, I'll give that one a closer look.

Used the small GB a few minutes ago.

Good riddance...!

Chop it off closer than that!

Way to go Rick - chopping with style. Nice to see even the experts loose some accuracy when pumped.

Next one I'll call and you can hold him when I cut. Dropped him twice before I got him to take it like a man. Future sheaths.

well struck Rick!!

"No animals were harmed in the filming" NOT

Burn that bastard next,too

You do a fine job all by yourself!

I take it back, looks like the cut is as close to the tongs as one dares.

We've got off track but it's been fun.

I'm going with the GB. So what do you think of the #430 vs #420 models? That's either the 2# head with 25" handle or the 1 1/2# head with 19" handle. I'll go with the larger one unless convinced otherwise.

Norlund is another REAL good one.......

I guess I'm missing the funny part?!

What I linked won't split a round without a sledge, but if you have split wood (my assumption) and want to make kindling, those are terrific. I have one of th older models, I guess before Estwing bought it out.

Don't sweat it iron bender. I chalk it up to axe snobbery.

Personally, I don't understand the need to spend a $100 plus on little more than a hatchet.

I think I only spent about $65 for a nice feeling 2.5lb. Axe at Canadian Tire or other places like that.

I understand that point of view.
But...another is that using a Menefee to take your critter apart is more pleasing than using a Buck...to some anyways.
Using an axe, drinking Bourbon, driving a vehicle, shooting a shotgun...the same comparison can be made for nearly all of the things that we use.

I can see both sides of the debate and suggest yet another way to skin that cat.
You can find vintage axe heads at fair prices if you're patient, restore them, and end up with a great tool with plenty of soul without breaking the bank.
I found this old Plumb Cruiser in an old shed and after cleaning it up and rehafting it's perfect for my needs.


Even made a cover for it so I could take it camping without chopping up the rest of my gear on the way there.


eta; Tenessee Hickory has handles for just about any axe ever made.

GB SFA for me. I don't know why you want to jump in size from a hatchet to a much larger axe.

I haven't handled either, that is why I asked. My 12 inch hatchet is too small for the job. I am thinking the heavier and longer model will make for easier work and still allow for one handed use. I'm leaning towards the 26 over the shorter 19.

I stopped into our local husky dealer but he didn't have any axes in stock. While there he said why no spoil myself with the GB that no one else would.

Well if USA made means something, then the Velvicut is the way to go. Too expensive then try and find a Council Tools Boys Axe. Good size and quality and about half the price of the Velvicut.

GB, Wetterling, etc... Are all good as well, but Swedish.

An old Norlund (if you can find one reasonable) would be a good choice as would several other like Collins, Belknap, etc... Find an old one on the bay and try your hand at re-hafting it.

19 or 25 inch length?

I was thinking about the SFA which has a 19" handle. For one handed splitting, I think head weight is more a consideration than handle length. The SFA has a 1.5 lb head. Both axes in your original post have 2 lb heads. Personally, I think I would want the lighter head.

Keep in mind that to me splitting kindling means taking small pieces and turning them into very small pieces. If to you splitting kindling means taking a log cut and turning them into smaller pieces then a larger axe is needed.

I would use a wood splitter to take log sizes to roughly arm size and then the SFA might be a little handier than a full size axe for one handed kindling making.

I was riding some 4X4 trails in the Ocala NF this morning. One of my favorites was blocked. Wind had blown down a pine, and it was laying across the trail. Too high to go over, to low to drive under.
My trusty 19 inch handle Wetterlings made short shrift of it. I believe it was 6 one handed strokes to cut it out of the way.

It looks like the in stock ones listed below are to short for what you want. Might be a bit more "style" than you're needing/wanting, but a few nice ones are listed below.... Disclaimer: I know nothing about selecting an axe but saw these a while back:

http://www.michiganknives.com/Lee_Reeves.html

I ordered the GB small forest axe, a 19" axe with a 1 1/2 pound head. Was never able to handle one, or even anything like it, so am a bit tentative with the selection. I do appreciate everyone's help.

If you don't like it, I don't think you will have any problem selling it for very close to what you paid.

Please post us up a review when you have tested it and have time.

Am betting you will be VERY happy. GB is never a bad choice.

My wife and I sit out at a fire many evenings. I'll know within the first few minutes where or not I selected the correct axe. For shipping and another $10 I'll be able to own the larger 2# axe with the 26" overall. But I suspect I made the right choice.

Plus 2 on the cruiser ax.

Have used one of these for my camping ax for years.

It's great having two cutting heads in one. It balances better, plus you can have one edge with a more blunt angle for cutting off limbs.

Virgil B.

Keep a stump cut near by and use that smaller axe to make kindling of any already split pieces. I suspect it will be a lot easier to one hand the smaller axe.

Even if you need a larger axe that SFA is perfect for back pack camping or a camping canoe trip. Just make sure that precious baby is secure against loss.