Bahco, any opinions?

mymindisamob

mymindisamob

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I'm not really looking for debate here, but I'm not against it. I have been using Bahco hatchets for awhile now, and am rather pleased with their performance. Their prices make them especially pleasing to me, but I need some input from others who avidly use hatchets and axes in the woods and at home.
My questions/concerns come from a couple angles. First, Bahco has come out with a new design, that has supposedly interchangeable heads and handles. I'm not a big fan of interchangeable, but the "lightweight" aspect to their new handles sounds appealing. So does anyone have experience with these? Secondly, by comparison of utility, weight, geometry, etc., do Wetterlings, Gransfors Bruk or even Marbles justify their higher costs?
I am having a series of tests and surgeries on my hands and left arm that are limiting my options for extended swinging and impact. I've already been forced to give up my bigger knives for such activities, but have little choice if I continue camping, and heating our home with a wood stove. I really don't have a problem with a more expensive tool (For wood/metal working, I use the likes of Lie-Nielson, Starrett, Fuller, Bessey, Snap-on.) if it can be justified by doing the job better and making it less effort to complete my task.
I would appreciate any constructive discussion.

Mike
 
Bahco makes a good product. When was the last time something came out of Sweden of low quality? Lightweight is good when you are hiking, and yes, the new designs work well. I believe Wetterlings makes a decent axe, but the Granfors Bruk is better. Again, each to his own.
 
Ok, this MIGHT start a bit of a debate.

I own about 30 axes/hatchets. I regularly buy and sell both. I have NEVER owned a Gransfors/Wetterlings/other expensive modern axe or hatchet, with the exception of my competition axes.

Why?

Not quality, because I know the Gransfors line well, and will gleefully attest to their quality. Quality/price ratio - that's the killer. Gransfors knows what their stuff is worth, and charges you every penny. For those that have the money, it is easy to get ahold of these axes, though, and you know what you're getting. For the price of 1 Gransfors double bit felling axe, I can easily get 5-10 (or more) EQUALLY high quality, and better-designed antique felling axe heads. A $6 handle and an hour of filing/honing, and I can have a better WORKING tool than can be purchased at any hardware store in America.

For my money, Gransfors isn't worth the premium price.

As to the question of camping, I don't take an axe or hatchet for most wilderness camping. Car camping, sure, whatever you use at home and are used to is best. If I'm travelling by canoe, I take a saw - more wood per effort, and less chance of injury. I used to like the Sven Saw (an aluminum framed bow saw with a blade around 18" that folds up for easy travel) now, I am more partial to the jack-knife style folders. I understand the fiskers is a decent one, and widely available. My favorite is the one sold under the Felco branding. These are probably only going to be found at nurseries or high end garden centers and the like, but they are relatively inexpensive (Mine was about $12-15 as I recall) and anyone who knows the Felco line of tools knows that they are second to none. For hiking, I cook on a gas stove, and carry neither axe or saw.
 
thechuck;

Interesting that you are a serious axe/hatchet guy. Would you care to start some threads on ones you like/didn't like? I, for one, would love to share just a piece of your insight.

-John
 
As I've said previously: let's start an axe forum. It is a well needed addition.
 
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