Gransfors Bruks Double bit felling/throwing axe

P

psp7

Joined
Dec 12, 2010
Messages
105
I've been strongly considering the GB Double bit felling axe, despite its $250 price tag. Does anyone have one or experienced and handled the double? Theres two versions, one has a longer 35" handle with swell for strictly "felling" and the other is the throwing version with a shorter handle, 29", and straight handle. Though I think it would be good novel fun to learn to throw, I lean towards just getting the felling version. What do you think of the Double bit by GB? thanks:)
 
Last edited:
You know, I've been sort of wanting a double-bit axe as well... however, despite owning a GB Scandi and SFA, their double bit axe is just too far out of my price range right now. I'll probably look into a vintage head to restore, and if find I like the design, I might eventually dish out the dough for the GB model. As for the question on lengths, I'd definitely go for the 35" if only for the swell-knob which is a pretty crucial safety factor for such a tool. Aside from that, it's probably safer simply due to the added length and probably lends itself better to a 3lb head than would a 29"
 
I would have to agree with killa above. for use, trail clearing, felling etc, you would certainly want the longer handle with the swell. I guess that if you decided that you wanted to only throw it you could always whack the end off.
 
I was thinking that too as it would be quite easy to lop off the extra 6" if I really wanted to get into throwing. Who knows maybe the 35" will throw well also? My Scandinavian Forest ax isnt quite big enough for heavy duty and I've always wanted a full sized axe. I've been wanting to get the Double for many years now, but when I have the spare cash no one has them in stock or I end up buying something like recently, a Hechler & Koch switchblade:rolleyes:. I'm getting the itch again for the Double as I suspect the prices may go up again this spring as they usually do. The best price I've found so far is $235 with free shipping and I think I should just go for it as its generally $248 and counting. Decisions:D
 
A thought that completely slipped my mind is that you could easily put a turks head knot at the bottom of the helve to act as a swell should you decide to go with the 29" or lop down the 35." Honestly though, I could never see myself throwing a GB... not only because of the price, but because A) The handles would be the most likely thing to break and finding replacement handles of such high quality would be VERY difficult and B) Regardless of whether GB markets it as such, I don't think any blade or tool made for throwing should ever be harder than low-50s hRC. The stresses involved with throwing just do not jive well with harder steel...
 
Last edited:
A quick Google search found an online seller quoting $170 with the 29" handle, and $225 with the 35" handle (prices include shipping). My question is why does 6" of extra handle cost an extra 55 dollars?
 
So........I went ahead and made the order:D. Just under $235 with free UPS ground. GB usually ups their prices by March 1st each year so its a good time before the bump. The seller/store gave me 5% off the $248 due to my last purchase from him~ the GB Hand Hatchet. My 35" Double Bit should be here early next week hopefully. He said they wont get any more 29" Throwing axes until March. That was fine with me as I prefer the longer felling handle. Ya, I cant see myself throwing a GB axe unless its a controlled environment with good soft cushion on the ground for many misses:eek:. Steve, I think I know what site you are referring to as its in Alabama or somewhere down South. Their axe prices dont reflect the Shipping and handling they later reveal =$20. So their price it back up to full retail. In case any of ya are considering a GB Double I'll let ya all know how it is when it arrives:). Exciting! as this is my biggest blade purchase.
 
Steve Tall said:
A quick Google search found an online seller quoting $170 with the 29" handle, and $225 with the 35" handle (prices include shipping). My question is why does 6" of extra handle cost an extra 55 dollars?
Click to expand...

What was the website for these prices, please?
 
JKL, Its Wisemen Trading in Alabama that has those prices posted. Chances are they dont have any in stock like most places as not too many Double Bits are brought in the States like the other GB models. Though their site says "free shipping" on axes, when you check out to purchase a $20 S&H charge is added on to the order. Your best bet is to call them and ask if the axe is "in-stock" as many internet sites dont update their inventory. Also ask if shipping is free at that low price for the Double bit. I suspect its too good to be true, but maybe I'm wrong.:)
 
I have one and I think it is terrific for chopping green wood or dry softwood. It makes huge chips fly. Mine is the 35" and that length works great for me since I'm about 6 feet and large in the shoulders.

I gave one to an elk hunting buddy. He didn't like the longer handle or the swell at the end so he cut it down to a more compact size and finished the handle with a straight/smooth end. It works well for him in that configuration.

One thing they don't do particularly well is split wood (which they aren't designed to do). The head is fairly thin.

I have not tried throwing mine.

Have fun when you get your axe!

DancesWithKnives
 
Dances, sound great! The double isnt made for splitting so it should do its job as a chopper:D. UPS says it will make its homeward bound next tuesday.
 
That will be a happy day!

With the significant curve to the bit, the penetration that this axe achieves is amazing. It makes you very cautious about not missing the target. Which is another argument some folks make for the longer handle: More likely to hit the ground than your foot if you miss.

One bit (no pun intended) of advice. I would avoid chopping dirty wood. My friend went after some wood that wasn't very clean and the granules of dirt/gravel caused some very small dings along the extremely fine edge. The bits on this axe were not ground & polished shaving sharp for heavy-duty utility work. I save that for an old beater/loaner axe.

I have felled a couple trees of about a foot in diameter. Because of the regs at the location, they were both standing dead wood. It may not be quite as fast as a large bow saw or crosscut saw, but it is a heck of a lot more fun. And it really impresses your non-axe wielding buddies.;)

DancesWithKnives
 
dances, sounds good to me:D. I dont own a chain saw nor do I desire to. The Gransfors Double is the pinnacle of blades to me.:):) Makes me feel stupid for paying $200 for a HK switchblade:o
 
Be sure to put up a review with plenty of pictures when you get it! Right now all I really have to go off of is hickok45's two videos on the axe over on youtube. Looks like a mighty fine axe, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
 
killa, I saw Hickoks axe video too. I had seen his glock 30 and 26 before so it was a pleasant surprise to see him reviewing the axe I've always wanted:). If I can figure out how to post pics on the internet I will show it. Should be here tomorrow.
 
psp7 said:
killa, I saw Hickoks axe video too. I had seen his glock 30 and 26 before so it was a pleasant surprise to see him reviewing the axe I've always wanted:). If I can figure out how to post pics on the internet I will show it. Should be here tomorrow.
Click to expand...

Can't wait! Oh, and just sign up for a photobucket account, upload the images you want and then post the IMG tags for it here :thumbup:
 
:Dgot my double. Its a beast of a battle axe. Weight is 5lbs 4oz. So you can imagine with a three pound bit that the handle is a good 2lbs. 35" thick hickory. This thing dwarfs my Scandinavian Forest axe which is 25" and just 2 1/2lbs:eek:. As expected the head is razor sharp. Suprising the faces are larger than the 6" in the Axe book they describe. The thinner ground bit has a face of 6 3/8th inch, while the thicker face for knots and working towards the ground is 6.5". I'm signing up for photobucket so hopefully I can get a picture up:)
 
psp7 said:
:Dgot my double. Its a beast of a battle axe. Weight is 5lbs 4oz. So you can imagine with a three pound bit that the handle is a good 2lbs. 35" thick hickory. This thing dwarfs my Scandinavian Forest axe which is 25" and just 2 1/2lbs:eek:. As expected the head is razor sharp. Suprising the faces are larger than the 6" in the Axe book they describe. The thinner ground bit has a face of 6 3/8th inch, while the thicker face for knots and working towards the ground is 6.5". I'm signing up for photobucket so hopefully I can get a picture up:)
Click to expand...

Sounds like a heck of an axe. I'm waiting eagerly for the pics :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top