Gransfors Bruks SFA or Wildlife Hatchet?

Redsnake1997

Redsnake1997

Joined
May 26, 2005
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I'm a bit of a newbie but have been doing a lot of internet reading... but I'm still on the fence a bit.

I'm looking for a nice trail/hiking/camping (somewhat light duty) axe to use. I don't want something overly heavy and need to be able to strap it to a pack and take w/me. Chores for small cutting for making firewood (when my knives won't work) or splitting, just general chores and duties.

From what I'm reading and seeing it looks like the GB Small Forest Axe is what I should get... but the Wildlife Hatchet appears to be about the same w/just a shorter haft/handle. Of course the trade-off appears to be easier to pack and carry, but may give up some of the power of a longer haft.

Price seems to be about the same f/what I've seen... so what do you all think? If you could have only one which would it be and why? Any helpful/educational links are also appreciated.

Thanks. :D
 
Depends on your objectives and pack. I assume that you are not seeking to be ultra-light with your gear and say go with the SFA. The extra leverage is impossible to replace. The slight weight increase, in my opinion, is not outweighed by the value in having a longer haft.

As long as your pack will accommodate the longer haft and allow it to be out of your way when hiking, then my vote goes to the SFA.

For lighter work and when light weight is important, I would go with the Gransfors mini over the Wildlife hatchet. For me, I feel like I can do almost all the same things with a Mini that I can do with a Wildlife hatchet and it is noticeably lighter.
 
I have the SFA and often wonder if I should have got the Wildlife instead.

Reason being is I often choke up and use the SFA one handed.

However, when taking a fair sized limb off a tree (as I did this weekend) then the extra handle is definitely useful.

Its a tough one, but if you are using it chiefly for hiking purposes and to make kindling for firewood I would go for the Wildlife.

Either way, they are awesome tools!
 
Thanks for the info... very much appreciated!!

I'm a novice when it comes to axes so real world experience helps me a lot.

Another ?? Where is the best place to pick up a new GB Axe online or any chain stores?
 
The head on the SFA is actually about 8 oz. heavier than the head of the Wildlife. With the longer haft, it has substantially more cutting power than the Wildlife (I've got a couple of each). However, if I were backpacking the axe for regular camp chores, I'd go with the Wildlife. [I've even done fine with the Mini Belt Hatchet but the Wildlife gives you a lot more oompf.]

You'll probably eventually end up with more than one axe anyway!:D

DancesWithKnives
 
You are attempting to compare apples and oranges with this question. I own, and have extensively used both. The WLH is a very well designed and proprotional hatchet. The use of a 16 oz. head is just about perfect. Utilization is completely intuative, whereas use of the SFA is not. The SFA has a 24 oz. head and it's overall weight is going to exceed the the WLH by nearly a pound. For the uninitiated, use of the SFA is an odd experience. It does not handle in the manner of a Hudson Bay, as it is more cramped. You will notice an abbreviated "grip and slide" in the conventional two handed swing of a full size ax. In using a choked one handed "hatchet" mode, only experience will teach you where to hold it, and it is relatively quick tiring. With this being said, the SFA easily handles heavier chopping chores over the WLH. For packing purposes, aside from the weight difference, it goes without saying that the WLH is far easier, and will fit in, or on small packs. The SFA is 20" long and would require the dedication to carry it (and pack). I would suggest finding a stocking dealer and get both of them in your hands as this will answer your questions far better than a forum. I spent a great deal of time searching on-line and purchased mine from a dealer at a steal. If I were you I would buy both, as you will use them. Or sell the one that didnt work for you. Another option for purchasing is locate an L.L. Bean returns store. I paid half price for my mini GB this way. Good luck!

Joe
 
Thanks for all the help. I found a local outfitter who had both of these models. I bought the SFA, but problem is... now I want the Wildlife too. As you all said, two different beasts. Wildlife would pack much easier than the SFA. I think I just 'need' both. :)
 
I got confused here.

I was he asking about the small forest axe or the Scandinavian Forest axe?

Unfortunately, the SFA acronym could go either way (both are good choices, BTW).

IMO the Small Forest is a much more useful size than the Wildlife. small enough to be choked up on for traditional, axe-as-primary-blade, work, and large enough to be used with two hands, if necessary. A 19" hafted axe is the best compromise for all-round work.
 
GB small forest axe allllll the way! If i had to pick ONLY one item to go into the woods with, it would be that axe. I can choke up on it and use like a knife, chop with it,notch etc etc etc
 
Bushman5 said:
GB small forest axe allllll the way! If i had to pick ONLY one item to go into the woods with, it would be that axe. I can choke up on it and use like a knife, chop with it,notch etc etc etc
Click to expand...

I would tend to agree with this. Although I choke up on my SFA and use it like a hatchet more times than not, I still like having the ability to do some serious chopping. It is very versatile.
 
Im a newbie in this forum, but i cant help noticing that the GBA small forest axe seems popular here. I agree that it is a good choice, but in my opinion the GBA hunters axe is a better choice, atleast if you are going to use it with one hand.
The head is slightly lighter making it easier to use with one hand, but it still has a lot more of cutting power than the smaller wildlife hatchet. The very small end knob of the handle and the textured grip also makes it very suitable for one hand grip.
Well atleast thats my experience, but it could be related to the fact that the hunters axe was the first GBA that i bought.

I live just a one hour drive from Gränsfors, and I have bought all my axes (4 so far) in the factory store. Its a nice place to visit since they let you go inside the forge and have a peek at the blacksmiths in action.

By the way, the Gränsfors axes have not always been as good as they are now, I have 3 older GB axes, from the 60-70s and they are not nearly as good as the axes they make today.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums!

Thanks for your input. We hope to hear more about your exploits with your GB axes.

My main reservation about the Hunter's axe for utility purposes is the rounded flaying poll. It isn't as useful for pounding tent stakes, etc. as the flat polls on the Wildlife and Small Forest.

DancesWithKnives
 
I agree that the round poll isnt as usefull as a normal poll, I have been thinking of grinding it a bit flatter to make it more useful for tentstakes, nails and similar.
On the other hand i think its nice to have a poll without the usual rather sharp edges, atleast when it comes to carrying or putting in your backpack.
 
DWK2 said:
Welcome to Bladeforums!

Thanks for your input. We hope to hear more about your exploits with your GB axes.

My main reservation about the Hunter's axe for utility purposes is the rounded flaying poll. It isn't as useful for pounding tent stakes, etc. as the flat polls on the Wildlife and Small Forest.

DancesWithKnives
Click to expand...

I would go with the Small FA for the reasons DWK2 stated above. With the longer handle you can get so much more power and it will still fit inside most packs. Also with GB's the haft is so well finished that you can "choke-up" on the haft and use the axe similar to a hatchet, a knife or even use it like an ulu.

I already have two GB's, and the Small FA will probably be #3. If I could only have one I would get the Small FA, because it can go in a pack. I have packed my Scandi FA on an 8 mile hike and the weight is not a big deal, but it won’t fit inside my normal dayhike pack.

I think 19"-20" axes are the most versatile size for people that are not as crazy as some of us:D
 
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