Gransfors Double Bit

Adventure Sworn

Adventure Sworn

Bushcraft Co. | Cody
Joined
Nov 25, 2009
Messages
301
I'm looking into a Gransfors Double Bit Working Axe (the longer 35" handle one, not the thrower).

Does anyone have any experience with this axe? I love the way it looks, but it's quite large for weighing so little. It's profiled pretty thin. Which of course is great for chopping deep, but perhaps it lacks at splitting because of it. And is it too thin to where one would have to worry about the corners breaking while chopping hardwood in the winter? :confused:

Any pics would rock as well, there isn't much on it on the internet.

GB_doublebit.jpg


Cody
 
For the price, I would not buy it. If you want a chopping axe, there are plenty of vintage double bits that are just as good, and if you have 200+ dollars you spend, you can afford to get one that requires very little work.
 
Well it certainly looks cool and that's usually enough for me to whip out the wallet. It won't be a great splitter though. E-bay always has nice double bits for much cheaper although the geometry of that Gransfors is kind of unique. Even the older double bit Gransfors are a little more standard shaped.
 
there is no bad info in this thread. If you want the GB and can spare the money then get it. But a vintage double bit is just as good. I know guys like to split with the same axe as they chop with. But a good splitting axe (or maul) in addition would take care of your worries.
 
trailmaker said:
There's an older double bit Gransfors on ebay right now.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Gransfors-Bruks...ps=63&clkid=1688233162378237668#ht_500wt_1204
You could get a nice maul with the money left over.

If you're not set on Gransfors, ebay always has tons of double bits up for auction. Last week I bought a very nice double bit "made in W. Germany" for ten dollars plus ten dollars shipping. It's excellent steel in almost new condition.
Click to expand...

Way over priced though. I would buy a new one way before this one.
 
i say go for it. sure they are expensive, but worth it IMO. i enjoy finding and cleaning up old axe/hatchet heads as much as the next guy (except it's a BITA to find old heads around here), but GB does make top of the line quality tools. there is nothing wrong with paying for quality if you have the $. hell, i just ordered the American felling axe. i saved up for it and bought it because that is what i wanted. i didn't just have 200 bucks lying, i saved up $ during the summer and do not regret it one bit... get it, i think you'll be happy!
 
After watching those videos posted again (I've watched them dozens of times :p), I think I noticed that the bit is actually not profiled terribly thin. I think it would be plenty dependable enough. I also just came across a written review where a guy mentioned he had no problem splitting multiple rounds of wood with it.

About the tall tips on the bit... I'll use it, and if I ever have a problem with it, I can always trim them down. I think it's something I will learn to like though.

G-pig said:
For the price, I would not buy it. If you want a chopping axe, there are plenty of vintage double bits that are just as good, and if you have 200+ dollars you spend, you can afford to get one that requires very little work.
Click to expand...

I plan on handling some fine vintage double bit axe heads in the future, but I would also like Gransfors take on one. I'm a huge GB fan, and would eventually like to own somewhat of a collection of their axes... so I'm cool with blowing some cash on it (as long as it's functional).

bearhunter said:
i say go for it. sure they are expensive, but worth it IMO. i enjoy finding and cleaning up old axe/hatchet heads as much as the next guy (except it's a BITA to find old heads around here), but GB does make top of the line quality tools. there is nothing wrong with paying for quality if you have the $. hell, i just ordered the American felling axe. i saved up for it and bought it because that is what i wanted. i didn't just have 200 bucks lying, i saved up $ during the summer and do not regret it one bit... get it, i think you'll be happy!
Click to expand...

Yeah I'm on the same page you are. It's not that I'm looking to see whether or not I should get it... rather, kind of looking for some in-use photos, pictures from different angles, etc. :confused: I guess I'll find out after I get one, aye? Then write up a mean review myself to give anyone else an idea.
 
Here are a few photos I dug up on Google search.


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48u0307s1.jpg

S8000800.jpg


Felling_01.jpg


It's a great looking axe, and I doubt Gransfors, being in Sweden, would design anything that can't perform in cold weather. There aren't a lot of photos out there of the GB double bit so be sure to give us a nice photo shoot when yours arrives.
 
I guess I am going to have to get my hands on a Gransfors to see what all the fuss is about. Lot of you guys like em. I have used a couple single bits, but that is about it.
 
Operator1975 said:
I guess I am going to have to get my hands on a Gransfors to see what all the fuss is about. Lot of you guys like em. I have used a couple single bits, but that is about it.
Click to expand...

It's probably because Ray Mears uses one, and that they are expensive. ;) Everything I have seen has left me somewhat unimpressed. Not from a craftsmanship standpoint, but it does not bode well with me knowing I can work more efficiently with a 5 dollar antique store axe with a carved handle on it.
 
Adventure Sworn,

I have one and could probably send it to your to play with if you wanted to test one.

PS: I replied to your last email but never heard back from you is my reply in your junk filter again?

gbbig1hb8.jpg
 
Thanks for all the input guys, helps out.

Yes Hollow, just checked it and your emails are sent there (as well as some other unfortunate fellow :o). Email reply sent, apologies. I just may take you up on that axe offer man, very generous of you. :)
 
I recieved my double bit this past week, and if I have to be honest, im not impressed with the quality. The sheathes are somewhat crushed looking at the edges, from packing I guess. The stamps in the head are not legible, and the top of the haft, where the wedge is placed, is not even close to being square and even. Not knocking the forger, but UN could have done a little better with his stamping... The handle isn't a big deal bc I can square it up, but the stamps really aggrevate me. Just petty junk...
 
Broady, I got one used on eBay and found I didn't like feel of it. Too long a handle for me and the bits come way down like some medieval axe. To much chance of slicing my hand for my liking. It is in essence a throwing axe with a longer handle. I don't see that it is made for chopping. Bits are too rounded for my liking either.
 
I have a gransfors splitting axe and I'm very impressed with it... SA Wetterlings are right across the street and essentially the same axes (I think they merged?) but half the cost usually. Check them out too.
 
Broady said:
I recieved my double bit this past week, and if I have to be honest, im not impressed with the quality. The sheathes are somewhat crushed looking at the edges, from packing I guess. The stamps in the head are not legible, and the top of the haft, where the wedge is placed, is not even close to being square and even. Not knocking the forger, but UN could have done a little better with his stamping... The handle isn't a big deal bc I can square it up, but the stamps really aggrevate me. Just petty junk...
Click to expand...

We all know this thread is from July, right?

At any rate, if you bought a new GB and don't like the fit and finish, you should most definitely ask for a replacement. They are too expensive to put up with poor quality. Personally, I think they are too expensive period. You're paying a lot extra for a stamp. Just my opinion. I have a GB double bit, but I paid $12 for it. It's worth that much to me! :D
 
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