Grunsfors Bruk Scandanavian Forest Axe versus the Small Splitting Axe

G

garage_logician

Joined
Jul 9, 2013
Messages
36
I am in need of a camp axe and have narrowed my options to the two above. I like the splitting power of the splitting axe but think the forest axe would be more versatile and it is a little lighter. My main use would be for camping, mostly splitting wood and driving tent stakes. I do on occasion build more rustic shelters with trees and branches and would like an axe that would do double duty. I think both of these will handle my needs with room to spare, but since I know little about axes I wanted to make sure I was not missing some aspect that should be considered.

Oh, one last thing. I really like the steel collar on the splitting axe since it seems that I tend to beat the tar out of the handle in this area. I wish the forest axe had something similar.....


http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/products/forest-axes/gransfors-scandinavian-forest-axe/
http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/products/gransfors-splitting-axes/gransfors-small-splitting-axe/

Thanks
gl
 
I have a Scandinavian Forest Axe and intended to use it in a similar way to your intentions. After a good bit of use, I have decided that it was not the right choice for me. I find that it is not the most capable splitter. I have tried splitting some larger pieces of wood and have some issues with overstriking. I am sure some of it was technique, but I think the thin profile of the bit is less than ideal for splitting. I wish I had gone in the splitting axe direction, or changed companies completely. The Scandi is spectacular at what it was designed to do, limb trees. It chops well, and allows me much more reach than the SFA. I am currently looking to get my hands on the Outdoor axe, as it may be more in line with my initial hopes and intentions (maybe a little more geared to backpacking).
 
the splitting axes are nice. I have used the larger and small (and I own the GB maul). I would think they are more suited to the woodpile than camping and packing. great axes though
 
Honestly, it sounds like you want a vintage American boy's axe with a high centerline. I know that's not what you asked, but it's something to ponder.
 
What Memphis said.
ja.gif


That's the most versatile axe for the things you want to do. Regarding overstrikes, just remember to set up to split it on the near side. And make sure your splitting block extends well out beyond the piece so that an overpowered swing strikes the block and not your shins.
 
garage_logician said:
Where do I find something like that? I did a Google search but did not find much.....
Click to expand...
Nice to see a new member ask a question and be open to others advice. It was very sound advice also. You are going to get what you need in an axe that will out perform those axes for what you are doing and save a bunch of money also.
 
I have the GB small forest axe and the Husqvarna 26" multipurpose axe. While I love my SFA, I have yet to get good use out of my Husqy. Having recently picked up a Norlund 24" Straight handle camp axe and a Plumb boys axe- I doubt the others will get much use unless it is the SFA carried in a light day pack. The 24-27" range is very versatile and the Norlund and Plumb profile do very well for what I use them for. The Norlund is a heavier head and the Plumb is quite light. Each was purchased for under 50.00 on the popular auction sight. A little bevel and edge work, some overdue maintenance on the mounting and handle and I have very fine tools.

If you really want a collar, we used to make them by wrapping thin wire for a couple of inches and then brushing on poly or lacquer. Mostly on splitting mauls though as they get gouged passing through wood that splits with twisted grain.
Bill

I wanted to add comparison pics that Might help a bit(pun intended). You can see how they measure up in length, thickness of handle and head/bit style.
L-R
Unknown maker cruiser double bit, Plumb Boys Axe 27", Norlund Camp Axe 24", Husqvarna Multi Purpose 26", Kelly Hand Made Boys head and House Handle Octagon 28" boys axe handle and GB SFA 19"


 
Last edited:
I had the Small splitting axe for a while but i found it too heavy to hike with, so i bought a small forest axe which is just about perfect. I wish it were more convexed though.
 
M3mphis said:
Honestly, it sounds like you want a vintage American boy's axe with a high centerline. I know that's not what you asked, but it's something to ponder.
Click to expand...

garage_logician said:
Where do I find something like that? I did a Google search but did not find much.....
Click to expand...

This thread will give some ideas of what to look for if you want a vintage boys axe with a high centerline:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/999288-Boys-Axes!-Post-em-Up
 
garage_logician said:
Where do I find something like that? I did a Google search but did not find much.....
Click to expand...

The most convenient place for that is ebay. You can find smoking deals at flea markets, garage sales, and junk shops. Sometimes you can even find a deal at an antique store, though they tend to be pricey.
 
garage_logician said:
I am in need of a camp axe and have narrowed my options to the two above. I like the splitting power of the splitting axe but think the forest axe would be more versatile and it is a little lighter. My main use would be for camping, mostly splitting wood and driving tent stakes. I do on occasion build more rustic shelters with trees and branches and would like an axe that would do double duty. I think both of these will handle my needs with room to spare, but since I know little about axes I wanted to make sure I was not missing some aspect that should be considered.

Oh, one last thing. I really like the steel collar on the splitting axe since it seems that I tend to beat the tar out of the handle in this area. I wish the forest axe had something similar.....


http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/products/forest-axes/gransfors-scandinavian-forest-axe/
http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/products/gransfors-splitting-axes/gransfors-small-splitting-axe/

Thanks
gl
Click to expand...

I was all set on a GBSFA until I came upon an even more ideal ax for my needs: The Wetterlings Fine Forester Edition.
In that link, you'll find my personal experience in getting one then going on to get a Council Tool Boy's Ax (FSE).
Knowing what I know now, I'd get a good boy's ax like the Council because I can do the smaller work with a knife.
That being said, I've come to love my Wetterlings despite my poor experience with the first model I received and
I have no regrets in buying it (just in "whom" I purchased it from) and I learned to buy an ax I can personally pick
out for myself when at all possible.

For your claimed needs, a boy's ax would be more handy when building shelters and processing fire wood & camping.
The GB Scandi is an ax I want simply because of what I've read regarding GB's excellent quality and I'm pretty sure
I'll be buying one. If I could only take one ax with me forever though, it'd be the Council Boy's Ax hand's down and
without a doubt. If there's one thing I've learned this summer, it's that I like/need a weightier ax to do more work
and when it comes to putting out work, the boy's ax is going to be more proficient at getting the job done. Good luck.
 
M3mphis said:
The most convenient place for that is ebay. You can find smoking deals at flea markets, garage sales, and junk shops. Sometimes you can even find a deal at an antique store, though they tend to be pricey.
Click to expand...

Absolutely what M3mphis said.

I scored every ax here (except the hatchet, boy's ax and Wetterlingss) at thrift stores & antique shops. I was lucky enough to acquire them at an average of $12./ea. Here's a link for what I've come across and I have 2 nice ax heads waiting for me at the antique store I've already purchased several axes from: Thrift Store Finds And here's where I began to restore the older axes and treat the newer axes: Refurbishing working axes...



IMAG0663_zps9045637c.jpg


386e2cad-73f3-421c-8e5c-6a1d86e86f60_zps2bfd9030.jpg


676A2194_zpseb1167b2.jpg

​
 
Last edited:
I have one of each, for the similar reasons. IMO the SWF is too thin for splitting, and the SS is too fat for chopping; however, when put to use, the Small Splitter did chop surprisingly well. I have not split with the Small Forrest. I think that the hits to the dirt that are gonna happen, takes out real axe work . Get both!;)
 
M3mphis said:
Honestly, it sounds like you want a vintage American boy's axe with a high centerline. I know that's not what you asked, but it's something to ponder.
Click to expand...

This! I sold the SFA as it was too small for me. I carry a Plumb boys axe when backpacking now if the hike-in is not too long and its just right.
 
Tricky said:
I have a Scandinavian Forest Axe and intended to use it in a similar way to your intentions. After a good bit of use, I have decided that it was not the right choice for me. I find that it is not the most capable splitter. I have tried splitting some larger pieces of wood and have some issues with overstriking. I am sure some of it was technique, but I think the thin profile of the bit is less than ideal for splitting. I wish I had gone in the splitting axe direction, or changed companies completely. The Scandi is spectacular at what it was designed to do, limb trees. It chops well, and allows me much more reach than the SFA. I am currently looking to get my hands on the Outdoor axe, as it may be more in line with my initial hopes and intentions (maybe a little more geared to backpacking).
Click to expand...

Ditto your last sentence Tricky.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top