What is a Gransfors Bruks Small Hatchet used for?

mauiblue

mauiblue

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Aug 1, 2006
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A few years ago after discovering this forum, I puchased a Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe. I liked the size and can use it to chop and limp small trees with it. I've always wanted to get a Small (mini) Hatchet also to have in my small collection of cutting tools. I bought one recently off eBay at a good price but when I received it, I was amazed at how small it is. At that size, what would this size of a hatch be used for? Making fire kindling? Cutting and trimming meat and food at camp? I was just was wondering what do other owners use this hatchet for?
 
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i've used small axes for loads of stuff- chopping small trees, shelter building, firewood prepand just as a backup carry- the idea being that this little axe will easily slip into a bag or in my belt so that if i ever happen to need it. it's always there were a bigger axemight not be
 
If you are talking about a GB mini I can cut limbs say 3" in diameter with it for a fire. It is also great for cutting small thumb size chunks of wood for a cooking fire. Also you can use the mini like a knife somewhat.

If one is going to use a fire to stay warm for sure bring a bigger hatchet but if you are say backpacking and weight is an issue the mini is a decent choice to keep your fire going.
 
I use one when deer hunting to split the pelvis bone when cleaning the deer. Perfect for this, easy to carry with a skinning knife.
 
my buddy's dad uses his GB mini for skinning game, portioning up the meat, making fuzzsticks, firewood, notching poles to make tripods for his bean garden etc etc. I want one after i saw him use it!

kept his razor freaking sharp too.
 
Yes, I meant the GB mini hatchet. Damn, it is small but with all the ideas posted, I can see the uses for it. I am so amazed at the price, too! I mean, my Small Forest Axe was cheaper than the GB Mini Hatchet!
 
Hi,

I also have the SFA. Great axe!

If you want a smaller one, take a look at their Wildlife hatchet. Its marginally bigger than the Mini, but a lot cheaper.

I don't know why the Mini is so expensive, quite frankly.
 
mauiblue said:
Yes, I meant the GB mini hatchet. Damn, it is small but with all the ideas posted, I can see the uses for it. I am so amazed at the price, too! I mean, my Small Forest Axe was cheaper than the GB Mini Hatchet!
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For that kind of item, material is only a very little part of cost: what costs more is craftmanship.
Forging a small axe head takes probably as much time as a large one, if not more.
Plus this is a very specific item, compared to the "mainstream" axes or hatchet, there is less demand which means specific tooling/managment, handles etc, for smaller runs, so those runs have to be more expensive.

You may note that (despite recent raise) Gransfors prices (which are probably the highest in "industrial" axe business) are relatively moderate to what you pay certain almost completly machine made folders.
 
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Somebody said as I recall and it may be bullshit that the reason the mini is more expensive is that they have to replace more of them.

They are a great hatchet but I DID break one and they DID replace it!:thumbup:

hollowdweller_gbsnap.jpg
 
Did that break on wood or bone? Looks like they got the steel too hot or didn't draw it back enough.
 
In addition to firewood prep, I use mine when hunting. It is very efficient at taking the legs/heads/wings off of small game---such as rabbits, geese, ducks, pheasant, etc. At 12.8 oz. it weighs less than several of my "sharpened prybar" knives that I might otherwise use for these tasks.

The folks at GB's US office told me that the mini costs more because it is more difficult to forge and is done only by one of the most experienced blacksmiths.

DancesWithKnives
 
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I carry a mini in my vehicle's glove compartment - it fits perfectly and can always serve as a crash axe besides its more regular uses as a great weekend hiking axe. Within some size limitations, it limbs, cuts, chops, carves, shaves, and even flips pancakes and hooks pot handles!
By the way hollowdweller, where did you find that great sheath with the firestarter loop? It's not the Gransfors Bruks stardard issue.
Cheers,
"Bloody Bill"
 
w.t. anderson said:
I carry a mini in my vehicle's glove compartment - it fits perfectly and can always serve as a crash axe besides its more regular uses as a great weekend hiking axe. Within some size limitations, it limbs, cuts, chops, carves, shaves, and even flips pancakes and hooks pot handles!
By the way hollowdweller, where did you find that great sheath with the firestarter loop? It's not the Gransfors Bruks stardard issue.
Cheers,
"Bloody Bill"
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Well actually I ordered another type and JRE accidentally sent that one to me. I sent it back and they are sending me a difft one but from THESE GUYS:

http://www.jreindustries.com/Gransfors.htm
 
w.t. anderson said:
I carry a mini in my vehicle's glove compartment - it fits perfectly and can always serve as a crash axe.....
"Bloody Bill"
Click to expand...

I've seen glove compartment doors burst open during vehicle crash impacts and spray their contents into the vehicle cabin, where the people sit!
 
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