Ray Mears Wilderness Axe Review

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  • Опубликовано: 21 окт 2024
  • Hold on... Don't hate me just yet, I know Ray Mears is a much more experienced Bushcrafter than me and has done amazing things to promote the outdoor way of life, but... if you take the "Wilderness" axe into the wilderness with you it will fatigue your arms more to do the same work as a traditional Scandinavian axe, it will be harder to grip, harder to carry and cost a lot more to buy. This is why it is CRAF.
    Technical info.
    Gransfors Bruks Ray Mears Wilderness Axe
    £140.00
    Ray Mears Bushcraft logo on handle
    Weight: 1.4 kg
    Length 60cm
    Hickory handle
    Protective leather sheath included
    20-year guarantee
    Hultafors Chopping Axe
    £43.00
    Weight: 850g
    Length 65cm
    Hickory handle
    If you liked this video please give it a thumbs up, leave a comment if you have a different opinion or if you want to say hi and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on more tips and fun adventures.
    If you want to check out my other stuff -
    Instagram - / swamp_valley
    Facebook - / swampvalleyuk
    Thanks.
    Skye
    Swamp Valley

Комментарии • 185

  • @Peekingduck
    @Peekingduck 2 года назад +4

    I live 20 minutes from Hultsbruk which made your ax.
    Super happy you like it so much.
    No disrespect to Ray Mears, he is a living legend.

  • @northernsupertramp7390
    @northernsupertramp7390 3 года назад +16

    If you read about the axe on the Ray Mears site, it does say it is primarily for felling and splitting. An equivalent sized Hultafors axe is only around £10 cheaper. Just saying, each to their own. 👍👍

  • @theautumnalcyclist7629
    @theautumnalcyclist7629 3 года назад +7

    I bought my Grans small forest axe well over 10yrs ago and it has served me faithfully, I did however pay less than £50 for it new so am amazed in the hike in prices!

  • @joncox9719
    @joncox9719 2 года назад +2

    Haters going to hate! I have neuropathy and hypersensitive hands so I always use gloves to make it more comfortable! I bought my Ray Mears Wilderness Axe to do the heavier work my hatchets could do, but a slightly larger would do better and easier! It's the in between axe and has done a great job! Their are compromises in weight vs performance and this is the niche that the Mears axe fills, it's a good balance between a hatchet and full size axe.

    • @alanmeyers3957
      @alanmeyers3957 Год назад

      You get it, that’s why I like it, ever been frustrated trying to split rounds for the campfire with a hatchet, one look will tell you that it’s not a felling axe.

  • @aabbushcraft
    @aabbushcraft 3 года назад +2

    Love the total honesty, thank you for your honest review👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @KevinsDisobedience
    @KevinsDisobedience 3 года назад +1

    You nailed it, man. Can’t believe I’m just finding you now. I’ve got a little “axe” channel and run the cordwood challenge. Good to hear someone else speaking sense about this axe.

  • @pathfinder3405
    @pathfinder3405 3 года назад +2

    I bought the chopping axe about 3 years ago on your recommendation,and it hasn’t failed me yet

  • @cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip
    @cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip 3 года назад +10

    Fair review well done. Unfortunately the only thing Ray Mears and that ax have in common is his name on the handle. The manufacturer tried to come up with a unique design that would make the buyer think they were getting something special but people are paying for the name not the craftsmanship. Thanks for the honest review.

  • @arranbailey4818
    @arranbailey4818 3 года назад +1

    Just got my self a Hultafors, This video just saved me a lot of money and now I've got a really lovely axe.
    Thank you.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      Thanks, that's awesome to hear. All the best with your new axe 👍
      Skye

  • @lmorgan877
    @lmorgan877 3 года назад +8

    Sadly I haven't been impressed with any of the GB type axe's Ray Mears has promoted the use of over the years. 95% of my axe work gets done with a Council Tool Boys axe. It's 2.25lb, 28" thin handle with a lovely palm swell and they're only £30. If you can look past the red paint I think you'll like them.

  • @pnyarrow
    @pnyarrow 3 года назад +1

    Hi. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts. Stay safe in these troubled times. ATB. Nigel

  • @uralbob1
    @uralbob1 3 года назад

    I just learned a lot about axes! Thanks a ton! We love our British brothers and our shared history!
    Recently bought an inexpensive hand axe to modify for carving. Now I know better what to do.
    Great channel, thanks again from across the pond!

  • @davidsloan9804
    @davidsloan9804 3 года назад +1

    Good to see you back Skye good comparison with the two axes hope you are keeping safe atb made 👌

  • @Happyheart146
    @Happyheart146 3 года назад +4

    So is his knife. Looks the part but the grind was bevelled after ONE use. Forget carbon steel. Looks good and love the micarta handle but for ~590.00 save your money.

  • @RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors
    @RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors 3 года назад +9

    Well so much for having Ray over for a Zima and making friendship bracelets in bushcraft camp😅
    140 is way too much
    Great video Skye

  • @RobEvansWoodsman
    @RobEvansWoodsman 3 года назад +3

    I found exactly the same problems, first one I received had to go back as the build quality was awful. Mine is far older and quite different but the main problem is the head is too heavy.
    My GB Scandinavian forest axe and modified husqvarna forest axe are far better the latter cost £47 posted but I did put some work into it.
    This axe was made to sell, Ray's name sells kit.

    • @william3781
      @william3781 3 года назад +1

      And you know how to put an edge on an axe!
      Nice to see another Bushcrafter I respect, give the same opinion.

  • @phils8393
    @phils8393 3 года назад +3

    I used to have the ray mears axe , I had the same view as you on mine .
    I use a hultafors aby axe now ,which I really like . it's about the same length as the ray mears axe but I think is a better example of a true jack of all trades axe

  • @swellcat66
    @swellcat66 3 года назад +2

    I like the way you talk.

  • @gbbushcraft2311
    @gbbushcraft2311 3 года назад +1

    I have this axe and its very different to the one you are showing. I would have posted some comparison pics but I can't on here. My head is rounded off on the handle and has a much bigger palm swell in fact its more like your hultafors axe and nothing like the one your using.
    Where did Colin buy it from?
    I've had mine a good number of years and clearly someone has tampered with the original design. Great video cheers for the upload.

    • @sasquatchtunes6198
      @sasquatchtunes6198 3 года назад +1

      Hi mate. Colin here. I bought my axe from woodlore over a year ago now.

  • @terryw.milburn8565
    @terryw.milburn8565 3 года назад +3

    Good Comparison, Skye ; Think I Would Pick The Hultafors. ATB T God Bless

  • @derrickfelix6206
    @derrickfelix6206 3 года назад +1

    Your video introduction is really looking good.

  • @blueeyeswhitedragon9839
    @blueeyeswhitedragon9839 3 года назад +4

    I agree with your assessment. For a woods axe, I want a chopping axe. And for splitting ( if I intend to do at LOT of splitting)...I bring a maul...maybe wedges ).
    Ray Mears' knife is also overpriced.
    Outdoorsy people buy the best equipment that they can afford, but try not to be sucked into hype and personality cults.
    Otherwise, I really enjoy Mr. Mears' videos.
    Edit:- I have learned in the past 10 years or so, to also carry a saw of some sort...folding types are my preference.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      Thanks mate, yea I agree 👍
      All the best
      Skye

  • @johnmcphee2201
    @johnmcphee2201 3 года назад +15

    ray mears probably never even seen or held this axe, only has his name on it as a sales promotion.

    • @rowanhealy
      @rowanhealy 3 года назад

      Exactly what I was thinking..

    • @NaeMuckle
      @NaeMuckle 3 года назад +3

      No he absolutely designed it. He has a video of him explaining it's intermediate length and thick head to split. He was directly involved.

    • @rowanhealy
      @rowanhealy 3 года назад +1

      @@NaeMuckle Yeah I actually watched another video review of it by a guy who lived in the woods in northern Canada for a few months using it to chop firewood for several hours a day and he was raving about how good it was.

    • @redcanoe14
      @redcanoe14 3 года назад

      @@rowanhealy I saw that video, that guy used it on the TV Series 'Alone' I believe

  • @philosborn1840
    @philosborn1840 3 года назад +1

    I have a hutafors like yours. It’s about the same price 40p = 80$ cdn. I think you did a thorough review. I also was equally surprised as you, when you were chopping that log. 🇨🇦

  • @rtoguidver3651
    @rtoguidver3651 2 года назад

    I made my own ax at the Blacksmith forge, it took 13 hours of actual hammering over 3 days... I used a hydraulic rod off a D-42 dozer.

  • @tonyjedioftheforest1364
    @tonyjedioftheforest1364 3 года назад +1

    Great video. It looks similar in design to my Wetterlings Bushmans axe which I find is a great splitting tool due to the broad wedge shape head. I’m no expert like you I just chop firewood for camp fires.

  • @RhysTucker2603
    @RhysTucker2603 3 года назад +3

    I love gransfors bruks axes but I agree with you on this model. It's not great, the scandinavian forest axe is a better model as far as the gransfors axes go. The hulatfors chopping axe is so similar to it though, that I wouldn't hesitate to buy the hults, if you're not afraid to sharpen it and make a sheath. Thanks for the review.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Rhys, yea I totally agree 👍
      All the best mate.
      Skye

  • @UK_Outdoors.
    @UK_Outdoors. 3 года назад

    Great info. It has taught me what to look out for in an axe.

  • @adelarsen9776
    @adelarsen9776 3 года назад +2

    1) I have had a Wilderness axe from Ray Mears for a dozen years - along with the entire RM axe collection. They are suitable only for hiking, camping, skiing and cross country adventure.
    2) I live and work on/in a farm/forest and medium length axes are a waste of time, space and money. Only small short hatchets and large felling axes are utilised on a farm and in the forest.

    • @alanmeyers3957
      @alanmeyers3957 Год назад +1

      This axe excels at splitting wood for a campfire, more efficient than a hatchet, I agree with your statement.

  • @leemichel8199
    @leemichel8199 3 года назад +1

    I got a cheap unbranded axe for a couple of quid from car boot works perfect for me , I'm an avid believer in a tool that is good is the one you use the most and get used to .most of these branded axes are all hype in my opinion . and I got gransfors axe and my cheap one is always my go to axe .. Good luck and god bless .. Lee

  • @KentSurvival
    @KentSurvival 3 года назад +13

    ill stick with my hutafors then :p

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      🤣cheers Andy, they're so good for the money 👍
      All the best mate.

    • @dickdarstedly5012
      @dickdarstedly5012 2 года назад

      The husqvarna forest axe is around £40 also ?

  • @dancanta8592
    @dancanta8592 3 года назад

    yeah please tell me where you find the hultafors with £40 cause I want to buy like 100 of them...

  • @southbucksbushcraft6572
    @southbucksbushcraft6572 3 года назад +1

    Hultafors all the way mate great axe it goes on all my trips

  • @russcorbett3923
    @russcorbett3923 3 года назад +1

    AWESOME video with valid points !!!!

  • @alexandercarder2281
    @alexandercarder2281 3 года назад

    I’ve got the Fiskars X7, it’s a hatchet 🪓 but it fits so well in my bug out bag

  • @Spiritof48
    @Spiritof48 3 года назад +1

    Great honest review 👍 It would definitely be a good splitting axe in a semi-permanent Camp , but then hultafors makes a Very good small dedicated splitting axe for about one third of the price , about the same weight. I would not consider it for backpacking multiple days with that weight .

  • @shaveclassy9986
    @shaveclassy9986 3 года назад +1

    Good video

  • @danthewalkingmanen-dorsetg8521
    @danthewalkingmanen-dorsetg8521 3 года назад +2

    love my robin wood

  • @octarinetree470
    @octarinetree470 2 года назад

    Hultafors Chopping Axe? I'm trying to find more info on these but Im not having much luck. Are they discontinued?

    • @alanmeyers3957
      @alanmeyers3957 Год назад

      If you’re located in the USA, they are not sold here.

    • @Lumpy_Peter
      @Lumpy_Peter 5 месяцев назад

      I can't find it either. The one that comes closest in terms of dimensions is Hultafors Quartfot. It's from their premium line and where I live it runs about £70, but it comes with a polished edge and a leather sheath.
      Or there's HY 10, handle is 1cm longer and the head 50gr heavier and has no "ears" hugging the handle. It runs about £36.

  • @Mr450pro
    @Mr450pro 3 года назад +1

    Great video 👌🏻
    The HY 20 is perfect for my camp axe😛
    Gransfors is hyped I owned the small forest axe and the hatchet and I sold both 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • @walden6272
    @walden6272 Год назад

    Even though I am a big Ray Mears fan, I do agree with you that his Wilderness Axe was not a good design. I remember it being advertise a Small Forest Axe 2.0, suppose to be an improvement but to me, when I saw the shape of the axe head, I didn't like the wedge shape and the ears were cut off. I think the Small Forest Axe is nearly perfect. Only way to improve the Small Forest Axe is to harden the pole, that's it.

  • @Dreoilin
    @Dreoilin 2 года назад

    Great vid mate!
    My current fav axe is my Husqvarna Carpenters axe.

  • @kenferguson686
    @kenferguson686 3 года назад +1

    I've had my wilderness axe for 5 yrs and have never encountered any of the problems you describe

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      How many other axes have you got?

    • @kenferguson686
      @kenferguson686 3 года назад

      @@SwampValley i currently own 2 wilderness axe and outdoor axe and after owning many and trying many over the yrs I settled on these 2 as one axe rarely does all or is more convenient i used the hults chopping axe before I bought the wilderness axe although very nimble and you can be very accurate i opted for the heft of the gb i find i have to do less work for tge same result as the head does most of that i just need to place it accurately, on choking up i thinned the handle down at the shoulder to take that rise out of it which makes it a lot more comfortable and the lugs digging into my hand has never been an issue , I wouldn't be without it 💯

  • @Among-the-trees
    @Among-the-trees 3 года назад +2

    Reminds me of the Les Bushmans axe, thick head like that. I didn't warm to it, but since it was ma mates I didn't want to take a dump on it. I'm sure it all I was doing was splitting its a goody but so thick behind its cutting edge.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      Yea I feel a bit bad for Colin but he did say it was okay to make the vid, I feel like he'll have something to say about it when we do another video together though 🤣

    • @redcanoe14
      @redcanoe14 3 года назад

      The SAW (Les Stroud) Bushman Axe chops extremely well despite being a lighter head, also it splits well above its weight. I did a review on the SAW Bushman several years ago and have owned and used and rebuilt models of all the major Swedish axe forges. The most powerful chopper I have used is a custom built JB Stohler (wedged profile) hung on a 24" SAW 'Hudson Bay' shaft. This axe has a 1.5lb head and bites and throws chips extremely well. Some of the Swedish 'forest' axes are not too good for bucking as they are too thin a profile and stick all the time, though they are very good for limbing and easily remove 2" to 3" branches; they also fairly good for carving and squaring off wood projects, they are definitely not good splitters though. Check out the Billnas axes on my site, they are old Finnish axes and chop well and split very well providing the profiles are cleaned up (I usually get them after many years of extremely hard use).

    • @Among-the-trees
      @Among-the-trees 3 года назад

      @@redcanoe14 I'm glad you like it. My friend does too but it wasn't for me. Still it's quite a collectable now going for silly money.

    • @redcanoe14
      @redcanoe14 3 года назад

      @@Among-the-trees That is a fact for sure!

  • @hamerhead2
    @hamerhead2 3 года назад +1

    Good comparison but to me you had more control with the hultafors.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      Yea it's a far better axe, it's amazing how it's £100 cheaper 👍

  • @SupermanBB
    @SupermanBB 3 года назад +2

    Wow I didn’t realize those changes to the ray mears axe. My GB small forest axe is my go to bushcraft/camp axe. I agree with all the points you made here. Why make changes to something that isn’t broken. The Swedish axe makers knew what they were doing

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      Thanks superman, yea it was a bit of a negative video but after using it I needed to say it, there aren't a lot of reviews for it out there.
      All the best mate 👍
      Skye

    • @richardoldham6756
      @richardoldham6756 Год назад

      If you research the 'idea' behind the Wilderness axe it's an attempt to have a more capable axe for the Boreal Forest environment.
      It's not an 'upgrade' of the GB SFA for the UK or similar.

  • @tphvictims5101
    @tphvictims5101 3 года назад +2

    Call it like you see it 😉👍🏻

  • @redactedcanceledcensored6890
    @redactedcanceledcensored6890 3 года назад +1

    Yep, the weight is too much for a handle like this (or the handle is short for such a heavy head). Using it with bigger swings, sliding your main hand up towards the head when picking the axe up and starting the swing, and sliding it down mid-swing, while also putting more body rotation into it might just make this heavy axe work more efficiently (when chopping) though.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      Thanks for the advice but the problem was not in the splitting, it was the comfort and balance when using it one handed and the way it glanced when chopping 👍
      All the best mate
      Skye

  • @williefick
    @williefick 3 года назад +1

    I have the GBA small forest, the Hultafors Åby and Helko blackforest axe. Helko is the winner.

    • @alanmeyers3957
      @alanmeyers3957 Год назад

      I like my helko, bought it for felling, it’s not, it’s a splitting axe, I know this demonstration was for comparison but I wouldn’t have even tried to chop with it, that’s not what it’s for. You can see a mile away that it’s a splitting axe.

  • @normanscout1148
    @normanscout1148 3 года назад +1

    Great demonstration but for me the £40 axe is better i think Ray mears is a world class bushcrafter and outdoorsman but I think he made an error in judgement with this axe back to the drawing board Ray (sorry) excellent video skye

  • @fishingshallowminded8600
    @fishingshallowminded8600 3 года назад +1

    awesome

  • @kevinharper766
    @kevinharper766 3 года назад +1

    Where did you get that Hultafors axe from. Let me know because I'll have two...😂

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      I got it from a website called FFX 👍

    • @kevinharper766
      @kevinharper766 3 года назад +1

      Thanks for the info. I'll take a look...👍

  • @WoolysWorld
    @WoolysWorld 3 года назад +1

    Great video man

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      Cheers Wooly, all the best mate 👍

    • @WoolysWorld
      @WoolysWorld 3 года назад +1

      @@SwampValley no bother man, i have my axe sharpening video coming out tomorrow i think, i used my work sharp, took me over an hr !!! i was cursing my lack of power tools ! you got a mention. now if only i could figure out how to sharpen an axe with a chainsaw

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      @@WoolysWorld an hour to sharpen an axe!!! Ooft, yea power tools are great. Thanks for the mention, I'll keep my eye out 👍
      All the best mate.

    • @WoolysWorld
      @WoolysWorld 3 года назад

      @@SwampValley ah yeah, sure I was taking my time , enjoying it. For about 15 minutes!!

  • @dirtywetdogboatsandsailing6805
    @dirtywetdogboatsandsailing6805 3 года назад +1

    I always liked my GB small forest axe and i'm in the market for a new working axe at home so maybe it'll be the Hultafors. RM stuff is overly expensive just because it's got his name on it and TBH it's not worth it.

  • @svenschmalfu3093
    @svenschmalfu3093 5 месяцев назад

    First i thought the RM-GB is a Scandi, but that looks like a former Wetterlings?!

  • @krevo81
    @krevo81 Год назад

    Which model Hultafors is that?

  • @oilburner8548
    @oilburner8548 2 года назад

    I think the hb is a bit more than £40! ? But yeah you're right about the finish is poor on gransfors sometimes I had to take a file to my gb carving axe ( lumps around the base of the head same as the one you reviewed!

  • @Nofixedabode859
    @Nofixedabode859 3 года назад +3

    Hulterfors classic range not 40 now m8 they’ve jumped on the bandwagon since becoming popular with you tubers they’re comparable nearly to gransfors but be honest I think he was trying to bridge the gap between small forest and boreal type axe and there’s no such thing as a 1axe does it all, I also paid £450 for his knife and don’t use it the handles way too small and twists in the hand, overrated I think so I bought lars falt knife £100 perfect use it forever

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      www.ffx.co.uk/product/Get/Hultafors-Hulhy20085Sv-7391408402811-Chopping-Axe-850G-Length-65Cm?gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fr_BRDaARIsAABw4EsDCkuUmQsRvJzee-eMdC4sTf2q6qSNIqHxWIhI860ji2NVbHrmFEcaAnLyEALw_wcB

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      That's a link to it £43 👍

    • @Nofixedabode859
      @Nofixedabode859 3 года назад +1

      Yeah that’s good price I was looking at the classic range which are same price range as gransfors👍

  • @ROE1300
    @ROE1300 3 года назад +1

    Any product from Mr. Mears is always horribly over priced. But, you are correct for those prices there should none of the problems you mention. Back to the drawing board. Pity because he is knowledgeable and a good instructor.

  • @RJHmbk1
    @RJHmbk1 3 года назад +1

    Where can you get the hultafors you use in the video

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      www.ffx.co.uk/product/Get/Hultafors-Hulhy20085Sv-7391408402811-Chopping-Axe-850G-Length-65Cm?gclid=Cj0KCQiA9P__BRC0ARIsAEZ6iriufbWQpeOU3YWOEnXN6dI6CmFP3itO9W9jEMUYgMfnc10YaZX5mzkaAkxyEALw_wcB

  • @benscottwoodchopper
    @benscottwoodchopper 3 года назад +1

    Got a chance to use one of these also, terrible axe. Big respect for Ray but I don't think he is much of an axeman. Good splitter but whats the use in that, the cheaper hultafors and rinaldi axes are the way to go

    • @alanmeyers3957
      @alanmeyers3957 Год назад +1

      I’ve found a use for mine, splitting wood for a campfire, a woods axe, it is not.

    • @benscottwoodchopper
      @benscottwoodchopper Год назад

      @@alanmeyers3957 yes it looks like a decent splitter for small stuff, still alot of money

  • @derrickfelix6206
    @derrickfelix6206 3 года назад +1

    It be Glazed cabinet axe Colin! Most Ray Mears products work, of the clumsy finish. Why, Don't really no. Cheers Good vlog Skye,

  • @DaveDoesOutdoors
    @DaveDoesOutdoors 3 года назад +1

    Enjoyed that - atb 👍🏽👍🏽

  • @strugglingsteve
    @strugglingsteve 3 года назад +1

    that's crazy an extra 100 pound for an axe that ain't as good, cheers for the review dude hopefully people see it and don't go wasting there money👌

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      Thanks Steve, yea it really shocked me so I figured I better make a vid. All the best mate 👍
      Skye

  • @lindafromidaho2932
    @lindafromidaho2932 3 года назад +2

    Good job! Next time Colin has to do his own review!! Hahaha!!

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      🤣 yea that would be funny

  • @jmcd69
    @jmcd69 3 года назад +3

    Just shows the big name brand is rubbish, compared to a brand that's known for making axes , cheers for review atb . 👍👍👍

  • @redcanoe14
    @redcanoe14 3 года назад +1

    Greetings from BC Canada. The GB Wilderness axe you have seems like it has slipped through GB's quality assurance, it should not be finished so poorly. I have not owned one of these but have a large number of Swedish and other axes that get used. I have rebuilt quite a few and several Finnish Billnas axes as well. Some reviews of the Wilderness axe are very positive, I think 'Native Survival Channel' a guy called Mitch runs it. I almost decided to add one to my collection, but I have enough axes. I agree the shaft should have more of a knob on it, particularly when one can be found on the GB SFA, I am sure I have seen a Wilderness Axe with the thicker knob on the shaft, not sure why they would fit such a shaft.
    I have seen similar GB Axes that have such.
    It is not true, in practice, that wedged shape profiles cannot chop too good and that slim profiles are inevitably better, I suspect the one you have has not been ground correctly. I experimented with JB Stohler heads (pure wedges) and the small one I built came out top pound for pound (1.5lb head), thinner profiles like my HB, SAW GB and Sater Banko's get stuck in softer woods and don't split well unless you use a flick technique (just before the head strikes the log to be split). One of the finest 2.5lbs axes I have used is the Toporsib Beaver, forged in Siberia, (there are some good vids on youtube of this chopping through thick trunks). Slimmer profiles, however, are great for carving and limbing branches up to 3" to 4" depending how resinous the wood is. Thanks for the good review, ATB, WS

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      Wow, sounds like a great life you've got. Thanks for the info on thicker chopping axes, I'll see if Colin will let me change the grind to make it better.
      All the best mate 👍
      Skye

    • @redcanoe14
      @redcanoe14 3 года назад

      @@SwampValley Thanks Skye! I do miss, but have great memories of spending time in Scotland, hiking, climbing, canoeing and camping. Are you loving in Scotland? Keep up the good work and stay safe pal, WS

  • @michaelsexton5573
    @michaelsexton5573 3 года назад +1

    Oh hey, you're making videos again, again... I'll come back in 3 months for the next.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +2

      😂 this time it's every Wednesday 👍

  • @HarryMac1
    @HarryMac1 3 года назад +1

    You forgot the ultimate test for an axe. How is it for throwing?

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      🤣 since I couldn't stick it in a log most of the time I'm guessing it'll be bad at that too 👍

  • @alistairgalt6529
    @alistairgalt6529 3 года назад +1

    Think I'll stick to my hultifors carpenter axe 😁
    Great review by the way 👍

  • @themadleaf
    @themadleaf 3 года назад +1

    Well mate, your buddy paid for a name not function. I use a Husqvarna 3 lbs axe. Paid a quarter of the Mears axe cost. Very similar to your axe. Never let's me down. 🍻👍
    Stay safe. Always enjoy your videos.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      Yea Husqvarna are great and affordable like Hultafors I don't see any reason to spend more.
      All the best mate 👍
      Skye

  • @marodriguezsr
    @marodriguezsr Год назад

    I think Ray Mears knife & axe are extremely over priced, bit hey that's just my humble opinion. Thanks for sharing the video with us bro.

  • @philliplee1193
    @philliplee1193 3 года назад +2

    estwing leather gripped one piece: all the power geometry in a small and light, tough and quality steel package. .$40

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +2

      If it works for you then that's great, personally I prefer the reduced shock transferred through a hickory or ash handle, saves you getting a sore elbow if you're doing lots of work 👍
      All the best mate.
      Skye

    • @loki1066
      @loki1066 3 года назад +1

      In the uk that estwing will cost you 90 dollars so not such a bargain

    • @greghumble7306
      @greghumble7306 3 года назад

      I love my estwing too. Can’t go wrong with indestructible I have GB and wetterlings and many many axes but the estwing always rides with me in the back of my camper

  • @ScoOutDoors
    @ScoOutDoors 3 года назад +1

    Brilliant I’ve just bought the £40 axe as much as I like ray you can keep your expensive axe butty

  • @The_Arby
    @The_Arby 3 года назад +1

    Probably paying for his name, more than anything...Cool honest review :-) Came across your channel by accident, but iam happy and a new subscriber, least you sound abit Scottish :-) lol

  • @snorkherder
    @snorkherder 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for the revue Skye, I guess its just a massed produced £40 Axe with a £100 Ray Mears logo on it. Love Rays books and T.V series but once famous people start selling stuff with their name on that they don't make themselves the quality is generally lame in comparison to the Price. I swore by my Karrimor kit I bought it the late 80's and it still rocks today, Karrimor's current gear is shocking in comparison, sign of the times when the logo or name on a product is valued more than the quality. I will be replacing my current worn out axe with one just like yours. I'd even pay for you to sign it ;) ATB.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      That's the truth there, although the boots I'm wearing here are karrimor and been great for a year 👍 have fun with your new axe when you get it mate.
      All the best.
      Skye

    • @snorkherder
      @snorkherder 3 года назад +1

      @@SwampValley I cant comment on the boots, glad they're lasting so far, I have a couple of their smaller rucksacks for woodland excursions and to be honest although the zips are good so far but the material is like a sponge to moisture. For none hiking I use either a pair of old skool paraboots or my solagnac hunting boots, and they are pretty waterproof, no blisters, no signs of wear after being used daily pretty much for a year. I guess in the end the kit you can afford at the time has to do but when you pay out big you want a good return on your investment. :) My Leatherman Wave multitool (first generation PST) is still going strong after nearly two decades of use. worth every penny, useless for axe work though ;)

    • @alanmeyers3957
      @alanmeyers3957 Год назад

      Look at the backlog on the skookum knife.

  • @nicofaro6652
    @nicofaro6652 3 года назад +1

    wait, where you can find that hultafors at 43£?

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      www.ffx.co.uk/product/Get/Hultafors-Hulhy20085Sv-7391408402811-Chopping-Axe-850G-Length-65Cm?gclid=Cj0KCQiA9P__BRC0ARIsAEZ6irg-Kh604hJrsEikf2tLhNGDf6qP8zDzGtHalsfRTywOPo3ewWybo24aAi69EALw_wcB

    • @nicofaro6652
      @nicofaro6652 3 года назад

      @@SwampValley Very nice, thank you! Cheers from Italy

    • @infour44
      @infour44 3 года назад

      Just checked £51.00. Great value for me!

  • @wallaceviviansadventures2095
    @wallaceviviansadventures2095 3 года назад +1

    140 is way to much i though the other axe was the 140 dollar axe first, it sure is a better axe. must be the name that's why it cost so much. great review take care

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      Yea, I would never spend that much on an axe but I've always loved a bargain 👍
      All the best mate.
      Skye

  • @jonathanmiller1618
    @jonathanmiller1618 3 года назад +1

    Big hugs. OXO.

  • @turkishdelight7083
    @turkishdelight7083 3 года назад +6

    Lol, its like you were in mourning the whole way through, having to admit that the man himself had made a piece of crap :D

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +3

      🤣 yea I was a bit sad about it all.
      All the best mate 👍

  • @leecollins3592
    @leecollins3592 3 года назад +1

    pretty sure I read somewhere ray mears gets paid to allow the use of his name to endorse things like this but wouldn't actually use them himself so for me anything with his name on it id be suspicious of, to be honest anyway update on this Schrade knife reprofile I think I'm going to go old school with it I am an engineer so if I use a long-winded sharpening process by hand I should be able to get it something like I will update once this lockdown thing is over and I get back in a workshop so you guys stay safe take care

  • @camojoe83
    @camojoe83 3 года назад +1

    Damn.. ray mears let a chunkosaurus of an axe out the barn with his stamp on it didn't he? Those smaller axes like that show poor lines and bad proportions much more obviously than bigger heads it seems like to me. The poor finish grind on the flats and down by the bottom of the eye on the Mears axe are sad to see on such an expensive axe with that prominent of a branding.
    I like that other one you have much better. Its nice and slick, someone took a bit of pride shaping that one at the forge.

  • @AYellowPepper
    @AYellowPepper 3 года назад +3

    after having recently cut myself with a large Knife while crafting, axes TERRIFY me now.... i love the Power and the feeling using one.... but each time you glanced my sphincter clenched

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +2

      It's all about planning where the axe will go if it misses or glances, as you see every time it is far away from my legs, unlike splitting I'm standing with my legs quite close together 😉 but chainsaw chaps might be a good idea to build confidence, these razor sharp axes are serious. I always have a decent first aid kit with a tourniquet close, if anything it's to remind me to pay attention 😅

    • @redactedcanceledcensored6890
      @redactedcanceledcensored6890 3 года назад +1

      Right, why not chop away in full armour like a medieval warrior? About as cool as it gets!

    • @jacksondavis6948
      @jacksondavis6948 3 года назад +1

      I had an axe glance and go into my foot, not a good experience. Just think about what you're doing before you start swinging and when you get tired hang it up. Ugly swings will just get you hurt. Axes are awesome and I thoroughly enjoy relaxing while chopping wood even after the 19 stitches.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      @@jacksondavis6948 ooft! That sounds nasty, hope it healed up okay mate.
      All the best.
      Skye

  • @saswildman
    @saswildman 3 года назад +1

    If you can afford a £100+ for a axe you have lost the bushcraft way. I have £20 axe from bq youesd every day for six year's. Great work with the channel.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      Thanks mate, all the best 👍
      Skye

  • @aaronrhoades6847
    @aaronrhoades6847 2 года назад

    Ray mears passed on in Wyoming and a helicopter crash someone is just using his name and printing it on a handle I wouldn't take much stock and what they say thanks for picking on the Dead

    • @edwardfletcher7790
      @edwardfletcher7790 Год назад

      You lying Prat !
      While filming a documentary in Wyoming, US in 2005, Mears was involved in a serious accident. The helicopter in which he and his camera crew were travelling hit the ground during a steep low level turn, and broke apart, rolling to a stop. The fuel tank was ruptured in the accident and escaping fuel covered Mears and the crew. No fire occurred, and Mears was able to escape the wreckage uninjured and assist in the rescue and administer first aid to one of the crew who was badly hurt.
      He is very much alive, don't be a Troll !

  • @kjgas6945
    @kjgas6945 3 года назад +1

    👍👍🤠🤠

  • @petesims
    @petesims 3 года назад

    A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one

    • @alanmeyers3957
      @alanmeyers3957 Год назад

      Well said, they should’ve marketed this axe as a camp splitting axe and it would’ve gotten rave reviews.

  • @shadowk3
    @shadowk3 3 года назад +2

    They just pay Ray to license his name and jack the price.

    • @shadowk3
      @shadowk3 3 года назад

      Though there is a video floating around some where with Ray Mears giving a review of this axe, and his version looks far better than the version you have in this video.

  • @yandan7010
    @yandan7010 3 года назад +1

    *Splitting 🤣👍🏻

  • @johnmutton799
    @johnmutton799 2 месяца назад

    The grain on GB's axes is the worst of the lot. Got the Husqvarna forest axe and it is perfect! Paid £39.00 and it is awesome. This is just a marketing ploy. Total rip off!

  • @eduardomarcelino5621
    @eduardomarcelino5621 3 года назад +1

    It wouldn't made like if it is from ray mears.

  • @derrickfelix6206
    @derrickfelix6206 3 года назад +1

    Skye, Chopping your praised axe with a rock, just an't !

  • @jamescorbin5090
    @jamescorbin5090 3 года назад +1

    $140! Craigslist and Ebay has much better ones for $10.

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      $10 might be s bit ambitious, it is still a well made axe that will last a lifetime, it's just the geometry that's all wrong

  • @DanSlotea
    @DanSlotea 3 года назад

    The 100£ difference is the logo.

  • @BGAUGE
    @BGAUGE 2 месяца назад

    Wetterlings was superior to gransfors until ray poked his nose in

  • @johnemmett1097
    @johnemmett1097 3 года назад

    I agree, Ray Mears stuff is always overpriced, and not always the best for the job..

  • @shaveclassy9986
    @shaveclassy9986 3 года назад +1

    Thicc women and thin axes

  • @scottnorvell2955
    @scottnorvell2955 29 дней назад

    Same as the Ray Mears knife. What a sell out. His knife is O1 tool steel with a Micarta handle making it worth maybe $150 - $200. Instead it costs $500! Unlike you I have no respect at all for Mears.

  • @jackgaskell9309
    @jackgaskell9309 3 года назад +2

    I've got to say, this seems like total bs. There are so many other good reviews from more respected bushcrafters . and I dont believe ray would sell something inadequate. And a heavier head should fatigue you less

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад +1

      Yea, I just gave my opinion that's all. Tried to explain why as best I could, I know a heavier head is more efficient for splitting big rounds but for general camp use like carving or lighter chopping it just means you're having to repeatedly lift that heavy head which is less efficient. I was shocked too but that's just what I found. I did notice a lot of reviews just stated exactly what it says in the Woodlore description so not sure if they really expressed their own thoughts.

    • @alanmeyers3957
      @alanmeyers3957 Год назад

      The problem is in the marketing, this isn’t a woods/ forest axe, it’s a splitting axe, not a chopping axe, you can see that a mile away without even picking it up. I’m fairly sure that you don’t have a whole lot of experience using an axe, we all start somewhere and I wouldn’t recommend this for a forest axe, the Scandinavian forest axe is much better, it will do big work but still packable.

  • @danthewalkingmanen-dorsetg8521
    @danthewalkingmanen-dorsetg8521 3 года назад +1

    try buying a bear grylls axe from go outdoors store lolllllll

    • @SwampValley
      @SwampValley  3 года назад

      I think I'll pass mate 🤣😅
      All the best
      Skye