There's no lanyard hole on an axe friend. That's purely for hanging on a nail/branch or the likes. If you actually drop your axe during a swing and have the lanyard around your wrist there's a pretty big risk of it swinging back and hitting your leg or somewhere potentially more dangerous
My small forest axe is made by MB. I was "TOLD" so it may be true or not, the blacksmiths who make the axes move around, so they get to understand and make every axe or hatchet etc Gransfors makes. No matter, they are a really fine quality axe. Worth spending the little extra to buy one of these fine lifetime tools.
I read numerous articles and saw several videos on axes and hatchets prior to ordering my first. Specifically, a video by Old Jimbo on Mini Hatchets showed what could be achieved with experience and expertise and a mini hatchet! I was amazed by what this mini hatchet was capable of achieving and determined that it would make a good choice for a beginner. On arrival it was beautiful and capable and a joy to own, and several years later I wanted something larger and being very happy with the brand I chose another GB, after some research and consideration. The Wildlife Hatchet was another absolute joy to own, just as the mini was! Five years on and I again chose another GB, the Small Forest Axe, suffice to say I was absolutely delighted with it. It feels an immensely capable tool in the hand and is gorgeous. I'm considering a larger axe and will give this some thought, but it will definitely be a GB. My absolute favourite is my Mini Hatchet, forged by its Designer and stamped with his initials, LP. I prefer this over everything else and it feeds my van stove, tent stove and camp fire perfectly. I have been known to take both Mini and Wildlife Hatchets, as these are my two of my favourite tools. I also take a Silky Saw, either an F-180, a Gomboy Outback or a Bigboy Outback, depending on what I expect to do. I'd rather saw efficiently and without effort than chop!
Mattias Mattsson is the only Smith to forge the wildlife hatchet it's his speciality piece the small forest axe is forged by all the smiths at GB with the exception of Paul Alford GBs master Smith and Lenard Peterson who used to be the only Smith to forge the hunters axe but who spends most of his time guiding new and younger smiths in the finer points of forging certain GB models!
Very cool!! Great info! I really dig that company. I like what they stand for, obviously I'm thrilled with the quality, and they seem like they "get it". Good stuff...thanks for writing!
small forest axe is great for felling/spliting 3-5 in diameter trees and then limbing them. I wanna get my hands on the wildlife hatchet for smaller processing. I felt like the small forest axe was too much axe for smaller tasks around camp
my opinion after using both for a few months is that you might not use the hatchet much. I mean, I guess it's entirely depending on if that is a tool you're familiar with and regularly use. I find that I never use mine at all.
I have the Scandinavian forest axe. I LOVE that axe. It is a tad heavy for backpacking, but for gear heavy hiking, bushcraft, splitting, oh baby it's a dream. I HIGHLY suggest that axe. But for light weight backpacking and trips that still require significant ability to chop, the small forest axe is the sweet spot. See, I use a knife to baton...so the small forest axe to chop, and rough split...the knife to baton and finely process, for me is a great combination. I am a hybrid between the traditional axe guy and a full knife guy. I am also into light weight backpacking, so I'm really a mongrel when it comes down to it. So I tend to get a lot of grief from the die hard groups...because I see the benefits in all sides.
outer limitless Im the same way when it comes to both sides. Bigger is always better, but i do love compactness. Im sure owning a larger axe would better suit me but damnit i want the smaller one too haha. Gonna have to save some mucho money!
I have Wildlife ax now I want another one bigger. I can not decide which -Scandinavian or Small Forest Axe. Scandinavian looks too large, but a small Forest is on the other side not much bigger of Wildlife axe. What I recommend as second axe to Wildlife? Use: hiking, camping, bigger work unsuitable for Wildlife axe. Thanks
This review helped me a lot. I especially liked that you made the choppingtest twice. I wish that every reviewer would do that. For my needs I think the wildlife hatchet will be good enough. Thank you very much!
Thanks! I had fun with it. I realize my technique isn't perfect...and I get a lot of criticism for it, but I would like to think it's still a helpful and useful video!! Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!
I've got a Small Forest Axe and love it, initials were MF - Martin Forslund. They're excellent tools, everyone I've heard speaking about them never has anything bad to say about them.
After watching a lot of video clips for information on these fine tools , i got it down to Wetterlings or Gransfors Bruks appears to me that both companies make great tools for forest use.. i ordered the Wildlife Hatchet for my needs and it arrived yesterday, i'm impressed with the quality and workmanship.. Tomorrow i get to go out into the forest to use it...can't wait..
Yes, it's very sharp right out of the package, mine came triple wrapped... I'm impressed with the cutting edge... Sharp tools are very important if one is going to do fine work and save labor (yourself) make every swing count ... There was this fellow in the book i'm ready who fell the big coastal giants that easily reached 14' diameter, he stood on a spring board for 27 years to do this .. To make sure nothing happened to his axe he slept with it and on Sundays he took it to church with him... true story..
Great review I’ve been on the fence between the hunters axe vs the small forest axe. I’m curious which one do you think is best for chopping small logs and sticks or making a fire and shelter.
I just ordered the Wildlife Hatchet. I look forward to get out and using it. I still like to use a large knife to split kindling, but the hatchet will be part of an emergency kit I keep in my vehicle. What do you think about the leather overstrike guards that are available? I like the way the look, but I don't know if the wood handle is better without the guard for work where your hand is up on the axe head.
This is an excellent review and I will tell you why I think so. I watched several other vids before deciding to purchase the Small Forest Axe, and when I received it this morning the first thing I noticed was it didn't have a metal wedge. So, I thought what's that about? Your explanation alleviated me of any doubt and otherwise the quality is evident. This is a beautiful tool. I also have a Fiskars X7 hatchet. I's kind of a banger/garden axe, but it packs easily and works. But I just love the Gransfors for its craftsmanship and traditional style. Anyway, thanks.
Nice! Yeah, I was curious about the wedge too...I thought there was something going on, so that's why I reached out to the factory. They were super responsive...quite impressive. Thanks for watching!
Thanks...your comment made me rewatch this video. I did do a pretty good job! This was somewhat early on in my venture...my style and video quality has much improved, but I feel like I did capture some important details. I have also improved quite a bit in my axe skills, so my testing would be more conclusive, but at least I admitted my faults! Thanks for watching...I'm glad you liked it!
Thanks for mentioning the metal prong being removed from the wildlife hatchet. I've just bought a new handle and was straight on the phone saying they forgot a part. The guys in the shop set me straight and said they don't use it anymore. Here's hoping they haven't changed the axe head to account for the pin being removed and mine stays on fine.
Good luck! I have heard that you can soak the open end of the handle with boiled linseed oil once you install it. When the oil soaks in, it swells the wood making a firm fit. I have done that to mine, and so far, so good!
You'll probably like the small forest axe. It has a longer handle than the hatchet...so for splitting you get your hands out of the way...and it's still small enough to choke up if you want to use it like a hatchet. Anyway, good luck!
The swedes make some awesome products. Hilleberg tents, Hults-bruk and Grandfors bruk axes and Mora Knives. Oh I didn't forget to mention those world-class beautiful Women! The Swedes have it good!
Not really, have you seen what's happening in sweden lately? Sweden (malmo) is now the rape capital of europe thanks to mass immigration from the middle east, not to mention they had 40 hand grenade attacks in 2016 alone, shits crazy.
I've owned both tools for years. My Small Forest Axe was forged by "UN" - Ulrik Nilsson, and my Wildlife Hatchet was forged by "DG" - Daniel Gräntz. Both have been heavily used and resharpened many times.
I own both, and I have excellent control while chopping. My wildlife is my go-to choice because of its more compact length. They are both excellent, but they are also both considered compact. For that reason, with skill considered, the smaller one is better.
I own the Wildlife Hatchet. It's pretty useless at chopping anything big, but it is excellent at splitting and processing 3" or 4" branches for camp fires. It is also a great carving tool. You can easily make a spoon blank in just a few minutes.
Ya, I find I don't use the Hatchet very much at all, especially having the small forest axe. I pretty much bought that to try it out...unfortunately it just sits in the corner right now...hmmmm, maybe i'll carve a spoon. Great idea!
Interested in letting it go? I'm doing a full state section in a few months and definitely want to pack and axe. I'm an ounce counter but need the ability to fell small trees for sure.. Debating which to get. Still..
I own six GBA axes (hand hatchet, wildlife hatchet, Scandi axe, large splitting axe, splitting maul and the American Felling Axe). I use the holes in the handles to hang the axes on the side of a cabinet. Very handy. I have pictures.
I'm just starting to learn more bushcrafting skills and basically a beginner. What would you all recommend since I dont know how to work large projects obviously.
Small forest axe is a great all rounder, not to big not to small, great for splitting cut section of logs about 6-8 inches in diameter, I have both the wildlife and small forest axe and I use the small forest axe way more as its heavy enough for bigger wood but still light enough for small wood 🪵
Just to clarify they both have a wooden wedge. You gotta have something to prevent the head from falling off. But just the small forest axe has the metal wedge as well.
For bucking a log , here is a tip, chop in at 45* degree angle and the cut should be the width of the diameter of the log...rough measurement rather than 90* degrees.. Try both angles and see the difference..
What i do is vary the angle a little each swing and see how far the blade bites into the wood, not all wood is the same , some like western red cedar here in the Pacific Northwest is quite soft, where fir is harder and western Hemlock is harder yet.. Alder is quite soft when green, when dried out it's hard... Just experiment some time and make several chops into the wood and vary the angle with each swing....
Great review man. I am really torn between these two and this does help a bit. I was leaning towards the wildlife hatchet at first but now I'm considering the small forest axe.
In my opinion it depends on your objectives...both are great. A bit more control with the hatchet...a bit more power with the SFA. If you're interested in getting a bit of a deal on a lightly used SFA, email me at outerlimitless@gmail.com. I am about to list mine for sale and I can give you first chance if you are in the US. Thanks!
Gave my SFA to my son. One use everyday with it prior to give away, was chipping ice to get water in the creek, lanyard of course, big advantage over WLH! Thought I'd save some weight and space so then bought WLH. Both VERY fine tools. However, I REALLY miss the SFA. Will probably buy another. As another viewer notes the SFA 'hits the sweet spot'. Then the WLH will occupy the back burner.
I appreciate both. I catch a lot of slack for using the SFA with one hand. But it can really do the work as either a small axe or large hatchet. Both are a great tool and I love them equally. I also have the Scandinavian Forest Axe which is great too! Thanks for writing!
@@outerlimitless The Scandinavian has always been on my radar! However, I just came upon the Council Tool Woodcraft axe. Has a 19 or 24" (24 preferred) handle, hardened poll (a big deal) and blade. Steel is 5160 at 58 rockwell with beveled edge. Overall weight 2.75 pounds, head only 2 pounds. Hickory grain orientation appears perfect. Leather overstrike sleeve available all for about $136.00 on Amazon. Will probably pull the trigger on this soon, looks like the holy grail for my usage.
Also in the same book i'm reading , there is a man named McLaren who traveled the country on his days off and entered chopping contests, no one could beat his time, the man knew how to use an axe.. Several examples of his times set, one was a 12 " log and his time to chop it in to was 47 seconds, the closest chopper was 4 min and 23 seconds... That requires a very sharp axe and skills knowing how to make each swing be productive... Those old timers got paid by swinging a very sharp axe.. Of course today we watch Timber Sports of men and women chop logs in to against the clock.. Bushcraft is different and so is camping and building a fire to cook on with a very sharp axe or hatchet.. you don't get paid to do it..
I have been gaining axe experience. These axes were my first that I've owned...I was never much of an axe guy, but not I've started to learn the place for them...certainly a necessary tool. I do find that if I experiment with different angles it makes a big difference...but I'm still not that accurate.
Just bc I have a larger head and longer handle, does that mean this one will chop better? ...uh, YES. LOL. All seriousness though, good video! Was looking for a comparison video and i got some good information from this. Appreciate it!
@@75thteaster54 I don't have to much further guidance unfortunately. I wonder if that would be considered normal wear and tear, or if they would warranty it? Reach out to them maybe and see if they answer you? Interesting test of their customer support anyway!
outer limitless I hate to bother them I know there a great company I was just curious as to how they make a wooden hatchet handle with no wedge holding the head on that’s all.. but thanks for your reply’s I don’t mean to take up your time on this. Have a good one buddy
Why weren't use using two hands to swing the Small Forest Axe when chopping the logs? Use both to their strengths - don't limit the effective of one over the other...
I guess I was trying to draw more comparison with similar technique. The SFA originally felt like a long handled hatchet to me. I use 2 hands more now over time. I actually did a video about that topic.
I should do a follow up...good idea. My chopping technique is much better now, and my axes have a couple years of love on them at this point. I might do that! Thanks for writing...and thanks for watching!
Say Heah, Infact I'm taking my Small Forest Axe out this weekend. I'm also framing it with my Fox Bushcraft Parang and my Mora 2000 a real nice matching combo and the Small afirest Axe will fit in prrfect I think. I'm also bringing my Wicked Tough Saw Combo. This way, I can at least carry my Fix Bushcraft Parang/Mora 2000 plus my Wicked Tough Saw on my Survival Belt All the time. My Kidiak Gearsling has elastic straps on the side for my Small Forest Axe. So I have my cutting tools and Gear basically on me. Infact, I practice this to see what works and what doesn't. I like doing Solo Scouting, and a overnighter. So its important for me to know before I find out too late. Yeah, I really like my Small Forest Axe because its pretty lite considering what it can do. What I like about this set is the low maintaining on my knives, The Axe and saw I just have to be reasonable and wipe them down with a oil cloth when I'm done. But still better than a car in blade, So I do olgo when its wet, I just take my appropriate gear. Yeah, mist winter I used my Council 24" Wood Craft Pack Axe, So it will be nice to use one of my Fav's my G.B. Small Forest Axe.,,.
Actually I have the Fox Trapper and the Fox Panabus on order.,,. But Yeah, I'm still here where we had our bush craft weekend, My Bushcraft Parang performed magnificent. I did team it with my Frost Mora 840 Clipper MG, They color matched near perfectly and really complemented each other, Yeah, I was very pleased, That N690Co. Bohler Austrian Stainless Steel is pretty good stuff.,,.
So far I teamed my Fox Hitam Golok with my Fox Trekker Camp and Sniper Knife, I bought the Hitam Golok first, Then I teamed my Fox Pro Hunter with my Fox Combat Jungle Knife, Then I got my Fox Bushcraft Parang and I got the Cold Steel 3V Master Hunter just incase. If I would go on a Solo Scout, I think I would bring my 3V Master Hunter, but since I have my Clipper here already, Oh, well. Yeah, I wanted to build up my Wet and Snowy Weather conditions stable. I also bought the Fallkniven H-1 to team with my A-1 a great combo, and I bought the Steel Will Druid 230 and the Druid 240, that 9"+ blade on the Druid 230 prolly come in handy clearing through the early brambles, Also in Stainless 9Cr18MoV.,,.
I also have the Blackbird SK-5 in the 154C M, also my Benchmade Arvensis is in the same stainless, I also have some 440C's and ofcource my Busse Combat are in the INFI Steel a corrosion resistant steel.,,.
Difficult to be exactly precise however you demonstrated a lot of objectivity when performing tests! It’s only logical to expect axe with more leverage, weight to perform differently. Excellent review Sir!
Thanks...I'm always learning. Even since that video I have improved considerably. The small forest axe is strange at first because it almost naturally feels like a large hatchet. But over time, I learned to more regularly use 2 hands. Thanks for watching!
Good video and test. Considering bucking a large log isn’t the intended purpose of the Wildlife Hatchet, maybe try a test where you chop wrist-size or smaller pieces for 15 minutes without rest. I suspect the Wildlife Hatchet would win hands down. Similar to what you eluded to toward the end of the video!
The great. Ray Mears recommends Gransfors small Forest axe as a do it all. I personally preferred the quality of Wetterlings which is across the road to Gransfors and owned by the same family. As Ray Mears was recommending Gransfors they could not keep up with demand so that the family decided to merge both companies and concentrate on the Gransfors brand. I have the Wetterlings Bushmans axe and the Wetterlings Wildlife hatchet. Both are outstanding. I intend to get the Gransfors Small Forest axe as it has a slimmer head than the Bushmans axe which is more wedge shape which is an excellent splitter.
@@outerlimitless I believe one company was owned by the dad and the other his wife. I think they retired and sold both companies to their kids who then merged and carried on as Gransfors as that was the better seller due to Ray Mears selling and recommending then. A lot of bushcrafter’s seem to prefer Wetterlings and others sware by Gransfors. I only own Wetterlings as I thought the design and quality was better and didn’t just want to follow the crowd but the price new has gone through the roof and hard to find. Maybe they will resurrect the brand when they realise they are still popular.
I love my small forest axe,, i live off grid, only wood for heat and cooking. The small forest axe is easy to carry in the woods, perfect for setting up a camp. I got the marbles hatchet and i love that for small work and carving. The marbles hatchet is a great tool,, very close to the forest axe, but shorter handle,, if you didn't want to spend the money on Gransfors bruks, get the marbles hatchet, you could totally hang that hatchet on a longer handle and it would functionally be nearly identical to the small forest axe.
Thanks...I think comparisons can be important. I find that I still carefully select one or the other depending on my use or need. These are different enough in size to matter, especially when ounces count hiking or backpacking.
I don't recall mine being far off center, but maybe. I don't care...just use the tools. But I kinda get your point...fit and finish is big on my list of details that need paying attention to.
2 points to consider. The hole in the handle is for hanging the axe for storage, you don't want to have that blade coming back at you if your grip slips. The 420 is designed to be able to use 2 handed
It's dangerous to use a wrist strap when chopping. If you loose your grip on the axe or hatchet, the strap could cause the sharp edge to come back at you. Use the hole in the handle to hang your axe on the wall.
I specifically wrote to Gransfors when I had questions about the wedges...this is the link they sent me, basically stating that certain products would no longer use the wedge, while others still would...hope that helps. www.gransforsbruk.com/en/nyheter/#post-15110
thanks for the update, Oh and by the way, the small forest ax, is meant to be used with two hands, as it is an ax, not a hatchet! You will have proper control over it, if you use it properly! Cheers!
I bought several of these until I realized what I didn't like about them! The blade is thin, if you look at the blade profile, it's not much thicker than many "survival knives". I don't know about the Scandinavian tradition in axes and hatchets, but in Eastern Europe we use axes that have a slightly wider angle blade (see the Fiskars axes - something like those). These Gransfors Bruks are too thin to be efficient as axes, in my opinion, they are good for limbing, but not so much for splitting or felling a tree - it's just like using a thick knife instead of an axe.
thinner profiles allow for more efficient cutting(chopping down a tree), while thicker profiles allow for better splitting(splitting wood lengthwise). they both cut, but some designs are better for different tasks. theres hybrid profile axes as well
Small Forest Axe and Outdoor Axe is what I went with . I do not need full size axe . Outdoor axe stays in my pack and Small Forest Axe is for everything else
Your technique for the wildlife needs to be different than the SFA. I personally like the wildlife way better. For me the Wildlife is marginal too heavy to back pack with. but the SFA is way too big to backpack with. IMO the Wildlife is the most cutting power for size of any hatchet I've ever used or tried. The medium handle of the hunter and SFA sort of is uncomfortable for me.
I definitely have very much come to appreciate the Wildlife. Comfortable grip for sure. And the more I use it the more I have gained a respect for how much it truly can do!
The chopping comparison between the two was unfair in that with the hatchet you were on your knees and the small forest axe you were squatting and not on your knees. Trivial I know, but even that little difference will make the comparison unfair for you can get better strength squatting than on your knees. Yes I know that the hatchet cannot beat the Small Forest Axe in chopping power, but the impression was that the hatchet was fair inferior when it isn't. Gotta give love to the neglected Wildlife Hatchet. 😉
It's mainly due to the length of the handle and proximity to strike against the log. If I were squatting with the hatchet, the strike distance would change...I generally work from a comfortable stance or distance for my ability to strike...so it's hard to say. But your point is valid...I do agree generally with your thoughts. Thanks for watching!
Yes...that was sorta due to having both arriving at a similar time. Definitely not a direct comparison, but many people are curious about how they compare size wise...it's data for those who want it. Thanks for coming aboard. I appreciate the support!
@@outerlimitless I think it was a good comparison since they’re kinda similar in a few applications And of course: you’ve got the information of two in one video which is great IMO My wildlife hatchet is still on its way and luckily I was able to get it for 85€ because it’s second grade and directly from the Webshop without another retailer ^^ Sometimes it’s good to live in Germany But only sometimes haha
Not a problem if you're good with me giving it back at ya! You will be thrilled with the Gransfors products. I've had mine for almost 2 years now...and they're wonderful. Just gotta watch the rust...but other than that the edge retention is really excellent, and I have no chipping or rolling. What you gonna use it for? I have pretty good experience with both of those since I shot that video quite a while ago.
I like my small forest axe for backpacking, but if you're looking to shed the weight, maybe the hatchet would be better. IF you're looking for a ton of serious work, even the small forest axe is probably too small. I also have the Scandinavian forest axe...it's more suitable for a mid-sized work horse.
I thought it was strange to compare two quite different axe/hatchet from the same manufacturer. But as the video progressed I began to realise the lack of Axe knowledge here . For 'Lanyard hole' substitute 'Hanging hole'... never, ever fit a Lanyard to an axe or hatchet... loose control mid swing with the Lanyard wrapped around your wrist and find out! Videos like this just downgrade RUclips.
I think this would have been a great video, but, I gotta tell ya, you need to back that camera up bro. The entire video, I felt like I was sitting two inches from a movie screen. I never really got any perspective on the size of the axes, and the footage was shot so close to the action, it was like trying to watch someone through binoculars. Up close for detail is great, but we need some shots from farther off so we can get perspective and see the action. And you never provide information about the size and weight. Sorry, just not a very informative video.
Understood...I gotcha. Yeah, that was early on as I was getting started...learning how to present, shoot, edit, etc. I agree it could have been better...point taken.
Sorry mate but you did not have really great swings. So unfair for the hatchet. On second run you hit the exact same spot like 5 times! wasnot the same cutting pattern.
Cheers mate regardless I still very much enjoyed your video and have watched many of your other videos. Love your filming style and everything! Really well made and enjoyable! I am not a big knife guy but love axes please post more axe videos of anything at all ;) cheers.
I'm not big into the statistics...I don't generally cover the stats...people can find that info all over the place. If I'm loading up a pack for a backpacking trip, then I'll talk about weight.
IM SORRY , I HAVE SO MANY COMMENTS , THIS GUY HAS NOOOO CLUE !!! SIR , PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOURE TALKING ABOUT WHEN YOU DO A BACK YARD REVIEW . FIRST OF ALL YOU SAID YOU WAITED 2 MONTHS AND HAD THE WILDLIFE TO USE FIRST BUT IS STILL NEW OUT OF THE BOX , ANY ONE WHO IS THE REAL DEAL SUCH AS MYSELF , KNOWS THE FIRST WEEKEND OUT IN THE WOODS USAGE APPEARS , SO YOU HAVE BARELY USED IT .......YES , ALL HAVE A LANYARD HOLE , I OWN EVERY GB HATCHET /AXE THEY MANUFACTURE FOR YEARS AND YES , BEEN TAKEN FURTHER AND USED THAN MY YARD .....ALSO ,THERE IS NO TEST TO COMPARE THE TWO YOU JUST TRIED , THEY ARE BOTH DESIGNED FOR TWO DIFFERENT PURPOSES , BUT IF YOU WERE A WOODSMAN YOU WOULD KNOW THAT , AND ALSO WOULD KNOW HOW TO DEPLOY AN AXE LET ALONE TRYING TO CARVE WITH ONE SO PLEASE STOP BEFORE YOU HURT YOURSELF ..., GOSH SO MANY MORE BUT ILL STOP THERE ... THIS VIDEO WAS STRICTLY TO SAY HEY LOOK AT ME , LOOK WHAT I HAVE . UNFORTUNATELY , SUPERB TOOLS IN THE WRONG HANDS !!!
Ok, here's how we'll start because I have so many comments for you. And we'll discuss who has "Nooooooo clue". Just because I own a piece of gear doesn't necessarily mean I use it constantly or to the point where it is heavily used. So, yes, that is true that it is barely used at that point in the video. So what? What does that matter at all. First off I never claimed to be an expert...and I never claimed to have been using the hatchet substantially. So what is you point? It's a useless comment. Next...you claim to own every GB hatchet they manufacture. Obviously you are either lying, or you are not very observant because they do not all have a lanyard hole. Please go to GB website and see for yourself. Oh, I will do you the hard work and provide the link directly to one of their products that does not have a lanyard hole: www.gransforsbruk.com/en/product/gransfors-small-hatchet/ Now, there is a test that can be performed to compare them...it is quite simple in concept actually. The Small Forest Axe is almost as close to the size of a hatchet while still being a hatchet and I feel as though it is important to compare the two if someone is looking to make a purchase between the two. I do agree that they are different and used in a different manner in some ways, but that is not exclusively true...and at this point, I do use them in a similar fashion, but make a decision about which to bring based on my weight and volume concerns. Lastly, let's talk about qualifications. What exactly are yours? You claim to be an expert woodsman? Sounds like you're just leaving comments to say "Hey look at me". You have no quantifiable proof of being an expert, and just blurt out insults and improper information with nothing to back it up! I might not be an expert...and I proclaim that I am NOT an expert. But does that prevent me from buying tools and using them as I learn and grow and experience? That video was over 2 years ago...at this point my tools are well used, and my skills have very much improved and I can tell you that even though I am not a "Woodsman" (as you claim to be) I am out there ALL the time and I am actually quite diverse in my skills and knowledge. So if you want to jump on here and claim that you are an expert and I have nooooo clue, here's my suggestion. I have posted 299 videos. Why don't you start at my first video...and watch my channel from beginning to end. See where I started and where my skills are now...see the many topics I have covered and the diversity I have brought to the table. Keep in mind I have filmed, edited, written music, made logos, researched companies and made connections across the board with viewers, channels, businesses, manufacturers, etc. You will get to see these tools in action along the way...and you can still question my "woodsman" skills. But that is ok, because I get out there and learn and grow every single time. So who exactly are you, "LoveLivingLife"??? I'm sorry but that is a facade because people who love living life don't come off as you do...they have a different approach and different demeanor and probably are more educated than to type with all capital letters, incorrect punctuation, run-on sentences, etc. So, I'm calling you out...yep, let's see your "Woodsman" skills. Get out there and film your greatness...let me be the judge of your life and the relevance you bring to the world...because right now I really don't see anything worth paying attention to once I hit the blue reply button.
outer limitless You’re so cute ....lol No need to give me the link to GB, I have an extended account with them I don’t have to wait 234 months for a product, I have whatever I need in a week . Secondly I don’t post videos because I’m out there living it , not doing it for attention, I’m 48 years old and have been out in the bush since I was 10 years old , lower 48 Alaska Canada and yes a few times overseas.and actually have lived out there., so I’ll tell you want as far as skills are concerned, on a Friday evening head out with nothing but your knife , And I mean nothing else,, and I will do the same, which I have actually done countless times just to do so,and on Sunday night we will post our videos, and we will see who fared well or who actually made it LOL have a nice day ....
HAHA I THINK NOT , I ALREADY KNOW GEAR, THERES ENOUGH BACK YARD ADVERTISEMENT GUYS LIKE YOURSELF , I SUBSCRIBE TO THOSE THAT LIVE THE LIFE LIKE MYSELF , NOT TALK ABOUT THE LIFE .......
Say Heah, I have the G. B. Small Forest Axe, But I also have a more compact 17" Hultafors Bruks Agdor Hatchet which I bought on a closeout, I got lucky, The G. B. came sharper, But in no time I had my Agdor as sharp, But it's a wee bit heavier head, which is great to process firewood. I also carry it in a Holster Eugene made me at reviewsog.com great quality and reasonable. It's part of one of my Fav. Trio's, I can go with my Rodent 5 in a leather dangler and my Bacho Laplander. ,, .
Well you’re review can’t be reliable because you obviously don’t know how to work an axe and a hatchet go and learn your skills first before attempting a review then it might hold a bit more of a cut all the best
bro...carry a tourniquet in your first aid kit...sat phone...baofeng and flares.Learn how to use all of the above for when you get an arterial bleed in the backcountry...SMH
Ok, cool, just making sure that's what you meant. So, that's fine, you can say that...fair enough. But let me know when you're ballsy enough to post a video of your axe technique so we can all critique it. Then your comments will have some clout. K, thanks for watchin!
outer limitless fair enough... I ACCEPT. WAITING ON GOOD CAMERA AND EQUIPMENT. SUCH AN INTELLIGENT REPLY CAN ONLY BE MET WITH KINDNESS. I APOLOGIZE FOR MY HARSH COMMENT TO YOU. IT WAS UNKIND. WATCH FOR MY VID.
There's no lanyard hole on an axe friend. That's purely for hanging on a nail/branch or the likes. If you actually drop your axe during a swing and have the lanyard around your wrist there's a pretty big risk of it swinging back and hitting your leg or somewhere potentially more dangerous
Yeah, I callled it a lanyard hole, but if you watch my videos you'll see my axes hanging from their lanyard holes in the background.
Very true, well pointed out.👍🏼 Especially as these axes are razor sharp.
when using an axe you are going to want to chop at more of an angle into the wood, that way you will get a much deeper cut
45 degree angle?
My small forest axe is made by MB. I was "TOLD" so it may be true or not, the blacksmiths who make the axes move around, so they get to understand and make every axe or hatchet etc Gransfors makes. No matter, they are a really fine quality axe. Worth spending the little extra to buy one of these fine lifetime tools.
Mines made by MB too
I read numerous articles and saw several videos on axes and hatchets prior to ordering my first.
Specifically, a video by Old Jimbo on Mini Hatchets showed what could be achieved with experience and expertise and a mini hatchet!
I was amazed by what this mini hatchet was capable of achieving and determined that it would make a good choice for a beginner.
On arrival it was beautiful and capable and a joy to own, and several years later I wanted something larger and being very happy with the brand I chose another GB, after some research and consideration.
The Wildlife Hatchet was another absolute joy to own, just as the mini was!
Five years on and I again chose another GB, the Small Forest Axe, suffice to say I was absolutely delighted with it.
It feels an immensely capable tool in the hand and is gorgeous.
I'm considering a larger axe and will give this some thought, but it will definitely be a GB.
My absolute favourite is my Mini Hatchet, forged by its Designer and stamped with his initials, LP.
I prefer this over everything else and it feeds my van stove, tent stove and camp fire perfectly.
I have been known to take both Mini and Wildlife Hatchets, as these are my two of my favourite tools.
I also take a Silky Saw, either an F-180, a Gomboy Outback or a Bigboy Outback, depending on what I expect to do.
I'd rather saw efficiently and without effort than chop!
I want them all
They are all worth buying! Haha, actually I kinda want the small hand hatchet as well as the large splitting maul!
Mattias Mattsson is the only Smith to forge the wildlife hatchet it's his speciality piece the small forest axe is forged by all the smiths at GB with the exception of Paul Alford GBs master Smith and Lenard Peterson who used to be the only Smith to forge the hunters axe but who spends most of his time guiding new and younger smiths in the finer points of forging certain GB models!
Very cool!! Great info! I really dig that company. I like what they stand for, obviously I'm thrilled with the quality, and they seem like they "get it".
Good stuff...thanks for writing!
Mine is from UN.
My wildlife hatchet was made by AS
@@paulwatts9829 mine too
small forest axe is great for felling/spliting 3-5 in diameter trees and then limbing them. I wanna get my hands on the wildlife hatchet for smaller processing. I felt like the small forest axe was too much axe for smaller tasks around camp
my opinion after using both for a few months is that you might not use the hatchet much. I mean, I guess it's entirely depending on if that is a tool you're familiar with and regularly use. I find that I never use mine at all.
outer limitless have you bought any of the larger axes?
I have the Scandinavian forest axe. I LOVE that axe. It is a tad heavy for backpacking, but for gear heavy hiking, bushcraft, splitting, oh baby it's a dream. I HIGHLY suggest that axe. But for light weight backpacking and trips that still require significant ability to chop, the small forest axe is the sweet spot.
See, I use a knife to baton...so the small forest axe to chop, and rough split...the knife to baton and finely process, for me is a great combination. I am a hybrid between the traditional axe guy and a full knife guy. I am also into light weight backpacking, so I'm really a mongrel when it comes down to it. So I tend to get a lot of grief from the die hard groups...because I see the benefits in all sides.
outer limitless Im the same way when it comes to both sides. Bigger is always better, but i do love compactness. Im sure owning a larger axe would better suit me but damnit i want the smaller one too haha. Gonna have to save some mucho money!
I have Wildlife ax now I want another one bigger. I can not decide which -Scandinavian or Small Forest Axe. Scandinavian looks too large, but a small Forest is on the other side not much bigger of Wildlife axe.
What I recommend as second axe to Wildlife? Use: hiking, camping, bigger work unsuitable for Wildlife axe.
Thanks
This review helped me a lot. I especially liked that you made the choppingtest twice. I wish that every reviewer would do that. For my needs I think the wildlife hatchet will be good enough.
Thank you very much!
Thanks! I had fun with it. I realize my technique isn't perfect...and I get a lot of criticism for it, but I would like to think it's still a helpful and useful video!! Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!
Olá,se você tivesse que escolher apenas um, qual você escolheria?
I've got a Small Forest Axe and love it, initials were MF - Martin Forslund.
They're excellent tools, everyone I've heard speaking about them never has anything bad to say about them.
I love mine...they're a few years old now...and they perform wonderfully. It's a tool you'll have forever... I just wish I could use mine MORE!!
Sure want the hatchet. ...perfect around camp.
After watching a lot of video clips for information on these fine tools , i got it down to Wetterlings or Gransfors Bruks appears to me that both companies make great tools for forest use.. i ordered the Wildlife Hatchet for my needs and it arrived yesterday, i'm impressed with the quality and workmanship.. Tomorrow i get to go out into the forest to use it...can't wait..
Nice!! Congrats...you'll love it. It's scarrrrrry sharp right out of the box. I think it's sharper than most of my knives!
Yes, it's very sharp right out of the package, mine came triple wrapped... I'm impressed with the cutting edge... Sharp tools are very important if one is going to do fine work and save labor (yourself) make every swing count ... There was this fellow in the book i'm ready who fell the big coastal giants that easily reached 14' diameter, he stood on a spring board for 27 years to do this .. To make sure nothing happened to his axe he slept with it and on Sundays he took it to church with him... true story..
Great review I’ve been on the fence between the hunters axe vs the small forest axe.
I’m curious which one do you think is best for chopping small logs and sticks or making a fire and shelter.
I just ordered the Wildlife Hatchet. I look forward to get out and using it. I still like to use a large knife to split kindling, but the hatchet will be part of an emergency kit I keep in my vehicle. What do you think about the leather overstrike guards that are available? I like the way the look, but I don't know if the wood handle is better without the guard for work where your hand is up on the axe head.
This is an excellent review and I will tell you why I think so. I watched several other vids before deciding to purchase the Small Forest Axe, and when I received it this morning the first thing I noticed was it didn't have a metal wedge. So, I thought what's that about? Your explanation alleviated me of any doubt and otherwise the quality is evident. This is a beautiful tool. I also have a Fiskars X7 hatchet. I's kind of a banger/garden axe, but it packs easily and works. But I just love the Gransfors for its craftsmanship and traditional style. Anyway, thanks.
Nice! Yeah, I was curious about the wedge too...I thought there was something going on, so that's why I reached out to the factory. They were super responsive...quite impressive. Thanks for watching!
I have owned the Wildlife Hatchet for many years. It works well, it is my friend. And, yes,' it is marked "M M"
Fantastic video. It is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
Thanks...glad it helped! Some people love this video...some hate it...haha, can't please everyone, but I'm glad you found it useful!
Thank you! This was the best Gransfors Bruk axe Review i have seen:)
Thanks...your comment made me rewatch this video. I did do a pretty good job! This was somewhat early on in my venture...my style and video quality has much improved, but I feel like I did capture some important details. I have also improved quite a bit in my axe skills, so my testing would be more conclusive, but at least I admitted my faults! Thanks for watching...I'm glad you liked it!
Thanks for mentioning the metal prong being removed from the wildlife hatchet. I've just bought a new handle and was straight on the phone saying they forgot a part. The guys in the shop set me straight and said they don't use it anymore. Here's hoping they haven't changed the axe head to account for the pin being removed and mine stays on fine.
Good luck! I have heard that you can soak the open end of the handle with boiled linseed oil once you install it. When the oil soaks in, it swells the wood making a firm fit. I have done that to mine, and so far, so good!
Thanks for helping me choose!
Ill check it out. Looking for medium chopping and splitting. Thanks.
You'll probably like the small forest axe. It has a longer handle than the hatchet...so for splitting you get your hands out of the way...and it's still small enough to choke up if you want to use it like a hatchet. Anyway, good luck!
The swedes make some awesome products. Hilleberg tents, Hults-bruk and Grandfors bruk axes and Mora Knives. Oh I didn't forget to mention those world-class beautiful Women! The Swedes have it good!
Such nice stuff....I really love my axes. I have certainly used and abused a couple of Mora's...and they're still great!
Not really, have you seen what's happening in sweden lately? Sweden (malmo) is now the rape capital of europe thanks to mass immigration from the middle east, not to mention they had 40 hand grenade attacks in 2016 alone, shits crazy.
Don't forget fjellreven, lundhags and urberg. Another company that makes good axes in Sweden is Hultafors.
I've owned both tools for years. My Small Forest Axe was forged by "UN" - Ulrik Nilsson, and my Wildlife Hatchet was forged by "DG" - Daniel Gräntz. Both have been heavily used and resharpened many times.
I have used mine quite a bit since that video...it's been a few years now. Great tools and quality overall!
Thanks man for the great review. I learned about both of them I didn't know. Keep up. The good work.
Waiting list? I orderd my, and the same day it was shipped
I think this video is like 5 years old...so at the time, yes waiting list.
@@outerlimitless Well, i live in Sweden. Lucky me 🤭
great review. I really like the forest axe but I'm afraid it might be a bit big for a camp/hiking. what would you choose for those purpose?
it's the 420 model, it's the small forest axe, which to me feels like a large hatchet. I'd say it's great for camp chores.
also is not very heavy, so it's suitable for hiking
I own both, and I have excellent control while chopping. My wildlife is my go-to choice because of its more compact length. They are both excellent, but they are also both considered compact. For that reason, with skill considered, the smaller one is better.
Interesting that you said the SFA is compact. I 100% agree, which is why I used it more like a hatchet. It lends itself well to one or two hand use.
I own the Wildlife Hatchet. It's pretty useless at chopping anything big, but it is excellent at splitting and processing 3" or 4" branches for camp fires. It is also a great carving tool. You can easily make a spoon blank in just a few minutes.
Ya, I find I don't use the Hatchet very much at all, especially having the small forest axe. I pretty much bought that to try it out...unfortunately it just sits in the corner right now...hmmmm, maybe i'll carve a spoon. Great idea!
Interested in letting it go? I'm doing a full state section in a few months and definitely want to pack and axe. I'm an ounce counter but need the ability to fell small trees for sure.. Debating which to get. Still..
Andy
I'm willing to entertain an offer, feel free to email me at outerlimitless@gmail.com and throw a number at me. No promises, but I'll consider it.
Im an American retired in the Philippines. My axe will arrive in about 2 weeks. Cant wait to play with it.
Nice Man! That's awesome...which one you get?
outer limitless
Wild Life Hatchet. Im going for more hatchet work rather than using a big knife.
I own six GBA axes (hand hatchet, wildlife hatchet, Scandi axe, large splitting axe, splitting maul and the American Felling Axe). I use the holes in the handles to hang the axes on the side of a cabinet. Very handy. I have pictures.
Thats exactly what the holes in the axes are for. 👍🏼 They're not for a lanyard.
I'm just starting to learn more bushcrafting skills and basically a beginner. What would you all recommend since I dont know how to work large projects obviously.
I'm still a beginner myself and I continue to learn! It's an ongoing process for sure!
Small forest axe is a great all rounder, not to big not to small, great for splitting cut section of logs about 6-8 inches in diameter, I have both the wildlife and small forest axe and I use the small forest axe way more as its heavy enough for bigger wood but still light enough for small wood 🪵
Outdoor Axe. Perfect combination of both models!
Such gorgeous tools. I have used these extensively since that video. I love any chance I can get to use them!
Just to clarify they both have a wooden wedge. You gotta have something to prevent the head from falling off. But just the small forest axe has the metal wedge as well.
For bucking a log , here is a tip, chop in at 45* degree angle and the cut should be the width of the diameter of the log...rough measurement rather than 90* degrees.. Try both angles and see the difference..
Good advice...I'll definitely try that sometime...thanks!
What i do is vary the angle a little each swing and see how far the blade bites into the wood, not all wood is the same , some like western red cedar here in the Pacific Northwest is quite soft, where fir is harder and western Hemlock is harder yet.. Alder is quite soft when green, when dried out it's hard... Just experiment some time and make several chops into the wood and vary the angle with each swing....
Great review man. I am really torn between these two and this does help a bit. I was leaning towards the wildlife hatchet at first but now I'm considering the small forest axe.
In my opinion it depends on your objectives...both are great. A bit more control with the hatchet...a bit more power with the SFA. If you're interested in getting a bit of a deal on a lightly used SFA, email me at outerlimitless@gmail.com. I am about to list mine for sale and I can give you first chance if you are in the US. Thanks!
Gave my SFA to my son. One use everyday with it prior to give away, was chipping ice to get water in the creek, lanyard of course, big advantage over WLH! Thought I'd save some weight and space so then bought WLH. Both VERY fine tools. However, I REALLY miss the SFA. Will probably buy another. As another viewer notes the SFA 'hits the sweet spot'. Then the WLH will occupy the back burner.
I appreciate both. I catch a lot of slack for using the SFA with one hand. But it can really do the work as either a small axe or large hatchet. Both are a great tool and I love them equally. I also have the Scandinavian Forest Axe which is great too! Thanks for writing!
@@outerlimitless The Scandinavian has always been on my radar! However, I just came upon the Council Tool Woodcraft axe. Has a 19 or 24" (24 preferred) handle, hardened poll (a big deal) and blade. Steel is 5160 at 58 rockwell with beveled edge. Overall weight 2.75 pounds, head only 2 pounds. Hickory grain orientation appears perfect. Leather overstrike sleeve available all for about $136.00 on Amazon. Will probably pull the trigger on this soon, looks like the holy grail for my usage.
Also in the same book i'm reading , there is a man named McLaren who traveled the country on his days off and entered chopping contests, no one could beat his time, the man knew how to use an axe.. Several examples of his times set, one was a 12 " log and his time to chop it in to was 47 seconds, the closest chopper was 4 min and 23 seconds... That requires a very sharp axe and skills knowing how to make each swing be productive... Those old timers got paid by swinging a very sharp axe..
Of course today we watch Timber Sports of men and women chop logs in to against the clock.. Bushcraft is different and so is camping and building a fire to cook on with a very sharp axe or hatchet.. you don't get paid to do it..
I have been gaining axe experience. These axes were my first that I've owned...I was never much of an axe guy, but not I've started to learn the place for them...certainly a necessary tool. I do find that if I experiment with different angles it makes a big difference...but I'm still not that accurate.
Just bc I have a larger head and longer handle, does that mean this one will chop better? ...uh, YES. LOL. All seriousness though, good video! Was looking for a comparison video and i got some good information from this. Appreciate it!
How did they do without the wedge I wonder??
So far strong as hell...no damage or loosening of the head in any way. Good quality products for sure!
outer limitless I may have to try it out but the no wedge in the head just makes me wonder About the head loosing up over time
@@75thteaster54 I don't have to much further guidance unfortunately. I wonder if that would be considered normal wear and tear, or if they would warranty it? Reach out to them maybe and see if they answer you? Interesting test of their customer support anyway!
outer limitless I hate to bother them I know there a great company I was just curious as to how they make a wooden hatchet handle with no wedge holding the head on that’s all.. but thanks for your reply’s I don’t mean to take up your time on this. Have a good one buddy
Amazon has the small forest in stock btw
Price seems high on amazon...but interesting that you can get one there.
Have you used an axe before?
No
One of the best revitions of axes, cool
Why weren't use using two hands to swing the Small Forest Axe when chopping the logs? Use both to their strengths - don't limit the effective of one over the other...
I guess I was trying to draw more comparison with similar technique. The SFA originally felt like a long handled hatchet to me. I use 2 hands more now over time. I actually did a video about that topic.
Got my SFA around the time this video was made and its stamped with MB
Is there a reason to own both?
I would say no, not really. I use both but tend to grab the SFA more regularly.
do a follow up! !!!!
I should do a follow up...good idea. My chopping technique is much better now, and my axes have a couple years of love on them at this point. I might do that! Thanks for writing...and thanks for watching!
Say Heah, Infact I'm taking my Small Forest Axe out this weekend. I'm also framing it with my Fox Bushcraft Parang and my Mora 2000 a real nice matching combo and the Small afirest Axe will fit in prrfect I think. I'm also bringing my Wicked Tough Saw Combo. This way, I can at least carry my Fix Bushcraft Parang/Mora 2000 plus my Wicked Tough Saw on my Survival Belt All the time. My Kidiak Gearsling has elastic straps on the side for my Small Forest Axe. So I have my cutting tools and Gear basically on me. Infact, I practice this to see what works and what doesn't. I like doing Solo Scouting, and a overnighter. So its important for me to know before I find out too late. Yeah, I really like my Small Forest Axe because its pretty lite considering what it can do. What I like about this set is the low maintaining on my knives, The Axe and saw I just have to be reasonable and wipe them down with a oil cloth when I'm done. But still better than a car in blade, So I do olgo when its wet, I just take my appropriate gear. Yeah, mist winter I used my Council 24" Wood Craft Pack Axe, So it will be nice to use one of my Fav's my G.B. Small Forest Axe.,,.
I want that Fox Parang!! I'm eyeballing the Panabas...I want that blade bad!!
Actually I have the Fox Trapper and the Fox Panabus on order.,,. But Yeah, I'm still here where we had our bush craft weekend, My Bushcraft Parang performed magnificent. I did team it with my Frost Mora 840 Clipper MG, They color matched near perfectly and really complemented each other, Yeah, I was very pleased, That N690Co. Bohler Austrian Stainless Steel is pretty good stuff.,,.
So far I teamed my Fox Hitam Golok with my Fox Trekker Camp and Sniper Knife, I bought the Hitam Golok first, Then I teamed my Fox Pro Hunter with my Fox Combat Jungle Knife, Then I got my Fox Bushcraft Parang and I got the Cold Steel 3V Master Hunter just incase. If I would go on a Solo Scout, I think I would bring my 3V Master Hunter, but since I have my Clipper here already, Oh, well. Yeah, I wanted to build up my Wet and Snowy Weather conditions stable. I also bought the Fallkniven H-1 to team with my A-1 a great combo, and I bought the Steel Will Druid 230 and the Druid 240, that 9"+ blade on the Druid 230 prolly come in handy clearing through the early brambles, Also in Stainless 9Cr18MoV.,,.
I also have the Blackbird SK-5 in the 154C M, also my Benchmade Arvensis is in the same stainless, I also have some 440C's and ofcource my Busse Combat are in the INFI Steel a corrosion resistant steel.,,.
Difficult to be exactly precise however you demonstrated a lot of objectivity when performing tests! It’s only logical to expect axe with more leverage, weight to perform differently. Excellent review Sir!
Thanks...I'm always learning. Even since that video I have improved considerably. The small forest axe is strange at first because it almost naturally feels like a large hatchet. But over time, I learned to more regularly use 2 hands. Thanks for watching!
Great test
Good video and test. Considering bucking a large log isn’t the intended purpose of the Wildlife Hatchet, maybe try a test where you chop wrist-size or smaller pieces for 15 minutes without rest. I suspect the Wildlife Hatchet would win hands down. Similar to what you eluded to toward the end of the video!
I have actually just started some follow up videos with these axes...all these years later...haha! But I will have a few coming out soon!
The great. Ray Mears recommends Gransfors small Forest axe as a do it all. I personally preferred the quality of Wetterlings which is across the road to Gransfors and owned by the same family. As Ray Mears was recommending Gransfors they could not keep up with demand so that the family decided to merge both companies and concentrate on the Gransfors brand. I have the Wetterlings Bushmans axe and the Wetterlings Wildlife hatchet. Both are outstanding. I intend to get the Gransfors Small Forest axe as it has a slimmer head than the Bushmans axe which is more wedge shape which is an excellent splitter.
Interesting...I was not familiar with the history. I have not investigated Wetterlings much...I definitely will! Thanks for watching!
@@outerlimitless I believe one company was owned by the dad and the other his wife. I think they retired and sold both companies to their kids who then merged and carried on as Gransfors as that was the better seller due to Ray Mears selling and recommending then. A lot of bushcrafter’s seem to prefer Wetterlings and others sware by Gransfors. I only own Wetterlings as I thought the design and quality was better and didn’t just want to follow the crowd but the price new has gone through the roof and hard to find. Maybe they will resurrect the brand when they realise they are still popular.
thanks for posting
I love my small forest axe,, i live off grid, only wood for heat and cooking. The small forest axe is easy to carry in the woods, perfect for setting up a camp.
I got the marbles hatchet and i love that for small work and carving.
The marbles hatchet is a great tool,, very close to the forest axe, but shorter handle,, if you didn't want to spend the money on Gransfors bruks, get the marbles hatchet, you could totally hang that hatchet on a longer handle and it would functionally be nearly identical to the small forest axe.
yet he comments on RUclips
I enjoyed the review. Your summary was good at the end. However, one axe is bigger than the other and cuts deeper. As expected.
Thanks...I think comparisons can be important. I find that I still carefully select one or the other depending on my use or need. These are different enough in size to matter, especially when ounces count hiking or backpacking.
1:13 if I'm paying $$$ for that sfa, I want that engravement on the handle to be centered
I don't recall mine being far off center, but maybe. I don't care...just use the tools. But I kinda get your point...fit and finish is big on my list of details that need paying attention to.
Great comparison!!!
Thanks! I appreciate it...thanks for watching!
I have the wildlife hatchet also made by MM I don’t think you can better gransfors bruk axes
They make some great tools for sure!
Thank you!
2 points to consider. The hole in the handle is for hanging the axe for storage, you don't want to have that blade coming back at you if your grip slips. The 420 is designed to be able to use 2 handed
nuthn2do glad someone here knows what they're talking about.
It's dangerous to use a wrist strap when chopping. If you loose your grip on the axe or hatchet, the strap could cause the sharp edge to come back at you. Use the hole in the handle to hang your axe on the wall.
Yes, totally agree...I know I said lanyard hole...I definitely just hang my axes and hatchets from the lanyard holes.
Cheers Mate!
Great !
And the new sf axe does not have wedge
Interesting, yeah, I heard that once before!
The metal wedge should only be used when it's needed anyways. Always better to go without it unless it's really needed.
Do most axes use a metal wedge?
Great for my backpack for them close encounters! Lol
Why is there a metal wedge in your forest axe? They do not use metal wedges I thought?!
I specifically wrote to Gransfors when I had questions about the wedges...this is the link they sent me, basically stating that certain products would no longer use the wedge, while others still would...hope that helps.
www.gransforsbruk.com/en/nyheter/#post-15110
thanks for the update, Oh and by the way, the small forest ax, is meant to be used with two hands, as it is an ax, not a hatchet! You will have proper control over it, if you use it properly! Cheers!
I bought several of these until I realized what I didn't like about them! The blade is thin, if you look at the blade profile, it's not much thicker than many "survival knives".
I don't know about the Scandinavian tradition in axes and hatchets, but in Eastern Europe we use axes that have a slightly wider angle blade (see the Fiskars axes - something like those).
These Gransfors Bruks are too thin to be efficient as axes, in my opinion, they are good for limbing, but not so much for splitting or felling a tree - it's just like using a thick knife instead of an axe.
thinner profiles allow for more efficient cutting(chopping down a tree), while thicker profiles allow for better splitting(splitting wood lengthwise). they both cut, but some designs are better for different tasks. theres hybrid profile axes as well
Small Forest Axe and Outdoor Axe is what I went with . I do not need full size axe . Outdoor axe stays in my pack and Small Forest Axe is for everything else
Cool Video 👍
Thank U for the Info and the testing 👍
U got a new subscriber...
Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching and reach out any time! I try to answer as many comments as possible and I post at least twice a week!
Wasn't too hard to get my hands on one, just walked in to Fjallraven and bought it.
Yep... this video is like 5 years old. Was not so easy back then...
Your technique for the wildlife needs to be different than the SFA. I personally like the wildlife way better. For me the Wildlife is marginal too heavy to back pack with. but the SFA is way too big to backpack with. IMO the Wildlife is the most cutting power for size of any hatchet I've ever used or tried. The medium handle of the hunter and SFA sort of is uncomfortable for me.
I definitely have very much come to appreciate the Wildlife. Comfortable grip for sure. And the more I use it the more I have gained a respect for how much it truly can do!
Really good video! Very informative
Thanks! Hope it helped!
Thanks for watching!
The chopping comparison between the two was unfair in that with the hatchet you were on your knees and the small forest axe you were squatting and not on your knees. Trivial I know, but even that little difference will make the comparison unfair for you can get better strength squatting than on your knees. Yes I know that the hatchet cannot beat the Small Forest Axe in chopping power, but the impression was that the hatchet was fair inferior when it isn't. Gotta give love to the neglected Wildlife Hatchet. 😉
It's mainly due to the length of the handle and proximity to strike against the log. If I were squatting with the hatchet, the strike distance would change...I generally work from a comfortable stance or distance for my ability to strike...so it's hard to say. But your point is valid...I do agree generally with your thoughts. Thanks for watching!
Alternative title "Here is an orange compared with an apple"
Anything can be compared. Shall I rename it to "A Side By Side Contrast"?
you’re kinda comparing axes to hatchets here ^^
great video tho :)
you’ve got yourself a sub now ^^
Yes...that was sorta due to having both arriving at a similar time. Definitely not a direct comparison, but many people are curious about how they compare size wise...it's data for those who want it. Thanks for coming aboard. I appreciate the support!
@@outerlimitless I think it was a good comparison since they’re kinda similar in a few applications
And of course: you’ve got the information of two in one video which is great IMO
My wildlife hatchet is still on its way and luckily I was able to get it for 85€ because it’s second grade and directly from the Webshop without another retailer ^^
Sometimes it’s good to live in Germany
But only sometimes haha
Why do americans pronounce gransfors bruk granfors BRUKS? there is no s there?
Martin
Because we don't know until we figure it out. How do you pronouce Worcester.... how about Gloucester? Give it a try... see how you do...
to piss people like you offs
US HERE , THATS BECAUSE THOSE THAT DONT KNOW THE LIFE/GEAR , LIKE HERE , SHOWS YOU HOW MUCH THEY KNOW !!!
The s is when he's saying it possessively, as in, its gransfors bruks axe. At 6:06 he says gransfors BRUK multiple times
Cody M What video did you watch as soon as he opened it he went with the Bruks lol And he was identifying them individually
Dude im looking to buy a quality axe so im doing research. If you're twisted about my comment, i get it. I was pretty harsh.
Not a problem if you're good with me giving it back at ya! You will be thrilled with the Gransfors products. I've had mine for almost 2 years now...and they're wonderful. Just gotta watch the rust...but other than that the edge retention is really excellent, and I have no chipping or rolling. What you gonna use it for? I have pretty good experience with both of those since I shot that video quite a while ago.
I like my small forest axe for backpacking, but if you're looking to shed the weight, maybe the hatchet would be better. IF you're looking for a ton of serious work, even the small forest axe is probably too small. I also have the Scandinavian forest axe...it's more suitable for a mid-sized work horse.
I generally gravitate to the Scandinavian Forest Axe, but it is too heavy for hiking and backpacking with any significant other gear.
I thought it was strange to compare two quite different axe/hatchet from the same manufacturer. But as the video progressed I began to realise the lack of Axe knowledge here .
For 'Lanyard hole' substitute 'Hanging hole'... never, ever fit a Lanyard to an axe or hatchet... loose control mid swing with the Lanyard wrapped around your wrist and find out!
Videos like this just downgrade RUclips.
I think this would have been a great video, but, I gotta tell ya, you need to back that camera up bro. The entire video, I felt like I was sitting two inches from a movie screen. I never really got any perspective on the size of the axes, and the footage was shot so close to the action, it was like trying to watch someone through binoculars. Up close for detail is great, but we need some shots from farther off so we can get perspective and see the action. And you never provide information about the size and weight. Sorry, just not a very informative video.
Understood...I gotcha. Yeah, that was early on as I was getting started...learning how to present, shoot, edit, etc. I agree it could have been better...point taken.
Sorry mate but you did not have really great swings. So unfair for the hatchet. On second run you hit the exact same spot like 5 times! wasnot the same cutting pattern.
Yes, I realize it was not great. I will re-do that video someday now that I have more experience. Thanks for watching!
Cheers mate regardless I still very much enjoyed your video and have watched many of your other videos. Love your filming style and everything! Really well made and enjoyable! I am not a big knife guy but love axes please post more axe videos of anything at all ;) cheers.
more than 13 minutes of presentation and not a single information on size and weight :) you just use words: small, shorter, similar, .....
I'm not big into the statistics...I don't generally cover the stats...people can find that info all over the place. If I'm loading up a pack for a backpacking trip, then I'll talk about weight.
Please... work on chopping technique... 😖
Only video of mine you've watched?
IM SORRY , I HAVE SO MANY COMMENTS , THIS GUY HAS NOOOO CLUE !!! SIR , PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOURE TALKING ABOUT WHEN YOU DO A BACK YARD REVIEW . FIRST OF ALL YOU SAID YOU WAITED 2 MONTHS AND HAD THE WILDLIFE TO USE FIRST BUT IS STILL NEW OUT OF THE BOX , ANY ONE WHO IS THE REAL DEAL SUCH AS MYSELF , KNOWS THE FIRST WEEKEND OUT IN THE WOODS USAGE APPEARS , SO YOU HAVE BARELY USED IT .......YES , ALL HAVE A LANYARD HOLE , I OWN EVERY GB HATCHET /AXE THEY MANUFACTURE FOR YEARS AND YES , BEEN TAKEN FURTHER AND USED THAN MY YARD .....ALSO ,THERE IS NO TEST TO COMPARE THE TWO YOU JUST TRIED , THEY ARE BOTH DESIGNED FOR TWO DIFFERENT PURPOSES , BUT IF YOU WERE A WOODSMAN YOU WOULD KNOW THAT , AND ALSO WOULD KNOW HOW TO DEPLOY AN AXE LET ALONE TRYING TO CARVE WITH ONE SO PLEASE STOP BEFORE YOU HURT YOURSELF ..., GOSH SO MANY MORE BUT ILL STOP THERE ... THIS VIDEO WAS STRICTLY TO SAY HEY LOOK AT ME , LOOK WHAT I HAVE . UNFORTUNATELY , SUPERB TOOLS IN THE WRONG HANDS !!!
Ok, here's how we'll start because I have so many comments for you. And we'll discuss who has "Nooooooo clue".
Just because I own a piece of gear doesn't necessarily mean I use it constantly or to the point where it is heavily used. So, yes, that is true that it is barely used at that point in the video. So what? What does that matter at all. First off I never claimed to be an expert...and I never claimed to have been using the hatchet substantially. So what is you point? It's a useless comment.
Next...you claim to own every GB hatchet they manufacture. Obviously you are either lying, or you are not very observant because they do not all have a lanyard hole. Please go to GB website and see for yourself. Oh, I will do you the hard work and provide the link directly to one of their products that does not have a lanyard hole: www.gransforsbruk.com/en/product/gransfors-small-hatchet/
Now, there is a test that can be performed to compare them...it is quite simple in concept actually. The Small Forest Axe is almost as close to the size of a hatchet while still being a hatchet and I feel as though it is important to compare the two if someone is looking to make a purchase between the two. I do agree that they are different and used in a different manner in some ways, but that is not exclusively true...and at this point, I do use them in a similar fashion, but make a decision about which to bring based on my weight and volume concerns.
Lastly, let's talk about qualifications. What exactly are yours? You claim to be an expert woodsman? Sounds like you're just leaving comments to say "Hey look at me". You have no quantifiable proof of being an expert, and just blurt out insults and improper information with nothing to back it up! I might not be an expert...and I proclaim that I am NOT an expert. But does that prevent me from buying tools and using them as I learn and grow and experience? That video was over 2 years ago...at this point my tools are well used, and my skills have very much improved and I can tell you that even though I am not a "Woodsman" (as you claim to be) I am out there ALL the time and I am actually quite diverse in my skills and knowledge.
So if you want to jump on here and claim that you are an expert and I have nooooo clue, here's my suggestion. I have posted 299 videos. Why don't you start at my first video...and watch my channel from beginning to end. See where I started and where my skills are now...see the many topics I have covered and the diversity I have brought to the table. Keep in mind I have filmed, edited, written music, made logos, researched companies and made connections across the board with viewers, channels, businesses, manufacturers, etc. You will get to see these tools in action along the way...and you can still question my "woodsman" skills. But that is ok, because I get out there and learn and grow every single time.
So who exactly are you, "LoveLivingLife"??? I'm sorry but that is a facade because people who love living life don't come off as you do...they have a different approach and different demeanor and probably are more educated than to type with all capital letters, incorrect punctuation, run-on sentences, etc. So, I'm calling you out...yep, let's see your "Woodsman" skills. Get out there and film your greatness...let me be the judge of your life and the relevance you bring to the world...because right now I really don't see anything worth paying attention to once I hit the blue reply button.
outer limitless You’re so cute ....lol
No need to give me the link to GB, I have an extended account with them I don’t have to wait 234 months for a product, I have whatever I need in a week . Secondly I don’t post videos because I’m out there living it , not doing it for attention, I’m 48 years old and have been out in the bush since I was 10 years old , lower 48 Alaska Canada and yes a few times overseas.and actually have lived out there., so I’ll tell you want as far as skills are concerned, on a Friday evening head out with nothing but your knife , And I mean nothing else,, and I will do the same, which I have actually done countless times just to do so,and on Sunday night we will post our videos, and we will see who fared well or who actually made it LOL have a nice day ....
Oh and for the record yes I did go check out some of your videos you’re a backyard review guy nothing more, have a nice day
So I take it you subscribed?
HAHA I THINK NOT , I ALREADY KNOW GEAR, THERES ENOUGH BACK YARD ADVERTISEMENT GUYS LIKE YOURSELF , I SUBSCRIBE TO THOSE THAT LIVE THE LIFE LIKE MYSELF , NOT TALK ABOUT THE LIFE .......
I bought the small axe because I couldn't get wildlife hatchet :)
Sometimes these are hard to find, but I feel like they have been more in stock lately. How do you like it??
Say Heah, I have the G. B. Small Forest Axe, But I also have a more compact 17" Hultafors Bruks Agdor Hatchet which I bought on a closeout, I got lucky, The G. B. came sharper, But in no time I had my Agdor as sharp, But it's a wee bit heavier head, which is great to process firewood. I also carry it in a Holster Eugene made me at reviewsog.com great quality and reasonable. It's part of one of my Fav. Trio's, I can go with my Rodent 5 in a leather dangler and my Bacho Laplander. ,, .
My wildlife Hatchet is made by A.S...
Ok, cool. Yeah that's who makes my Small Forest Axe. I have used my axes much more since that video...still in wonderful shape!
You really have no idea how to use an axe !!! You chop in a V; not hit the same angle every time.
It's ok...was just a discussion...not a tutorial. Maybe I will reshoot this one?
Well you’re review can’t be reliable because you obviously don’t know how to work an axe and a hatchet go and learn your skills first before attempting a review then it might hold a bit more of a cut all the best
It didn't say review. Not every video is a review...it's a comparison. A discussion...some talking points.
bro...carry a tourniquet in your first aid kit...sat phone...baofeng and flares.Learn how to use all of the above for when you get an arterial bleed in the backcountry...SMH
Yeah, why so?
outer limitless your axe technique is HORRIBLE.
Ok, cool, just making sure that's what you meant. So, that's fine, you can say that...fair enough. But let me know when you're ballsy enough to post a video of your axe technique so we can all critique it. Then your comments will have some clout. K, thanks for watchin!
outer limitless fair enough...
I ACCEPT.
WAITING ON GOOD CAMERA AND EQUIPMENT.
SUCH AN INTELLIGENT REPLY CAN ONLY BE MET WITH KINDNESS.
I APOLOGIZE FOR MY HARSH COMMENT TO YOU.
IT WAS UNKIND.
WATCH FOR MY VID.
What a shame Lizzie Borden didn't have one of these jewels she could have gotten to sister aunt and uncle in her great endeavors.
Holy shit the unorganized and inaccurate chops make me want to put my eyes in a blender and pickle the remains 🤢
I need a web redemption on that one...
Still a good video , I ended up buying one after your review , but it still hasn’t come in the mail yet. Keep up the good work 💪🏼❤️