I have a lot of bacho tools, and usualy, they are pretty good value. Love the files, and all the work you do posting these videos. It's a highlight in my day when there is a new on up. thank you, cody.
Good review. Bacho is now the trading name of Sandvik AB of Sweden, who have made quality tools in Sweden for more than a 100 years. Their axes are made in Germany now to Swedish design standards. The axe steel is of high quality German carbon toolsteel and is made to German DIN safety standards with an HRC of about 46-51. Like here in the UK, the axe handle is made of European Ash. It is very good for tool handles and is the most widely used here in Europe.Many Swedish axes use USA Hickory but are premium priced. Ash is a perfectly acceptable alternative,
Paint, on forged metal is a sign of masking the workpiece. You won't see it on high end axes but for the money, this one seems good. The only way to appreciate a good axe, is to use it at the same time as a cheapo one. The difference is vast and worth paying three or more times for if you have lots of work to get through. I use Gransfors-Bruks and to use one, is to buy one.
You made a video 2 months before this one called "Who Builds Best Axe Under $50" and in it, you ranked this Bahco as your #1 axe. Now you have several videos where you say this is the worst axe ever, just 2 months and 3 months later. This is why you shouldn't have a best axe list without individually testing each axe you put on that list, otherwise, you take this sort of credibility hit to your reputation.
Yikes I would never demonstrate filing toward an edge. I have used and recommended Bahco axes for many years. They come about as sharp as a banana but once you have set the bevels up correctly they perform very well indeed. Most GBs come with a slightly convex grind which means the final edge angle is considerably more than the fine edge you created here. What on earth is this about knowing the steel has a lot of carbon in it because it rusts? like low carbon steel doesn't rust?
You're right. You can't get files like that anymore. You can get better ones now... With our more advanced manufacturing and metallurgy. Just because it is old doesn't mean it's superior. Take off the Rose tinted shades.
i bought a hatchet that looks just like that at ACE hardware about 7 years ago . It was 10 bucks. It has no makers mark or name. Man U are right...super dull. Hard to sharpen too..but it is tough for the $.
An old video I know but I have this axe and I followed Felix Immler's (?) Video on modifications and now have a bearded bahco with sanded and then scorched handle. The blade is polished a bit and then hand sharpened using the folded cloth and file method. I've added paracord to the upper third of the handle. It looks great and it's v sharp. The blade is heat treated properly and I know because I had to buy a decent cutting disc to get through it when I modded the head. Great axe.
Nicholson files are the absolute best. Never bought one new, but I pick them up all the time at yard sales and such for 25-50 cents each. They never fail to have a good bite.
I live in Australia so obviously I've used metric my whole life, but I'm also a surveyor so i deal with imperial a lot on plans that were created back when feet inches and perches were used. I prefer metric, but i challenge anyone who hasn't already to try out whichever system you're not accustomed to. You'll find benefits and drawbacks to both.
That's really a bummer, I was getting ready to purchase their 26" Axe based on internet reviews... it just goes to show how much ignorance there is out there, I'm glad I held out and did not rely on supposed experts analysis. Thanks for your time in the review. It looks like i'll be hunting the street again for an old Axe to refurb.
Hay Cody , How bout a file review ? I purchased a 12" NICHOLSON mill file from Lowes about 10 years ago . It's all used up & dull now . I use it about 4 times a year to sharpen my lawn mower blade & once a year to sharpen my axe & true up my chain saw bar . I would think it was going to last my life time with that kind of use . Guess I'll have to check the internet for some high quality SWISS files . My guess is that NICHOLSON has to complete with CHINA and had to lower their quality & price to the point that the file does not do it's job any more . I have a small NICHOLSON 8" file I purchased back in the 1970's that I still use but it's a little dull now .
I heard "Keep your nose to the grindstone" was a reference to stone grinding wheat for bread and if you weren't diligent in watching the size of the particles they would start to burn from the friction, so keeping your nose to the grindstone allowed you to smell when the grain was burning. I dont know if it's true but thought I'd throw My 2-cents in lol. Love the videos :) You're the type of man kids should learn to idolize and be like.
Another axe video! I love watching your stuff on axes. You should check out Council Tools, they make some affordable axes as well as some higher end stuff. Also, could you consider doing a axe collection video? I think everyone would enjoy that.
As the small forest axe is your pride and joy, my Collins Hudson bay on a 24" handle is mine. I love the pattern, I love Collins tools. You have a nice one there, I'd like to see what shape and size handle you would make for it.
an honest review of what looked like a promising candidate. I have several Bahco tools, they do have some very good tools, (mechanics tools), I have only used a couple of their edge tools, my Bahco swedish brush axe is one of them that is very nice. That hatchet though, is too soft. Maybe a guy could improve it by doing some custom tempering? What do you think of that? Another great video Wranglerstar!
I ordered a gb wildlife hatchet and I expect it to be here tomorrow( Wednesday). Cant wait, if It's as good as the Scandinavian forest axe I will be happy. Yeahhh...
Talking about files, i found an Austrian file in my garage and it's apparentaly from the brand "Phonix". But i've never heard of it and i can't find it on google. Do any of you guys know anything about this brand?
wranglerstar, check out stihl axes... they are made by oksenkaupf. They look identical to the Bach except better steel. I mean the steel has a wonderful ring to it when you touch the edge. the eyes are a little different but the handles are practically the same and need just as much work on the edge. mine has been worked and is razor sharp. last but not least, there isn't any clear coat on the head but they are painted the same way.
Went to Baltic countryside. Picked up a 19 inch long axe for 9.5 euros (around $10). Splits logs 7-8 inches in diameter no problem. Makes all the other "bargains" here seem like rips.
You could re-harden the metal. But you would need to get the axe very hot and hold it at that temp for several hours, its called solutionizing. Then you can quench for hardness, then you must re-heat for tempering to give some hardness to keep the blade from being too brittle. If you knew what the grade of steel you can look up the hardenability curves for it. But you cannot do it with a torch.
Crazy price. I couldn't find the raw materials for that price, let alone the milling, grinding, spray lacquers, handling, distribution, marketing, dealer cut, taxes and the billion other costs that go in to selling anything like this. You wonder how much money they can make on something like this at that price. Volume is one thing, but (volume * not very much) = not very much more.
Well if that is a Bacho hatchet then the two hatchets I purchased ( that look absolutely identical to that but for the handle) are made in China. They are very good steal and hold an edge better than any of my other axes. I did break and replace one handle to a longer 24" for more control. Both of the small axes I purchased for less than $8 each. Sorry but those Bacho look to have been made in China.
Technically it's a snap on tool axe lol bahco is made by snap on. Imagine if it said snap on it would cost 800 bucks lol great videos bud. Keep em coming.
According to Bahco website. The wedge is 'jagged carbon-fibre' and the handle is Ash. Did he say 'DIN 5131'? If so I think that's the German manufacturing standard for the steel. Make you watch the rest of this video series!
Snap-On tools in USA bought Bahco in 1999. Snap on rebrands some of their tools and slaps their name on them. I know the adjustable wrench from snap on is really made by Bahco.
So I was at the sustainable preparedness convention in Portland today and thought I saw you there. Were you indeed present? If so I'm sad I didn't approach and say hi. I really appreciate your videos. =)
Wow, what a disappointing outcome. I'd thought that Bahco was better than that, seeing as how well loved that Laplander is. PS: 'Metric nonsense' Bwahahaaa! I actually fins that one of the hardest things whenever I do a gear review vid or what not is to remember to add in Imperial measurements for my US subscribers. I've had to re-shoot a *lot*...
Din means Deutsches Institut Fur Normung, German National Standard in English. 5131 is the standard for hatchets. There is Din 5131, Din 5131 GS TUV, Din 5131 B etc. I'd send you the the Sheet but at $50 for the down load I'm not that curious. With a bit of looking one could probably find the standard spec sheet for this some where free.
SO i am a fulltime Bladesmith I make axes and knifes for my money now for some time And even the material costs on my axes...even on my steel is more than 17$...
Just checked the internet for SWISS file . $ 40.00 for a 12" mill file . Think i paid about $ 12.00 for the NICHOLSON . I'm beginning to see the light now .
it just irritates me so much how we humans have almost lost the ability to make quality items, everuthing have to be cheap low quality and when it breaks soon after we just buy some more junk.
Keep your nose to the grindstone did not come from sharpening stones. It came from mills that processed grain. When the two stones ran out of material to process, the smell of brimstone would emanate and that was bad. It could lead to a fire if left alone. Common mistake
I still think this axe is worth 17 bucks. I would not sharpen as much as you did, not shaving sharp. Because I am the only one with axe's when I camp or hunt, I need an axe to lend to others, so they don't trash my good axe's. I like huskey axes, I think they give the most for your money. Wetterlings are nice too. It's hard to tell which one is best? I would like to see a review of what is the best camp axe size? Please....
The one thing I actually learned from this video is that people outside of the US are insanely overprotective of their preferred arbitrary way to measure things
hey wranglerstar, i got the same piece of shit, but the factory that produces my hatches is called "top master" a chinese one, the funny thing is that my hatches is absolutely the same, except for the price, im going to purchase husqvarna hatchet in the near future, but i bough this one for a test i bet its better than nothing, so the price i payed was exactly 5 bulgarian levs (2.50$) and has the same rubber thing on the blade, its dull as fuck, the same shape & size, im going to sharpen in and test it out, wish me luck bro! :D
At my local small town hardware store I found a hatchet with no brand name and it's the best hatchet I've ever owned and it was 13$!
I have a lot of bacho tools, and usualy, they are pretty good value. Love the files, and all the work you do posting these videos. It's a highlight in my day when there is a new on up. thank you, cody.
Thansks for reviwing our products. We appreciate that our user take theis time to do this. Thanks.
Good review. Bacho is now the trading name of Sandvik AB of Sweden, who have made quality tools in Sweden for more than a 100 years. Their axes are made in Germany now to Swedish design standards. The axe steel is of high quality German carbon toolsteel and is made to German DIN safety standards with an HRC of about 46-51. Like here in the UK, the axe handle is made of European Ash. It is very good for tool handles and is the most widely used here in Europe.Many Swedish axes use USA Hickory but are premium priced. Ash is a perfectly acceptable alternative,
Paint, on forged metal is a sign of masking the workpiece. You won't see it on high end axes but for the money, this one seems good. The only way to appreciate a good axe, is to use it at the same time as a cheapo one. The difference is vast and worth paying three or more times for if you have lots of work to get through. I use Gransfors-Bruks and to use one, is to buy one.
That moment when the sheath is better that the tool itself
i love nicholson files from my days being a pipeliners helper.
You made a video 2 months before this one called "Who Builds Best Axe Under $50" and in it, you ranked this Bahco as your #1 axe. Now you have several videos where you say this is the worst axe ever, just 2 months and 3 months later. This is why you shouldn't have a best axe list without individually testing each axe you put on that list, otherwise, you take this sort of credibility hit to your reputation.
Hi VanLifer, can you post the link of that video ? I mean the one that ranked Bahco is number 1 axe. Thank in advance.
Yikes I would never demonstrate filing toward an edge. I have used and recommended Bahco axes for many years. They come about as sharp as a banana but once you have set the bevels up correctly they perform very well indeed. Most GBs come with a slightly convex grind which means the final edge angle is considerably more than the fine edge you created here. What on earth is this about knowing the steel has a lot of carbon in it because it rusts? like low carbon steel doesn't rust?
I will be interested to hear what your final analysis is.
Jason
You're right. You can't get files like that anymore.
You can get better ones now...
With our more advanced manufacturing and metallurgy.
Just because it is old doesn't mean it's superior.
Take off the Rose tinted shades.
i bought a hatchet that looks just like that at ACE hardware about 7 years ago . It was 10 bucks. It has no makers mark or name. Man U are right...super dull. Hard to sharpen too..but it is tough for the $.
An old video I know but I have this axe and I followed Felix Immler's (?) Video on modifications and now have a bearded bahco with sanded and then scorched handle. The blade is polished a bit and then hand sharpened using the folded cloth and file method. I've added paracord to the upper third of the handle. It looks great and it's v sharp. The blade is heat treated properly and I know because I had to buy a decent cutting disc to get through it when I modded the head. Great axe.
Nicholson files are the absolute best. Never bought one new, but I pick them up all the time at yard sales and such for 25-50 cents each. They never fail to have a good bite.
try putting a 26 " handle on it and you will be amazed at what you can cut down.
All the best
Why would you watse such handle on such a tiny hatchet head? My 26 inch estwing will always be better than what you suggested.
I live in Australia so obviously I've used metric my whole life, but I'm also a surveyor so i deal with imperial a lot on plans that were created back when feet inches and perches were used. I prefer metric, but i challenge anyone who hasn't already to try out whichever system you're not accustomed to. You'll find benefits and drawbacks to both.
That's really a bummer, I was getting ready to purchase their 26" Axe based on internet reviews... it just goes to show how much ignorance there is out there, I'm glad I held out and did not rely on supposed experts analysis. Thanks for your time in the review. It looks like i'll be hunting the street again for an old Axe to refurb.
bahco makes pretty good files we use them in work as far as my experience goes theyre great
I know it doesn't show much but love your videos
As always, a very good review Cody!
Hay Cody , How bout a file review ? I purchased a 12" NICHOLSON mill file from Lowes about 10 years ago . It's all used up & dull now . I use it about 4 times a year to sharpen my lawn mower blade & once a year to sharpen my axe & true up my chain saw bar . I would think it was going to last my life time with that kind of use . Guess I'll have to check the internet for some high quality SWISS files . My guess is that NICHOLSON has to complete with CHINA and had to lower their quality & price to the point that the file does not do it's job any more . I have a small NICHOLSON 8" file I purchased back in the 1970's that I still use but it's a little dull now .
I heard "Keep your nose to the grindstone" was a reference to stone grinding wheat for bread and if you weren't diligent in watching the size of the particles they would start to burn from the friction, so keeping your nose to the grindstone allowed you to smell when the grain was burning. I dont know if it's true but thought I'd throw My 2-cents in lol. Love the videos :) You're the type of man kids should learn to idolize and be like.
Another axe video! I love watching your stuff on axes. You should check out Council Tools, they make some affordable axes as well as some higher end stuff. Also, could you consider doing a axe collection video? I think everyone would enjoy that.
Providence, RI. Good things come from there, like me! Its a shame a lot of the manufacturing in R.I. has been driven away.
bahco is referred as top quality in new Zealand. I don't know if they sell over here but I hope that they are
As the small forest axe is your pride and joy, my Collins Hudson bay on a 24" handle is mine. I love the pattern, I love Collins tools. You have a nice one there, I'd like to see what shape and size handle you would make for it.
Hi Cody, What do you think of the Agdor Line Hatchets I got a 15" hatchet, their made by Hultafors Bruks. Thanx in advance.
Bahco make some really good tools when i was a joiner we used to pick up saws that would last years and they were the disposable
an honest review of what looked like a promising candidate. I have several Bahco tools, they do have some very good tools, (mechanics tools), I have only used a couple of their edge tools, my Bahco swedish brush axe is one of them that is very nice. That hatchet though, is too soft. Maybe a guy could improve it by doing some custom tempering? What do you think of that? Another great video Wranglerstar!
I ordered a gb wildlife hatchet and I expect it to be here tomorrow( Wednesday). Cant wait, if It's as good as the Scandinavian forest axe I will be happy. Yeahhh...
Talking about files, i found an Austrian file in my garage and it's apparentaly from the brand "Phonix". But i've never heard of it and i can't find it on google. Do any of you guys know anything about this brand?
That's one fine file Sir! or a couple of boxes full... dayum
You forgot to tell us to hit that thumbs up!!!! What the heck? Lol. I'll give you one anyways I guess. Haha.
I have a Bahco bow saw which has served me well and cost less than £10 about five years ago.
I enjoy your product reviews and would like to see more... however I like all the videos you do so its hard to do more of everything lol. Keep it up!
I have the same dowel saw as Wranglerstar!! My life is complete!! ;-)
Never would have thought
That wet stone is AWESOME
I'm drooling over those files
Hey wranglerstar I was wondering where i could get a Whetstone/sharpening wheel like the one you use in this video , any suggestions ?
wranglerstar, check out stihl axes... they are made by oksenkaupf. They look identical to the Bach except better steel. I mean the steel has a wonderful ring to it when you touch the edge. the eyes are a little different but the handles are practically the same and need just as much work on the edge. mine has been worked and is razor sharp. last but not least, there isn't any clear coat on the head but they are painted the same way.
Went to Baltic countryside. Picked up a 19 inch long axe for 9.5 euros (around $10). Splits logs 7-8 inches in diameter no problem. Makes all the other "bargains" here seem like rips.
cody is deff not complaining with this one.. yet.
keep your nose to the grind stone came from mill houses theres a smell that happens when it gets too hot and starts fires from grinding the grains
I was wondering if you could harden the edge by heating with an acetylene torch and quenching in cold water.
You could re-harden the metal. But you would need to get the axe very hot and hold it at that temp for several hours, its called solutionizing. Then you can quench for hardness, then you must re-heat for tempering to give some hardness to keep the blade from being too brittle. If you knew what the grade of steel you can look up the hardenability curves for it. But you cannot do it with a torch.
Crazy price. I couldn't find the raw materials for that price, let alone the milling, grinding, spray lacquers, handling, distribution, marketing, dealer cut, taxes and the billion other costs that go in to selling anything like this. You wonder how much money they can make on something like this at that price. Volume is one thing, but (volume * not very much) = not very much more.
Well if that is a Bacho hatchet then the two hatchets I purchased ( that look absolutely identical to that but for the handle) are made in China. They are very good steal and hold an edge better than any of my other axes. I did break and replace one handle to a longer 24" for more control. Both of the small axes I purchased for less than $8 each. Sorry but those Bacho look to have been made in China.
Whoops the spelling should be Bahco ( dyslexic fingers)!
Technically it's a snap on tool axe lol bahco is made by snap on. Imagine if it said snap on it would cost 800 bucks lol great videos bud. Keep em coming.
That file your using, do you know what would be the equivalent grit level? If I were using a whetstone instead
About 30, but it's hard to say. Files cut in a very different way than a wheel does, creating a more serrated edge.
Joey Ogden
So basically a file will take of huge amounts of metal and I should only use one if my blade's in really bad shape
According to Bahco website. The wedge is 'jagged carbon-fibre' and the handle is Ash.
Did he say 'DIN 5131'? If so I think that's the German manufacturing standard for the steel.
Make you watch the rest of this video series!
Came for a review on an awful axe, stayed for the awesome sharpening tools.
Snap-On tools in USA bought Bahco in 1999. Snap on rebrands some of their tools and slaps their name on them. I know the adjustable wrench from snap on is really made by Bahco.
Have you stopped using your belt sander method to sharpen axes?
I would say that's a very decent hatchet from my experience with it
So I was at the sustainable preparedness convention in Portland today and thought I saw you there. Were you indeed present? If so I'm sad I didn't approach and say hi. I really appreciate your videos. =)
Wow, what a disappointing outcome. I'd thought that Bahco was better than that, seeing as how well loved that Laplander is.
PS: 'Metric nonsense' Bwahahaaa!
I actually fins that one of the hardest things whenever I do a gear review vid or what not is to remember to add in Imperial measurements for my US subscribers. I've had to re-shoot a *lot*...
So far so good! Looks promising
A very solid review on a good axe. On a different note, of all the barn finds that wet stone is my favorite. That tool is really cool.
Din means Deutsches Institut Fur Normung, German National Standard in English. 5131 is the standard for hatchets. There is Din 5131, Din 5131 GS TUV, Din 5131 B etc. I'd send you the the Sheet but at $50 for the down load I'm not that curious. With a bit of looking one could probably find the standard spec sheet for this some where free.
Found a Nicholson and a Simonds file at a thrift store two days ago. $3 each.
I cant what to see the out come, I've been looking for an inexpensive truck/car hatchet.
I can't understand mecuring in bodyparts. How tall are you? 2 legg and 2 arms!! :)
I just found the exact match file he uses in my garage awesome
Those files are awesome!
Where did you find it for under 20? do you think it would work as a first ax for a woman? One who has never used one before?
Would that Bahco axe head suit a longer handle?
I'm looking for a Bahco now. That's a bargain!
Cody that rubber shieth is OSHA approved lololol
Hey wranglestar... about the steel... its mild steel body with a hardened edge... very notisable if the orange paint is removed
SO
i am a fulltime Bladesmith
I make axes and knifes for my money now for some time
And even the material costs on my axes...even on my steel is more than 17$...
If you want a top quality axe then ask a axe maker nearby when it's getting delivered it gets dull even with the the covers
Good as always !!
Just checked the internet for SWISS file . $ 40.00 for a 12" mill file . Think i paid about $ 12.00 for the NICHOLSON . I'm beginning to see the light now .
Possibly the steel is OK, but not properly heat treated. Would make it faster to finish and cost of furnace time would be saved.
I LIKE THE FILES !
it just irritates me so much how we humans have almost lost the ability to make quality items, everuthing have to be cheap low quality and when it breaks soon after we just buy some more junk.
I always thought a foreign hand was when you lay on your left arm until it goes numb and.... nevermind
Checkpoint 😂
no complain for the price
Keep your nose to the grindstone did not come from sharpening stones. It came from mills that processed grain. When the two stones ran out of material to process, the smell of brimstone would emanate and that was bad. It could lead to a fire if left alone.
Common mistake
I still think this axe is worth 17 bucks. I would not sharpen as much as you did, not shaving sharp. Because I am the only one with axe's when I camp or hunt, I need an axe to lend to others, so they don't trash my good axe's. I like huskey axes, I think they give the most for your money. Wetterlings are nice too. It's hard to tell which one is best? I would like to see a review of what is the best camp axe size? Please....
The one thing I actually learned from this video is that people outside of the US are insanely overprotective of their preferred arbitrary way to measure things
I would keep the hanger on so I could hang it on my wall with it.
Where did you get your water stone machine?
***** Like where can you get one?
You have a lot of subscriber friends
What are the names of this style of axe head?
Was this find more luck or did you come across more "good" axes in that price range?
Hello yup that’s at our house now😏
Good Find.
looks like it might turn to be ok hatchet.
hope it holds a good edge..
£12 I got mine for seems ok so far wish it had a better sheath tho
First to say that is a nice axe
ALWAYS LOVE AN AXE VIDEO
Bacho is sourcing those heads from the same manufacturer as the Cold Steel.
Obviously
Does the cat help out in the shop? :P Nice video!
bahco is owned by snap on to give you a reference for quality
hey wranglerstar, i got the same piece of shit, but the factory that produces my hatches is called "top master" a chinese one, the funny thing is that my hatches is absolutely the same, except for the price, im going to purchase husqvarna hatchet in the near future, but i bough this one for a test i bet its better than nothing, so the price i payed was exactly 5 bulgarian levs (2.50$) and has the same rubber thing on the blade, its dull as fuck, the same shape & size, im going to sharpen in and test it out, wish me luck bro! :D
Where did you get it at that price?
Metric nonsense? That was funny.
Good learning vid