although i cannot afford high end axes being 17 with bills already. going to flee markets and picking up axe heads and reshaping, honing putting the best knowledge and skill i have forwards them is what i truly love to do. I cannot thank you enough for your videos, you really are an inspiration and someone who i would love to be when i grow up. If i am slightly lucky i will live the lifestyle you live and follow the footsteps of mr.Wranglerstar.
Also, the Fiskars X27 axe is an excellent splitter. The head is a real steep angle where it counts, and wood just doesn't stick to it. Been used four winters in a row now on Australian hardwood and has only needed a couple touch-ups with a stone. I dunno what you would need to do to the handle to break it, but it would certainly be outside normal uses.
Thanks for the vid Cody. Thought I'd chime in regarding Fiskars. I can't speak to their hatchets and axes but I've owned a x27 super-splitter for a few years now and love it. It's light, swings easy and Lodge pole pine and doug fir like butter. Plus its under 50 bucks. As a logger, I agree with you on the Stihl axes. I've used one as a falling axe now for 12 years with zero issues (but 99.9% of the time I just use it as a wedge beater).
I like your videos and respect what you are doing with your family. I recently moved to a piece of land and am enjoying getting things set up. Keep working hard and teaching those valuable life skills to those who know whats coming and those of us that appreciate it.
Hes is not rly improving he said he maid a joke people got offended he reposted and explained what happened he explained why he said and why he doesn't like the handle and sure he doesn't regret it but he has the experience to remake a good wood handle but cannot replace a plastic handle there is no improvement on him self you miss understood him and didn't like his opinion no real reason to get mad or disappointed he has the money to drop on a quality axe he will dislike some cheaper axes but in his experience he does not like fiskars compared to bruk Edit if wranglerstar if u see this msg me I will take it down if you think I'm wrong
Appreciated your little intro piece, kudos to you! I have some Gransfors, one Wetterlings - the Les Stroud Bushman which has turned out to be a great all-rounder - all of which I love. Wetterlings and Gransfors are pretty much the same people, i.e. the gentleman who did Gransfors sold it to his kids and now owns Wetterlings…high integrity with lots of video material on him... I also have a handful of others including some large splitters. Having split countless rounds, stumps, logs, blocks and pieces over the years, I have to say there's never been a splitter like some of those Fiskars. I carry either a Gransfors or the Wetterlings wherever I go, but the Fiskars became my go-to splitter some years ago and remains so…I've split thousands of pieces with it and have not seen any breakage or attrition. Sure it can be seen as a "junker", but I've beat this thing so many times senseless and it still going. BTW: great find on the Husky axe, we'll keep a weather eye out for that one! Thanks for the excellent work.
Thanks for the tip on the Husqvarna axes I am in the market for small forest or boys axe and I am not real knowledgeable about axes so the Husqvarna looks like a good place to start. Thanks for sharing.
evillabrador1 I would love a Granfors Small forest ax but the Husqvarna falls in my price range better and is still a hand forged Swedish made ax. Thanks for the suggestion though.
The thing is, with Fiskars you don't need to be repairing your stuff all the time. The sucker just keeps working. One cannot mend iron bar eighter but an iron one is still much better than a wooden one. I've been using axes for tens of years and I am sick and tired of the heads flying from the handle or handles breaking from a single miss aimed swing. Simply put, axes with wooden handles are dangerous as hell and from times long gone. I currently own four Fiskars axes from small camp axe to large splitting axe and not once I've had to repair them in any way. For sure everything brakes up eventually and this is true with the Fiskars products as well but once that time comes, I'll gladly but a new one or ask for a new one from the manufacturer since they have a life time guarantee. I'm beginning to think that the main problem with the Fiskars axes are that they are made in Finland and not in sweden. You are saying that Fiskars axe is a mass tool, yes that part we agree, but mass producing does not make a product bad. The product might not have that feel or looks of a hand made product but it is not a work of art. It is a tool and fine one. Husqvarna chainsaws are mass products as well yet they are fine pieces of machine or would you prefer it too to have wooden handles so that it could be fixed in case the handle broke down? -Because they do break down - eventually.
Well, it surely depends what do you mean by "light-duty splitting". I just finished 10m3 worth of pines. Each part was about 50cm tall and the trees were fully grown ones. Sure the blade might get mircrochips, but I'd rather have those than to worry about the whole thing falling apart every now and then. I'll gladly sharpen the blade every now and then over changing the handle. It is a trade of I am willing to take.
The Oschenkopf axes with the rotband attachment system, metal strike protector and hickory handle never seem to break or loosen. The same cannot be said for Fiskers.
I watched Part 3 in the Neeman tool series. I cried. Literally cried because I was so happy to see someone taking such pride in their craft. Beautiful tools.
Cody, on the Wetterlings, if it says hunting in the name of the style, it usually means that the poll is rounded and polished smoother than on other models. This is so it can be used to aid in the removing of hides from animals without tearing holes into the skin itself.
I've always used a Council tools axe with a sledge eye, straight 36" handle. For a maul I use a 8 lb Council with a sledge eye, forget the length. I've cut thousands of cords of wood with these two tools, council makes a good product IMO.
No doubt they are art, but rather pricey as well. Coincidentally I was on their sight just before I came to this video, and their prices are much higher now then they were when this video was made lol. Can't argue with the quality though.
I have owned and used many Fiskars axes over the years. All though your comment about the handle not being repairable is true, it is also very sturdy. Everything can be broken, but in day to day normal use, you'll have a solid axe for years. The biggest advantage of the Fiskars models is that the handle to head connection is solid and stays solid. They also have a wide range of heads for most needs. They also sharpen quite well. It's not a hand made tool, but cheaper. Good bang for the buck
I know you don't read these comments on the old videos anymore, but I really just wanted to put it out there. Thanks for the tip on the John Neeman videos. I recently watched those a couple of days ago and you are correct, they are some of the best videos on RUclips. They're very similar to your axe/tool refinishing videos. There's nothing quite like seeing a craftsman perform his trade. Thanks again.
It’s nice to hear you reveal an understanding for personal options. There are inexpensive items for virtually anything one wants on the market today. And there is also often expensive and very expensive options. I personally look for something that is made to last a long time. Possibly a lifetime or more. I am a carpenter by trade. My tools are of very good quality and took me a long time to acquire. As did my knowledge of them and my trade. The same goes for my cooking knives and gear. I know I can get away with less expensive tools some times. But I really enjoy working with things that are created by others who research and create their tools with pride. Often very artistically. And that’s what I think as I am using these tools. When I build, my hope is that I’m building what you think of in your dreams. And when I cook for you I’m hoping to create a memory as well as to get you to raise your hands in absolute joy. I only ever heard my significant other complain once....about how much a knife cost that I purchased. Then she ate what I created for her and it never happened again. She also sees the great care I take in caring for all the things I acquire and she has a new pride for these items as well. When the narrator of this video describes the special axes he wishes he could have and one day may have. I know just how he is feeling. He’s respectfully describing his wish to acquire an air loom created by an artist, or perhaps a master. “Something created with pride, to be owned and used pridefully” Thank you very much for your videos....really like you sharing as you progress. Cheers,
I almost lost my thumb cutting kindling with a full size axe. Lukily it wasn't too sharp. I taped it back on put a glove on it and continued spliting. It actually heald up better than places where I've gotten stitches.
+Joseph Smith // Brother Joseph, if I may I would like to offer a kindling splitting tip. Lay your piece of wood on the splitting stump, with the end facing you, and out in the air enough for you to hold onto. Hit the upper portion of the stick on the side. With the blade in line with the grain. Do it enough times to split that piece. Notice the hatchet blade isn't very close to your hand. Now you are safer. This is from the Boy Scout Handbook.
+Joseph Smith I've used a larger felling axe for 10 years and have never cut myself when kindling smaller pieces. I've usually got pricked when picking logs up without gloves
The only problem with that method, is that if you don't move your hand quick enough, the blade can split through the wood, and cut your hand. I knicked my hand in Canada making shore lunch, splitting like this, so I returned to what I was taught. It is efficient, but less safe than what they teach in BSA.
I have begun to experiment with welding 4130 cromoly aircraft tubing to old maul heads from garage sales & such. The cromoly tubes telescope very nicely so you can stack them two or three deep to make an extra thick collar going 8" or so down the handle length to protect from overstrike. Of course, you want to be careful not to take the temper out of the tool head during welding, as I learned the hard way. Excellent videos, Cody. Thank you for sharing.
I'm sure your're a nice guy, but that's an absolutely cancerous idea when it comes to discussing ideas and having progress in society. Ideas need to be challenged and often ridiculed. Offence is a natural part of progress, and a defence of ignorance.
@Waksibra - There is nothing wrong with apologizing for presenting an idea in a way that is unnecessary offending. I think that the apology here was very appropriate because he didn't consider a large segment of his audience in his previous video. It seems that you view an apology as 'backing down' or retracting what was previously said. I don't find that to be the case in all situations, like this one for example.
The large companies didn’t get offended. They only got offended because it hurts their wallet. They probably even paid him to take his video down and take back what he said.
I've got, amongst others, a mid-size Fiskars ax. I bought it as a camping ax, but it really works for me in general use. I hadn't even considered the handle breaking, but that's a really good point. The more you know. Love your stuff, thanks mate
I understand that Wetterlings are very similar to Gransfors... and Husqvarna is similar to the Wetterlings. I've never been sorry for buying a Wetterlings, but had I known then what I know now, I would have saved some $ by purchasing the Husqvarna instead.
Rudy Henstridge Actually, while I don't have much experience with many others, I'm sure you're right. I spent my Sunday (yesterday) experimenting to see if I could get a fire going in the rain, and then snow. My Wetterlings performed absolutely amazingly. And thanks to a coating of Tuf-Glide before heading out, there's not a bit of rust on it, even after 3.5 hours of constant rain exposure. Cheers from rainy So. Cal. --Scott
ScottsUtubeWorld Ive had both and wetterlings are slightly better but saying that husqvarna are still good quality.Wetterlings/gransfors are the best axes on the market but are overpriced imo because at the end of the day they are just axes.
The steel is good quality carbon steel. Stays sharp, but is relatively easy to sharpen. The handle is light but extremely durable! It's true that you can't re-handle it, but then again you normally won't have to. I have yet to see one break in normal use (Or any other use actually). They are also made here in Finland where we actually have quality control, unlike in China :)
Aren't Husqvarna axes made by Wetterlings? For an under $100 ax that seems to be the way to go if you ask me! I've actually had pretty good luck with a Condor Tool Greenland Pattern Ax--which is also a hand forged high carbon steel ax, but made in Equador--that I got cheap at a yard sale, but if you're buying new you can get the Husqvarna for about the same money. That's the way I would go. Still, the only issue I've ever had with the Condor is the short 16" handle it comes with limits its utility somewhat. It makes a great bushcrafting ax though!
Did some research and it turns out that Husqvarna axes aren't made by S.A. Wetterlings anymore. They're made by Hults Bruks/Hultafors now, but Hults Bruks is another Swedish company that hand-forges its axes. Huskies are still both a damn good axe and an even better deal!
Nice review. You have some misconceptions about forging. You imply that all drop forging is junk. Drop forged axes can be extremely high quality if well heat treated and tempered. Most prized American axes made after 1900 are actually drop forged. My understanding is that Granfors is forged using a trip hammer (powered hammer). They are excellent quality but the term "hand forged" is somewhat of a misleading marketing term in this case.
wranglerstar i purchased the stihl splitting hatchet locally this past week for under 40 dollars and it is a great tool. already made lots of kindling. love the videos keep it up
yeah helko is not very good quality but is very well priced in europe.. better is subai.. their axes start at about 15 euro.. hardening is better than helko and handles are better.. in switzerland youhave several traditional small workshops making swiss style axes by hand that although expencive are fairly priced
I agree about the Fiskars. They're good in that they work, and I've had a mid sized chopping axe for years, but I broke a splitter in about a month of use. As Wrangler said, once it breaks, it's done. The steel also seems soft.
Oldskool Finnish or Swedish people would ask you about Bilnäs axes, they used to have extremely good reputation amongst old generation of people. Dont think they make those anymore.
Your knowledge and research are impressive, and I learn quite a lot from you. Notwithstanding poor Fresh P's accident, I have had a lot of success with the Fiskars "SPLITTING axe" # 7784/03-019533r2. Our wood here in NE Calif. is largely lodgepole. This wood, when seasoned, is beloved for its' handling qualities. So in spite of my doubts, a friend showed me how well that axe does in dry lodgepole. Many one-strike splits of whole rounds. But I also noted your remark that if this axe's handle breaks, a whole new axe would have to be purchased. One thing I don't know is how well this axe does on other woods. So I just want to put this out there. Can this be helpful to anyone?
THANK YOU for introducing me to John Neeman. What a joy to use tools so finely made, with such attention to detail. Brings to mind one of my favorite sayings, "The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it."
Fiskars is one of the best Axes I have ever used. Its cheap if it breaks you can get a brand new one from the factory. Life Time Warranty. It would not be choice if I was out in the Bush but I am never in the Bush so it works greats for me.
Got my Husqvarna Forest Axe yesterday, thanks for the advice…..This complements my garage sale Plumb Single bit that I restored based on your videos. Thanks for all you do Cody….Have fun in Montana. Now I am looking for some crosscut saws.
Well... When i was younger we had to chop wood for heating. and today I work as a carpenter and do sculpting in my freetime I also graduated as a designer several years ago . At this point, for fairness, i have to note that I am from Finland as is Fiskars. And I did a study on their edged tools about 10 years ago (lot has changed after that). I like your videos very very much and agree with you on ALMOST everything :D
Nice axe overview, i have a Wetterlings splitting maul and a Wetterlings splitting wedge. A fantastic combination, the maul was razor sharp on delivery and i maintain the edge on a regular basis. The wedge is a big help with knotty grained timber or very large rounds. I maintain the handle with linseed oil, wipe it on and let it soak in for ten or fifteen minutes and buff it off. Wetterlings make top quality forestry tools which can and should be handed down to the next generation.
I own the Fiskars X27 splitting maul AND the Wetterlings splitting maul. When I have straight-grained wood to split, I use the Wetterlings because it is simply a joyful experience. But when I have some crotchy tough customers to wail on, I grab the Fiskars. The handle really is amazingly tough--it has survived, with nary a scuff many full-force overstrikes that would have splintered any hickory handle. Fiskars=$60, Wetterlings=$100.
In hoc signo vinces I tend to just by axe heads at flea markets AMD thrift stores and then put a handle in them , put less than 30 dollars into a good axe that way
Another brand worth noting is Autine. Oddly enough, the bladesmith, John Neeman actually LEFT John Neeman Tools and founded a new brand called "Autine." Their tools appear to be every bit as quality as John Neeman tools, handmade, and best yet, available for order. Though it looks like John could use some help with his English on the site, his work looks amazing!
I bought a Husqvarna axe in Canada for about $30 in 2009 which is very similar to the all-purpose axe that you showed. However the main difference with mine is that it actually has a Wetterlings hand forged head on it, whilst also being stamped with the Husqvarna logo on the helve. This makes it practically identical in proportions to the Wetterlings Scandinavian Forest Axe, which is a very fine tool indeed. All things considered, I did well for $30, I just need to get out of London (UK) now so that I can enjoy using it! Thanks for the videos and Happy New Year all!!
Bryan Resch Hultafors has two ranges, a drop forged, and a hand forged, that i called clasic, the clasics are good, and not as excpensive as the other handforged brands
Bryan Resch he thinks it isn't as good as Gransfors......but wants to apologize for not liking it as much since it is well made and serves a purpose, and he wants to apologize for not mentioning the Wetterlings which is also well made, and has a purpose.... I love the videos, but come on, you can't discuss which is better for your purpose without saying what does not fit your purpose. Stop apologizing for not liking a tool!!
Bryan Resch I got a Hultafors hatchet as a Xmas present Last Xmas. It arrived scary sharp and is well finished. The handle could be better finished, but not bad for a production axe. It splits firewood and de limbs small trees very well. The leather sheet is well finished and of good quality. So far I am very happy with it.
I just shared this video because you describe exactly how I severed my thumb tendon 2 weeks ago. Had surgery, now I'm looking at 2 months of PT. I had just rehandled and old Plumb axehead 36" first kindling swing and ...
15:34 --- "Absolutely treasures. I don't own one, I haven't even seen one, and I would own one .... they are magnificent .... these are so nice." What? I don't understand how you can so strongly endorse a product you haven't so much as seen?
It's very cool of you to remake this video. I got what you were saying before, but it speaks highly of your character that you are capable of recognizing when you want to be better. Keep the great videos coming Cody.
I have the Stihl splitting axe it was a combo deal with my saw. I have put it to the extreme and it hasn't failed me yet. it also holds an edge very well for the price. nice video hope it helps a few folks just getting tools together for preparing wood.
I happen to have the Estwing Long Handle Campers Axe here in front of me right now. Not only is it one of my favorite light choppers, but I just tested it with a magnet and the handle is steel all the way down no fiberglass. I generally agree with Wranglerstar but had to put my two cents in.
I admire your honesty and your ability to call yourself out. You sir are a man of character and class so rarely seen these days. It brings me comfort knowing young men and women are being instructed by a man of your caliber. God bless Mr.Wranglerstar and thanks for the great content!
I recomend Hultafors bruks axes. They have same handforged quality of Grandsfors but they are cheaper. Yes Grandsfors have nicer handles but you can customize this :)
+lamebubblesflysohigh I still sell Hultafors but Hults Bruk is a "bit" better......pun intended. My customers say they hold a better edge. All these Swedish axe'es use the same iron ore and the foundries are just a few miles apart. Hults Bruk has been forging since 1697 and it's the family all the other's "sprang " from. I tour'ed them all and each one has a "secret" recipe but in the end you can't go wrong with either. I feel the Granfors are over priced but some people drive a "Caddy" and some drive a "Chevy" but in the end, both will get you there !!!
The Fiskar is by far the best splitting axe I've ever used. With a lifetime replacement warranty you cant go wrong. I've had mine for years and split all kinds of hardwood effortlessly. You'll be surprised at how well it performs.
as long as you have the time to wait for a new handle to come in there is no problem. also if fiskars closes you may be outta luck. my axe used to be my grandads, passed down to me and is a quality piece that with care and maintenance will go to my son. being able to make your own handle and not rely on some company is nice.
+jhendka p. The axe is fixed and wraps around the head on a Fiskars. There is no way to replace it. They won't send you a new handle, rather, a whole new axe. My dad only ever bought a Craftsman fiber pro axe. It's pretty old, but it's more a cutting axe. I do have an old sledge from my grandad. I also have a rigging axe (carpenters hatchet with a hammer on one end) that is from Plumb and my great grandmother as well as her old hammer. With that in mind, I bought some council tool mauls for splitting wood, and with the intent to pass down. I like Council Tool because it's American made, and they make tools for fire departments (I'm a volunteer firefighter). I do hope to restore some old tools I find around like old axe heads and hammer heads.
absolutely, as you said... "longevity". that certainly did get lost. however, it's not lost with me, either. so, i'm glad you pointed that out. by inheriting it, i have one of those fiskars fiberglass hollow handle hatchets. pure junk is the fiskars and i could not agree with you more about non serviceable hand tools (especially in axes and hatchets). i also inherited several other axes that all have rotten handles and i'm certainly going to repair and service these axes and put them in use. i recently got back into bush-crafting from about a 20 yr absence and that's why i've gotten these axes out and begun to tinker with them. thanks for your videos and i subscribed! martina
I looked up John Neeman's website and it said that they are receiving an overwhelming amount of orders so they are putting orders on reserve. Said that you'd get your axe in 6-12 months. I think they changed their prices a little bit though because the cheapest thing I saw on their was a hatchet for $390.
I like your sarcasm and the way that you're critical. I think it makes you and your videos more interesting and is more authentic to who you are. That said, I also enjoy how clean and thorough your reviews can be and see them as professional. Thanks!
i think i speak on behalf of everyone when i ask do we really need someone else to surf the internet for axes for us. Jeeezzzz, whatever happened to a good ole hands on video review !?
Man, how is it that Hults Bruk isn't on the list? I have the Almike and I have put that thing through some work, and it always runs great. But I do love my Gransfors Bruk American felling. I definitely recommend that one, too.
I saw that as well. I went to Husqvarna own website and saw that the 26in multi purpose axe was about 20-30$ more. Idk if that means anything, but I wonder if it could effect the quality ?
I use to use a good sharp grubbing pick or a mattock for chopping roots. I found a pair of nice old semi-modern grubbing picks, with the lawyer blades on them. My father and I sharpened them up real nice. One has a wide flat blade on one side, and a pointy pick on the other. The other has the blades set 90 degrees from each other, and resembles a mattock. The grubbing blades were about as sharp as bowling balls, when the picks came from the store. One still had the original orange paint all over it, so it had never been used at all. I think I paid $5 for each at a garage sale. Maybe $3. Now I just use a backhoe. I have some old Mann, Hudson Bay, Collins, Plumb, Estwing, Marbles, Blue Grass, True Temper, Dayton, Ames, and other old USA made axes, hatchets, adzes & mauls. most from the 1890s-1950s. I have a few European axes too. My family ranched in Colorado, and fished in the Pacific Northwest up into Alaska, and my father was a surveyor, so old axes are all over the place. The old Estwing axes are not all that bad. We used to buy presentation axes from Stubai when my grandfather was still alive. He was a fire chief for the USAF, and trained the air force in aviation crash & rescue techniques. When someone retired or was promoted we would buy a special presentation ax for them.
Excellent videos. After watching your videos about axes I have started to look for old axe heads. I recently found a Ture Temper Flint Edge Kelly Works for $2 a little work and TLC she's back to her old self. Thanks again for taking the time to show all of us how to do it. God Bless
What I have been trying to find as a brush/gardening/camping hatchet is one with a backspike that is sharpened on the inside curve like a sickle for use clearing vines.
I don't know what's wrong with me!!! When I watched your video on Fisker axe's, I didn't I didn't get upset, let alone butt hurt about the the TWO fisker axe's I had JUST bought for 10 bucks each at Home Depot. One for me, one for my son in law. They are EXACTLY what you said they are, but 10 bucks each, on clearance, they are worth it. As a City person now, my axe usage is almost non existant except for camping. Keep up the good work, Love your videos!!!!
I just received my Autine by John Neeman Forest Axe a couple of days ago. Haven't had the heart to use it yet, it's so beautiful. Gonna take it up to the mountains this weekend.
Glad you covered the huskvarna(sp) because I was going to ask your opinion....perfect timing. I too liked the look and price. I would like the Neeman...but I am not yet debt free so I am holding off...there are good tools right here that I can fit onto the budget and still get a quality, reliable and repairable tool. Thanks for another great video....gettin me a husky!!
after watching your videos i bought this axe Husqvarna 26" FOR $69 Canadian and thought that was a super great deal from a local store rather than Amazon, i love it thanks
Cody, if you go to the Amazon website and read the reviews for the husqvarna axe you will find three comments on that axe where the whole edge split off from the body, literally broke in two. They have forged an axe without a differential heat treatment and they are about Rockwell C scale 59 hard is what has been reported. Each axe failure has a picture of the broken axe head. Rc 59 is fine for the edge, but it needs to be softer further back, one broke right on the Husqvarna stamping.
My father worked in a coal mine all his life (died of black lung too)...for a while one of his duties was settin up the posts to support the galleries (tunnels), chopping wooden post about a foot in diameter at a certain length to line the gallery's walls....due to de size of the tunnel , thare had to be heavy axes w/a very short handle in order to deliver the heaviest cut w/ a pretty limited swing space...now watching you program suddenly came to mi mind ....heavy thing....he always would throw away the factory handle and go into the mountain and find some good ash to make a proper handle...
Ochsenkopf are good to, they may make them for stihl. Vintage MANN edge tool Co, made in Lewistown PA are my favorite. If you can find a genuine Joseph R Mann axe, scoop it up!
Just received my John Neeman Stalwart Axe. Almost to nice to get dirty! My opinion......Best Axe out there. I also have wetterling/GFB/Autine.....excellent axes as well...I wouldn't bash any of them
Love my Stihl axes/Mauls - the most expensive pro splitting axe is $120, (the pro line have metal over strike collars) the splitting maul is and bit is Oxenkopf, or however you spell it LOL) $65, canoe axe (German bit), $50 and hatchet (German bit) $40 - amazing axes, it’s the only in store option for me other than the big box hardware stores, and only found at local Stihl hardware stores….
Hello Mr. Wanglerstar. Thank you for the beautiful videos, I've been enjoying them for some time. I am especially impressed by the Christian values both you and your family project in these videos and I value the information and entertainment I receive from them. In these immoral times we now live in it is great to find wonderful truthful moral people to look up to. And the icing on the cake is we share many of the same interests. So my hat is off to you sir. May God Bless you and your family, I remain respectfully yours, JT.
The Estwing Black Eagle tomahawk axe is suitable as an emergency/rescue tool for breaching and prying, trenching, etc. Not really a woodsman's choice, true. It's worth mentioning that aircraft crews have a similar sized/weighted tool on the flight deck (the tool was improved after the 1995 Carrollton, GA accident in which the surviving pilot was trapped in the cockpit, and the "fire axe" provded proved inadequate for the task).
I have several axes from all the aforementioned and few other Scandinavian manufacturers. The ones that i love the most are wetterlings carpenters axe and old Finnish Billnäs axes collected from fleamrkets and old barns :). Still the ones that I use when working are three different sized Fiskarses. The reason is their lightness and durability.
I must of lucked out, my Estwings, and I have 3, especially my camp axe, and my campers axe, hold a decent edge, and I can sharpen them really sharp, you can't do that with a soft steel, but I had a German Axe made custom, it's a real thin profile, not really a splitter either, but it carries some weight, it's 2 3/4lbs., with a 5" face, and I had it pit on a 19", white hickory handle, it processes wood well for fire, shelter building, de-limbing trees, the weight cuts down usage time, since it goes through stuff easy, I was afraid I made a mistake, putting it on a short handle, and it's real thin, but it's very sgarp, and holds a real good edge, it's a oxhead, made by Itlis, it's made in Germany, and the steel is great stuff.
I really enjoyed their videos. Its nice to see those young men making masterpieces. Who knew making a knife from slats of metal all the way thru making its sheath could be riveting.
The Estwing hatchet w/ leather handle is full tang, there's a "how its made" video on youtube which is cool to watch. Very sturdy, durable little axe. I also like the Cold Steel Trail Boss axe, check it out if you get a chance. I removed the annoying paint on the head and created a natural patina w/ vinegar for it and a leather sheath. It's not bad for the price. Good video!
Cody....I have the Gransfors Brux Small Hatchet....I think you would like it.....for very small jobs....I think it would have a place for cleaning large game Firebush
You forgot to Mention the Arveka swedish splitting axe. between the feel of the double bit and arveka for small and mid size wood that's how I like to roll. Mind you I would like to come across a good old splitting maul for big wood it's almost a must. Also husky 266 and 268 are my favorite firewood saws other then the 372s. I like the older 020 021 025 026 stihl "limbing" saws and if I was to mill wood with a granberg the husky 2100s stihl av090 and Mcculloch sp125 and super 797s will cut through anything... I like old stuff I'm sure the decent saws too.
Why not go with the double bit? I have always liked having my good felling side that I protect and my less sharp side for jobs like chopping off roots (I dig them out first with a pick.) to liming tree branches where there is a risk of accidentally hitting the soil. Also they are usually very heavy which makes them great for getting penetration and knocking out chunks of trees. (Granted I use mine for felling trees, removing stumps, and clearing trails.)
although i cannot afford high end axes being 17 with bills already. going to flee markets and picking up axe heads and reshaping, honing putting the best knowledge and skill i have forwards them is what i truly love to do. I cannot thank you enough for your videos, you really are an inspiration and someone who i would love to be when i grow up. If i am slightly lucky i will live the lifestyle you live and follow the footsteps of mr.Wranglerstar.
The Fiskars brand look nice and is neatly packaged and marketed however it is not to be confused wit high quality. Remember, you get what you pay for.
Hey if a tool is shit, then it is shit.....please don't sugar coat it for the sake of not offending some one....Quality control. Nice video btw!
Woodyrascel agree
agree
Also, the Fiskars X27 axe is an excellent splitter. The head is a real steep angle where it counts, and wood just doesn't stick to it. Been used four winters in a row now on Australian hardwood and has only needed a couple touch-ups with a stone. I dunno what you would need to do to the handle to break it, but it would certainly be outside normal uses.
I agree.
We will be waiting for the videos demonstrating 10 ways to fix a Fiskars axe.
Thanks for the vid Cody. Thought I'd chime in regarding Fiskars. I can't speak to their hatchets and axes but I've owned a x27 super-splitter for a few years now and love it. It's light, swings easy and Lodge pole pine and doug fir like butter. Plus its under 50 bucks.
As a logger, I agree with you on the Stihl axes. I've used one as a falling axe now for 12 years with zero issues (but 99.9% of the time I just use it as a wedge beater).
I like your videos and respect what you are doing with your family. I recently moved to a piece of land and am enjoying getting things set up. Keep working hard and teaching those valuable life skills to those who know whats coming and those of us that appreciate it.
It takes courage to admit that you are improving yourself. That rates very high in my book. Thank you for re-posting your review.
backed down to a load of libertards making gay looking axes and charge the world for a bit of paint on the handles
Joe Feser N n. Nv
Stick to your guns unless you feel your wrong. Screw everyones feelings.
Hes is not rly improving he said he maid a joke people got offended he reposted and explained what happened he explained why he said and why he doesn't like the handle and sure he doesn't regret it but he has the experience to remake a good wood handle but cannot replace a plastic handle there is no improvement on him self you miss understood him and didn't like his opinion no real reason to get mad or disappointed he has the money to drop on a quality axe he will dislike some cheaper axes but in his experience he does not like fiskars compared to bruk
Edit if wranglerstar if u see this msg me I will take it down if you think I'm wrong
Appreciated your little intro piece, kudos to you! I have some Gransfors, one Wetterlings - the Les Stroud Bushman which has turned out to be a great all-rounder - all of which I love. Wetterlings and Gransfors are pretty much the same people, i.e. the gentleman who did Gransfors sold it to his kids and now owns Wetterlings…high integrity with lots of video material on him... I also have a handful of others including some large splitters. Having split countless rounds, stumps, logs, blocks and pieces over the years, I have to say there's never been a splitter like some of those Fiskars. I carry either a Gransfors or the Wetterlings wherever I go, but the Fiskars became my go-to splitter some years ago and remains so…I've split thousands of pieces with it and have not seen any breakage or attrition. Sure it can be seen as a "junker", but I've beat this thing so many times senseless and it still going. BTW: great find on the Husky axe, we'll keep a weather eye out for that one! Thanks for the excellent work.
Thanks for the tip on the Husqvarna axes I am in the market for small forest or boys axe and I am not real knowledgeable about axes so the Husqvarna looks like a good place to start. Thanks for sharing.
Have a look at Granfors Small forest axe or hunting axe. Big enough to get job done but small enough to carry on belt or pack.
evillabrador1 I would love a Granfors Small forest ax but the Husqvarna falls in my price range better and is still a hand forged Swedish made ax. Thanks for the suggestion though.
husqvarna makes a great hatchet i cant believe its under 100 bucks
The thing is, with Fiskars you don't need to be repairing your stuff all the time. The sucker just keeps working. One cannot mend iron bar eighter but an iron one is still much better than a wooden one. I've been using axes for tens of years and I am sick and tired of the heads flying from the handle or handles breaking from a single miss aimed swing. Simply put, axes with wooden handles are dangerous as hell and from times long gone. I currently own four Fiskars axes from small camp axe to large splitting axe and not once I've had to repair them in any way. For sure everything brakes up eventually and this is true with the Fiskars products as well but once that time comes, I'll gladly but a new one or ask for a new one from the manufacturer since they have a life time guarantee.
I'm beginning to think that the main problem with the Fiskars axes are that they are made in Finland and not in sweden. You are saying that Fiskars axe is a mass tool, yes that part we agree, but mass producing does not make a product bad. The product might not have that feel or looks of a hand made product but it is not a work of art. It is a tool and fine one. Husqvarna chainsaws are mass products as well yet they are fine pieces of machine or would you prefer it too to have wooden handles so that it could be fixed in case the handle broke down? -Because they do break down - eventually.
Well, it surely depends what do you mean by "light-duty splitting". I just finished 10m3 worth of pines. Each part was about 50cm tall and the trees were fully grown ones. Sure the blade might get mircrochips, but I'd rather have those than to worry about the whole thing falling apart every now and then. I'll gladly sharpen the blade every now and then over changing the handle. It is a trade of I am willing to take.
The Oschenkopf axes with the rotband attachment system, metal strike protector and hickory handle never seem to break or loosen. The same cannot be said for Fiskers.
I watched Part 3 in the Neeman tool series. I cried. Literally cried because I was so happy to see someone taking such pride in their craft. Beautiful tools.
Cody, on the Wetterlings, if it says hunting in the name of the style, it usually means that the poll is rounded and polished smoother than on other models. This is so it can be used to aid in the removing of hides from animals without tearing holes into the skin itself.
I've always used a Council tools axe with a sledge eye, straight 36" handle. For a maul I use a 8 lb Council with a sledge eye, forget the length. I've cut thousands of cords of wood with these two tools, council makes a good product IMO.
John Neeman tools are art. They inspire me as a maker and a blacksmith :)
No doubt they are art, but rather pricey as well. Coincidentally I was on their sight just before I came to this video, and their prices are much higher now then they were when this video was made lol. Can't argue with the quality though.
I have owned and used many Fiskars axes over the years. All though your comment about the handle not being repairable is true, it is also very sturdy. Everything can be broken, but in day to day normal use, you'll have a solid axe for years. The biggest advantage of the Fiskars models is that the handle to head connection is solid and stays solid. They also have a wide range of heads for most needs. They also sharpen quite well. It's not a hand made tool, but cheaper. Good bang for the buck
the best axe I have ever had hast to be my mcclung co axe, I bought it for 3 bucks and I only recently found out they go for a few hundred
Liar
Kelly was a very popular and very highly regarded axe company from 1874-1930, they made some of the best we ever had in the states.
I know you don't read these comments on the old videos anymore, but I really just wanted to put it out there. Thanks for the tip on the John Neeman videos. I recently watched those a couple of days ago and you are correct, they are some of the best videos on RUclips. They're very similar to your axe/tool refinishing videos. There's nothing quite like seeing a craftsman perform his trade. Thanks again.
Adam Pickens Sometimes I get to those old videos and the comments.
+Wranglerstar well next time you get to this one can you add a link in the description? not for me, I'ma find it myself, but for the next guy
It’s nice to hear you reveal an understanding for personal options. There are inexpensive items for virtually anything one wants on the market today. And there is also often expensive and very expensive options. I personally look for something that is made to last a long time. Possibly a lifetime or more. I am a carpenter by trade. My tools are of very good quality and took me a long time to acquire. As did my knowledge of them and my trade. The same goes for my cooking knives and gear. I know I can get away with less expensive tools some times. But I really enjoy working with things that are created by others who research and create their tools with pride. Often very artistically. And that’s what I think as I am using these tools. When I build, my hope is that I’m building what you think of in your dreams. And when I cook for you I’m hoping to create a memory as well as to get you to raise your hands in absolute joy.
I only ever heard my significant other complain once....about how much a knife cost that I purchased. Then she ate what I created for her and it never happened again. She also sees the great care I take in caring for all the things I acquire and she has a new pride for these items as well.
When the narrator of this video describes the special axes he wishes he could have and one day may have. I know just how he is feeling. He’s respectfully describing his wish to acquire an air loom created by an artist, or perhaps a master. “Something created with pride, to be owned and used pridefully”
Thank you very much for your videos....really like you sharing as you progress.
Cheers,
I almost lost my thumb cutting kindling with a full size axe. Lukily it wasn't too sharp. I taped it back on put a glove on it and continued spliting. It actually heald up better than places where I've gotten stitches.
+Joseph Smith ouch
+Joseph Smith // Brother Joseph, if I may I would like to offer a kindling splitting tip. Lay your piece of wood on the splitting stump, with the end facing you, and out in the air enough for you to hold onto. Hit the upper portion of the stick on the side. With the blade in line with the grain. Do it enough times to split that piece. Notice the hatchet blade isn't very close to your hand. Now you are safer. This is from the Boy Scout Handbook.
+Michael Dougfir Thanks for the tip. I've seen people do it that way but I've never tried it.
+Joseph Smith I've used a larger felling axe for 10 years and have never cut myself when kindling smaller pieces. I've usually got pricked when picking logs up without gloves
The only problem with that method, is that if you don't move your hand quick enough, the blade can split through the wood, and cut your hand. I knicked my hand in Canada making shore lunch, splitting like this, so I returned to what I was taught.
It is efficient, but less safe than what they teach in BSA.
I have begun to experiment with welding 4130 cromoly aircraft tubing to old maul heads from garage sales & such. The cromoly tubes telescope very nicely so you can stack them two or three deep to make an extra thick collar going 8" or so down the handle length to protect from overstrike. Of course, you want to be careful not to take the temper out of the tool head during welding, as I learned the hard way.
Excellent videos, Cody. Thank you for sharing.
Respectable apology. I didn't see your video but I respect any man who apologizes for offending someone
I'm sure your're a nice guy, but that's an absolutely cancerous idea when it comes to discussing ideas and having progress in society. Ideas need to be challenged and often ridiculed. Offence is a natural part of progress, and a defence of ignorance.
@Waksibra - There is nothing wrong with apologizing for presenting an idea in a way that is unnecessary offending. I think that the apology here was very appropriate because he didn't consider a large segment of his audience in his previous video.
It seems that you view an apology as 'backing down' or retracting what was previously said. I don't find that to be the case in all situations, like this one for example.
Michael Costlow o
I think that blunt criticism is a good thing and he shouldn’t apologize for being honest.
The large companies didn’t get offended. They only got offended because it hurts their wallet. They probably even paid him to take his video down and take back what he said.
I've got, amongst others, a mid-size Fiskars ax. I bought it as a camping ax, but it really works for me in general use. I hadn't even considered the handle breaking, but that's a really good point. The more you know. Love your stuff, thanks mate
I understand that Wetterlings are very similar to Gransfors... and Husqvarna is similar to the Wetterlings. I've never been sorry for buying a Wetterlings, but had I known then what I know now, I would have saved some $ by purchasing the Husqvarna instead.
Wetterlings are the best
Rudy Henstridge Actually, while I don't have much experience with many others, I'm sure you're right. I spent my Sunday (yesterday) experimenting to see if I could get a fire going in the rain, and then snow. My Wetterlings performed absolutely amazingly. And thanks to a coating of Tuf-Glide before heading out, there's not a bit of rust on it, even after 3.5 hours of constant rain exposure. Cheers from rainy So. Cal. --Scott
ScottsUtubeWorld Ive had both and wetterlings are slightly better but saying that husqvarna are still good quality.Wetterlings/gransfors are the best axes on the market but are overpriced imo because at the end of the day they are just axes.
Davey 14 the husqvarna axes are made by wetterlings, its the same axe, but just under a differend brand name.
The steel is good quality carbon steel. Stays sharp, but is relatively easy to sharpen. The handle is light but extremely durable! It's true that you can't re-handle it, but then again you normally won't have to. I have yet to see one break in normal use (Or any other use actually). They are also made here in Finland where we actually have quality control, unlike in China :)
I'm with you on that. I have a Fiskars X27 , X11 and 3 X7s. Never a problem. That X27 is a wood splitting fool.
Also , I don't buy any tool or knife made in China . I learned my lesson.
Aren't Husqvarna axes made by Wetterlings? For an under $100 ax that seems to be the way to go if you ask me! I've actually had pretty good luck with a Condor Tool Greenland Pattern Ax--which is also a hand forged high carbon steel ax, but made in Equador--that I got cheap at a yard sale, but if you're buying new you can get the Husqvarna for about the same money. That's the way I would go. Still, the only issue I've ever had with the Condor is the short 16" handle it comes with limits its utility somewhat. It makes a great bushcrafting ax though!
Did some research and it turns out that Husqvarna axes aren't made by S.A. Wetterlings anymore. They're made by Hults Bruks/Hultafors now, but Hults Bruks is another Swedish company that hand-forges its axes. Huskies are still both a damn good axe and an even better deal!
J
I just ordered a Husqvarna Carpenters Axe to deal with fire wood around the house and High Sierra camping. Thanks for your time. Great information.
Nice review. You have some misconceptions about forging. You imply that all drop forging is junk. Drop forged axes can be extremely high quality if well heat treated and tempered. Most prized American axes made after 1900 are actually drop forged.
My understanding is that Granfors is forged using a trip hammer (powered hammer). They are excellent quality but the term "hand forged" is somewhat of a misleading marketing term in this case.
Greg Stamer thank you for your comment, informative,
wranglerstar i purchased the stihl splitting hatchet locally this past week for under 40 dollars and it is a great tool. already made lots of kindling. love the videos keep it up
In Switzerland we have the German made Helko Axes.The small hatchet costs 8 swiss francs in the local hardware store.
$8? That's awesome
yeah helko is not very good quality but is very well priced in europe.. better is subai.. their axes start at about 15 euro.. hardening is better than helko and handles are better.. in switzerland youhave several traditional small workshops making swiss style axes by hand that although expencive are fairly priced
I agree about the Fiskars. They're good in that they work, and I've had a mid sized chopping axe for years, but I broke a splitter in about a month of use. As Wrangler said, once it breaks, it's done. The steel also seems soft.
Oldskool Finnish or Swedish people would ask you about Bilnäs axes, they used to have extremely good reputation amongst old generation of people. Dont think they make those anymore.
Please make more tool reviews!!! It really helps! We want to know why you use what tools you use, and why you use them! Keep the videos coming!
Your knowledge and research are impressive, and I learn quite a lot from you. Notwithstanding poor Fresh P's accident, I have had a lot of success with the Fiskars "SPLITTING axe" # 7784/03-019533r2. Our wood here in NE Calif. is largely lodgepole. This wood, when seasoned, is beloved for its' handling qualities. So in spite of my doubts, a friend showed me how well that axe does in dry lodgepole. Many one-strike splits of whole rounds. But I also noted your remark that if this axe's handle breaks, a whole new axe would have to be purchased. One thing I don't know is how well this axe does on other woods. So I just want to put this out there. Can this be helpful to anyone?
Fiskars handles are lifetime guaranteed. I have 4 but I have never had a problem.
THANK YOU for introducing me to John Neeman. What a joy to use tools so finely made, with such attention to detail. Brings to mind one of my favorite sayings, "The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it."
Fiskars is one of the best Axes I have ever used. Its cheap if it breaks you can get a brand new one from the factory. Life Time Warranty. It would not be choice if I was out in the Bush but I am never in the Bush so it works greats for me.
Got my Husqvarna Forest Axe yesterday, thanks for the advice…..This complements my garage sale Plumb Single bit that I restored based on your videos. Thanks for all you do Cody….Have fun in Montana. Now I am looking for some crosscut saws.
Does Best Made offer an axe pannier for penny farthings? I am looking for a way to carry my axes when I forage across Brooklyn.
Well... When i was younger we had to chop wood for heating. and today I work as a carpenter and do sculpting in my freetime I also graduated as a designer several years ago . At this point, for fairness, i have to note that I am from Finland as is Fiskars. And I did a study on their edged tools about 10 years ago (lot has changed after that). I like your videos very very much and agree with you on ALMOST everything :D
I am from sweden and my grand father has one of there first designs .it is from 1904
Picture?
Nice axe overview, i have a Wetterlings splitting maul and a Wetterlings splitting wedge. A fantastic combination, the maul was razor sharp on delivery and i maintain the edge on a regular basis. The wedge is a big help with knotty grained timber or very large rounds. I maintain the handle with linseed oil, wipe it on and let it soak in for ten or fifteen minutes and buff it off. Wetterlings make top quality forestry tools which can and should be handed down to the next generation.
If I have a $100 budget - I’m okay with going a little over, what axe should I get if I want to fell some medium sized trees?
Cold steel trail boss is only 40 and does just as good a job as any
I own the Fiskars X27 splitting maul AND the Wetterlings splitting maul. When I have straight-grained wood to split, I use the Wetterlings because it is simply a joyful experience. But when I have some crotchy tough customers to wail on, I grab the Fiskars. The handle really is amazingly tough--it has survived, with nary a scuff many full-force overstrikes that would have splintered any hickory handle. Fiskars=$60, Wetterlings=$100.
Fiskars=cheap truck toolbox axe I don't care if it get's swiped off my truck.
Grammar=irrelevant in your world.
In hoc signo vinces I tend to just by axe heads at flea markets AMD thrift stores and then put a handle in them , put less than 30 dollars into a good axe that way
Another brand worth noting is Autine. Oddly enough, the bladesmith, John Neeman actually LEFT John Neeman Tools and founded a new brand called "Autine." Their tools appear to be every bit as quality as John Neeman tools, handmade, and best yet, available for order. Though it looks like John could use some help with his English on the site, his work looks amazing!
thank you so much for this video. My husband is going to love his christmas☺
I bought a Husqvarna axe in Canada for about $30 in 2009 which is very similar to the all-purpose axe that you showed. However the main difference with mine is that it actually has a Wetterlings hand forged head on it, whilst also being stamped with the Husqvarna logo on the helve. This makes it practically identical in proportions to the Wetterlings Scandinavian Forest Axe, which is a very fine tool indeed. All things considered, I did well for $30, I just need to get out of London (UK) now so that I can enjoy using it! Thanks for the videos and Happy New Year all!!
What is your opinion on Hultafors Axes ?
Bryan Resch
Hultafors has two ranges, a drop forged, and a hand forged, that i called clasic, the clasics are good, and not as excpensive as the other handforged brands
Bryan Resch he thinks it isn't as good as Gransfors......but wants to apologize for not liking it as much since it is well made and serves a purpose, and he wants to apologize for not mentioning the Wetterlings which is also well made, and has a purpose....
I love the videos, but come on, you can't discuss which is better for your purpose without saying what does not fit your purpose. Stop apologizing for not liking a tool!!
Bryan Resch I got a Hultafors hatchet as a Xmas present Last Xmas. It arrived scary sharp and is well finished. The handle could be better finished, but not bad for a production axe. It splits firewood and de limbs small trees very well. The leather sheet is well finished and of good quality. So far I am very happy with it.
The standard Hultafors hatchets are good value for money. They also make some of the Husqvarna branded axes.
Hultafors makes husqvarna axes as well
I just shared this video because you describe exactly how I severed my thumb tendon 2 weeks ago. Had surgery, now I'm looking at 2 months of PT. I had just rehandled and old Plumb axehead 36" first kindling swing and ...
15:34 --- "Absolutely treasures. I don't own one, I haven't even seen one, and I would own one .... they are magnificent .... these are so nice."
What? I don't understand how you can so strongly endorse a product you haven't so much as seen?
It's very cool of you to remake this video. I got what you were saying before, but it speaks highly of your character that you are capable of recognizing when you want to be better.
Keep the great videos coming Cody.
All I can hear when you're looking at his equipment in will smith saying, "I have got to get me one of these!"
I have the Stihl splitting axe it was a combo deal with my saw. I have put it to the extreme and it hasn't failed me yet. it also holds an edge very well for the price. nice video hope it helps a few folks just getting tools together for preparing wood.
I'm sick of disposable tools!! (FISKARS)
UNDERDOG PROJECTS fiskars is actually quality for the price and if you break the handle they will send you a new one
They bought Billnäs and Koloski which is pretty sad, now they just have trashy tools
DIRTY SOUTH CUSTOMZ every fiskars I’ve gotten has been junk.
I happen to have the Estwing Long Handle Campers Axe here in front of me right now. Not only is it one of my favorite light choppers, but I just tested it with a magnet and the handle is steel all the way down no fiberglass. I generally agree with Wranglerstar but had to put my two cents in.
"This stuff here; I don't know what this nonsense is" LOL; I needed a good laugh.
I admire your honesty and your ability to call yourself out. You sir are a man of character and class so rarely seen these days. It brings me comfort knowing young men and women are being instructed by a man of your caliber. God bless Mr.Wranglerstar and thanks for the great content!
I recomend Hultafors bruks axes. They have same handforged quality of Grandsfors but they are cheaper. Yes Grandsfors have nicer handles but you can customize this :)
+lamebubblesflysohigh I still sell Hultafors but Hults Bruk is a "bit" better......pun intended. My customers say they hold a better edge. All these Swedish axe'es use the same iron ore and the foundries are just a few miles apart. Hults Bruk has been forging since 1697 and it's the family all the other's "sprang " from. I tour'ed them all and each one has a "secret" recipe but in the end you can't go wrong with either. I feel the Granfors are over priced but some people drive a "Caddy" and some drive a "Chevy" but in the end, both will get you there !!!
I just bought a council tool axe today, and tried on scrap logs in the yard, Very impressed these axes are great. 45 for mine.
That was funny as hell about the killing people axe.
The Fiskar is by far the best splitting axe I've ever used. With a lifetime replacement warranty you cant go wrong. I've had mine for years and split all kinds of hardwood effortlessly. You'll be surprised at how well it performs.
Same here.
"unless you use this for killing people" Beauty Cody! :)
You are hands down the best are salesman alive. I never even knew I wanted a nice are until I started following you
How to replace handle on Fiskars Axe?
Answer: Life time warranty. Contact them and they will send you a new one.
as long as you have the time to wait for a new handle to come in there is no problem. also if fiskars closes you may be outta luck. my axe used to be my grandads, passed down to me and is a quality piece that with care and maintenance will go to my son. being able to make your own handle and not rely on some company is nice.
+jhendka p. The axe is fixed and wraps around the head on a Fiskars. There is no way to replace it. They won't send you a new handle, rather, a whole new axe. My dad only ever bought a Craftsman fiber pro axe. It's pretty old, but it's more a cutting axe. I do have an old sledge from my grandad. I also have a rigging axe (carpenters hatchet with a hammer on one end) that is from Plumb and my great grandmother as well as her old hammer. With that in mind, I bought some council tool mauls for splitting wood, and with the intent to pass down. I like Council Tool because it's American made, and they make tools for fire departments (I'm a volunteer firefighter). I do hope to restore some old tools I find around like old axe heads and hammer heads.
absolutely, as you said... "longevity". that certainly did get lost. however, it's not lost with me, either. so, i'm glad you pointed that out. by inheriting it, i have one of those fiskars fiberglass hollow handle hatchets. pure junk is the fiskars and i could not agree with you more about non serviceable hand tools (especially in axes and hatchets). i also inherited several other axes that all have rotten handles and i'm certainly going to repair and service these axes and put them in use. i recently got back into bush-crafting from about a 20 yr absence and that's why i've gotten these axes out and begun to tinker with them. thanks for your videos and i subscribed! martina
One minute is all you needed on Fiskars
I looked up John Neeman's website and it said that they are receiving an overwhelming amount of orders so they are putting orders on reserve. Said that you'd get your axe in 6-12 months. I think they changed their prices a little bit though because the cheapest thing I saw on their was a hatchet for $390.
goddamn people need to stop apoligizing for being "offensive".
I find this comment offensive. Apologize.
lol
covert- Hahahahahahhahaa best comment ever!
I like the John Deere 300 in your profile picture bryston!!!!
thanks lol Brent The JD Guy
I like your sarcasm and the way that you're critical. I think it makes you and your videos more interesting and is more authentic to who you are.
That said, I also enjoy how clean and thorough your reviews can be and see them as professional.
Thanks!
i think i speak on behalf of everyone when i ask do we really need someone else to surf the internet for axes for us. Jeeezzzz, whatever happened to a good ole hands on video review !?
It's nice to have both. I'm sure there are lots of hands on videos available. This was almost 18 minutes long, and had lots of great information.
Man, how is it that Hults Bruk isn't on the list? I have the Almike and I have put that thing through some work, and it always runs great. But I do love my Gransfors Bruk American felling. I definitely recommend that one, too.
Too much BS and not enough facts, hard to sit through this. Clean it up less wordy!
Becca Irvin Advise from someone with no videos uploaded.
wranglerstar i upload vids and welome feedback just cos someones a viewer shouldnt cost them an opinion
Becca Irvin Shouldnt you be in the kitchen?
such a pessimistic person, do you look at art and suggest something be different?
The Husqvarna axe i seen on amazon and a review showed the blade snapped. Buddy post pics check it out
I saw that as well. I went to Husqvarna own website and saw that the 26in multi purpose axe was about 20-30$ more. Idk if that means anything, but I wonder if it could effect the quality ?
I have the Estwing axe and it's a great farm axe. good for jobs like chopping roots and other jobs I don't want to use my good axes for.
I use to use a good sharp grubbing pick or a mattock for chopping roots. I found a pair of nice old semi-modern grubbing picks, with the lawyer blades on them. My father and I sharpened them up real nice. One has a wide flat blade on one side, and a pointy pick on the other. The other has the blades set 90 degrees from each other, and resembles a mattock. The grubbing blades were about as sharp as bowling balls, when the picks came from the store. One still had the original orange paint all over it, so it had never been used at all. I think I paid $5 for each at a garage sale. Maybe $3. Now I just use a backhoe. I have some old Mann, Hudson Bay, Collins, Plumb, Estwing, Marbles, Blue Grass, True Temper, Dayton, Ames, and other old USA made axes, hatchets, adzes & mauls. most from the 1890s-1950s. I have a few European axes too. My family ranched in Colorado, and fished in the Pacific Northwest up into Alaska, and my father was a surveyor, so old axes are all over the place. The old Estwing axes are not all that bad. We used to buy presentation axes from Stubai when my grandfather was still alive. He was a fire chief for the USAF, and trained the air force in aviation crash & rescue techniques. When someone retired or was promoted we would buy a special presentation ax for them.
wranglerstar thanks for making this video. I purchased one of the husqvarna forest axes and I couldn't be more pleased.
Have had great luck with Husqvarna and Helko Werk axes. The Helko Spaltaxt is phenomenal.
Excellent videos. After watching your videos about axes I have started to look for old axe heads. I recently found a Ture Temper Flint Edge Kelly Works for $2 a little work and TLC she's back to her old self. Thanks again for taking the time to show all of us how to do it. God Bless
What I have been trying to find as a brush/gardening/camping hatchet is one with a backspike that is sharpened on the inside curve like a sickle for use clearing vines.
I don't know what's wrong with me!!! When I watched your video on Fisker axe's, I didn't I didn't get upset, let alone butt hurt about the the TWO fisker axe's I had JUST bought for 10 bucks each at Home Depot. One for me, one for my son in law. They are EXACTLY what you said they are, but 10 bucks each, on clearance, they are worth it. As a City person now, my axe usage is almost non existant except for camping. Keep up the good work, Love your videos!!!!
I just received my Autine by John Neeman Forest Axe a couple of days ago. Haven't had the heart to use it yet, it's so beautiful. Gonna take it up to the mountains this weekend.
Glad you covered the huskvarna(sp) because I was going to ask your opinion....perfect timing. I too liked the look and price. I would like the Neeman...but I am not yet debt free so I am holding off...there are good tools right here that I can fit onto the budget and still get a quality, reliable and repairable tool. Thanks for another great video....gettin me a husky!!
after watching your videos i bought this axe Husqvarna 26" FOR $69 Canadian and thought that was a super great deal from a local store rather than Amazon, i love it thanks
Cody, if you go to the Amazon website and read the reviews for the husqvarna axe you will find three comments on that axe where the whole edge split off from the body, literally broke in two. They have forged an axe without a differential heat treatment and they are about Rockwell C scale 59 hard is what has been reported. Each axe failure has a picture of the broken axe head. Rc 59 is fine for the edge, but it needs to be softer further back, one broke right on the Husqvarna stamping.
I couldn't agreed more about the John Neeman videos, they are truly outstanding.
My father worked in a coal mine all his life (died of black lung too)...for a while one of his duties was settin up the posts to support the galleries (tunnels), chopping wooden post about a foot in diameter at a certain length to line the gallery's walls....due to de size of the tunnel , thare had to be heavy axes w/a very short handle in order to deliver the heaviest cut w/ a pretty limited swing space...now watching you program suddenly came to mi mind ....heavy thing....he always would throw away the factory handle and go into the mountain and find some good ash to make a proper handle...
Ochsenkopf are good to, they may make them for stihl. Vintage MANN edge tool Co, made in Lewistown PA are my favorite. If you can find a genuine Joseph R Mann axe, scoop it up!
Just received my John Neeman Stalwart Axe. Almost to nice to get dirty! My opinion......Best Axe out there. I also have wetterling/GFB/Autine.....excellent axes as well...I wouldn't bash any of them
Love my Stihl axes/Mauls - the most expensive pro splitting axe is $120, (the pro line have metal over strike collars) the splitting maul is and bit is Oxenkopf, or however you spell it LOL) $65, canoe axe (German bit), $50 and hatchet (German bit) $40 - amazing axes, it’s the only in store option for me other than the big box hardware stores, and only found at local Stihl hardware stores….
Hello Mr. Wanglerstar. Thank you for the beautiful videos, I've been enjoying them for some time. I am especially impressed by the Christian values both you and your family project in these videos and I value the information and entertainment I receive from them. In these immoral times we now live in it is great to find wonderful truthful moral people to look up to. And the icing on the cake is we share many of the same interests. So my hat is off to you sir. May God Bless you and your family, I remain respectfully yours, JT.
The Estwing Black Eagle tomahawk axe is suitable as an emergency/rescue tool for breaching and prying, trenching, etc. Not really a woodsman's choice, true. It's worth mentioning that aircraft crews have a similar sized/weighted tool on the flight deck (the tool was improved after the 1995 Carrollton, GA accident in which the surviving pilot was trapped in the cockpit, and the "fire axe" provded proved inadequate for the task).
I have several axes from all the aforementioned and few other Scandinavian manufacturers. The ones that i love the most are wetterlings carpenters axe and old Finnish Billnäs axes collected from fleamrkets and old barns :). Still the ones that I use when working are three different sized Fiskarses. The reason is their lightness and durability.
Hults Bruk is another Swedish hand forged option that looks similar quality and style to Granfors. Have not used one but LL Bean carries them.
I must of lucked out, my Estwings, and I have 3, especially my camp axe, and my campers axe, hold a decent edge, and I can sharpen them really sharp, you can't do that with a soft steel, but I had a German Axe made custom, it's a real thin profile, not really a splitter either, but it carries some weight, it's 2 3/4lbs., with a 5" face, and I had it pit on a 19", white hickory handle, it processes wood well for fire, shelter building, de-limbing trees, the weight cuts down usage time, since it goes through stuff easy, I was afraid I made a mistake, putting it on a short handle, and it's real thin, but it's very sgarp, and holds a real good edge, it's a oxhead, made by Itlis, it's made in Germany, and the steel is great stuff.
John Neeman's Videos are some of the Best. A true Blacksmith Master.
I really enjoyed their videos. Its nice to see those young men making masterpieces. Who knew making a knife from slats of metal all the way thru making its sheath could be riveting.
The Estwing hatchet w/ leather handle is full tang, there's a "how its made" video on youtube which is cool to watch. Very sturdy, durable little axe. I also like the Cold Steel Trail Boss axe, check it out if you get a chance. I removed the annoying paint on the head and created a natural patina w/ vinegar for it and a leather sheath. It's not bad for the price. Good video!
Cody....I have the Gransfors Brux Small Hatchet....I think you would like it.....for very small jobs....I think it would have a place for cleaning large game
Firebush
Thank you Firebrush for the very kind offer
You forgot to Mention the Arveka swedish splitting axe. between the feel of the double bit and arveka for small and mid size wood that's how I like to roll. Mind you I would like to come across a good old splitting maul for big wood it's almost a must. Also husky 266 and 268 are my favorite firewood saws other then the 372s. I like the older 020 021 025 026 stihl "limbing" saws and if I was to mill wood with a granberg the husky 2100s stihl av090 and Mcculloch sp125 and super 797s will cut through anything... I like old stuff I'm sure the decent saws too.
I really love your videos Cody. Please continue making them, you really are touching a lot of lives.
Why not go with the double bit? I have always liked having my good felling side that I protect and my less sharp side for jobs like chopping off roots (I dig them out first with a pick.) to liming tree branches where there is a risk of accidentally hitting the soil. Also they are usually very heavy which makes them great for getting penetration and knocking out chunks of trees. (Granted I use mine for felling trees, removing stumps, and clearing trails.)