I've seen the same curling on other wedge-shaped axe heads. It's just really thin and needs to be worn down. Use it until it curls over, hone it back to normal, repeat. After 2 or 3 times, you shouldn't have any issues.
I have the Wetterlings 26 SA Forest axe, and I couldn't be happier. Although it's light, which is great for packing, the shape and hardness of the blade really allows it to sink into wood. My sheath fits perfectly, and is very secure. It's one of the best purchases I've ever made.
I have confirmation from the company they changed their heat treating process due to this problem, so I know it was that. I have two others with no issues, I really like Wetterlings. Hope you like it, it is a great axe!
From my recent googlings, I have come to understand that straight handles on axes promote more accuracy than curved handles, albeit less ergonomics. Notice that most splitting axes have straight handles where accuracy is paramount.
Hello mate, I just watch your review of the bushman axe as I'm thinking of getting one, with 3 years down the line of having this axe has your opinion changed or is it the same, cheers.
Just ordered a wetterlings forest axe from HR Knives got it for $92.00 plus shipping. Hoping for the best if you have one could you review it so I know exactly what I am getting
I like how thick this axe head is.... I own two GB axes, and they are both a little too thin and light for easy splitting. I think they may have sent you the wrong sheath, cause yours looks like the exact same sheath that came on my huge 32" Wetterlings Appalachian Forest Axe, and mine fits that axe perfect. Pretty sure they will send you the correct sheath in no time.
Hey Cap. Good review. I had the same chipping on my Fine Foresters Axe. It turned out to be the rivets from the sheath, so you might want to look at that. Anyway, the Les Stroud is going to be my next axe to play with. Have a great day.
I was teaching my first survival class since I had my legs and side crushed in that wreck, brought a camillus carnivore with me to see if it broke, it held up surprisingly good and performed, but as I said to my client "I wish I brought a hatchet" to show him how to knock pine knots loose. For that you must have an axe.
If Wetterlings has solved the heat treating issue i'm thinking i will purchase one. I'm not all that worried about the quality of the sheath as I will simply make my own. I do think a curved handle would offer more leverage in a swing, IMHO.
Whats with the half circle and lil punch hole in the end of the hickory handle ? 7:16 / 10:01 Iv noticed that on a few axes Like my Hultafors Hunters Classic axe Does the new Les Stroud Bushman Axe have a metal wedge in the eye with the wooden wedge ? And when did they make new models were the steel in the axe head wont roll back ? Cuz If I buy one of course I want a newer model. Did you get this axe replaced for a newer modle with the improved steel ? Anyone know why some company's use a circle wedge and some use just a straight one , some don't use any at all . If anyone could answer these questions Id be so very gratefull ! thanks ! My fav axe is Hultafors Hunters Classic ! Love that axe ! Id like to try this Les Stroud Bushman Axe and the Council Tool Velvicut Hudson Bay Axe. Id imagine that these 2 axes could only split better do to there wider wedge shape head. The Hultafors Hunters Classic Axe head is not as thick as these 2 so it wont split as well but will cut / chop and do finer work better If anyone owns all 3 axes I have listed ! Please come over to my house and bring em ! lol haha Or just comment me back ! thanks ! good hunting !
The round wedges put more surface area on pushes wood in all directions. Some companies just prefer the standard metal wedges and some companies don't believe there axes don't need them at all and most don't
The "half circle and punch hole" are from being mounted to a lathe. The stock is mounted using a bell center punch and the wood is turned down before being milled to its final shape. The punch is pressed into the approximate center line of the wood creating the hole. The circle is made by the bell, which is what actually grabs and holds the wood while it's spinning on a lathe.
Man, what a great lookin' tool! I have a Wetterlings mini belt axe ( I forget the actual name, but it's the smallest axe that they make.) that is part of my EDC and I love it! It chops way better than it should, and serves my daily needs quite well. Keep us updated on your QC problem. I personally prefer smaller axes, but the interesting head design has my attention. I suppose a smaller version is only a saw blade away. ; )
I have the same problem with the sheet. They order their sheats and they are not customed made for the specific axe. My class ordered 15 Jägmästarens yxa #176 and all of them had a not fitting sheat..
Thanks for the review. Wouldnt trade my SAW large hunters axe for anything but it does look very nice. The wedge is very reminiscent of a scout hatchet/axe. The price is not terrible but i bought my large hunters axe back when they were around 75$. I do lke the handle legnth for getting more power behind the strike. Ether way its SAW and god stuff.
I got mine 3 weeks ago, with the same sheath and edge problems you had. I have emailed them with no response, maybe I got a knock-off at the trade show. I paid $130.00+tax.
I have the Husqvarna forest axe, they are made by Hultafors ( Hults Bruk ) Love it, just plan to sand down the handle and put a better finish on it, and your good to go. About $ 60.00 retail
Hey mate, Rocky Mountain Bushcraft did a big write-up on the edge issue with the Bushman Axe back in February. You should check it out. Wetterlings even responded to it in the comments. It's in their Edged Tools section.
Gransfors Bruks Small Forest ax is my new all around bush ax....I sold all of my Wetterlings , and will not buy another one, too many issues with it, and safety issues, these are things that we should not have to deal with, when over paying for an ax like this.
I could have kneeled down, but knowing how the physics was and where it would have landed it was not going to be my legs. Maybe it was a bad camera angle. ;)
That may be ture( cam angle ) Did not think of that ! just I have seen too many people that can't swing an axe ! I have used many axe's of many types all week long every week for years ! takes more than a few min's to lean how to do it with style .
Caleb Whittington Hhahah we got a grammer natzi ! I see my spell check cammeee up ! Gonna fix my words ? Cant belive people still bitch about spelling. I know you can understand everything he said as well as me :) Thank heavens there are not many grammer natzis left :)
Les's servivorman shows are great! I see his line of knifes are being sold at Gander. Get the boiled Linsead oil out! That sheath sucks! Ask them when you call them about the chipping of the edge. Not worth the $140+ with the flaws...or even without the Flaws...to me! Shouls have a nail puller cut in the head.
I'm not paying $150+ for a camping axe. I can't imagine it makes my job that much easier than a cheaper axe. Sorry Les, I'm a big fan but it needs to be about $30 cheaper at the very least
That is a really good looking axe. I only have one concern though... does it get the job done?
In regards to this axe, would you say it gets the job done?
does anyone think this will get the job done?
I've seen the same curling on other wedge-shaped axe heads. It's just really thin and needs to be worn down. Use it until it curls over, hone it back to normal, repeat. After 2 or 3 times, you shouldn't have any issues.
I have the Wetterlings 26 SA Forest axe, and I couldn't be happier. Although it's light, which is great for packing, the shape and hardness of the blade really allows it to sink into wood. My sheath fits perfectly, and is very secure. It's one of the best purchases I've ever made.
this is great and all, but does it get the job done?
Yes, but does it get the job done?
Interesting, was it a company you got it from or private?
I have confirmation from the company they changed their heat treating process due to this problem, so I know it was that. I have two others with no issues, I really like Wetterlings. Hope you like it, it is a great axe!
From my recent googlings, I have come to understand that straight handles on axes promote more accuracy than curved handles, albeit less ergonomics. Notice that most splitting axes have straight handles where accuracy is paramount.
Hello mate, I just watch your review of the bushman axe as I'm thinking of getting one, with 3 years down the line of having this axe has your opinion changed or is it the same, cheers.
Did you ever figure out what the deal was with the edge rolling?
Too steep of an edge angle makes for a weak edge. Just file it down a bit and you'll be fine
Did they get back to you in the steel folding?
Yes, production issue which is fixed now
CaptainBerz did they do anything to make it right for you?
Does it get the job done?
Great review. How does the Bushman's weight compare to Large Hunter?
Just ordered mine this afternoon. Hope it's worth the big bucks..! Will give my opinion on it soon as I can.
does it get the job done?
100%
Nice reveiw - bit steep for me though... Hows your other axe perform?
Just ordered a wetterlings forest axe from HR Knives got it for $92.00 plus shipping. Hoping for the best if you have one could you review it so I know exactly what I am getting
Really not understanding the question after I said in the review and presented video of me using it, that it does all tasks very well...
I like how thick this axe head is.... I own two GB axes, and they are both a little too thin and light for easy splitting.
I think they may have sent you the wrong sheath, cause yours looks like the exact same sheath that came on my huge 32" Wetterlings Appalachian Forest Axe, and mine fits that axe perfect. Pretty sure they will send you the correct sheath in no time.
Yeah....but does it get the job done!?
Hey Cap. Good review. I had the same chipping on my Fine Foresters Axe. It turned out to be the rivets from the sheath, so you might want to look at that. Anyway, the Les Stroud is going to be my next axe to play with. Have a great day.
You might say... Wait for it... It gets the job done!
I was teaching my first survival class since I had my legs and side crushed in that wreck, brought a camillus carnivore with me to see if it broke, it held up surprisingly good and performed, but as I said to my client "I wish I brought a hatchet" to show him how to knock pine knots loose. For that you must have an axe.
If Wetterlings has solved the heat treating issue i'm thinking i will purchase one. I'm not all that worried about the quality of the sheath as I will simply make my own. I do think a curved handle would offer more leverage in a swing, IMHO.
Whats with the half circle and lil punch hole in the end of the hickory handle ? 7:16 / 10:01 Iv noticed that on a few axes Like my Hultafors Hunters Classic axe Does the new Les Stroud Bushman Axe have a metal wedge in the eye with the wooden wedge ? And when did they make new models were the steel in the axe head wont roll back ? Cuz If I buy one of course I want a newer model. Did you get this axe replaced for a newer modle with the improved steel ? Anyone know why some company's use a circle wedge and some use just a straight one , some don't use any at all . If anyone could answer these questions Id be so very gratefull ! thanks ! My fav axe is Hultafors Hunters Classic ! Love that axe ! Id like to try this Les Stroud Bushman Axe and the Council Tool Velvicut Hudson Bay Axe. Id imagine that these 2 axes could only split better do to there wider wedge shape head. The Hultafors Hunters Classic Axe head is not as thick as these 2 so it wont split as well but will cut / chop and do finer work better If anyone owns all 3 axes I have listed ! Please come over to my house and bring em ! lol haha Or just comment me back ! thanks ! good hunting !
The round wedges put more surface area on pushes wood in all directions. Some companies just prefer the standard metal wedges and some companies don't believe there axes don't need them at all and most don't
The "half circle and punch hole" are from being mounted to a lathe. The stock is mounted using a bell center punch and the wood is turned down before being milled to its final shape. The punch is pressed into the approximate center line of the wood creating the hole. The circle is made by the bell, which is what actually grabs and holds the wood while it's spinning on a lathe.
What axe would you recommend by this company in the $50 range
solid design,hope they resolve the issues, its on my list for sure
Man, what a great lookin' tool! I have a Wetterlings mini belt axe ( I forget the actual name, but it's the smallest axe that they make.) that is part of my EDC and I love it! It chops way better than it should, and serves my daily needs quite well. Keep us updated on your QC problem. I personally prefer smaller axes, but the interesting head design has my attention. I suppose a smaller version is only a saw blade away. ; )
Love the Axe! wish he would have use a better knife company for his knives though. thanks for the review!
I have the same problem with the sheet. They order their sheats and they are not customed made for the specific axe.
My class ordered 15 Jägmästarens yxa #176 and all of them had a not fitting sheat..
Micro bevel on the edge caused the rolling. I had a similar issue and had to re-profile the edge after splitting cheap dry grocery store firewood. 🤯
Any word back from Wetterlings chief?
The large hunting axe performs great as well. It is my backpacking axe being the size it is...
I would agree with my Large Hunting Axe I have from them. Thanks!
Wetterlings sent me a comment and said they changed around their way of tempering the axe heads...
I sharpen my axes all the time after use, grow a pear!
Thanks for the review. Wouldnt trade my SAW large hunters axe for anything but it does look very nice. The wedge is very reminiscent of a scout hatchet/axe. The price is not terrible but i bought my large hunters axe back when they were around 75$. I do lke the handle legnth for getting more power behind the strike. Ether way its SAW and god stuff.
I must have one. I'll bet it really gets the job done :)
they send them so sharp that that that's probably why it dented. my splitting maul was razor sharp on arrival, and the same happened to me.
A wise man once said, "Life's biggest tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late." From what I see, you're ahead of the curve.
I got mine 3 weeks ago, with the same sheath and edge problems you had. I have emailed them with no response, maybe I got a knock-off at the trade show. I paid $130.00+tax.
I have the Husqvarna forest axe, they are made by Hultafors ( Hults Bruk ) Love it, just plan to sand down the handle and put a better finish on it, and your good to go. About $ 60.00 retail
They must be using really bad snaps, the ones I use on my sheaths that I make are larger in diameter and are much more difficult to snap open
Hey mate, Rocky Mountain Bushcraft did a big write-up on the edge issue with the Bushman Axe back in February. You should check it out. Wetterlings even responded to it in the comments. It's in their Edged Tools section.
Large Hunting axe, which is around 70-80. Nothing is really in the 50 range.
You should check out his Tamagami Knife made by Helle. Superb quality bushcraft blade.
Got a new one, it is good to go.
WINNING!
That is already on the review list. ;)
haha, yea I saw that and wondered as well.
Very true
Some people claim that the Huskvarna axes are the same as Wetterlings-- and they're quite a bit cheaper.
Gransfors Bruks Small Forest ax is my new all around bush ax....I sold all of my Wetterlings , and will not buy another one, too many issues with it, and safety issues, these are things that we should not have to deal with, when over paying for an ax like this.
Reminds me of a really large tomahawk.
CaptainBerz, what an axe!
AH! Now I get it, jesus I must be getting old...lmao
You realize that a curved Handel is designed to increase leverage right? That's why people started using curved swords too
They should have used a Sam Brown stud instead of a snap.
I like the axe's great review! But I wish you guy's would lean how two swing an axe! I speak only in the intrest of safty.
I could have kneeled down, but knowing how the physics was and where it would have landed it was not going to be my legs. Maybe it was a bad camera angle. ;)
That may be ture( cam angle ) Did not think of that ! just I have seen too many people that can't swing an axe ! I have used many axe's of many types all week long every week for years ! takes more than a few min's to lean how to do it with style .
I wish you could learn how to spell!
Steve Mclain ture? Get a freakin dictionary! Did you even make it through 1st grade?
Caleb Whittington
Hhahah we got a grammer natzi ! I see my spell check cammeee up ! Gonna fix my words ? Cant belive people still bitch about spelling. I know you can understand everything he said as well as me :) Thank heavens there are not many grammer natzis left :)
Slightly more.
Total count for the phrase "It gets the job done".....1.347 times!
I'm not sure, he's not clear, does it get the job done? LOL
Can someone please tell me if it gets the job done please?
really nice!!
lol i dont wanna "it really gets the job done" for a while
I came to this video because I have a job that needs to get done.
Great axe Good rewiew ..... we Made a Drinking Game.... it gets the Job done.
I want this axe, but $225.00 Cdn is a bit much.
Thx Cap.
Me too, lol
Les's servivorman shows are great!
I see his line of knifes are being sold at Gander.
Get the boiled Linsead oil out!
That sheath sucks! Ask them when you call them about the chipping of the edge. Not worth the $140+ with the flaws...or even without the Flaws...to me!
Shouls have a nail puller cut in the head.
I get the joke now...lmao
I'm not paying $150+ for a camping axe. I can't imagine it makes my job that much easier than a cheaper axe. Sorry Les, I'm a big fan but it needs to be about $30 cheaper at the very least
Usually...lol
dude it doesnt get the job done
lol
Slightly...lol
Their methods were awesome for 150 years-- and now they're changing the tempering!?!? If it works, don't fix it!
Private seller.
Holy jesus, could you have said, "gets the job done," any more often? This review could have been 2 minutes long for how much actual info you give.
:D bit harsh but yeah, truth was spoken.
He's trying to be funny, as you said "it gets the job done" several times in the video.