I can also say that I discovered a flaw in the handle material in both the Schrade SCHAXE2 and the SCAXE4. Based on ONE guy breaking it, they IMMEDIATELY (like within 48 hours) stopped production and switched to a stronger fiberglass reinforced material. This is after a full year of no reported breakages and a paid third party test group of 300 people that signed off on the original version. On the SCAXE4, they had just begun shipping some to distributors and they stopped that and scrapped EVERY SCAXE4 already produced (at what cost, who knows) . The new ones they sent me were noticably and substantially better. Schrade is really, really good about that kind of stuff. I know Schrade stuff isn't exactly your cup of tea, but I thought it was worth mentioning because they do give a sh*t. I've never heard of any other company that would make that drastic of a change based on ONE instance. But they did it!
You hit the nail on the head.We do want quality.Very good video the is nothing like spending half a day in town picking up supplies get them home to find you just have junk. Wow what a feeling.great video=-O
I have a Sandvik axe/hatchet that I bought in '04. I removed the original handle and replaced it with one that gave me an overall length of 20" to increase the power over the shorter version by improving leverage in the swing and retaining the lighter weight of a smaller head. It has worked great for me as a woods/roving axe and the quality is excellent. Glad I got the good stuff.
wranglerstar I have this exact axe Sandvik (Made in Germany on the head). I purchased mine in 1996 to use for camping. I barely used it until recently. After I saw your video, I dragged mine out, sharpened it and used it for a few minutes to put points on wooden stakes. I had the same results as you... the edge rolled. This is not a new problem with their product. I can scan the bar code on the handle from 1996 and the product still comes up.
A few years ago I learned the splendor of RUclips product reviews. I hardly buy anything of even remotely significant cost without watching several videos anymore. Has made shopping way better. Also, because of RUclips, I get to learn cool stuff, like how to restore an axe, which is how I first came upon your channel. My late 20's to early 40's Plumb Champion Double Bit Axe is awesome thanks to your vids!
Our local DNRC Helitac crew has somewhat switched to rogue tools -- the 60A & 70H primarily. Having personally tried one of the IC's hoes, last year on a fire, to dig some cup trench -- I can say that they are superior on a fire line. Years ago, I started using plow disc material for my own projects. Being a straight carbon steel somewhere around 1080, it has great wear characteristics and toughness. You just have to watch pulling out the temper with too much heat. If you do, you have to re heat treat the whole thing from scratch.
@Wranglerstar, was there any update or follow through with Snap-on or Bacho with regards to the situation? I'm just curious because I couldn't find any updates after this video and was wondering if the matter was handled properly or not.
keep me updated about the Bahco Axe please, I am starting a bee/ homestead my self. in a years time... "looking for land in Washington right now" Don't have time to be buying bad tools. thank you for your time and advice!
Great job with testing and reporting on tool issues. As a carpenter, Sandvic was the best of the best and I loved their saws. Now, that prized history has become just that. Bahco spoiled it.
the arrow head shaped rake is the classic field cultivator bottom shape. The original bottom is pointed, had a shank to bolt it to a spring steel arm that will flex and give somewhat. I repurposed a sickle mower section and made a ULU inspired small chopper scraper that fits the palm of your hand. The forestry service already uses a short sickle mower bar for a brush clearing rake. It is a bar with several replaceable triangular sections riveted or bolted to it.
I grew up on a farm in the Midwest. Funny thing is that most of our best tools were antiques purchased on farm auctions. We had hand tools that were 80 to over 100 years old and far superior to what we could buy new in the farm store or hardware store. I good tool could be passed down from generation to generation and still be serviceable. The tool steel and designs were far superior to modern day hand tools. We had pitchforks and shovels that would not bend or break no matter how much stress you put on them. I know this is an old video , but I just stumbled onto it today. Last August for work I had to but a new shovel. I used one for 4 years and it broke across the center from metal fatigue I guess. I spent 38.00 for a new one at a local farm store so that I could finish the job. I was only digging sandy loam dirt. With only maybe the 7 or 10 th shovel full I broke the brand new shovel dead center across the middle. The wood handle did not break so you know I was not abusing it. It was inferior metal and just snapped apart.
100% behind you WS! Your opening comments are spot on. Too many good reputation manufacturers seem under the control of accountants and effectively are trading off that good reputation. Look at Butler Creek flip covers, Remington/ Marlin or Toyota etc. It would be so good to stop the rot!
Glad to hear you're going to review the Rogue hoes. Between my 55H and my 60G, I can do just about everything I need to do on my property. The 55H is my favorite tool by far, it's grubbed out several hundred of the small elms that try to invade our small pasture and is downright impressive. Hope they do well for you.
What bothers me is, change in materials or outsourcing for the same consumer price. I'm still upset over Glock switching to MIM parts for the same money they were before the switch. Great vids.
That's too funny. That triangle hoe looks almost exactly like what I have been planning on building myself. I have a sheet of thick steel here and have been planning on making something just like that (not with the rake part on the back though, that's pretty neat too) I have been doing a lot of planting in the garden and this shape is perfect for digging rows out for planting seeds. I can't wait to see your review of these tools, they look amazing!
Good news that they have finally figured out how to pick up your axe, Is it just me or is it somewhat worrying that a brand like Bahco have no ability to deal with customer products in the US? They really shouldn't have to rely on Snap-on - if they want to sell in CONUS, they should have a presence.
My neighbor works at a Bahco factory making sawblades. Most of their products made in Sweden are still of decent quality, but they have problems. The Sandvik products used to be a premium brand. Swedish made steel is always of high quality. We actually have to import low quality steel for when it shall be used since none of our plants make poor quality.
Bought a Bahco hatchet two years ago, same as the one shown above. Give it a bit of a sharpen, but did not grind it to a razor edge as Wranglerstar did, it does not need that, nor is it designed for that, but it is sharp!! I've been using it now for two years, with no problems - mostly for light branching while using the chainsaw, but also some quite heavy cross cutting of mainly Ash or Larch, both fresh and old cuts. For the price it has worked well for me, and out of a collection of about twenty hatchets, I now always pick this one.
Okej, Bacho from Enköping Sweden bought Sandvik from Sandviken Sweden. Two companies that stod for quality tools and some Great inventions. IN this time and age they save money by moving the companies abroad (salorycuts) and lose knowledge,quality and pride in making the product. The stockholders are making money but are killing two great companies and their reputation. You can Google J.P.Johansson and Bacho to see background and historical pride.
I think you have missunderstood something. Sandvik bought Bahco in 1991(not the other way aoround), then in 1999 snap-on bought bahco from Sandvik. Before Snap-on, Bahco tools were still made in Enköping, Sweden, and were made of good quality.
I was lucky I found a local farmer who has some original Sweden made Bahco and Sandvik axes. Just a light polish and cleaning and they are great axes and razor sharp. The original are the best made in a time when quality was the best. Just got to find someone willing to part with them.
I'm glad to see that Rogue tools have improved their production... My Mommy bought two hand-weeders (different shaped heads) from them about 5-8 years ago. While they were well-built, one had been sharpened nicely, while the other must have been done by a trainee or a roving 5-year-old. Mommy wrote to them, telling them that she was, overall, pleased with their products, but also detailing the problems with the sharpening (including pictures). She never heard back from them. *rolls eyes*
It is such a shame that Sandvik went down, as their tools were so very good. I bought a Sandvik hand saw in about 1976 which has had a lot of use and more than its fair share of abuse but it still cuts timber as well today as it did the first time I used it. It as never been sharpened and reset and the only maintenance it gets is to be wiped over with an oily rag after use, if I remember to do so. Granted their products were not cheap, I paid about £10 for this saw, at a time when you could buy a similar size hand saw for around £2 to £3
Great update, I have been around farming my whole life I'm a farmer, we have been making tools and stuff from disc blades for 25 years or more and there is so many different styles of disc blades to choose from I have a stack of them in my yard all farmers do around here One cool thing I make with them are carnival cookers works awesome
Yes please, we await the further story. After seeing this fine video, I received a recommendation from a friend to buy a 40 year old Plumb Boy Scout ax. I await its arrival to test. I avoided all the cheap hand axes, even though we had for years used Sandvick cutting tools. Thank yoy
I have a 5.5" Rogue hoe I use in my garden, and last year we acquired four 7" Rogue hoes for our brush truck at the fire department. They are excellent tools and a great value!
Come on, it's over four years later!!! What happened? I can't find any update in your channel. Did they get back to you after receiving and testing the axe?
You mentioned Sandvik---they made the swingblade tool, which I used working for the Forest Service in the late 60's. Sandvik was high quality, had a good reputation. Sorry to hear they have gone away (at least as a Swedish company).
So a little update on the Fiskars axes as well. I was in my local Canadian Tire store the other day and, as usual, ended up going through the tool area. I have a Fiskars ax from about four years ago that was made in China. This ax has many of the common issues that WS has shown. The blade will not keep an edge and curls over from chopping a tree. As a first generation Canadian but with Finnish heritage I was quite dismayed at the lack of quality. I have other Fiskars gear from some years before that were still made in Finland and they are still going strong. Back to my initial point. I saw that the store had some of the 'new' axes out and decided to take a look. Totally expecting to see the horrid "Made in China" label on them still. To my surprise and joy I saw "Made in Finland" again on the axes. I full intend on getting one of the new ones and doing a side by side comparison between it and the 'junk' ax. It certainly looks like some of the traditional companies that sent manufacturing 'overseas' or to another country with much lower manufacturing costs have figured out that it is a very bad idea. Chinese goods need to stay in the dollar store where you expect to buy cheap garbage. Let us choose and support either local or quality goods and brands.
I checked and mine is the same brand. I haven't used it but a few times and it didn't cut good and seemed to skip of the logs too much. So I looked and it looked to me like the edge might have been rolled a little and it's never been tampered with. I looked some more and held it up and looked down the handle and the head is crooked,lol. It's busts a little so I don't know if it's always been that way or from the damage. Oh well it's a cheap pos. I'll look for a better camp axe next time.
Hey wranglerstar whats that over your right shoulder at the 2:03 time mark is that a clue into more forestry fighting stuff? Just wondering. Keep the great videos. Love hearing your thoughts and opinions on different products, equipment and tools.
Bahco thought that you would most likely just forget or give up your pursuit of their service. Funny how they responded only AFTER you made your conclusion video.. please keep us updated on this as its very interesting.
Came here for the politics LOL I agree copletely with the statement that RUclips has given a voice to the people. I know without a doubt I dont make purchases without watching a few reviews first. I also really appreciate your point of view on this whole Bahco deal. I dont like doing negative reviews generally because there no fun, and create conflict I dont want to deal with as youtube for me is just a side hobby. Having said that this series and the points you have made got me to thinking about my stance on negative reviews/honest reviews. I bought a while ago 4 items from a company, and 3 of the four were just plain junk, soft material and not of usable quality in my mind, rather than post a review of the items I just threw them in a box and moved on .... its been a little thorn in my side ever since LOL. The items are from a fairly large company and I always figured that it would do no good to even bother with it , then again just taking it in the wallet does even less good ! Great stuff man !! thanks !!
One armed paper hanger. My father who is now up in years passed that saying down to me. I use it all the time. Funny how we live so far apart (Florida) and use the same saying. I enjoy all your videos and your values. I started using RUclips for research on almost everything i buy. Thanks for the great videos.
Glad to see the Bahco company caring, I trust snap on every day too. I'm really glad your putting Rogue tools to the test, I've good reviews about them, can't wait to see the outcome.
yep, as a user of tools, one of the only things we had to go by years ago was the price. Price somehow meant better. Perhaps there was an older relative to pass on tool knowledge or a local artisan. Social media has given me a tremendous new source of info from users.
I have a set of bahco sockets that were made by snap on. I never heard of it before but saw them at a local hardware store that deals with surplus tools and things.
I cannot seem to find your video about what you found from them about this axe. I'm also a very big fan of Snap-on Tools, and I hope that they brought their excellent customer service to this axe problem.
Cody glad to hear they got back to you. Had no idea SnapOn owns them. Can you do an update on the bee hive and timber framing(I know you mentioned the timber framing)?
Cody, I always see on the part of the screen to the left of your face a few seconds of snow plowing with a dozer and I can't find the vid for some reason. What is it called?
Thanks, I myself search out for the best tools for what I can afford. Most of my time on RUclips is searching product reviews. But I do feel that it is against us. It seams those companies and to that end the success of the dreaded big box stores simply fill demand of a consumer who has a thirst for cheap cheap cheap, unfortunately. So keep educating and I will keep watching and searching for an ever shrinking quality product at a fair price.
I’ve reviewed all sorts of things on my blog. Things I’ve bought with my own money. Glad to do it. I've learned about many things I've wanted to purchase from other reviewers, so I figure it's a pay it forward thing. There's no real incentive beyond wanting to help fellow enthusiasts. (I certainly don't gain financially.) Run a search on said object and many times my photos show up very prominently. Same with my reviews themselves. Some of them have been seen by thousands of people. I hope they came away with more information. I hope they got a sense it was a fair and honest review. I suspect I've helped sell some of their products. What always amazes me is that not a single time have I ever been contacted by any of these companies. Not that I want anything in return for doing the review, but it always surprises me how many companies don't seem to grasp that this is how they sell products. When someone wants to purchase something, their glossy marketing material likely doesn't sway many, but reviews on blogs and forums and YT do. I don't want company hype. I want a guy like you who really uses the products and has a solid base of knowledge to base his review on to draw my conclusions from. I wish companies would reach out to people who post reviews to respond to concerns, or send a "hey thank you" or a "cool, can we send you a shirt or a cap" or something along those lines. People who post reviews are the things that sell your products. Not the lousy ¾ angle shot with scant information. Not responding to your legion of unpaid sales people seems like a short sighted way to run a business.
I have a sandvik axe from Sweden it’s vintage and needs a good clean up maybe I can get some suggestions on how to or maybe a video and I can send you the axe?
So what was the ending of this story. Is the Bacho axe a good axe and this one just happened to be a piece of garbage? I would like to know because I've been looking for a good hand axe for a long time that isn't to expensive, and if this is a good one then that would be great to know.
How did the Bahco axe issue ever get resolved? I can't seem to find a more recent update than this one from June 2014. Did they send you a new, better quality axe, refund your money, or what??
Thanks for the update, very much appreciated. Best to buy the high end axes/hatches that serve extremely well and can be passed down for generations! GENERATIONS, with proper care. As did your grandfather. My elderly neighbour gave me an old SAW hatchet with the bulbous handle. So comfortable and a great grip. Cleaves wood like butter and very resilient. Why don't axe handles come like this anymore?
Great video wranglerstar!! The only thing I have to say about the axe is it's tough to stay in business. They have probably have figured out with this certain type of steel, this type of wood, this long and this weight to make money. You know you get what you pay for. I do also think it should be made better for some more money. I know you have a lot of viewers on here, just try not to hurt the company too much financially because this is probably someone's livelihood. What would help the company is you asking your viewers how much would you be willing to spend on a quality axe like this one but made with higher quality steel.
I agree! The guy at the company slapping them together had no choice of the materials he is given. Just a mortgage, family to feed etc. A lot of companies use a drop down menu upon purchase to add different features to your items. I'm sure it would be just as easy with a axe with a small selection of steels and handle materials at different price points..
He did actually, in the initial review video. Many subscribers wrote Bahco directly to their RUclips channel and told them just what they wanted and what they were willing to pay.
I'm glad someone does. I did forget that he did tell the youtube fans to write to bacho. Whoops. After this, they all need to agree on what features they want and a price to pay. I don't think bacho was going after someone like wranglerstar to sell this axe to.
cowboyup8secsgold That's right he did. They all need to agree on what to pay for it and what features the consumers want, but remember bacho is the one making the product not the consumer. Also, I don't think bacho was going after someone like wranglerstar to sell the axe to.
Cant wait for the Rouge video. I went to their website and Im very impressed... can't wait to hear more. Prices are great, if the tools are as good as they look.
Rogue has a Pulaski Style HOE-AXE too! I thought for sure they would be located in the Rogue Valley in Oregon, but they are located in the MO. That e-mail story is pretty entertaining at Bahco. I guess everyone's e-mail experienced the same "problem..." It would be interesting to know what market niche Snap On is positioning Bahco in - that would speak volumes on anticipated quality.
Hi wranglerstar I was wondering if bacho ever got back to you? Guys like you really are invaluable that know what you're talking about and also have the skills to backup any comments you make about a product. keep up the good work and thanks for the videos 👍🏼🤗
I first used a Rogue 70HR54 in an earthworks workshop last November and I went straight home and bought one. Rake on one side, hoe on the other. 9 times out of 10 that is the tool I grab when I have something to do in the garden.
Good info .Kind of like compairing craftsman tools vs snap on . I saw artison tony has giving you kind of a challange . Can't wait to see the results ,Gerry
Hang on…… Axes have been traditionally hardened to about HRC 51 ish. That is pretty soft. It used to be thought that harder could cause chipping of the blade, which results in re-grinding the entire face, especially if it is a big chip. If the edge rolls it can be very very easily straightened. The difficulty is getting the hardness just right. The hardness also depends on what the axe is being used for. A carpenters axe needs to have higher harness for fine work… a felling axe needs to be softer. It all depends on what the axe is being used for.
That's nice to see they respond once, to a person with a public following. But a real test of quality would be to see how they respond to those with less of a voice, average Joe. A real test of quality would be how careful they are before shipping, outsourcing or not....
Hello Wranglerstar! OK. It's been over a year. Any updates on the Bahco axe. I see their hatchet didn't fair so well either in you reviews. I've always respected the Sanvik and Bahco names as quality steel in tools. This is very disappointing. Thanks for the videos!
I have said it was SnapOn way back it the beginning of these videos. As for Sandvik, when SnapOn bought into it, Prices went way up and also quantities we where FORCED to buy. Same thing happened with Bahco.
I live in the UK and remember when Sandvik was taken over... What the big wig is saying is true, when the takeover happened the quality did go down (I am most experienced in their circular saw blades). I am very excited to see what these guys say about this axe and what they do to remedy the situation. Well done Wranglerstar and all of us subscribers for making change happen!
Nope In the mid-1990s Snap-on Inc entered the European market by acquiring the Spanish hand tool company Herramientas Eurotools S.A. In 1999, Snap-on acquired the business area Saws & Tools from Sandvik. The acquired business was named Bahco Group AB. and I am pretty sure that in 2005 Bahco AB and Herramientas Eurotools S.A. merged, founding SNA Europe with Bahco being the figurehead brand.
Well, if Bahco is genuinely trying to make good on the product, I'll give them a chance and hold off judging them. The Rogue tools sound really, really interesting. A great uncle swore by a hoe and shovel he cut out of an old plow disk many years ago. In fact his grand daughter still uses them for gardening. You don't get that kind of generational product these days!!
Yes I too am tired of inferior products tools, clothes, or anything. I couldn't find a quality sweater after about 2001 in the local department stores and I discovered LL Bean which made better quality clothes and good sweaters. Even though they were a little more expensive they were better quality than I could find at any department stores. I bought some loppers at Harbor Freight and and they lasted ten minutes before breaking. I bought a wood maul at Northern Tool that won't split logs and must use the same steel as the Bahco Axe. I need to watch Wranglerstars Video on a recommended Wood Splitting Maul. Thank you for believing in Quality Mr Wranglerstar. You share many of the values that we share and I think it's because of what rules your heart.
You're killing us, Cody!!! After you sent the axe back have they ever gotten back to you? The world awaits the answer!!! Thanks for the videos.
I can also say that I discovered a flaw in the handle material in both the Schrade SCHAXE2 and the SCAXE4. Based on ONE guy breaking it, they IMMEDIATELY (like within 48 hours) stopped production and switched to a stronger fiberglass reinforced material. This is after a full year of no reported breakages and a paid third party test group of 300 people that signed off on the original version. On the SCAXE4, they had just begun shipping some to distributors and they stopped that and scrapped EVERY SCAXE4 already produced (at what cost, who knows) . The new ones they sent me were noticably and substantially better. Schrade is really, really good about that kind of stuff.
I know Schrade stuff isn't exactly your cup of tea, but I thought it was worth mentioning because they do give a sh*t. I've never heard of any other company that would make that drastic of a change based on ONE instance. But they did it!
Alllrightyyy then!!!
You hit the nail on the head.We do want quality.Very good video the is nothing like spending half a day in town picking up supplies get them home
to find you just have junk. Wow what a feeling.great video=-O
What ever happen here with bahco ??
I have a Sandvik axe/hatchet that I bought in '04. I removed the original handle and replaced it with one that gave me an overall length of 20" to increase the power over the shorter version by improving leverage in the swing and retaining the lighter weight of a smaller head. It has worked great for me as a woods/roving axe and the quality is excellent. Glad I got the good stuff.
Thanks for the up date. Hope things get work out at all ends.
Thanks to Bahco and Snap-on at this time for making an effort to address the issue
wranglerstar I have this exact axe Sandvik (Made in Germany on the head). I purchased mine in 1996 to use for camping. I barely used it until recently. After I saw your video, I dragged mine out, sharpened it and used it for a few minutes to put points on wooden stakes. I had the same results as you... the edge rolled. This is not a new problem with their product. I can scan the bar code on the handle from 1996 and the product still comes up.
A few years ago I learned the splendor of RUclips product reviews. I hardly buy anything of even remotely significant cost without watching several videos anymore. Has made shopping way better. Also, because of RUclips, I get to learn cool stuff, like how to restore an axe, which is how I first came upon your channel. My late 20's to early 40's Plumb Champion Double Bit Axe is awesome thanks to your vids!
Hey what is up with the ghost reflection in the helmet visor, hanging on the wall, at 2:00?
So you shipped the axe back and then what?? ...what happened afterwards??
mikeallenbrown1 wranglerstar
mikeallenbrown1 Any update yet?
cleric022684 Tag Wranglerstar ...only he would know. It's his video.
+mikeallenbrown1 9/11 happened
guess getting a respons from wranglerstar is like getting a response from bahco lol
Our local DNRC Helitac crew has somewhat switched to rogue tools -- the 60A & 70H primarily. Having personally tried one of the IC's hoes, last year on a fire, to dig some cup trench -- I can say that they are superior on a fire line. Years ago, I started using plow disc material for my own projects. Being a straight carbon steel somewhere around 1080, it has great wear characteristics and toughness. You just have to watch pulling out the temper with too much heat. If you do, you have to re heat treat the whole thing from scratch.
@Wranglerstar, was there any update or follow through with Snap-on or Bacho with regards to the situation? I'm just curious because I couldn't find any updates after this video and was wondering if the matter was handled properly or not.
keep me updated about the Bahco Axe please, I am starting a bee/ homestead my self. in a years time... "looking for land in Washington right now" Don't have time to be buying bad tools. thank you for your time and advice!
Great job with testing and reporting on tool issues. As a carpenter, Sandvic was the best of the best and I loved their saws. Now, that prized history has become just that. Bahco spoiled it.
So, wanting a few year update. Is this an axe to still stay away from? Or what is the best axe under 50-100 today?
the arrow head shaped rake is the classic field cultivator bottom shape. The original bottom is pointed, had a shank to bolt it to a spring steel arm that will flex and give somewhat. I repurposed a sickle mower section and made a ULU inspired small chopper scraper that fits the palm of your hand. The forestry service already uses a short sickle mower bar for a brush clearing rake. It is a bar with several replaceable triangular sections riveted or bolted to it.
So glad to find all of these updates to older videos
@Wranglerstar A friendly reminder that we are still awaiting an update for this.
Oh and that links in older videos no longer work.
I grew up on a farm in the Midwest. Funny thing is that most of our best tools were antiques purchased on farm auctions. We had hand tools that were 80 to over 100 years old and far superior to what we could buy new in the farm store or hardware store. I good tool could be passed down from generation to generation and still be serviceable. The tool steel and designs were far superior to modern day hand tools. We had pitchforks and shovels that would not bend or break no matter how much stress you put on them. I know this is an old video , but I just stumbled onto it today. Last August for work I had to but a new shovel. I used one for 4 years and it broke across the center from metal fatigue I guess. I spent 38.00 for a new one at a local farm store so that I could finish the job. I was only digging sandy loam dirt. With only maybe the 7 or 10 th shovel full I broke the brand new shovel dead center across the middle. The wood handle did not break so you know I was not abusing it. It was inferior metal and just snapped apart.
100% behind you WS! Your opening comments are spot on. Too many good reputation manufacturers seem under the control of accountants and effectively are trading off that good reputation. Look at Butler Creek flip covers, Remington/ Marlin or Toyota etc. It would be so good to stop the rot!
Glad to hear you're going to review the Rogue hoes. Between my 55H and my 60G, I can do just about everything I need to do on my property. The 55H is my favorite tool by far, it's grubbed out several hundred of the small elms that try to invade our small pasture and is downright impressive. Hope they do well for you.
Glad to hear good news on this, can't wait to hear about those tools and see the gardening video! Great stuff.
What bothers me is, change in materials or outsourcing for the same consumer price. I'm still upset over Glock switching to MIM parts for the same money they were before the switch. Great vids.
That's too funny. That triangle hoe looks almost exactly like what I have been planning on building myself. I have a sheet of thick steel here and have been planning on making something just like that (not with the rake part on the back though, that's pretty neat too) I have been doing a lot of planting in the garden and this shape is perfect for digging rows out for planting seeds.
I can't wait to see your review of these tools, they look amazing!
Glad there is an update, since customer service sometimes takes time to unfold, Rouge tools sounds super interesting.
Good news that they have finally figured out how to pick up your axe, Is it just me or is it somewhat worrying that a brand like Bahco have no ability to deal with customer products in the US? They really shouldn't have to rely on Snap-on - if they want to sell in CONUS, they should have a presence.
My neighbor works at a Bahco factory making sawblades. Most of their products made in Sweden are still of decent quality, but they have problems. The Sandvik products used to be a premium brand.
Swedish made steel is always of high quality. We actually have to import low quality steel for when it shall be used since none of our plants make poor quality.
Bought a Bahco hatchet two years ago, same as the one shown above. Give it a bit of a sharpen, but did not grind it to a razor edge as Wranglerstar did, it does not need that, nor is it designed for that, but it is sharp!! I've been using it now for two years, with no problems - mostly for light branching while using the chainsaw, but also some quite heavy cross cutting of mainly Ash or Larch, both fresh and old cuts. For the price it has worked well for me, and out of a collection of about twenty hatchets, I now always pick this one.
Okej, Bacho from Enköping Sweden bought Sandvik from Sandviken Sweden. Two companies that stod for quality tools and some Great inventions. IN this time and age they save money by moving the companies abroad (salorycuts) and lose knowledge,quality and pride in making the product. The stockholders are making money but are killing two great companies and their reputation. You can Google J.P.Johansson and Bacho to see background and historical pride.
I think you have missunderstood something. Sandvik bought Bahco in 1991(not the other way aoround), then in 1999 snap-on bought bahco from Sandvik. Before Snap-on, Bahco tools were still made in Enköping, Sweden, and were made of good quality.
I was lucky I found a local farmer who has some original Sweden made Bahco and Sandvik axes. Just a light polish and cleaning and they are great axes and razor sharp. The original are the best made in a time when quality was the best. Just got to find someone willing to part with them.
I'm glad to see that Rogue tools have improved their production... My Mommy bought two hand-weeders (different shaped heads) from them about 5-8 years ago. While they were well-built, one had been sharpened nicely, while the other must have been done by a trainee or a roving 5-year-old. Mommy wrote to them, telling them that she was, overall, pleased with their products, but also detailing the problems with the sharpening (including pictures). She never heard back from them. *rolls eyes*
I've got a question Wranglerstar,
what is the rounded end on the back of the hammer for? usually on small hammers.
Thanks Rusty
It is such a shame that Sandvik went down, as their tools were so very good. I bought a Sandvik hand saw in about 1976 which has had a lot of use and more than its fair share of abuse but it still cuts timber as well today as it did the first time I used it. It as never been sharpened and reset and the only maintenance it gets is to be wiped over with an oily rag after use, if I remember to do so.
Granted their products were not cheap, I paid about £10 for this saw, at a time when you could buy a similar size hand saw for around £2 to £3
Great update, I have been around farming my whole life I'm a farmer, we have been making tools and stuff from disc blades for 25 years or more and there is so many different styles of disc blades to choose from I have a stack of them in my yard all farmers do around here
One cool thing I make with them are carnival cookers works awesome
Yes please, we await the further story. After seeing this fine video, I received a recommendation from a friend to buy a 40 year old Plumb Boy Scout ax. I await its arrival to test. I avoided all the cheap hand axes, even though we had for years used Sandvick cutting tools. Thank yoy
Thanks from NZ. I was just about to buy a Bahco axe. Appreciate your honest ( obviously not corporately sponsored) advise. Cheers Olaf
Oh great...I received a BAHCO as a gift this past XMas....lol jeezus.
I have a 5.5" Rogue hoe I use in my garden, and last year we acquired four 7" Rogue hoes for our brush truck at the fire department. They are excellent tools and a great value!
I have a plumb boy Scott Hatchett and should I try to restore it?
Did you hear back from snap on about the axe? Did they ever tell you what happened?
Come on, it's over four years later!!! What happened? I can't find any update in your channel. Did they get back to you after receiving and testing the axe?
we have used rogue tools for the past ten years or so and we absolutely love how well they perform and hold up.
+Wranglerstar So was this the end of it? or any more updates after they got the axe?
You mentioned Sandvik---they made the swingblade tool, which I used working for the Forest Service in the late 60's. Sandvik was high quality, had a good reputation. Sorry to hear they have gone away (at least as a Swedish company).
So a little update on the Fiskars axes as well. I was in my local Canadian Tire store the other day and, as usual, ended up going through the tool area. I have a Fiskars ax from about four years ago that was made in China. This ax has many of the common issues that WS has shown. The blade will not keep an edge and curls over from chopping a tree. As a first generation Canadian but with Finnish heritage I was quite dismayed at the lack of quality. I have other Fiskars gear from some years before that were still made in Finland and they are still going strong.
Back to my initial point. I saw that the store had some of the 'new' axes out and decided to take a look. Totally expecting to see the horrid "Made in China" label on them still. To my surprise and joy I saw "Made in Finland" again on the axes. I full intend on getting one of the new ones and doing a side by side comparison between it and the 'junk' ax.
It certainly looks like some of the traditional companies that sent manufacturing 'overseas' or to another country with much lower manufacturing costs have figured out that it is a very bad idea. Chinese goods need to stay in the dollar store where you expect to buy cheap garbage. Let us choose and support either local or quality goods and brands.
Do you have any updates from bacho?
Thanks!
Great videos!
I checked and mine is the same brand. I haven't used it but a few times and it didn't cut good and seemed to skip of the logs too much. So I looked and it looked to me like the edge might have been rolled a little and it's never been tampered with. I looked some more and held it up and looked down the handle and the head is crooked,lol. It's busts a little so I don't know if it's always been that way or from the damage. Oh well it's a cheap pos. I'll look for a better camp axe next time.
Hey wranglerstar whats that over your right shoulder at the 2:03 time mark is that a clue into more forestry fighting stuff? Just wondering.
Keep the great videos.
Love hearing your thoughts and opinions on different products, equipment and tools.
I am curious if you found the same issues with the metal on the Bahco small cruiser axe that a subscriber sent you in another video?
awesome, waiting for the update
Bahco thought that you would most likely just forget or give up your pursuit of their service. Funny how they responded only AFTER you made your conclusion video.. please keep us updated on this as its very interesting.
Came here for the politics LOL I agree copletely with the statement that RUclips has given a voice to the people. I know without a doubt I dont make purchases without watching a few reviews first. I also really appreciate your point of view on this whole Bahco deal. I dont like doing negative reviews generally because there no fun, and create conflict I dont want to deal with as youtube for me is just a side hobby. Having said that this series and the points you have made got me to thinking about my stance on negative reviews/honest reviews. I bought a while ago 4 items from a company, and 3 of the four were just plain junk, soft material and not of usable quality in my mind, rather than post a review of the items I just threw them in a box and moved on .... its been a little thorn in my side ever since LOL. The items are from a fairly large company and I always figured that it would do no good to even bother with it , then again just taking it in the wallet does even less good ! Great stuff man !! thanks !!
It's been three years. Where's the update what happened?
One armed paper hanger. My father who is now up in years passed that saying down to me. I use it all the time. Funny how we live so far apart (Florida) and use the same saying. I enjoy all your videos and your values. I started using RUclips for research on almost everything i buy. Thanks for the great videos.
Glad to see the Bahco company caring, I trust snap on every day too. I'm really glad your putting Rogue tools to the test, I've good reviews about them, can't wait to see the outcome.
yep, as a user of tools, one of the only things we had to go by years ago was the price. Price somehow meant better. Perhaps there was an older relative to pass on tool knowledge or a local artisan. Social media has given me a tremendous new source of info from users.
So I saw it and I assume that is what SFC was a reference to.... But what is SFC?
from the looks of this video, I wonder if he was threatened with a law suit for defamation, he sure changed his opinion really quick
You make some great points. Hope they figure out their axe problem and provide the consumer with a satisfactory resolution.
Cody thanks for giving us a voice. I hope this kind of response can happen to a few more products .
I have a set of bahco sockets that were made by snap on. I never heard of it before but saw them at a local hardware store that deals with surplus tools and things.
I cannot seem to find your video about what you found from them about this axe. I'm also a very big fan of Snap-on Tools, and I hope that they brought their excellent customer service to this axe problem.
Cody glad to hear they got back to you. Had no idea SnapOn owns them. Can you do an update on the bee hive and timber framing(I know you mentioned the timber framing)?
Cody, I always see on the part of the screen to the left of your face a few seconds of snow plowing with a dozer and I can't find the vid for some reason. What is it called?
Thanks, I myself search out for the best tools for what I can afford. Most of my time on RUclips is searching product reviews. But I do feel that it is against us. It seams those companies and to that end the success of the dreaded big box stores simply fill demand of a consumer who has a thirst for cheap cheap cheap, unfortunately. So keep educating and I will keep watching and searching for an ever shrinking quality product at a fair price.
I got to hatchets from bahco and they are new, will you be interest in sharpen them and test them?I’ll have no problem send them both to you.
I’ve reviewed all sorts of things on my blog. Things I’ve bought with my own money. Glad to do it. I've learned about many things I've wanted to purchase from other reviewers, so I figure it's a pay it forward thing. There's no real incentive beyond wanting to help fellow enthusiasts. (I certainly don't gain financially.) Run a search on said object and many times my photos show up very prominently. Same with my reviews themselves. Some of them have been seen by thousands of people. I hope they came away with more information. I hope they got a sense it was a fair and honest review. I suspect I've helped sell some of their products. What always amazes me is that not a single time have I ever been contacted by any of these companies. Not that I want anything in return for doing the review, but it always surprises me how many companies don't seem to grasp that this is how they sell products. When someone wants to purchase something, their glossy marketing material likely doesn't sway many, but reviews on blogs and forums and YT do. I don't want company hype. I want a guy like you who really uses the products and has a solid base of knowledge to base his review on to draw my conclusions from. I wish companies would reach out to people who post reviews to respond to concerns, or send a "hey thank you" or a "cool, can we send you a shirt or a cap" or something along those lines. People who post reviews are the things that sell your products. Not the lousy ¾ angle shot with scant information. Not responding to your legion of unpaid sales people seems like a short sighted way to run a business.
+Exploriment yes. mrsw
what appened with this axe?!
I have a sandvik axe from Sweden it’s vintage and needs a good clean up maybe I can get some suggestions on how to or maybe a video and I can send you the axe?
Would have loved some drummer boy music in the background of that opening rant 😂 on a serious note absolutely love and enjoy your videos!
So what was the ending of this story. Is the Bacho axe a good axe and this one just happened to be a piece of garbage? I would like to know because I've been looking for a good hand axe for a long time that isn't to expensive, and if this is a good one then that would be great to know.
How did the Bahco axe issue ever get resolved? I can't seem to find a more recent update than this one from June 2014. Did they send you a new, better quality axe, refund your money, or what??
Thanks for the update, very much appreciated. Best to buy the high end axes/hatches that serve extremely well and can be passed down for generations! GENERATIONS, with proper care. As did your grandfather.
My elderly neighbour gave me an old SAW hatchet with the bulbous handle. So comfortable and a great grip. Cleaves wood like butter and very resilient. Why don't axe handles come like this anymore?
Any update with bahco axe?
Everyone is worried about discussions and I'm just sitting here wondering why there is a lego minifigure at 2:02
Thank you it's not just me that saw it
I hope you clicked on it... ;0)
Matt Allen i kid you not I did I thought "hidden link" sadly no hidden link
Great video wranglerstar!! The only thing I have to say about the axe is it's tough to stay in business. They have probably have figured out with this certain type of steel, this type of wood, this long and this weight to make money. You know you get what you pay for. I do also think it should be made better for some more money. I know you have a lot of viewers on here, just try not to hurt the company too much financially because this is probably someone's livelihood. What would help the company is you asking your viewers how much would you be willing to spend on a quality axe like this one but made with higher quality steel.
I agree! The guy at the company slapping them together had no choice of the materials he is given. Just a mortgage, family to feed etc. A lot of companies use a drop down menu upon purchase to add different features to your items. I'm sure it would be just as easy with a axe with a small selection of steels and handle materials at different price points..
He did actually, in the initial review video. Many subscribers wrote Bahco directly to their RUclips channel and told them just what they wanted and what they were willing to pay.
I'm glad someone does. I did forget that he did tell the youtube fans to write to bacho. Whoops. After this, they all need to agree on what features they want and a price to pay. I don't think bacho was going after someone like wranglerstar to sell this axe to.
cowboyup8secsgold That's right he did. They all need to agree on what to pay for it and what features the consumers want, but remember bacho is the one making the product not the consumer. Also, I don't think bacho was going after someone like wranglerstar to sell the axe to.
Cant wait for the Rouge video. I went to their website and Im very impressed... can't wait to hear more. Prices are great, if the tools are as good as they look.
Rogue has a Pulaski Style HOE-AXE too! I thought for sure they would be located in the Rogue Valley in Oregon, but they are located in the MO. That e-mail story is pretty entertaining at Bahco. I guess everyone's e-mail experienced the same "problem..." It would be interesting to know what market niche Snap On is positioning Bahco in - that would speak volumes on anticipated quality.
How did this end? Did Bahco make it good?
Thanks for the update - I like hearing both sides of the story - keeping it fair.
Do you have a minimum time frame for how long you test something before you post a review?
Hi wranglerstar
I was wondering if bacho ever got back to you?
Guys like you really are invaluable that know what you're talking about and also have the skills to backup any comments you make about a product. keep up the good work and thanks for the videos 👍🏼🤗
+Mr Know Nothing search bacho on his youtube
I first used a Rogue 70HR54 in an earthworks workshop last November and I went straight home and bought one. Rake on one side, hoe on the other. 9 times out of 10 that is the tool I grab when I have something to do in the garden.
Fellow SFC'ers.....I never can find the link. Have I failed miserably in my training?
Unfortunately... Yes. Yes you have. Fear not though my brethren! I too have failed our glorious leader, for I have missed all before!
My favorite thing ever is that we finally have a tool company finally listen to the Tubers and customers like that
Another ? For one of my chainsaws according to the book I need a 5.2 round file but only have a 5.5 and 4.8 round files, so what should I do peeps?
Good info .Kind of like compairing craftsman tools vs snap on . I saw artison tony has giving you kind of a challange . Can't wait to see the results ,Gerry
Hey Krazy
a year later any news?
Hang on……
Axes have been traditionally hardened to about HRC 51 ish. That is pretty soft.
It used to be thought that harder could cause chipping of the blade, which results in re-grinding the entire face, especially if it is a big chip. If the edge rolls it can be very very easily straightened. The difficulty is getting the hardness just right.
The hardness also depends on what the axe is being used for. A carpenters axe needs to have higher harness for fine work… a felling axe needs to be softer.
It all depends on what the axe is being used for.
That's nice to see they respond once, to a person with a public following. But a real test of quality would be to see how they respond to those with less of a voice, average Joe. A real test of quality would be how careful they are before shipping, outsourcing or not....
Hello Wranglerstar! OK. It's been over a year. Any updates on the Bahco axe. I see their hatchet didn't fair so well either in you reviews. I've always respected the Sanvik and Bahco names as quality steel in tools. This is very disappointing. Thanks for the videos!
is there a follow up?
I'm glad that your video and all the e-mails got they're attention. Have a nice day
Still curious, did anything happen with this?
right behind you is another Bahco, the red cruiser. Why didn't you test it to see how the quality is?
thanks cody, appreciate your time and effort!
I have said it was SnapOn way back it the beginning of these videos.
As for Sandvik, when SnapOn bought into it, Prices went way up and also quantities we where FORCED to buy. Same thing happened with Bahco.
I live in the UK and remember when Sandvik was taken over... What the big wig is saying is true, when the takeover happened the quality did go down (I am most experienced in their circular saw blades). I am very excited to see what these guys say about this axe and what they do to remedy the situation. Well done Wranglerstar and all of us subscribers for making change happen!
I think you mean Bahco. Bahco was acquired by Snap On from Sandvik.
Nope In the mid-1990s Snap-on Inc entered the European market by acquiring the Spanish hand tool company Herramientas Eurotools S.A.
In 1999, Snap-on acquired the business area Saws & Tools from Sandvik. The acquired business was named Bahco Group AB. and I am pretty sure that in 2005 Bahco AB and Herramientas Eurotools S.A. merged, founding SNA Europe with Bahco being the figurehead brand.
In 1991 Sandvik acquired Bahco Tools. And in 1999 Sandvik sold them on to Snap On. Sandvik has never been taken over.
Well I will have to disagree with you there but as I don't have time to orchestrate a stupid youtube argument. I will let you have it.
RenThraysk
DarkBoonEspardo is correct, more or less. Snap On bought saws and tools from Sandvik and it was named Bahco once sold.
we need a video showing usage of axes, not ones in normal usage but old ones that not many use anymore.
Well, if Bahco is genuinely trying to make good on the product, I'll give them a chance and hold off judging them. The Rogue tools sound really, really interesting. A great uncle swore by a hoe and shovel he cut out of an old plow disk many years ago. In fact his grand daughter still uses them for gardening. You don't get that kind of generational product these days!!
No update on this?
GREAT TO SEE POSITIVE CHANGE
Yes I too am tired of inferior products tools, clothes, or anything. I couldn't find a quality sweater after about 2001 in the local department stores and I discovered LL Bean which made better quality clothes and good sweaters. Even though they were a little more expensive they were better quality than I could find at any department stores. I bought some loppers at Harbor Freight and and they lasted ten minutes before breaking. I bought a wood maul at Northern Tool that won't split logs and must use the same steel as the Bahco Axe. I need to watch Wranglerstars Video on a recommended Wood Splitting Maul. Thank you for believing in Quality Mr Wranglerstar. You share many of the values that we share and I think it's because of what rules your heart.
Look in their catalog for products "Made in USA" and you will only find one or two, the rest of their stuff is imported from China.
Martin Trehal I can hardly find anything made in USA