Best Camp Axe ?

I am looking at all the various camp axes and trying to figure " which one " ? Or two ? Is the upper line worth the $$$ when it comes to pure performance ? The differance in price is extremme so has me scratching my head a bit <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />. When it comes to my fixed blades- as you guys know-I am a SY fan all the way <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. I have " some" INFI- but just don't see the value over the Swamp and SY knives. So- I am looking for actual " hands on' opinions from users of various camp axes. Thanks for your help <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Granfors Bruks - but they aren't cheap. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

my wetterlings is kicking pretty hard .... i need to buy some of the bigger models soon...

I went with the GBruks Wetterlings combo...


Small Forest Axe for Gransfors Bruks
American Felling Axe for Wetterlings (The GB version was just too expensive)

I'm happy with the combo and the price.

In the same boat Ord. I am trying to figure out the best value for the money--keep hoping to find one local to feel so I will know for sure.

Yah- I figured a bunch of guys might be so that is reason for the thread. Looks like Vox has a great combo <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. Keep em coming guys- maybe Vic and others will add too <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />-Thank You <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />!!

Check out the modified ones that Brian Andrews sells, all his work is top quality !

http://www.offthemapoutfitters.com/categ...05?categoryId=3

I am pretty happy with my Wetterlings! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I debated between a Granfors Bruks and Wetterlings and ended up going with the Wetterlings "Bushcraft" model. Obviously I cant compare it to the GB, but its miles above the Fiskars that I was using before. Here's a pic w/ the BWM for a size comparison...




I think I paid about 60 bucks shipped from BensBackwoods.com and really couldn't be happier with it in regards to feel and performance

my wetterlings came with the sharpest edge i have had on an ax...... buying dulled down ones and having to put on an edge by hand was a total pain in the past..... my brothers maul would break about weekly till i sat down with file and some stones and reprofiled it took ages

Pretty much what I have read around is being confirmed here too--Wetterlings for the money. I want a Wetterlings and a GB though!

+1. High quality.

I got to handle a few GB and they are great, would love to pick one up some day. The Wetterlings seem good as well.

what do the GB and wetterlings sell for new?

All depends on the size, but GBs start at about $100 (up to ~$180) and Wetterlings for about $50.

I checked out the one that Pitman linked and it looks like a lot of the Snow detractors are worked out, but then you are in the range of upper end Wetterlings and lower end GB.

There is no doubt that the already mentioned companies make a very high quality product. But in terms of value per dollar, I'd like to toss Fiskars on the table. They make a 14 inch hatchet that sells for about 20 bucks. They aren't hand forged, they aren't all that attractive. But they are pragmatic, cheap, light and rugged, (hollow polymer handle), and are probably the cheapest axe you can buy that was designed by somebody who knows how axes work. They really have a lot of chopping power for their total weight because the handle is so light, and I don't think it's possible for the head to ever come off unless you melt the handle.

Something to look at maybe.

I don't know why all this time I never picked up a fiskars, just checked online and my local sears has some in stock. I'll have to stop by and take a look.

I like mine!




Curious as to what you think made it so much better than a Fiskars?

I've seen some recommend the Estwing, since it's made in the USA and has a steel handle so you don't have to worry about breaking it, but I was disappointed with all the ones I've seen in stores. VERY dull. I don't want to spend hours sharpening it properly.

I like my small generic camp axe just fine.I found it stuck in a tree with a broken handle when I first started exploring the PNW in 93.I put a new handle on it and took it to the belt sander at work and with a few licks with a file it was good to go.It's been camping to the coast of Wa.,The Clackamas river in Or.& The Flat Head river in Mt.,and a lot of places between.Spring,summer & fall it never fails to chop the wood to warm my bones.I like my small generic camp axe just fine. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
100.00 dollars for an axe BAH. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Been thinking about it and I'm getting excited to build a 14" Fiskars kit. I can put a mini bic lighter and other essential stuff inside the hollow handles and add some more stuff near the head and wrap it down with some paracord.

We've got an Estwing around here. According to the site it's the "long handled camper's axe". It's a [censored] near indestructible axe, sure, but I don't think it works as nicely as models from Fiskars. The handle is a large percentage of the total weight, and the point of balance is much lower than is optimal. It feels like a lot of your energy is wasted. Also the head is very slim so that it cuts well, which unfortunately means it jams like crazy. If you use an Estwing on a decent sized tree you really have to moderate your swings or you'll be wrenching the axe back out every time.

They certainly work, but not ideal.

Not everybody is favored by the axe gods. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Hey Andy,


It's not that I don't like my Fiskars, because I do and keep it in my truck as part of my kit. I just find the Wetterlings much more comfortable in hand. As someone else mentioned, the Wetterlings comes with a super sharp factory edge and I just found it to chop and bite a lot better than the Fiskars. It just feels better to me. Perhaps I should a proper chop off and see if I'm full of it..<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I looked at one of the Eastwings too. I didn't pay much attention to the edge while it was on the rack, but it just felt way too heavy in hand. Definitely built like a tank though.


[/quote]Curious as to what you think made it so much better than a Fiskars?

I've seen some recommend the Estwing, since it's made in the USA and has a steel handle so you don't have to worry about breaking it, but I was disappointed with all the ones I've seen in stores. VERY dull. I don't want to spend hours sharpening it properly. [/quote]

I'm going to head to sears right now and pick up the fiskars hatchet, we'll see how it chops after I put on a proper convex on it.

Just picked up the Fiskars 14" hatchet and already played around with it. The standard V edge was good for splitting wood with a quick snap chop, but it wasn't so good for standard chopping. I took it to the grinder and convexed it, it now bites much deeper but doesn't split wood as well. I also flattened and polished the hammer poll up nicely. The steel is a tad bit on the soft side, but still one of the best $25 I've spent.

There's about 11" of hollow space in the handle, a standard bic lighter slides in nicely. Other things I'm considering: firesteel, fatwood, small fishing kit, whistle, razor blade, sharpening stone, and led light. Going to wrap the top part of the handle with paracord and hide some more stuff under the wrapping.

i might have to grab one too

Heh. Aside from value per dollar, the Fiskars hatchet also wins in that you can buy one NOW instead of waiting a week for shipping from an internet seller. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Do a full review if you get one, aye?

Man, another axe to look into. Thanks guys!

I collected some cut down trees last year that I've been meaning to chop into smaller pieces for firewood, finally got around to it.

The edge did roll a tiny bit since the initial convexing does thin it down. A minute later on the grinder, I got the edge super sharp again and a little bit thicker, all good from here on out.






Only damage to hatchet is the plastic piece behind the bevel, that's expected though since the wood has to sometimes travel pass this point. Shouldn't have any effect for a user.


Wrap the pieces with some paracord and I'm good for hauling it around.


The Fiskars hatchet is a workhorse, I should have picked one up sooner!

Next you'll be wanting to try out the other size models they make. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Looks like the Fiskars in a couple ( or 3) sizes in worth trying <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. Tolly gave me some sharpening tips and also what to place in hollow handle.I ordered a couple of these and will pick up one or two of the more expensive at the Eugene Knife Show in April ( I think) . Really appreciate the input guys <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. BTW- I also snagged an older Estwing so should be interesting <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />-Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Don't end it now!

C,mon guys- more ideas <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />- this thread needs OPINIONS and ideas from guys that are in the know <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Is there any real difference between the Fiskars and Gerbers?
In my travels I see Gerbers everywhere but the Fiskars not so much. Would it be worth it to get one over the other?

Gerber and Fiskars? Having several with each name, I see no difference other than the name as far as how they are made. IME, you'll find Fiskars at Home Depot and Lowes; you'll find Gerber at Bass Pro and Cabelas. Fiskars has the orange at the end of the handle, but you can paint them whatever colors you want.

If you want to store things in the handle, make sure those things can take the pounding or remove them before chopping.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />



Please don't take this wrong... no argument or cutdown intended... but for the point of discussion...

Why would a group of guys who wait salivating for the next 5" $150-$500+ knife to be released by Busse Combat, Swamp Rat, or Scrap Yard balk at purchasing a $250+ axe like a Granfors Bruks??? Aren't Gransors Bruks axes legendary???

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/footinmouth.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

I can answer that BJBJ. We are looking for PERFORMANCE. If you can show me a knife that performs as well as my SY steel at a lower cost- I'll buy it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. I do have knives from other vendors- but the cost is about the same as SY- maybe more - some a tad less. When it comes to an axe- I am looking for pure comparison. If somebody can honestly tell me that the Gransfors PERFORMS MUCH better than the Gerbers/ Fiskars- that is what I want to know <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. I have used SY knives " head to head" against other brands and I know why I buy SY. That is exactly how I became a loyal SY user/ buyer. Probably why a bunch of folks are here. So if the lower cost Gerber/Fiskars perfoms as well as upper line axes- I'll use them <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. At this point I have ordered one Gransfors and two Fiskars and will see for myself after reading the diffent opinions. In the end I have a feeling that I " might" find that the upper line takes and holds an edge better but both perform pretty well after edge is set. We shall see. Something being just " legendary" is not enough for me or most likely other dogs- we want to see PERFORMANCE. I am speaking from a SY point of view as I don't buy the big Busse blades. Hope this answers your concerns about us " drooling dawgs" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I always thought gerber axes were made by fiskars, I think the only difference is the color of the handle and the sizes, same construction. I had bought a 14" fiskars as a christmas present for a buddy he loves it to make kindling for his wood stove.

Thanks for the kind reply ordawg1. I have many Busse, SR, and SY knives. I have a few GB and Wetterlings and many Fiskars/Gerber products - as well as various axes/mauls etc. by manufacturers unknown. I have many hand-forged tomahawks, a few Laganas, and several from Cold Steel. Like I said above, I meant no ill. I am frugal about many things. Maybe that's why my Spyderco knives are used to cut much more than my Busse kin. Also, my axes are used to chop more than my Busse kin, and my Stihls get plenty of work.

All that said, I always have a Busse kin near me if not actually carried.

I also like kaiser blades (including the tiny Gerber Brush Thinner), hand powered saws, and various pole loppers/saws/pruners.

Each of us has individual tastes, needs, and uses.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

bjbj thanks your response to my question.
To give my $0.02 on your question about Granfors Bruks, there are two to big factors to performance one is how well the tool will execute the accomplishment (example, the GB may chop and split wood better than the Gerber/Fiskars). The other factor is durability/toughness in the face of use, abuse, and/or neglect. (Example, the GB handle is wood and no matter how nice a piece they use it cannot take some forms of abuse like water and extreme shear forces, like this at least.

And the less $ we spend on axes in general the more $ we have to spend on our beloved Busse kin, until we try these upper level products like GB and become addicted to those too.

Granfors Bruks is on my "got to get list"
The Small Forest Axe and the Hatchet are what I'm looking at.

Cheers ODog....

I love the plain jane gerber/fiskars plastic handled axes. They are exactly the same. The fiskars just has orange paint on the handle. They are bulletproof. I have a large and a smaller one. They hold a very nice edge and get sharp as anything. They are not hand forged or hair whittling sharp but you will not be breaking a handle any time soon. I have used them for years. Cut many trees and lot of ice marking trails. I have not seen the equal for use here in Alaska.

I saw eastwing mentioned and I used to use those but they are forever dull. The handles flex like crazy on the fullsize model and the just dont have that much weight up front being that the handle is metal.

Hey Tundra, welcome. I've not seen/noticed your posts before.

Got any snow up there?hehe

They are. Fiskars owns Gerber. For some reason they sell the Gerber ones for more, but they're the same.

got a gerber sport axe for $25 at gander mountain yesterday

did a little choping and splitting today

it did great

I've got two 14 inch fiskars, and the smaller gerber with the knife in the handle.
the fiskars sit in my pickup and jeep