bushcraft axe

[combatblade1]

Im looking to buy my first bushcraft axe/hatchet can anyone give me advice on which to buy and where i could find one? As i like to travel light i would opt for something on the handy side.

[Zammo]

Most people on here would go for a Gransfor Bruks Axe. As the philosophy of the manufacturers of it closely matches that of Bushcraft, preserving nature, only using what you need, traditional crafting etc.

If your looking for handy it'd either be the Wildlife Hatchet or the Mini Hatchet.

http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/index.html

I paid about £40 for the Wildlife Hatchet, not sure on the Mini but I think that is bizarrely a little more expensive.

[Bushcraft4life]

You could go for a Gransfors wildlife hatchet if your looking for something more portable. But i would go for Gransfors small forest axe. Outdoorcode does them cheap (cheapest i have seen),

http://www.outdoorcode.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_22&products_id=226

Postage is very good at £1 as well

Its worth the money for GB axe. RM uses them and they come with a 20 year guarantee.

Jamie

[British Red]

Im looking to buy my first bushcraft axe/hatchet can anyone give me advice on which to buy and where i could find one? As i like to travel light i would opt for something on the handy side.

Have a look on this thread CB - the text size seems to have got a big large in the forum upgrade but its still readable

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=221074&postcount=1

My advice is on buying an axe unless you get to look it over it first - I have seen a few Gransfors and Wetterlingd where the helves are truly shockingly bad in terms of fit and grain alignment. If you must buy one online, make sure you talk to the person you are buying from and get them to check the blade alignment, bit to helve alignment and bevel quality. Don't get me wrong, GBs are truly great axes but the quality just lately seems a bit hit and miss.

Also consider a Wetterlings (a small hunter sounds ideal for your needs) or the quirky but very good Roselli All Round (small if you want a light one). Hultafors are good but hard to lay hands on. It sounds like one of Ceggas that he builds for me would work for you too but we don't have any available right now.

Hope that helps a little

Red

[sxmolloy]

I'd go for the GB Small Forest Axe over their Wildlife Hatchet, just a little longer and heavier but worth it in my opinion.

I have owned and used both of these axes, but strangely find the SFA more managable :confused: .

Hope this helps....Stu

[Squidders]

I'm a huge fan of the wildlife hatchet and if you're packing light, I would go for one.

I hate the SFA as it's a compromise... it's a little small and a little big and does both jobs half decent.

I have a wildlife hatchet and a scandi forest axe... if i'm taking just one, it'll be the scandi one is at will fell proper trees easily and it's long enough that it'll hit dirt before my shin if I slip while chopping/splitting.

As red says, it's always good to check the axe out yourself to make sure it's a good 'un but even so, any faults that cause problems would be covered by the GB guarantee... unfortunate if it goes while you're in the field but still.

Cheers,

Joe

[combatblade1]

Cheers folks that gives me a lot to check out, thats what i love about bcuk everyone is so eager to help!!!

[Hoodoo]

I'm a huge fan of the wildlife hatchet and if you're packing light, I would go for one.

I hate the SFA as it's a compromise... it's a little small and a little big and does both jobs half decent.

I have a wildlife hatchet and a scandi forest axe... if i'm taking just one, it'll be the scandi one is at will fell proper trees easily and it's long enough that it'll hit dirt before my shin if I slip while chopping/splitting.

As red says, it's always good to check the axe out yourself to make sure it's a good 'un but even so, any faults that cause problems would be covered by the GB guarantee... unfortunate if it goes while you're in the field but still.

Cheers,

Joe

Another vote for the Wildlife (or similar). It feels like the perfect extension of my arm. Unless I'm winter camping or need to lay in a LOT of wood, I generally don't need anything bigger. As other people have stated, though, the key to getting a good one is have someone who knows a bit about axes hand pick it for you.

[combatblade1]

hi folks made my decision and ordered a SMF from outdoorcode (Thanks for the advice jamie) and today got my hands on one (Thanks to Brian) unfortunatley i also got to drool over an Alan woods woodlore knife and i now want one oh well it looks like i will have to save my pennys!!

[combatblade1]

that should have read SMA!!!

[combatblade1]

Right no more cider for me (Small Forest Axe).

[Bushcraft4life]

Nice one mate i am sure you won't be dissapointed. Don't worry about the cider while you are posting, just lay off it before you use that shiny new axe :lmao: .

Jamie