question for Red

[gorilla]

just a simple query, but who knows axes better than BR? :D
i'm getting into my carving/woodworking, and would just like your thoughts/advice on a good first axe to buy for carving/woodshaping that won't break the bank. don't get too technical or i won't understand!!!!!
something good and sharp and easy to handle
thanks in advance
iain

[davep90]

I bought a Gransfors wildlife hatched not long ago, my first axe intended for the same purpose.
Think it will fit the bill for you too;
not break the bank, £40ish posted Outdoorcode
Razor sharp and easy to handle
Dave

[jon r]

Yea, the Gransfors Brucks selection are great! (They may be expencive but worth every penny!) Personally, my first bushcraft axe was the gransfors wildlife hatchet. I have never regretted buying it and never thought it was too much money for what it is.

[British Red]

Gorilla - my one question would be carving what? There are various types of carving / shaping axes (side / broad axes etc.). Also would this be a dedicated carving and woodworking tool or would you want it to be useful for normal Bushcraft work?

Red

[gorilla]

hi red
in terms of carving, i'm thinking general shaping of wood in the early stages of a project, rather than anything finer (although i wasn't aware of any differences - Jeez, what a noob!!)
it will be pretty much a dedicated axe, except for maybe a bittle of kindling prep, but nothing more - i won't be hacking up treetrunks(fallen of course) or anything like that!

[British Red]

Gorilla,

I might be tempted in that case to look at the GB axe range. Their Carpenters axe has a straight bit rather than the more traditional curved bit which makes it ideal for shaving and shaping. Roghly the same price as a small forest axe

http://www.wealddown.co.uk/images%20shop/465axe.jpg

Above that, about £12 more in price, I would pick the Swedish Carving axe - a cracking tool

http://www.wealddown.co.uk/images%20shop/475axe.jpg

I might be a tough large for the most delicate projects - for those you could do worse than a Cegga or Wetterlings mini (I think the GB mini is overpriced at more than the Carving Axe often)

I hope that helps a little

Red

[Eric_Methven]

I use the GB carving axe and it's brilliant for anything from firewood prep to preparing bowls, plates and spoon blanks. It was designed for Gransfors by Wille Sundqvist.

http://www.mpwoodsmith.co.uk/images/print24b.jpg
Wille teaching swedish carving techniques at the Flint Mill, Beamish Open Air Museum, Co Durham.

Of all the axes I've tried in the last forty or so years, this is my most frequent user.
http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/produkter/new_prod/bilder/sl%F6jdbila.jpg

Eric

[British Red]

Gorilla,

Eric is ten times the woodworker and carver that I will ever be - thats as good an answer as you will ever get!

Red

[gorilla]

that looks great! i'll see what the best price is online. if anyone has a good link(especially uk based) for the carving axe, feel free to post it!!

[British Red]

http://www.wealddown.co.uk/gransfors-bruks-axes.htm

[gorilla]

that looks like a good price including delivery! - just need to tax the landy, then time for a bit of shopping

[British Red]

Great place too - call in if you are ever in Sussex and spend the day!

Red

[Shinken]

That axe will make your forearms ache too!

[British Red]

Yeah thats right Ash, blame the axe work...we believe you :D