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I’d like a new axe.

AndyP

AndyP

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About this time every year the chippings that come with 10m3 of cut and split logs run out and I have to start making my own kindling.
For 15 years now I have been making do with a Robert Sorby #2 axe (grandfathers) which I use to split 20-30cm logs.
I have a large and heavy splitting maul for the larger 50 cm logs.

The sorby axe head is very flat and not ideal for splitting.

Although too late for Santa to bring one down the chimney the missus says I can treat myself.

The quality ones appear to come from Sweden, Hultafors and Gransfors. The Japanese ones I have seen seem to be very heavy.
I like the weight of the one I have which is just under 800g with a total length of 37cm.

Interested to hear from anyone with alternatives to the two makers listed above.
 
Fiskars - brilliant axe. Don't be put off by the colour! Razor sharp, good performance and nice and robust. Might not be to the purists liking but I cannot fault the ones I have used, both hand axe and felling axe.
 
StevieB":29jwclk4 said:
Fiskars - brilliant axe. Don't be put off by the colour! Razor sharp, good performance and nice and robust. Might not be to the purists liking but I cannot fault the ones I have used, both hand axe and felling axe.
Click to expand...

Thanks Steve,
Fiskars are not keen on showing weights and handle length on the website. Why :eusa-think: ? I have no objection to composite handles per se but not being able to replace them turns me off the idea.
I like their sappie though.
 
I've gout a couple of Gransfors axes. They are worth the money. Very well made and good balance.

Personally I don't get on with composite handles - don't like the feel down the handle when the axe bites: makes the axe feel dead. Personal preference of course.

I've bought a few vintage axes for display (you nay have seen the double edged US felling axe hung up in our house Andy). Occasionally interesting things emerge on the Bay or at country fairs.

For a lightweight good quality axe for making kindling and small logs, you may be able to get a Hults Bruk 2lb axe. Here is a link with a picture. Very handy tool. https://www.amazon.com/Hults-Bruk-Split ... s_li_ss_tl
 
I was shocked by the edge on the Gransfors carpenters axe. Amazing. But there is no way you need a hand forged Swedish axe to split kindling.

I get the idea you are starting with fair sized logs (presumably you've run out of woodworking scrap ?). In which case I would reach for a 2.5lb S&J. Actually, I use it a lot. It used to feel heavy and make my arm ache, but now I've learned not to grip it as though it is trying to escape, it is fine.

Bahco do some rather orange but not bad and quite affordable small axes ?
 
If it's 37cm long, surely it isn't an axe. Isn't it a hatchet you're after?
 
Sheffield Tony":2q2ru279 said:
But there is no way you need a hand forged Swedish axe to split kindling.

Bahco do some rather orange but not bad and quite affordable small axes ?
Click to expand...

Tony you are right or course.
Can I refer back to the mechanical pencil thread or perhaps to those that prefer Japanese kitchen knives?
And if anyone quotes my “I’ve more sense than money” comment on the iMac upgrade thread I will hang my head in embarrassment.

Yep a hand forged Swedish hatchet @ €90 or mass produced orange one @ €15.

I will let my chief finance officer, maybe after Christmas, make the choice and drop a few hints about the cost of her shiny black enamelled kettle barbecue. ;) . She wont become a better cook because of it nor I a better woodsman. :)
 
I said there's no way you need one. Whether you want one is another thing entirely ;)

I must have posted this before, but just to tempt you. Lars Enander forging a carpenters axe at Gransfors Bruks:
[youtubessl]7ZAERTpoztc[/youtubessl]
 
Well, well, well. Missus said I shouldn't have to wait.

Look what just showed up.
20211231_102454.jpg

The different shapes of the heads. the old Sorby on the right not ideal for splitting, methinks
20211231_102422.jpg

Indulgent perhaps but a pleasure to use.
20211231_103021.jpg
 
Very nice Andy. I've got a 'Robin Wood' carving axe and a Japanese hatchet from WH; both quite nice bits of kit but the RW head has been forged in China, so I wished I'd splashed out a little bit more and bought a proper Swedish axe.

You've been to M&S for yer boat shoes as well; standard summer footwear for me :D - Rob
 
Well done that man's wife. Nice little axe from a proper make. Lucky you.
 
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