Another great video in the works. Iam super happy with what you have done with my #1 woods tool. To answer the question which is better. the answer is the axe that you have with you. Thanks again for the great work. Get well soon.
Thanks Jason! I agree. The tool you have on you is the best in any situation! There isn't a best out of these two. Just a "best for you"! Glad you like the work. Enjoy!
Two very nice axes. I never realised there was such a difference in thickness of the heads. That Wetterlings is very robust. I have found that the weight of the Gransfors is great for switching between two and single handed grip. I put a small piece of paracord on my Small forest axe handle at the bottom to help it from slipping, especially in the winter if I have gloves on. Great review.
Hey! thanks so much. that's very kind. I know a few places that carry wetterlings, but no GB. I have a few vintage swedes that I've found. HB and Wetterlings. No gransfors. Where you located?
St. John's, haha. I'm looking at getting the Small Forest ordered and while I know quality control and after sales service from GB is top notch from what I've seen, it would be nice to handle a few in person before pulling the trigger.
I agree 100% at that price. I've seen some of those high end Swedish makers send axes here that have grain that I personally wouldn't be happy with.. not for 200$ anyways. I'm currently in Paradise. I had a gorgeous Sandvik axe delivered to me today to have work done. Very nice
I hope you are healing well. I have never owned or handled either axe before but like you I would opt for the weightier head. I don't do long distance hiking so weight isn't much of an issue for me and I'd like the heavier head for processing and felling bigger material.
Just got a Wetterlings in an Ebay bid your evaluation is correct the large Hunter is a much better splitter tested both today and there is a difference
These are very nice man-sized hatchets. Makes perfect sense with one being more of a chopper and the other being a little more of a splitter. I was not aware of the Wetterling Large Hunter. Looks like a fine option. Cheers.
Just after posting my last comment I received a Wetterlings Outdoor axe in the mail. I have never been more disappointed in any product!!! The top of the head was sloped to one side, there were 3 nicks in the blade, the handle was dinged up and huge gaps in the fit. I shipped it back immediately and ordered another one from a local company (after speaking with the owner for 1/2 an hour as he physically inspected it). I guess it is all just luck of the draw. :(
Can you purchase the GB here in Newfoundland anywhere? I hate buying stuff with out being able to at least hold it first. I have a beautiful condor axe that I had giving to me but it's a little to big for a pack axe. Also I have husquava ( screwed up that spelling ) but it's a bit too short of a handle and the cutting edge is also very small. I would trade both for a GB small forest axe. Another great vid and I hope you are healing well! Cheers!
Thanks Wilf! I'm improving slowly! I don't know of a GB dealer around the island. I've never seen any. I have seen a few wetterlings. I know what you mean about not being able to hold it first though. I have a nice hults bruks on a 24" handle. Restored. Gorgeous axe, but perhaps too big for your liking? I would only be interested in cash. Trying to cut down on a few items! lol
I purchased my small forest axe through Lee Valley. When I received it in the mail, there was a toonie size flake that fell off the bottom of the handle, the grain wasn't straight and the logo wasn't stamped into the head to my satisfaction. I called them up and they were great to deal with. I told them what I was looking for and they made sure to pick one out that fit the bill. Been using it for a few years now and can't ask for a better axe. They also stock the other models of axe that Gransfors make. When I purchased my Silky Gomboy from them, I wasn't familiar with a saw that cuts on the pull and snapped the top 3 inches off the blade on the first use. Once again I called them up and explained what happened and they sent me a new blade for free. I would recommend ordering through them but make sure to clarify some characteristics you are looking for.
Nice comparison between two excellent axes. I chose the Hultafors Forest Classic which is similar in size but has a heavier head weight because I wanted it to be a better spliter...which it is. How is your leg doing??
I own both of these and have used them for the past 5 years. In my opinion the GB is slightly better in terms of fit and finish but the WT splits better. The GB is about 2 ounces less but the WT cost about $30 USD less. I like both of them but if I had to choose one it would be the Wetterlings because I can use the $30 that I saved to buy a Mora Kansbol.
Both are fantastic small axes. Like you said they are very similar but the gb is balanced a little better in my opinion. I'd consider either one if I was in the market for a new pack axe.
Nice vid. I have been doing much research on quality axes in the last few weeks because I want to join the brotherhood of tradition. Once I absorbed enough info to make an informed decision I hit the stores to get my hands on them. What I found is that all of these top Swedish axes (GB, Hultafors and Wetterlings) lacked in production quality. I looked at many different sizes and styles of each and was severely disappointed in all of them. I was especially disappointed in the GB. All of them had gaps in the fit. For some reason the eye is shaped to a point which is obviously very hard to fill in with the haft. That, right there, is a fail. It is just waiting for dirt and moisture to get in there to rot the wood and rust the head. The only ones I saw that had a proper fit was the Wetterlings. Also, the direction of the grain very seldom ran parallel with the bit and the finish was crude (the Hultafors had very rough finnish in the palm swell that would leave blisters and eventually slivers). The Hultafors had a better fit than the GB, but even their handles lacked quality. However, the Hultafors handles were a little beefier which gives a better grip (same with the Wetterlings). The polls on the GB were wavy and con-caved, the Hultafors were much straighter. The Wetterlings polls were the best, but they all have a rather sharp edge on the right side. The Wetterlings Hunter's hatchet doesn't have a rounded poll, which is necessary for skinning. Why they don't smooth them is beyond me. After all the axes I looked at (including Council), I chose the Wetterlings. They had the best quality out of all and their bits were razor sharp. Unfortunately they are no longer in production. I now own 5 of them in a variety of models, a couple of which I will save as gifts for the young ones in the family. So in conclusion, axes, like everything else must be picked through for the best ones. Each block of wood is different than the next and every head is forged differently as well. You just need to do your research and when that special axe calls out to you, you'll know it. Happy hunting my fellow woodsmen.
That area you called the poll are the lips,lugs or ears depending on where you're from the 19 inch wetterlings was the first quality axe I bought shame the Brondby family decided to close the wetterlings forge and concentrate on the Gransfors!
I think the biggest reason to take GB over Wetterlings is if you plan on doing more carving with the axe. The slimmer profile of the GB does well cutting and carving, bushcraft stuff. Also, the handle of the GB feels better for people with smaller hands, like me.
Hi, why is everyone naming Gransfors Bruk with an "s" at the end? I checked the website several times and it Gransfor Bruk and not Bruks as everyone in youtube seems to call it. It is here: www.gransforsbruk.com/en/ Great videos thanks I love them!
Say Heah, Yeah, I have a G. B. Small Forest Axe. But two B'Day's ago, I got a e-mail for a Hultafor Bruk's 17" Agdor Hatchet closeout because they were upgrading the range. I think to the Classic range. Anyhoe, I didn't need the 17" Adgor because I had the S. F. A. But when I got it, My Agdor came spot on and even though it wasn't as sharp, It took no time to have it as sharp. Today, my 17" Agdor is my Fav. Bush Craft Hatchet. because I like the weight of the head better and it's mote compact, I can wear both in a axe holster, But I like compact. But when I use my Mapedition Kodiak Gearsling, I'll take my G. B because I can slide it on the side of my Gearsling. ,, .
Yes, The head's a little heavier in a smaller package, I wear it in my axe holster and it doesn't get in the way as easyvwhen going through brush. ,, .
If you've seen one Swedish ax, you'll seen them all & if you have a stamp just on the one side it'll make the ax go crooked because the air flow is not equal on both sides....... Bahahahahaha! Oh brother.... The new status symbol.
haha some funny comments, but I'll have to disagree to a certain extent. Different makers can create very different products. These 2 axes are very different to handle, make no mistake.
I try to be funny, but sometimes it comes out as sarcasm. Anyway, I really could never justify paying that much for an axe, I still have my True Temper double bit & single bit axes plus my Collins 12 lb. splitting maul from 30 years ago. I use to have a Plumb single bit axe as well, but that was in my truck that was stolen. The axes were bought new, made in America. Unfortunately you can't get these made in America quality items any more, new that is. But you can still find them at yard sales & flea markets, cheap. They just might only need a little TLC or a handle for them to function again. OK fine, I'll have to agree that the Swedes make a good axe...... :) And I do find these reviews very fascinating. It takes me back to when all this "bushcraft", "off grid", or "prepping" stuff was called working towards self-sufficiency or hippy communes, back in the late 1970's. It wasn't as popular as it is now & people were very suspicious. A little different back then....
Gransfors bought Wetterlings and won't be making them. The Wetterlings name is going to be no more :( so if you can get one, get one....Or just buy a Hults Bruk/Hultafors..All great axes but the HB is much better on your wallet
Another great video in the works. Iam super happy with what you have done with my #1 woods tool. To answer the question which is better. the answer is the axe that you have with you. Thanks again for the great work. Get well soon.
Thanks Jason! I agree. The tool you have on you is the best in any situation! There isn't a best out of these two. Just a "best for you"! Glad you like the work. Enjoy!
Two very nice axes. I never realised there was such a difference in thickness of the heads. That Wetterlings is very robust. I have found that the weight of the Gransfors is great for switching between two and single handed grip. I put a small piece of paracord on my Small forest axe handle at the bottom to help it from slipping, especially in the winter if I have gloves on. Great review.
Man it's great to see some high calibre bushcraft related videos coming from a fellow Newfoundlander. Keep it up, wish we could source GB axes here.
Hey! thanks so much. that's very kind. I know a few places that carry wetterlings, but no GB. I have a few vintage swedes that I've found. HB and Wetterlings. No gransfors. Where you located?
St. John's, haha. I'm looking at getting the Small Forest ordered and while I know quality control and after sales service from GB is top notch from what I've seen, it would be nice to handle a few in person before pulling the trigger.
I agree 100% at that price. I've seen some of those high end Swedish makers send axes here that have grain that I personally wouldn't be happy with.. not for 200$ anyways. I'm currently in Paradise. I had a gorgeous Sandvik axe delivered to me today to have work done. Very nice
I hope you are healing well. I have never owned or handled either axe before but like you I would opt for the weightier head. I don't do long distance hiking so weight isn't much of an issue for me and I'd like the heavier head for processing and felling bigger material.
Yahhh, I liked the heavier more wedge-like head like I said! I'm doing well brother. the leg is improving each day. Thanks for asking!
Just got a Wetterlings in an Ebay bid your evaluation is correct the large Hunter is a much better splitter tested both today and there is a difference
Thanks for the feedback! Glad to have some support!
These are very nice man-sized hatchets. Makes perfect sense with one being more of a chopper and the other being a little more of a splitter. I was not aware of the Wetterling Large Hunter. Looks like a fine option. Cheers.
I never held a wetterlings, but I sure do love my sfa. I enjoyed the comparison video. Thanks.
haha Many are in the same situation as you!
Something good about living in Norway,you can hand pick your Granfors,Wetterling and Hults bruk axes and the shaft grain in the store yourself.
Nice to see a side by side Awesome video
thanks buddy!
Interesting comparison , great couple of axes
they sure are rusty!
Just after posting my last comment I received a Wetterlings Outdoor axe in the mail. I have never been more disappointed in any product!!! The top of the head was sloped to one side, there were 3 nicks in the blade, the handle was dinged up and huge gaps in the fit. I shipped it back immediately and ordered another one from a local company (after speaking with the owner for 1/2 an hour as he physically inspected it). I guess it is all just luck of the draw. :(
great review on the two axes.hope your leg is healing good.take care
I'm doing well Wallace! thanks!
Great review! Awesome collar to bud!
thanks brother!
Well done here. Obviously know your axes. Well done . Subbed .
thanks so much George!
Can you purchase the GB here in Newfoundland anywhere? I hate buying stuff with out being able to at least hold it first. I have a beautiful condor axe that I had giving to me but it's a little to big for a pack axe. Also I have husquava ( screwed up that spelling ) but it's a bit too short of a handle and the cutting edge is also very small. I would trade both for a GB small forest axe. Another great vid and I hope you are healing well! Cheers!
Thanks Wilf! I'm improving slowly! I don't know of a GB dealer around the island. I've never seen any. I have seen a few wetterlings. I know what you mean about not being able to hold it first though. I have a nice hults bruks on a 24" handle. Restored. Gorgeous axe, but perhaps too big for your liking? I would only be interested in cash. Trying to cut down on a few items! lol
I purchased my small forest axe through Lee Valley. When I received it in the mail, there was a toonie size flake that fell off the bottom of the handle, the grain wasn't straight and the logo wasn't stamped into the head to my satisfaction. I called them up and they were great to deal with. I told them what I was looking for and they made sure to pick one out that fit the bill. Been using it for a few years now and can't ask for a better axe. They also stock the other models of axe that Gransfors make. When I purchased my Silky Gomboy from them, I wasn't familiar with a saw that cuts on the pull and snapped the top 3 inches off the blade on the first use. Once again I called them up and explained what happened and they sent me a new blade for free. I would recommend ordering through them but make sure to clarify some characteristics you are looking for.
Nice comparison between two excellent axes. I chose the Hultafors Forest Classic which is similar in size but has a heavier head weight because I wanted it to be a better spliter...which it is. How is your leg doing??
Hultafors makes a great axe for sure. My leg is doing well my friend! Healing slowly but surely!
I own both of these and have used them for the past 5 years. In my opinion the GB is slightly better in terms of fit and finish but the WT splits better. The GB is about 2 ounces less but the WT cost about $30 USD less. I like both of them but if I had to choose one it would be the Wetterlings because I can use the $30 that I saved to buy a Mora Kansbol.
Both are fantastic small axes. Like you said they are very similar but the gb is balanced a little better in my opinion. I'd consider either one if I was in the market for a new pack axe.
Chad Morgan I have only held one once,I agree. If I only had one!
Nice vid. I have been doing much research on quality axes in the last few weeks because I want to join the brotherhood of tradition. Once I absorbed enough info to make an informed decision I hit the stores to get my hands on them. What I found is that all of these top Swedish axes (GB, Hultafors and Wetterlings) lacked in production quality. I looked at many different sizes and styles of each and was severely disappointed in all of them. I was especially disappointed in the GB. All of them had gaps in the fit. For some reason the eye is shaped to a point which is obviously very hard to fill in with the haft. That, right there, is a fail. It is just waiting for dirt and moisture to get in there to rot the wood and rust the head. The only ones I saw that had a proper fit was the Wetterlings. Also, the direction of the grain very seldom ran parallel with the bit and the finish was crude (the Hultafors had very rough finnish in the palm swell that would leave blisters and eventually slivers). The Hultafors had a better fit than the GB, but even their handles lacked quality. However, the Hultafors handles were a little beefier which gives a better grip (same with the Wetterlings).
The polls on the GB were wavy and con-caved, the Hultafors were much straighter. The Wetterlings polls were the best, but they all have a rather sharp edge on the right side. The Wetterlings Hunter's hatchet doesn't have a rounded poll, which is necessary for skinning. Why they don't smooth them is beyond me. After all the axes I looked at (including Council), I chose the Wetterlings. They had the best quality out of all and their bits were razor sharp. Unfortunately they are no longer in production. I now own 5 of them in a variety of models, a couple of which I will save as gifts for the young ones in the family. So in conclusion, axes, like everything else must be picked through for the best ones. Each block of wood is different than the next and every head is forged differently as well. You just need to do your research and when that special axe calls out to you, you'll know it. Happy hunting my fellow woodsmen.
Idk i used both for years ..they both great ..but I find the sm forest axe works a bit better for me
I'd go for the Gransfors hunters axe if I was looking for a pack axe now!
Great work on video
That area you called the poll are the lips,lugs or ears depending on where you're from the 19 inch wetterlings was the first quality axe I bought shame the Brondby family decided to close the wetterlings forge and concentrate on the Gransfors!
Owned by the same guy and also make the husqvarna axes. Good video
Kyle, how does the Council Tool axe compare with these two?
I'm a big GB fan. looking for a small forest axe made by AS myself!!
Cant make a bad choice on either one of those beauties👍
you're very right!
I think the biggest reason to take GB over Wetterlings is if you plan on doing more carving with the axe. The slimmer profile of the GB does well cutting and carving, bushcraft stuff. Also, the handle of the GB feels better for people with smaller hands, like me.
Where did you get that collar?
made it!
Ray mears put Wetterlings out of business with the popularity of his choice of axe, very disheartening as Wetterlings is the better of the two.
Nice collar!
Imma wetterlings fan..Great review.. I just heard they went outta business.. Damn shame
for cutting kindling, nothing excels like the GB small forest axe
Husky axes Break at the stamp it’s why I like the stamp on the poll
Hi, why is everyone naming Gransfors Bruk with an "s" at the end? I checked the website several times and it Gransfor Bruk and not Bruks as everyone in youtube seems to call it. It is here: www.gransforsbruk.com/en/
Great videos thanks I love them!
Say Heah, Yeah, I have a G. B. Small Forest Axe. But two B'Day's ago, I got a e-mail for a Hultafor Bruk's 17" Agdor Hatchet closeout because they were upgrading the range. I think to the Classic range. Anyhoe, I didn't need the 17" Adgor because I had the S. F. A. But when I got it, My Agdor came spot on and even though it wasn't as sharp, It took no time to have it as sharp. Today, my 17" Agdor is my Fav. Bush Craft Hatchet. because I like the weight of the head better and it's mote compact, I can wear both in a axe holster, But I like compact. But when I use my Mapedition Kodiak Gearsling, I'll take my G. B because I can slide it on the side of my Gearsling. ,, .
Interesting that you like the Agdor even MORE than your GBSFA! Thanks for sharing Paulie!
Yes, The head's a little heavier in a smaller package, I wear it in my axe holster and it doesn't get in the way as easyvwhen going through brush. ,, .
I makes short work out of proccesing firewood. ,, .
Wetterlings the superior axe
If you've seen one Swedish ax, you'll seen them all & if you have a stamp just on the one side it'll make the ax go crooked because the air flow is not equal on both sides....... Bahahahahaha! Oh brother.... The new status symbol.
haha some funny comments, but I'll have to disagree to a certain extent. Different makers can create very different products. These 2 axes are very different to handle, make no mistake.
I try to be funny, but sometimes it comes out as sarcasm. Anyway, I really could never justify paying that much for an axe, I still have my True Temper double bit & single bit axes plus my Collins 12 lb. splitting maul from 30 years ago. I use to have a Plumb single bit axe as well, but that was in my truck that was stolen. The axes were bought new, made in America. Unfortunately you can't get these made in America quality items any more, new that is. But you can still find them at yard sales & flea markets, cheap. They just might only need a little TLC or a handle for them to function again. OK fine, I'll have to agree that the Swedes make a good axe...... :) And I do find these reviews very fascinating. It takes me back to when all this "bushcraft", "off grid", or "prepping" stuff was called working towards self-sufficiency or hippy communes, back in the late 1970's. It wasn't as popular as it is now & people were very suspicious. A little different back then....
Gransfors bought Wetterlings and won't be making them. The Wetterlings name is going to be no more :( so if you can get one, get one....Or just buy a Hults Bruk/Hultafors..All great axes but the HB is much better on your wallet
Not bruks....
Do I gotta buy a wetterlings now?