Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe vs Council Tool Pack Axe Comparison
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- In this video I do a brief comparison between two popular axes designed for camping and bushcraft. The Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe and the Council Tool Pack Axe. Processing dry spruce for basic camp tasks, a brew on a Firebox Nano and some thoughts on the two axes.
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I prefer the council tool to make camp chores easier. Plus the edge retention and strength if the 5160 spring steel is awesome
It’s a very well made axe, I only wish I could have got the longer handle which would have made it almost perfect. I may have to rehang it at some point.
@@bundufundi I have the longer handle best small axe I have ever used
Would not trade it for any other
Apples and oranges. Let’s note that I’ll never get rid of my Grans Fors Bruks axes. They are just excellent. But the Council Tool’s Camp Axe is a splitter. For around camp to nail in tent spikes and split wood for a camp fire The Council tool will be better. I give kudos to an American company making a quality product in Product cutting sharp out the box snd ready to go. But they are getting expensive. All I can say you pay for what you get. A great tool is everything. Council Tools can swing with the Swedes an honor that few axes attain. 😁
I have used many axes in the past 50 years. I love my council tool axes. Keep up the great work!
CT are a great company, so glad they are still going strong and still manufacturing in the US.
The SFA does have quite the following, but it’s nice to know there are some alternatives that perform equally well. However if the cost of the CT is comparable then I think most people might pick the Gransfors based on reputation alone.
It seems that the CT might be more reasonably priced in the States which would make it a pretty good choice but I think the longer handled version is most likely the better version.
I have 5 axes from 50 years ago that I never paid over $10 for at yard sales and they still work great.
My double edge ax is a Gransfors..
Nice review, I like them both, but the Council Tool gets the nod for me!
I read the Council Pack Axe was made of 5060 steel and the GB was of the cheaper 1055 steel. Both of the Council's business ends hardened is another nice feature.
For anyone reading this down the road, absolutely true. The proprietary steel Gransfors uses is equivalent to the steel Council Tool uses in their sport utility / budget line. Almost every company that makes premium axes in the US uses better steel, such as 5160 used by CT on their Velvicut / premium line. For those of us in the US, you're way better off buying domestic than Scandinavian.
@@FiftyShadesOfGrayMan It isnt "superior". Steel is a tradeoff and has better and worse properties depending on what you want.
Here in the States, the Council Tools pack axe with a 24 inch handle runs around $160. The Grans For Bruk small forest axe for around $220, and the Scandinavian Forest axe goes for $270. I think the council tool axe is more of a hybrid of the Small Forest axe and the Scandinavian Forest axe.
In that case the CT is the winner hands down! If I was looking for a utility axe then the CT boys axe, red version, is very cheap and very good. I hope they are still making that line and not just the more expensive versions.
@@bundufundi they still have their value line of axes which are still very popular in addition to their premium line of axes. I have their pack axe and their Velvicut Hudson Bay axe. I prefer the pack axe.
@@erichill5206 Yes, I think they have a winning design there. It’s a bit different to most others in that size and weight and has obviously been thought through very well for its end purpose. I really enjoy using the pack axe and often pick it off the rack over most of the others when I head to the woods.
The Council Pack Axe is US$139 today, 4/8/24 (solar eclipse day in North America!) The Small Forest Axe is about $210 today. Looks like they also have the Pack Axe with a longer handle now for about US$159. As you say, a good axe.
Great video thanks. I have the Council Tool Camp Carver hatchet. It has a flat grind rather then convex and works well for carving with a 19 inch handle. Like the hardened poll and has 90 degree edge for fire steels.
I like the look of the camp carver and have been on the lookout for a while to try and get one over here. Looks like a great option.
Council tool is like 40 bucks cheaper in the states. I did want the gba but I got the 24in woodcraft pack axe just because I gotta support any sort of industry in this country...government certainly isnt
I would definitely use the council tool! I think it's more versatile! Sam from Vietnam
Beautiful location in your video Trev. I don't own either axe but your comparison comments seem very fair. Impressed with the firebox as well.
Thanks Brett, in can be very picturesque when we aren’t covered in rain!
I have had the council tool 24 in. a year now. Done alot of splitting with it and I've lived in maine my whole life (the pine tree state) so I know a thing or two about wood processing. If the head on the council tool was a bit heavier primarily on the cheeks it would be far surpassing any competitors...I still think it's probably the best for your money tho
Great video I’d love to see a review of the pack axe with the 24 in handle.
I later replaced the handle with a 24", here's the video: th-cam.com/video/81QnjEY47Uw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=bthY01irsxfSq7N9
Good comparison review. You certainly deserve more followers.
Thank you!
Very helpful. Thanks!
This was helpful, thank you
Great video! Incredibly helpful. I've always had a love for the outdoors. I'm in my early 20's and doing research on items to build up my pack! Speaking of, I love the pack you have in the first part of your video. Which one is it? Would you do a review video? I've been using a frost river, love the quality but its so heavy!
Thanks for the great feedback! I also have the Frost river and agree that it is very heavy and also really needs some sort of frame for support, a project I am currently working on and a future video! The rucksack I used here was a modern Fjallraven copy of the original Bergan or Ludwig pack used by the Norwegian military. The originals are very good but this copy has some flaws and I'm not sure they are still available. I will definitely do a video on some of my rucksacks and the pro's and cons of each.
I have the small forest axe, I think for nearly 20 years now and I adore it, obviously Ray Mears inflenced😎 Good look at the axes, agreed the price of the council axe would put me off, amazing how the cost of products goes up, lots of downed trees there, nice bit of wood though, cheers.
I have had my SFA for about 15 years also inspired by Ray Mears but over the years I tended to find I would use the boy’s axe or large forest axe more due its overall utility. Thanks for watching Chris!
@@bundufundi Where did you get the leather protector from for the SFA
@@northernembersoutdoors1045 I actually made it myself. Send me an email with your address and I’ll make you one.
@@bundufundi hi mate, thanks for that, I'll email you tonight, how do we go about payment?
@@northernembersoutdoors1045 Hi Chris I sent you an email.
Nice to see a fellow Saffer doing bushcraft in the UK. I'm looking at getting the Forest Axe and the Hatchet for my campervan. The SFA looks great but I want that extra size and weight for splitting. Would you belive my first job after arriving in the UK was photographing products for a bushcraft distributor's website! Prices have gone mad in the last decade, nevermind couple years.
The Large Forest Axe / Boys Axe size is the best utility axe size I think with the extra weight and handle length. Husqvarna or Hults Bruk have more reasonable offerings than GB. Pretty cool to be working for a bushcraft distributor, did you pick up some cool stuff from them?
The thing that has always put me off buying the SFA is the price. Don't think I will be paying the same price for a copy any time soon 🤣. Both look like great axes though.
Nice comparison Trev.
Thanks Tim, the cheap range of CT axes are very good for the money but they are not easy to get this side of the pond unfortunately.
Council tool is 40 bucks cheaper and it'll last a lifetime with maybe a rehang or 2 but that's not really hard to do so it's a buy once cry once type of deal. Not like buying a $200 milwaukee drill that'll last 5 years and need to be tossed out or expensive to repair...its definitely an axe for outdoor gear guys tho
Nice review, thanks!
Great location and intro shots man! Cool review, be a tricky choice between the two. Here in Aus: GB-$219, CT 19inch $240, CT 24inch $280 (For comparison, a HB 1.2 is around $110).Both nice though!
Definitely the HB is going to be the best option in my opinion. Those are crazy prices but I think CT is a lot cheaper in the states which makes it a good bet but only on the longer handle.
@@bundufundi agreed on the HB! The CTs are nice for sure though, there's a few different models I like the look of but no dealers that I know of that carry the sport utility line here. I've been tempted by the woodcraft 24 a few times!
Very good video! Thank you!
Nice comparison video!
Thank you!
Great video Trev for anyone considering to purchase either axe 👍. A bit too pricey for my pocket I'm afraid but I can see how the CT axe will appeal to some in the States. I'll be sticking with my trusty Hultafors for now. Take care buddy. Atb, J 👍.
Great choice Jason, I bought my SFA when they were cheap but would go with a Hultafors now due to the crazy Gransfors prices. Thanks for watching!
I have 5 or 6 of the Gransfors and although I do love them I have to say my favourite axe to take along is the council tool camp carver. I must admit I think the best money you can spend on a camp axe has to be a Fiskars. Enjoyed the vid Cheers.
Thanks, I have since rehandled the CT on a 24” handle and it is one of my favourite axes now.
That’s the exact ax I’m looking at right now it seems really well balanced
Which Fiskars would you choose for a comparable axe? (I can't afford the others)
I love everything about the Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe. I love the simplistic yet gorgeous design of the axe head. I love the weight and balance of the whole axe. I love the curvature of the hickory handle. I can hold anywhere on the handle and it feels comfortable. And the length of the handle is perfect, not too long, not too short. I'm not a fan of wedge shape axe head, the slim profile is what I prefer, better for chopping and carving, which is mainly what I use it for, while it's still a capable splitter. If I need to split big logs, I would carve wooden wedges and baton them apart with my axe. The council tool axe head is a bit too much, not a fan of that design. Their handle seems too thick in some areas. As you mention the balance is too top heavy. It's a capable axe though. It can perform many task well. Overall, it's a good axe but I wouldn't pay that price for it. I bought my GB Small Forest Axe for $125. At that time I thought it was pricey but I knew it was worth it. Seeing the price today, I am glad I bought it back then because this axe is perfect and has become my trusted partner when I go out in the woods.
The GB axes are very well made and as you say, lovely in the hand. I also bought mine for much cheaper than they are today. Mine was £45 about 12 years ago which was not bad really. Thanks for watching!
Sweden, the land of metal. Axes, knives (and death metal of course 😉). Gränsfors bruk, Hultafors, Mora, EKA, Karesuando, Casström, Fällkniven, Wetterlings and more.
That’s for sure, I have so much cool outdoor gear made in Sweden.
Well done vid.👍👍👍
So if you want an axe for axe work buy the council tool, if you want it for knife work buy the Gransfors Bruk. in the states CT $150 usd 110 pounds, GB $235 usd 172 pounds (amazon pricing.)
$235! That’s crazy, there are definitely cheaper options available that are just as good.
Great video!
Thanks!
I prefer the CT for it's versatility. BTW--which Hilltrek is that?
I think it was an older version of the Braemar.
Sorry off topic but not completely ! : Indeed I'd like the Council Tool but the Camp Carver,
with the small forest's handle, perhaps an inch longer. - But not Council Tool-s new long strait handle version on the Camp Carver long version .. Any thoughts ?
The camp carver looks like a very nice axe and I think it would be a good option. A longer handle would definitely make it more versatile and I agree the curved handles are much more comfortable to use in my opinion. Smedbergs do very nice replacement handles which is what I eventually put on my CT. I got the 24" option but you could try the 19" version for yours. I think they are the company that make the handles for Gransfors Bruk.
@@bundufundi That You so much for Your thoughtful answer !!
I dont have decided upon an axe yet
(except I have a 'long' Fiskars splitting axe).
I like to think that my Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri Plus shuld justify itself instead of a hatchet/'small axe',
so it all begun when I got intrigued by the scadinavian forest axe (longer model ofl the GB 'Small Forest Axe').
When EACH tool becomes a multipurpose; you still end up with more than one :-) "
For small construction and hammering (hardened for), but still longer : I dont understand why the
CT Camp Carver
would not instantly become more than a competitor to the GB's regular Forest axe (that with a 19-20" curved handle).
The curved 19" CT Pack axe is perhaps the solution.
(The CT long version Carving, with strait handle looks off to me.).
Purchase one, then send it to Smedbergs.. or ask them, ok.. I will look into that (!) but I'm not a user enough. Someone (You?) 'should' make a bundled order - fitted with clever leniard.. for resale...
(Or I challenge myself to adapt a modified curved handle if the 'long' strait one is indeed not satisfactory).
Again thanks for having 'validated' my first step :-)
BTB any thoughts about the Sibbulat and Fenix axes?
The GBSFA isn't a great splitter, it's a shame that the CT didn't come with the same length handle as the SFA.
Its a heavy head for a short handle and got tiring using it for a long time. Good steel and an interesting design though.
Off topic, but what kind of anorak are you wearing in this video?
It is a ventile smock made by a company in Scotland called Hilltrek. This is the double layered version.
G'day mate, just curious of your thoughts on these two axes vs your husky carpenters? When you take in that 1.2kg total weight on the CT, kind of brings in into the huskys territory
Out of the box these work better as general purpose axes but for a third of the price and some shaping of the handle and bit you could get pretty close. Also the husky has a longer handle than the CT which is definitely better for an axe over 1kg I think.
@@bundufundi that's pretty much what I was thinking, cheers. Still haven't worked out what to do with the husky.
Prices are about $155 U.S.
Yes dude gransfors& hultafors both harding the heads to a Rockwell 57-59,you were wrong on splitting kindling by the way
How so?
Where did you get the leather neck on your axe.
I made it myself.
Maybe it was just cold outside and the axe handle was suffering from a little shrinkage 😆👍
Maybe! 😂
Gransfors Bruk, hands down no contest.
Just like a gun, knife, axe and Bushcraft tool collection. Just one simply won't do.😂 Council Tools metallurgy and edge retention is superior. The Scandinavian Forest Axe is superior to the Forest Axe. Get out there and enjoy GOD'S creation!!!
I never understood this size axe. It's too big to carve one handed, and too small to chop anything down. They are dangerous because the handle is right in between a real axe and a carver. Also, for backpacking, too heavy. I use a real small lightweight 1.25 lbs head, 13 inch long handle hatchet for all carving, from spoons to kuksas, and even splitting logs between 5-10 inches using the log as a weight to land on the hatchet to split. Fits real nice strapped to the pack with nothing sticking out and is very efficient one handed without the axe head momentum swinging around and hitting yourself. I've chopped through 14 inch logs cross section with it, safely on the ground, but I wouldn't recommend it, use your saw. I keep it razor sharp, and the axe head is probably older than me. If it was any heavier it wouldn't be strapped to my pack and would fatigue my forearm way too fast. If you are doing that kind of serious chopping, It would be far too dangerous to be using the GB "Small Forest Axe" or the CT "Pack Axe" and it's time to bring out the 36 inch 3 or3.5 pound axe, or at last the 26 "boys" axe. This in between size just has no room in my pack or around camp.
Burks has just gotten greedy. F them
In theory council tools is a great buy. In reality, they will not send you good working axes. Council tool will actively send you downgraded axes over the internet such as Amazon or eBay. I'm 5 axes in and so far all returned for major problems out the box.
That’s a real shame, the CT axes I have were all ok, but so often companies do this.