Wood expands and contract with the seasons due to humidity levels. As Conrad says below, GB probable get the wood down to near zero moisture content, then shape them to fit the metal. As the wood returns to a more natural moisture content it will expand and lock solid to the head. You can't stop wood expanding and contracting but with this method you end up with either a tight head or a very tight head depending on the seasons. You can do this to replacement handles by slow baking them in an oven before shaping to fit.
My grandfather used to soak the axe heads in water the night before we used them to swell them up a little. I used to go to Italy to help him in the summer/fall months growing up as a kid. He made his own handles. He was amazing. I'm buying my father this axe now, the Gransfors, can't wait. He is almost 70 now, so I think he will really like the Scandinavian axe . Thanks for the video.
This guy is a pretty cool dude. I've watched his videos here and again for about two years and his enthusiasm is nothing less than epidemic levels of infectious. I watch this guy mess around for 15 minutes and my apartment turns into a cage. I've gotta go make something with my hands like a knife sheath or modify a backpack pouch or some damn thing. Given the amount of time he spends doing things with these tools I can pretty safely say that I'll take his word for it when he says an axe is good. I've been keeping my eye out for tips on a good portable woods axe and I'm pretty sure he just sold me on this one. Money well spent if it lives up to this praise.
AS - Anders Strömstedt DG - Daniel Gräntz KS - Kjell - Åke Sjölund LP - Lennart Petterson MB - Mattias Blixt-Pettersson MM - Mattias Mattson MS - Mikael Sundberg RA - Rune Andersson TT - Tobias Thelin UN - Ulrik Nilsson
Hal Convery yes they will all have a makers mark! TT, AS, KS, LP, MM, MB and recently ES are pretty good! LP and KS are semi retired but I have seen KS still forging the mini hatchets! If you want a really good Scandie like the one in the video I highly recommend TT. I hope this helps :)
You are very welcome Hal :) I am so happy for you. You will love it! I am telling you these axes, specially the model you have ordered are surrounded by magic :) there is something about them! I have many of them and they all have names :) Freja, Athena, Lisa and more :) Enjoy it! You treated yourself wonderfully for Christmas :)
I find I'm becoming the guy down lower. I watch axe videos everyday. I do a lot of trail work for mountain bike organization and decided I wanted to lose the folding saw and go old school with an axe. Bought a GB Wildlife for my wife to wrap up for Christmas. It was so nice, she wanted one for trail work also, so we bought her a mini, her girlfriend a mini, her husband a small forest axe, me an additional small forest axe, my son a wildlife, and my son-in-law a Hults Bruk Tarnaby. 7 axes are going under trees this Christmas all bought at a hardware store in Black Mountain NC that keeps the whole line in stock. That got me interested in Helle and Casstrom knives, but I better wait on that. This is addicting.
Dear Cody, thank you for your videos. I'm a freshman in college, your videos have kept me from dwelling on my homesickness and anxieties. I can't thank you enough for all your work.
Cody i can promise you that when you go to gränsfors you will not be disapointed ive been there twice with my dad and every time we were there we stayed for about 4 and a half hours just because its so amazing and the axe museum is just great and actually just outside the doorway to the museum there is a splitting station where you test some of their splitting axes. So Cody just go there with your family and you will not be dissapointed. have a good day!
Cody, the trick to getting the axe handle to stay solid in the eye is to reduce the moisture in the wood as much as possible before you fit it. This can be achieved by putting the handle in a drying box (a small box with a fan and incandescent light bulb). If you can drop the moisture level to less than 6 to 8%, then when you bring it to the field, it will pick up some moisture from the environment and swell. It only takes a day in the wrong weather to ruin a well dried handle or board. My experience is based on working in the family sawmilling business for 10 years before I graduated from college, where I studied forest engineering among other engineering subjects. Keep up the great work! You are an asset to the TH-cam community. Cheers!
You know what I like about you and your videos most is while you can take over 15 minutes to answer a simple question and if someone asked you that in person you would only take as long as needed to answer. In other words I feel you would be just awesome to talk to. If the situation arose for you to go on and on about something you could or you could get your point across quickly if needed. Keep up the good work Cody. I hope someday a situation arises that I get to meet you in person.
Dear Mr and Mrs "W", I just wanted to say what a blessing it is to watch your videos! Its truly a blessing to watch them . I think its cool how you take time out of your day just to entertain us.Mr W you are a man of much knowledge and a true man of God! keep up the great work!! Thank you!!
Im from Sweden and i bought the great forest axe 16 years ago. Lo and behold it has the stamp LP. I recall that when i was in the axe shop i begun to read the little axe book and saw a picture of Lennart. So I wanted a axe that was forged by him. Among ~10 axes I found one...and purchased it. Ever since, I have only used it occasionally for chopping branches from logged trees. Feels good to use great tools.
I have bought one Gränsfors Bruk forest axe (64cm - 25 1/4 in handle, the big one) in germany 2 weeks ago. treated it 7 times with linseed oil (leinölfirnis) and i love it, something for generations. thanks for the good videos.
Post from northern Sweden (Kiruna). Me and my twin brother both have a Lennart Pettersson axe, the scandinavian axe (large forest axe here) and a carpenter axe. We bought it for approximately 15-20 years ago. And like you, I have bought the American felling axe (I love than one too). I have always said to my brother that the scandinavian axe from "Gränsfors bruk" is the best axe there is. It is amzing, I can literally feel it when gripping the handle and work with wood in the forest. A personal story, we lost one axe during one season in the nature. It was dark at fall and we worked at different locations and it have "hide" under some fir branches (under snow). At the year after when we found it it was almost like new. Just a thin layer of powder rust on some part of the axe head. The handle and functionality was unaffected. Then I knew I had right in my assessment of quality. Btw. I become the 4000 person to give it a "like", (yay!).
Thanks Bud !. I know it´s not a merit to say i misplaced a GB axe in the forest, but still wanted to share this story because I agree what Cody W said about Gransfors quality. Greets from Swed. / Pete
I found several old axes in our barn and you've inspired me to attempt to restore them! They are all rusted and need new handles but once I do get them fixed up, I would love to get a Gransfors Bruks! Of course the Mrs. will wonder why I would buy one after fixing up several old ones...
Sold me on one, I must have watch 100 video`s on Axe`s...I short listed the Scandinavian forest axe from Gransfors Bruk, Then got all disappointed because no one I could find in the UK had ANY GB axes in stock.....Then after searching again for what felt like an eternity I found a supplier in Scotland that had one....Its on the way to me as I type this, should be here tomorrow. Cody, Thank you for your time and effort you put into these video`s. Please keep uploading as often as you can ( god knows how you find the time )...you are quite an inspiration and a fountain of knowledge. I must also add, what a lovely gift from Babak P ! That will never be forgotten. Regards from Cornwall in the UK.
varmartin of Kernow I am so happy for you for your new Scandie :)) you will love it! It is such a versatile tool! I find myself not even needing a knife anymore! Cheers
well, it arrived this morning....what a lovely axe ! Cant wait to take it out in the woods to see how we both get on together. I think it will sleep under my pillow tonight ..lol
varmartin of Kernow That's fantastic :))I keep mine next to my bed and look at it sometimes lol I know what you mean :) just make sure you keep the sheath on or she can cut :) enjoy her
Gränsfors bruk is currently in the process of absorbing Wetterlings who will stop existing and produce GB axes instead. If you prefer the Wetterlings, now would be a good time to buy one.
Just got this very model for my birthday and I am beyond blessed to own it. You just feel quality as soon as you unwrap it and see the mirror polished bevel and the ergonomics of the linseed dipped handle it’s just hard to find many things made in the same fashion as a gransfors bruks axe
"It is expensive but not for what you get" Best way to put it. I had a convo with someone on a woodworking video about traditional joinery piece prices vs. screw and nail constructed items. And it is my belief that it easily justifies spending a little extra for quality compared to paying to replace every so many years but no one seems to get that anymore. Sadly we live in the "disposable age".
I have a LP carpenter's axe that I bought 15 years ago. Never used. Thought I would carve rustic furniture when I retired. Also bought a hunters axe at same time. Again, never used. Used to cut up a half dozen deer a year. Hunting land became scarce. Beautiful. I use my Gerber and another cheap Swedish axe. Thanks for your videos.
@@TroutCRAZY i was gonna buy a husq so i can save my GBA a bit ....till i seen those photos ...i mean its grabage compared to the GBA... its crazy how it just snapted
I totally agree with you Cody i have 8 gransfors axes and the one i always grab is the Scandinavian forest axe. I have thrived in the woods using only that axe no knife no saw. I have skinned a least a dozen animals, felled, bucked, and split countless trees, done some finer carving/carpentry with just this axe and i just can't get enough of it. It is so awesome!
Leanart Petterson is actually 68 years old now so he has almost stopped making axes. he does axe repairs for the most part but he forges axes now and then.
I would really like to see another axe restoration video like the in the old days of this channel. The fss polaski restoration video is one of my favourites.
I just got a Gransfors Bruks splitting maul and I love it. I had never heard of G.B. until I started watching your channel. I don't have a regular axe, so the scandinavian forest axe will be my next purchased. Thanks for the recommendation.
For anyone who can't afford or get a hold of a Scandinavian forest axe, that model is essentially the same size as an American Boy's axe. They're by far my favorite size to restore. Very handy to pack, but still large enough to do serious work with
Glad you enjoy the ScFA. It was my first non-Fiskars axe. It has proven to be an absolute joy to use. I do a lot of back-country trips. It can be a hard time justifying the size and weight of it. When I do get to take it with me, I am always glad that I did.
e-mailed them "Was watching another wranglerstar video on youtube where he continued to make me want to buy one of your axes. He has convinced me that you are the gold standard for axes and, when I can afford one, I will purchase one and use it my whole life. I would not have known about your company, or found a love in axes if it wasn't for his show. He has suggested that his viewers e-mail you to encourage you to invite him to tour your factory. That would be such a treat. I would love to see how your axes are made. I think this would do nothing but help bolster your sales of excellent tools."
Gotta love Granfors Bruks! A few years back I bought the small forest axe on your recommendation and I have not regretted it. Like you say every time you hold it it makes you smile. Gives you the warm and fuzzys.
It so happened that I first encountered the video that showed a good way to carry an axe (Grizzly Peak). Thanks, Wranglerstar. Then I discovered how to properly sharpen an axe (How To Sharpen an Axe by Wranglerstar). Thanks, Wranglerstar. Now I've finally found the preferred axe. Thanks again, Wranglerstar.😊
I’m thinking of getting one when I get a shed up and running. I live in the suburbs and probably only ever use it a handful of times but it’s a beautiful axe that I could see me passing down to my son.
Wranglerstar, thank you for this video. For years I've been trying to find a great faller's axe for the central Oregon coast and narrowed my search down to the Small Forest Axe and the Scandinavian Forest Axe, so close was the race, I was contemplating sending you a message for your recommendation. You beat me to it. Thank you.
Cody, I recently have been looking for a good non-splitting axe. I really like that you posted a video like this. These are the kinds of videos that got me addicted to the Wranglerstar channel. That being said, I have really enjoyed how the channel has evolved and how you've included us viewers in your family life. Thank you as always, Brad
It's truly incredible how cheap these are...considering the countless folk who will happily pay $200+ $300+ $400+ for an absurd tactical folder etc etc...
What a generous gift! I would be hard pressed to part with such a beautiful tool. You must be so stoked to have received it. I look forward to seeing it action. I have the wetterlings axe in that size and I completely agree that it is the perfect all-round size. It lives in my truck and is used more than any other axe that I own. Even more than my small forest axe😲.
Thank you for your videos friend, I am new to the axe world and absolutely in love with them and maybe finding a new hobby and I learn so much from you.
Thank you so much for all your videos. I just ordered a Gransfors Bruks Scandanavian Axe, and this video was a deciding factor on me ordering one. 8-) Thanks again.
Thanks for a good video that inspired me to watch several ax making videos that are available here on youtube. Yes, and it's OK to shed a tear or two when looking at a thing of beauty!
Gransfors Scandinavian is my favorite. Small enough that it is reasonable to take it along with most trips, large enough to be able to do most reasonable ax work.
Have a few different models of these Swedish axes, some for a couple decades...and a couple of LP's. I've always described his Forest axe; handling as well as the best golf club. No loose handles ever...
Before I started watching your channel I wound never have guessed that Sweden made so good axes, theres a outdoors shop in my city here in Sweden (100 km from Mora) that sells Granfors Bruks axes. Thanks to you I will get a Granfors Bruks axe soon I think :)
Thankyou for this review. I really like enjoy the information and knowledge on the topic. I’ve had a wildlife hatchet from Granfors Bruks and just ordered the small forest axe. It’s more a collectors axe for me. I’ll still use it don’t get me wrong.
all the way from Scotland, and so glad that you and ur good lady still have morels, !!! yes videos r grt, educational,!!!!, pritty get people, written on behalf of Steven, by helper ,J .air. more pls, keeps steven in a happy place ,as he does not get out , I thank use, as find u and family r one big team!!! ,
I really appreciate you making this video. I now know what I want in terms of an axe. The last axe I purchased was way too heavy and large for me. That Collins axe is quite the treasure too !! You speak with such passion and humility.
Hi Cody, very nice Review of the Scandinavian Forest Axe. I absolutely agree to you: that's the best choice of an axe. So versatile size. I got 2 of them, absolutely profi Tools. Cheers, Erik
I love your videos man. Your honesty and knowledge from experience is so refreshing in comparison to the majority of guys making videos these days. I have a Collins legitimus and love it. I've been looking at the GB scandinavian fa for along time now..
It's funny, a few months ago I decided to finally invest in a nice quality axe. I knew I probably wouldn't be getting more than 1 axe for the near future and wanted something that was versatile and also excellent quality. I ended up with the Scandinavian forest axe. Mine was made by Ulrik, though I still love it.
Just ordered that axe, looking forward to using it. Trying to teach my sons that quality matters, best to pay a little more now for a tool you can pass down the like for possibly 100's of years than to pay next to nothing and get exactly that...next to nothing.
Hi, I have been to their shop and did a knifemaking course and we got a tour around the factory and it was amazing and very educational. I highly recommend to go there.
I'm guessing Granfors bruks uses very dry aged hickory that has been in 0% humidity, they then set the head in 0% humidity. When you get the axe [it is then in ambient environment] it is exposed to humidity and will always be tighter due to swelling, ie.. never gets loose.
Conrad K. Yes probably :} . I have this Scandinavian forest axe by LP. Purchased it approx. 15 years ago when GB was not as famous as it is today. Haven't use it so much. Therefore it's in impeccable condition. This axe are ideal for chopping off branches on a fur tree.
Gränsfors Bruks allow people to come and visit, check the production on weekdays. So It would not surprise me if They also could do a tour for you . Check with them. :)
The ax, at tool, looks beautiful. However: I do not own a single tool because of form. It is function that is the measurement of the tool. I'll take it on faith that your assessment of the ax is spot on. I would have loved to see it split or chop some wood. If the destiny of that ax is to be admired, adored, and looked at, then put it in a nice glass frame, mount it on a wall, add lighting and put a video showing it in all its glory. Here's hoping we get to see it in action. - Annie
I have this axe, it was handed down to me from my father. I can also attest to how well they holdup and feel. Sadly he past away... so when I use it makes it extra special. I have a feeling it will come to my sons and outlast me. An awesome axe.
I just bought the Scandinavian axe - feels nice Just gifted my small forest axe to a friend😉 Used and abused it. Even cut a car bumper that poited in a 90 deg angle after hitting a deer 😜 Never sharpened it and it is still sharp
Loved this vid! I managed to get my hands around a GF Bruks small forest axe here in Vt. I currently have a Snow and Nealley Hudson bay forest axe. Amish made from Maine. But your correct, the head does wiggle loose after hard use. Maybe I will go back and look a bit harder at that GF Bruks. Ever use a Snow and Nealley? Thanks Cody
Hi , I definitely enjoy a lot of your videos. I find your passion for tools to be infectious. To receive these amazing tools from people whose passion is the same as you. I find myself wanting them too.
I believe that Cody mentioned that the LP is the model but it's actually the initials of the smith that made the axe. It's pretty awesome of a company to allow their smiths to make their mark on a product.
Wow, I am amazed at the quality of hickory on that axe. I can tell that was very meticulously selected and carefully shaped along the grain pattern to become a very well suited handle. The head is hard to tell without actually touching/handling it. That would be very hard to leave behind if I could only choose one.
Rod Dahl whel i could pay him one euro if he puts metric measurements on it but seriously i don't get how asking a small favour is such a big deal, and i'm not a liberal
Well. I don't think that drawing is available anymore so the copy that Cody owns is pretty rare. It would be nice if he would share it with the rest of us so that it doesen't die out. :)
Hi. I made the shop tour at Gransfors Bruks two weeks ago. Was a great experience and i think if you plan to attend the shop tour you might announce that they should plan 3 instead of 2 hours for you because i think you will throw in much more specific questions then the average visitors. Best regards Daniel
i have been watching your channel for a long time and i remmeber when you said that the small Forrest axe was your favorite axe it became famous not long after then you said the marbles axe was good and it too became popular now this Scandinavian forrest axe is going to become extremely popular because wathcing your videos is like picking up a good axe you can tell that you make them with a passion and love doing it. which makes it easy to trust you and spend the money to buy a great axe thank you for the great videos and god bless your family.
You talked about cutting down a 26 inch dugless fur in another vide and made it seem like a small forest axe would make it easy so I looked that up and you have a video on that also! Love it
The Scandinavian Forest Axe will be my next acquisition. I will refinish the handle, exactly as I have done my SFA - the London Oil Finish with linseed oil.
I've got 5 Gransfors bruks axes now. I would have a tough time picking between my Scandinavian forest axe and the double bit felling axe if I could only have one. Definitely would want to have the splitting maul with me. I saw one of your early videos of the small forest axe about 4 years ago and that led me to buy the Scandinavian forest axe as my first Gransfors bruks axe, now it's become a collection that keeps growing.
I've been watching your axe videos for some time now, and I finally found a couple that I truly love that have a good solid American name to them. I have an old craftsman single bit felling axe and a True Temper Flint Edge Hatchet. Thank you so much for instilling in me such an appreciation for these wonderful tools.
I too, for several years now have been looking to attend the Granfors Bruks log building class. Perhaps in the next two-three years as I'm about to "retire."
The thing I find is best with Gransfors bruks axes is the balance, no matter where you hold it is balanced perfectly. one less thing to think about when using a dangerous tool is good!
If I can only have one axe... it would be the GB small forest axe. I just love the size and feel of it. I'm a weekend camper, so I don't need anything bigger. However, if I was to live off the grid in some remote forests. Then of course, I would pick the GB Scandinavian Forest Axe.
Going a bit off topic here, Cody, but have you ever watched any of Mr.Chickadee's videos on Timber framing? He really knows his stuff when it comes to timber framing, he uses all the old tools, wood chisels, buck saws, hand saws, various planes to do the various mortise and tenon joints, and uses simple ways of raising the completed frame for one side to standing position just him and his wife( I think that is who she is ) with no outside help and the building is a 2 story plus an attic space, then uses a mud and straw to make a waddle type of enclosing the building. It is interesting to watch him make all those complex joints. Just asking.
You raise some good points about axe design, particularly with regard to Collins Hudson Bay Pattern coming loose (I have similar design in Norlund Axe) lots of leverage with too little haft in the eye results in breakages or wood fibres compressing, compounded by longer hafts. I like Gransfors Bruks, Hultfors Bruks and SA Wetterling. Also check out the Finnish designed Billnas Bruk and Kellokoski, Mariefors designs with the long socketed heads. Yes, it is tricky to replicate axe hafts by eye. I have re-hafted axes, making the hafts, only to be unhappy with them and cut them off for a second attempt to get it right!
I was a logger years ago but don't know a whole lot about axes. My grand father tho, made a life and a living with an axe and a cross cut saw in the Northern Maine woods. Dad told me Grand dad would hold an axe by the handle and shake it side to side. If he couldn't feel it flex , then the handle was too thick. Ol' boy knew his stuff. I couldn't hold a candle.
soaking the head/handle in antifreeze works great. It won't evaporate out of the handle and makes a tight fit for a long time. Shout out to AvE's channel for some really good knowledge.
Love the video. Found this channel searching for axe sharpening a year or two ago. Love the channel Cody. I watch every day. Keep up the cool interesting vids!
you said it all.......the people who build them, use them. My frustration with tools especially the cheaper ones is the designers don't use the item they are building, they just copy someone else's design without the detail of making it work. they just make it look good
I like both well. I favor the Collins. Partially due to heritage and handle/edge combination. I agree with statement you made on cheeks and less contact coming loose.
Its nice to see that how much you appreciate craftsmanship in hand tools. It seems to be a lost art.
Truer words were never spoken
Craftsmanship dies when we as a society stop supporting it and fail to recognize its value.
I’m 16 and I only have one friend that is as interested in axes and knifes as me, all my other friends probably haven’t even touched an axe
Dear Cody, I am glad you like her :) Now you know why she wanted to come to you! Enjoy her and god bless!
That was a very nice gesture to send that to Cody
Well done Babak! Definitely a good home for that axe.
+Sunny W thank you, she really wanted to go to the wranglerstar family :)
+The Tactical Texan thank you brother! Its my pleasure
did you polished the axe head or did it come polished?
great axe.
Wood expands and contract with the seasons due to humidity levels. As Conrad says below, GB probable get the wood down to near zero moisture content, then shape them to fit the metal. As the wood returns to a more natural moisture content it will expand and lock solid to the head. You can't stop wood expanding and contracting but with this method you end up with either a tight head or a very tight head depending on the seasons. You can do this to replacement handles by slow baking them in an oven before shaping to fit.
great explanation!
My grandfather used to soak the axe heads in water the night before we used them to swell them up a little. I used to go to Italy to help him in the summer/fall months growing up as a kid. He made his own handles. He was amazing. I'm buying my father this axe now, the Gransfors, can't wait. He is almost 70 now, so I think he will really like the Scandinavian axe . Thanks for the video.
This guy is a pretty cool dude. I've watched his videos here and again for about two years and his enthusiasm is nothing less than epidemic levels of infectious. I watch this guy mess around for 15 minutes and my apartment turns into a cage. I've gotta go make something with my hands like a knife sheath or modify a backpack pouch or some damn thing.
Given the amount of time he spends doing things with these tools I can pretty safely say that I'll take his word for it when he says an axe is good. I've been keeping my eye out for tips on a good portable woods axe and I'm pretty sure he just sold me on this one. Money well spent if it lives up to this praise.
Thank you Alloran,
Wranglerstar
AS - Anders Strömstedt
DG - Daniel Gräntz
KS - Kjell - Åke Sjölund
LP - Lennart Petterson
MB - Mattias Blixt-Pettersson
MM - Mattias Mattson
MS - Mikael Sundberg
RA - Rune Andersson
TT - Tobias Thelin
UN - Ulrik Nilsson
who is considered the best of these? Will all the heads come with a makers mark?
Hal Convery yes they will all have a makers mark! TT, AS, KS, LP, MM, MB and recently ES are pretty good! LP and KS are semi retired but I have seen KS still forging the mini hatchets! If you want a really good Scandie like the one in the video I highly recommend TT. I hope this helps :)
thanks babak. ive ordered a scandinavian forsest axe...im rather excited
You are very welcome Hal :) I am so happy for you. You will love it! I am telling you these axes, specially the model you have ordered are surrounded by magic :) there is something about them! I have many of them and they all have names :) Freja, Athena, Lisa and more :) Enjoy it! You treated yourself wonderfully for Christmas :)
Ulrik Nilsson made mine and its pretty nice
I find I'm becoming the guy down lower. I watch axe videos everyday. I do a lot of trail work for mountain bike organization and decided I wanted to lose the folding saw and go old school with an axe. Bought a GB Wildlife for my wife to wrap up for Christmas. It was so nice, she wanted one for trail work also, so we bought her a mini, her girlfriend a mini, her husband a small forest axe, me an additional small forest axe, my son a wildlife, and my son-in-law a Hults Bruk Tarnaby. 7 axes are going under trees this Christmas all bought at a hardware store in Black Mountain NC that keeps the whole line in stock. That got me interested in Helle and Casstrom knives, but I better wait on that. This is addicting.
Everyday I look forward to a cup of coffee after work and a Wranglerstar video. AWESOME!!!!
I purchased this axe yesterday after watching multiple Wranglerstar videos. Couldn’t be happier.
Dear Cody, thank you for your videos. I'm a freshman in college, your videos have kept me from dwelling on my homesickness and anxieties. I can't thank you enough for all your work.
Cody i can promise you that when you go to gränsfors you will not be disapointed ive been there twice with my dad and every time we were there we stayed for about 4 and a half hours just because its so amazing and the axe museum is just great and actually just outside the doorway to the museum there is a splitting station where you test some of their splitting axes. So Cody just go there with your family and you will not be dissapointed. have a good day!
Cody, the trick to getting the axe handle to stay solid in the eye is to reduce the moisture in the wood as much as possible before you fit it. This can be achieved by putting the handle in a drying box (a small box with a fan and incandescent light bulb). If you can drop the moisture level to less than 6 to 8%, then when you bring it to the field, it will pick up some moisture from the environment and swell. It only takes a day in the wrong weather to ruin a well dried handle or board. My experience is based on working in the family sawmilling business for 10 years before I graduated from college, where I studied forest engineering among other engineering subjects. Keep up the great work! You are an asset to the TH-cam community. Cheers!
You know what I like about you and your videos most is while you can take over 15 minutes to answer a simple question and if someone asked you that in person you would only take as long as needed to answer. In other words I feel you would be just awesome to talk to. If the situation arose for you to go on and on about something you could or you could get your point across quickly if needed. Keep up the good work Cody. I hope someday a situation arises that I get to meet you in person.
Dear Mr and Mrs "W", I just wanted to say what a blessing it is to watch your videos! Its truly a blessing to watch them . I think its cool how you take time out of your day just to entertain us.Mr W you are a man of much knowledge and a true man of God! keep up the great work!! Thank you!!
Im from Sweden and i bought the great forest axe 16 years ago. Lo and behold it has the stamp LP.
I recall that when i was in the axe shop i begun to read the little axe book and saw a picture of Lennart. So I wanted a axe that was forged by him. Among ~10 axes I found one...and purchased it.
Ever since, I have only used it occasionally for chopping branches from logged trees.
Feels good to use great tools.
That’s amazing. Thanks for sharing your story. If you ever decided to part with that axe, I would be interested. Happy new year and be safe
@@BabakPA Thanks Babak. I will keep you in mind.
Expand your horizon 🏕
Greeting from Swe 🇸🇪🌻
@@Vivungisport Thank you my friend, greetings from Canada. God bless and be safe🙏🏻💛💙🇸🇪
I have bought one Gränsfors Bruk forest axe (64cm - 25 1/4 in handle, the big one) in germany 2 weeks ago. treated it 7 times with linseed oil (leinölfirnis) and i love it, something for generations. thanks for the good videos.
Post from northern Sweden (Kiruna). Me and my twin brother both have a Lennart Pettersson axe, the scandinavian axe (large forest axe here) and a carpenter axe. We bought it for approximately 15-20 years ago. And like you, I have bought the American felling axe (I love than one too).
I have always said to my brother that the scandinavian axe from "Gränsfors bruk" is the best axe there is. It is amzing, I can literally feel it when gripping the handle and work with wood in the forest.
A personal story, we lost one axe during one season in the nature. It was dark at fall and we worked at different locations and it have "hide" under some fir branches (under snow). At the year after when we found it it was almost like new. Just a thin layer of powder rust on some part of the axe head. The handle and functionality was unaffected. Then I knew I had right in my assessment of quality.
Btw. I become the 4000 person to give it a "like", (yay!).
peter hansi That's amazing :) cheers from Canada
Thanks Bud !. I know it´s not a merit to say i misplaced a GB axe in the forest, but still wanted to share this story because I agree what Cody W said about Gransfors quality.
Greets from Swed. / Pete
I found several old axes in our barn and you've inspired me to attempt to restore them! They are all rusted and need new handles but once I do get them fixed up, I would love to get a Gransfors Bruks! Of course the Mrs. will wonder why I would buy one after fixing up several old ones...
@BookBinder Bachelor Sad to say, not yet.
They don't get more beautiful than this gem! Marriage of head and handle is perfect.
There's a whole lotta love built in to that axe.
Sold me on one, I must have watch 100 video`s on Axe`s...I short listed
the Scandinavian forest axe from Gransfors Bruk, Then got all disappointed
because no one I could find in the UK had ANY GB axes in stock.....Then
after searching again for what felt like an eternity I found a supplier
in Scotland that had one....Its on the way to me as I type this, should
be here tomorrow.
Cody, Thank you for your time and effort you put into these video`s.
Please keep uploading as often as you can ( god knows how you find the
time )...you are quite an inspiration and a fountain of knowledge.
I must also add, what a lovely gift from Babak P ! That will never be forgotten.
Regards from Cornwall in the UK.
varmartin of Kernow I am so happy for you for your new Scandie :)) you will love it! It is such a versatile tool! I find myself not even needing a knife anymore! Cheers
well, it arrived this morning....what a lovely axe ! Cant wait to take it out in the woods to see how we both get on together. I think it will sleep under my pillow tonight ..lol
varmartin of Kernow That's fantastic :))I keep mine next to my bed and look at it sometimes lol I know what you mean :) just make sure you keep the sheath on or she can cut :) enjoy her
Gränsfors bruk is currently in the process of absorbing Wetterlings who will stop existing and produce GB axes instead. If you prefer the Wetterlings, now would be a good time to buy one.
I'm glad I bought mine a few months ago. You have a way of making things go backordered.
Just got this very model for my birthday and I am beyond blessed to own it. You just feel quality as soon as you unwrap it and see the mirror polished bevel and the ergonomics of the linseed dipped handle it’s just hard to find many things made in the same fashion as a gransfors bruks axe
"It is expensive but not for what you get" Best way to put it. I had a convo with someone on a woodworking video about traditional joinery piece prices vs. screw and nail constructed items. And it is my belief that it easily justifies spending a little extra for quality compared to paying to replace every so many years but no one seems to get that anymore. Sadly we live in the "disposable age".
I have a LP carpenter's axe that I bought 15 years ago. Never used. Thought I would carve rustic furniture when I retired. Also bought a hunters axe at same time. Again, never used. Used to cut up a half dozen deer a year. Hunting land became scarce. Beautiful. I use my Gerber and another cheap Swedish axe. Thanks for your videos.
Why do I keep watching axe videos????
Because you've been useing that shitty sog tomahawk you got for Christmas for the last two years and you need a new hatchet
Because you're the man
I’ve been watching them all morning now no idea why
@@Boatflipit because axes are radical
Its ok, we all have the same sickness...
Husqvarna/Hultafors makes an axe the same size as the Scandinavian. I wonder how they would compare back to back. Hint, hint!
Hasqvarna are no good, if you split hard wood and hit a knot they break in to 2 pieces, check out some picture in reviews on Amazon lol
@@TroutCRAZY i was gonna buy a husq so i can save my GBA a bit ....till i seen those photos ...i mean its grabage compared to the GBA... its crazy how it just snapted
1 bad axe review is not indicative of the company....I've used 2 husqvarna for at least 12 years and have been great, yhe hultafors are hood as well
I totally agree with you Cody i have 8 gransfors axes and the one i always grab is the Scandinavian forest axe. I have thrived in the woods using only that axe no knife no saw. I have skinned a least a dozen animals, felled, bucked, and split countless trees, done some finer carving/carpentry with just this axe and i just can't get enough of it. It is so awesome!
Leanart Petterson is actually 68 years old now so he has almost stopped making axes. he does axe repairs for the most part but he forges axes now and then.
Scandinavian Huntsman w
these axes are forged in dies.. the gribdibg, fitting and fibishing is the matter at hand not who put hot steel in a die
@@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367 so?
Axe fanatic with Swedish wife travels to Sweden every few years... and has not been to the Gransfors Bruk factory yet, how is this even possible?
I would really like to see another axe restoration video like the in the old days of this channel. The fss polaski restoration video is one of my favourites.
He just did a 5 or 6 part restoration on a marbles? pocket axe.
I just got a Gransfors Bruks splitting maul and I love it. I had never heard of G.B. until I started watching your channel. I don't have a regular axe, so the scandinavian forest axe will be my next purchased. Thanks for the recommendation.
For anyone who can't afford or get a hold of a Scandinavian forest axe, that model is essentially the same size as an American Boy's axe. They're by far my favorite size to restore. Very handy to pack, but still large enough to do serious work with
I bought Gransfors Bruks because of you Cody. Now I want all of there axes. It has made me start collecting them.
Glad you enjoy the ScFA. It was my first non-Fiskars axe. It has proven to be an absolute joy to use. I do a lot of back-country trips. It can be a hard time justifying the size and weight of it. When I do get to take it with me, I am always glad that I did.
i love mine granfors bruks scandinavian forest axe. i have thinned mine quite a bit behind the edge to so it sinks in even deeper.
e-mailed them
"Was watching another wranglerstar video on youtube where he continued to make me want to buy one of your axes. He has convinced me that you are the gold standard for axes and, when I can afford one, I will purchase one and use it my whole life. I would not have known about your company, or found a love in axes if it wasn't for his show.
He has suggested that his viewers e-mail you to encourage you to invite him to tour your factory. That would be such a treat. I would love to see how your axes are made. I think this would do nothing but help bolster your sales of excellent tools."
Thank you for your family friendly videos. My 12 y/o likes watching your video's and I appreciate it's appropriate content, God Bless..
Gotta love Granfors Bruks! A few years back I bought the small forest axe on your recommendation and I have not regretted it. Like you say every time you hold it it makes you smile. Gives you the warm and fuzzys.
It so happened that I first encountered the video that showed a good way to carry an axe (Grizzly Peak). Thanks, Wranglerstar.
Then I discovered how to properly sharpen an axe (How To Sharpen an Axe by Wranglerstar). Thanks, Wranglerstar.
Now I've finally found the preferred axe. Thanks again, Wranglerstar.😊
I’m thinking of getting one when I get a shed up and running. I live in the suburbs and probably only ever use it a handful of times but it’s a beautiful axe that I could see me passing down to my son.
Wranglerstar, thank you for this video. For years I've been trying to find a great faller's axe for the central Oregon coast and narrowed my search down to the Small Forest Axe and the Scandinavian Forest Axe, so close was the race, I was contemplating sending you a message for your recommendation. You beat me to it. Thank you.
Cody,
I recently have been looking for a good non-splitting axe. I really like that you posted a video like this. These are the kinds of videos that got me addicted to the Wranglerstar channel. That being said, I have really enjoyed how the channel has evolved and how you've included us viewers in your family life.
Thank you as always,
Brad
It's truly incredible how cheap these are...considering the countless folk who will happily pay $200+ $300+ $400+ for an absurd tactical folder etc etc...
Yes it is incredible for what it is such a bargain
What a generous gift! I would be hard pressed to part with such a beautiful tool. You must be so stoked to have received it. I look forward to seeing it action. I have the wetterlings axe in that size and I completely agree that it is the perfect all-round size. It lives in my truck and is used more than any other axe that I own. Even more than my small forest axe😲.
in Sweden that axe would cost you 105 USdollars, and you get a 20 year guarantee on it. That is not expensive for that quality. I love that axe.
200$ in the US
Thank you for your videos friend, I am new to the axe world and absolutely in love with them and maybe finding a new hobby and I learn so much from you.
I totally agree with you. I have many of axe produced by Gransfors nowadays and, really, the Scandinavian Forest axe is the most versatile of them.
Thank you so much for all your videos. I just ordered a Gransfors Bruks Scandanavian Axe, and this video was a deciding factor on me ordering one. 8-) Thanks again.
It's always been a dream of mine to have a Granfors Bruks forest axe. What a beauty!
Both of mine have the initials "MB"... They are still of the highest quality... I love them...
That is an absolute piece of artistry!
I have had the same axe for a while now. I love it. I use it for firewood, but I also backpack with mine in the winter. amazingly perfect.
Thanks for a good video that inspired me to watch several ax making videos that are available here on youtube. Yes, and it's OK to shed a tear or two when looking at a thing of beauty!
Gransfors Scandinavian is my favorite. Small enough that it is reasonable to take it along with most trips, large enough to be able to do most reasonable ax work.
Have a few different models of these Swedish axes, some for a couple decades...and a couple of LP's. I've always described his Forest axe; handling as well as the best golf club. No loose handles ever...
Before I started watching your channel I wound never have guessed that Sweden made so good axes, theres a outdoors shop in my city here in Sweden (100 km from Mora) that sells Granfors Bruks axes. Thanks to you I will get a Granfors Bruks axe soon I think :)
Thankyou for this review. I really like enjoy the information and knowledge on the topic. I’ve had a wildlife hatchet from Granfors Bruks and just ordered the small forest axe. It’s more a collectors axe for me. I’ll still use it don’t get me wrong.
all the way from Scotland, and so glad that you and ur good lady still have morels, !!! yes videos r grt, educational,!!!!, pritty get people, written on behalf of Steven, by helper ,J .air. more pls, keeps steven in a happy place ,as he does not get out , I thank use, as find u and family r one big team!!! ,
I really appreciate you making this video. I now know what I want in terms of an axe. The last axe I purchased was way too heavy and large for me. That Collins axe is quite the treasure too !! You speak with such passion and humility.
Hi Cody, very nice Review of the Scandinavian Forest Axe. I absolutely agree to you: that's the best choice of an axe. So versatile size. I got 2 of them, absolutely profi Tools. Cheers, Erik
I love your videos man. Your honesty and knowledge from experience is so refreshing in comparison to the majority of guys making videos these days. I have a Collins legitimus and love it. I've been looking at the GB scandinavian fa for along time now..
speaking of double the area of the eye...have you ever hung a big jersey or a connecticut......loads of mating surface.
It's funny, a few months ago I decided to finally invest in a nice quality axe. I knew I probably wouldn't be getting more than 1 axe for the near future and wanted something that was versatile and also excellent quality. I ended up with the Scandinavian forest axe. Mine was made by Ulrik, though I still love it.
Just ordered that axe, looking forward to using it. Trying to teach my sons that quality matters, best to pay a little more now for a tool you can pass down the like for possibly 100's of years than to pay next to nothing and get exactly that...next to nothing.
Hi, I have been to their shop and did a knifemaking course and we got a tour around the factory and it was amazing and very educational. I highly recommend to go there.
I'm guessing Granfors bruks uses very dry aged hickory that has been in 0% humidity, they then set the head in 0% humidity. When you get the axe [it is then in ambient environment] it is exposed to humidity and will always be tighter due to swelling, ie.. never gets loose.
Conrad K. Yes probably :} . I have this Scandinavian forest axe by LP. Purchased it approx. 15 years ago when GB was not as famous as it is today. Haven't use it so much. Therefore it's in impeccable condition. This axe are ideal for chopping off branches on a fur tree.
That is pretty much exactly what was going through my mind , would also justify the higher price tag.
Gränsfors Bruks allow people to come and visit, check the production on weekdays. So It would not surprise me if They also could do a tour for you . Check with them. :)
I don't know why I watch his videos he's just so cool
*Proper way of doing things*
I suppose that is probably it. By the way that was a proper response...
The ax, at tool, looks beautiful. However: I do not own a single tool because of form. It is function that is the measurement of the tool. I'll take it on faith that your assessment of the ax is spot on. I would have loved to see it split or chop some wood. If the destiny of that ax is to be admired, adored, and looked at, then put it in a nice glass frame, mount it on a wall, add lighting and put a video showing it in all its glory. Here's hoping we get to see it in action. - Annie
I have this axe, it was handed down to me from my father. I can also attest to how well they holdup and feel. Sadly he past away... so when I use it makes it extra special. I have a feeling it will come to my sons and outlast me. An awesome axe.
I got my Scandinavian Forest Axe before Gransfors purchased S.A. Wetterlings. Very fine axe for sure.
I just bought the Scandinavian axe - feels nice
Just gifted my small forest axe to a friend😉
Used and abused it. Even cut a car bumper that poited in a 90 deg angle after hitting a deer 😜
Never sharpened it and it is still sharp
Loved this vid! I managed to get my hands around a GF Bruks small forest axe here in Vt. I currently have a Snow and Nealley Hudson bay forest axe. Amish made from Maine. But your correct, the head does wiggle loose after hard use. Maybe I will go back and look a bit harder at that GF Bruks. Ever use a Snow and Nealley? Thanks Cody
Hi , I definitely enjoy a lot of your videos. I find your passion for tools to be infectious. To receive these amazing tools from people whose passion is the same as you. I find myself wanting them too.
I believe that Cody mentioned that the LP is the model but it's actually the initials of the smith that made the axe. It's pretty awesome of a company to allow their smiths to make their mark on a product.
Wow, I am amazed at the quality of hickory on that axe. I can tell that was very meticulously selected and carefully shaped along the grain pattern to become a very well suited handle. The head is hard to tell without actually touching/handling it. That would be very hard to leave behind if I could only choose one.
I have the same axe, minus the LP. What a great axe indeed :)
PaleoHikerMD UN?
Could you maybe upload a pdf file of the original handle patern of the Collins axe?
Yes! That would be awesome! :D
i second that
Rod Dahl whel i could pay him one euro if he puts metric measurements on it
but seriously i don't get how asking a small favour is such a big deal, and i'm not a liberal
Well. I don't think that drawing is available anymore so the copy that Cody owns is pretty rare. It would be nice if he would share it with the rest of us so that it doesen't die out. :)
i would pay for it too i don't think there's any reason to be so hostile about something you have absolutely nothing to do with
Hi. I made the shop tour at Gransfors Bruks two weeks ago. Was a great experience and i think if you plan to attend the shop tour you might announce that they should plan 3 instead of 2 hours for you because i think you will throw in much more specific questions then the average visitors. Best regards Daniel
i have been watching your channel for a long time and i remmeber when you said that the small Forrest axe was your favorite axe it became famous not long after then you said the marbles axe was good and it too became popular now this Scandinavian forrest axe is going to become extremely popular because wathcing your videos is like picking up a good axe you can tell that you make them with a passion and love doing it. which makes it easy to trust you and spend the money to buy a great axe thank you for the great videos and god bless your family.
You talked about cutting down a 26 inch dugless fur in another vide and made it seem like a small forest axe would make it easy so I looked that up and you have a video on that also! Love it
The Scandinavian Forest Axe will be my next acquisition. I will refinish the handle, exactly as I have done my SFA - the London Oil Finish with linseed oil.
I've got 5 Gransfors bruks axes now. I would have a tough time picking between my Scandinavian forest axe and the double bit felling axe if I could only have one. Definitely would want to have the splitting maul with me.
I saw one of your early videos of the small forest axe about 4 years ago and that led me to buy the Scandinavian forest axe as my first Gransfors bruks axe, now it's become a collection that keeps growing.
The respect for the skills and craftmansship. You gotta love it.
i have thinned my scandinavian forest axe a good bit and its great truely a perfect tool
Great video. I have my grandfather's early LL Bean Hudson Bay ax . Also a beautiful tool
I've been watching your axe videos for some time now, and I finally found a couple that I truly love that have a good solid American name to them. I have an old craftsman single bit felling axe and a True Temper Flint Edge Hatchet. Thank you so much for instilling in me such an appreciation for these wonderful tools.
I too, for several years now have been looking to attend the Granfors Bruks log building class. Perhaps in the next two-three years as I'm about to "retire."
Stop it you are having me want to spend money.
Haha do it its Worth it
The thing I find is best with Gransfors bruks axes is the balance, no matter where you hold it is balanced perfectly. one less thing to think about when using a dangerous tool is good!
If I can only have one axe... it would be the GB small forest axe. I just love the size and feel of it. I'm a weekend camper, so I don't need anything bigger. However, if I was to live off the grid in some remote forests. Then of course, I would pick the GB Scandinavian Forest Axe.
Is it the 19”?
Going a bit off topic here, Cody, but have you ever watched any of Mr.Chickadee's videos on Timber framing? He really knows his stuff when it comes to timber framing, he uses all the old tools, wood chisels, buck saws, hand saws, various planes to do the various mortise and tenon joints, and uses simple ways of raising the completed frame for one side to standing position just him and his wife( I think that is who she is ) with no outside help and the building is a 2 story plus an attic space, then uses a mud and straw to make a waddle type of enclosing the building. It is interesting to watch him make all those complex joints. Just asking.
You raise some good points about axe design, particularly with regard to Collins Hudson Bay Pattern coming loose (I have similar design in Norlund Axe) lots of leverage with too little haft in the eye results in breakages or wood fibres compressing, compounded by longer hafts. I like Gransfors Bruks, Hultfors Bruks and SA Wetterling. Also check out the Finnish designed Billnas Bruk and Kellokoski, Mariefors designs with the long socketed heads. Yes, it is tricky to replicate axe hafts by eye. I have re-hafted axes, making the hafts, only to be unhappy with them and cut them off for a second attempt to get it right!
I was a logger years ago but don't know a whole lot about axes. My grand father tho, made a life and a living with an axe and a cross cut saw in the Northern Maine woods. Dad told me Grand dad would hold an axe by the handle and shake it side to side. If he couldn't feel it flex , then the handle was too thick. Ol' boy knew his stuff. I couldn't hold a candle.
Just ordered the Hunting 418 model. Can't wait to get it.
soaking the head/handle in antifreeze works great. It won't evaporate out of the handle and makes a tight fit for a long time. Shout out to AvE's channel for some really good knowledge.
Love the video. Found this channel searching for axe sharpening a year or two ago. Love the channel Cody. I watch every day. Keep up the cool interesting vids!
you said it all.......the people who build them, use them. My frustration with tools especially the cheaper ones is the designers don't use the item they are building, they just copy someone else's design without the detail of making it work. they just make it look good
I like both well. I favor the Collins. Partially due to heritage and handle/edge combination. I agree with statement you made on cheeks and less contact coming loose.