2 Gransfors Bruks, wildlife hatchet v Outdoor Axe review

[@SnowyAspenHills]

Interesting comparison, I have the wildlife hatchet and it’s served me well. Considering a small forest axe though. I’m not American,I’m an English Carpenter/Joiner /furniture maker (I’m old hence I have covered all these aspects of woodwork over a 45 year career. Having done some research I can say for sure Pioneers would definitely have had saws.Wagons would have needed to be repaired, houses built from scratch when they settled, furniture made, you wouldn’t be doing all that without a saw (s) of different kinds unless you were very unfortunate or mad.

[@Buckeyes216]

I’m American and use a boreal 21 saw, wildlife hatchet and esee knife. It covers all aspects of processing wood.

[@damienvanhalen]

Yes you did say it would be more of a challenge. Really enjoying your video. That section was a good laugh. I have the outdoor axe and the mini hatchet for cooking, preparing meats, and very fine kindlin. I have the Scandanavian forest axe. I think I am getting the Hunters axe next instead of the small forest axe. I love these axes and really enjoy your channel.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thanks 👍

[@johnclifford1911]

I own the GB Outdoor Axe and other axes and hatchets. The Outdoor Axe is a beast for processing wood, and the speed at which it will actually shred a small tree (6" or less trunk, from log to rounds to split wood) and turn it into firewood is amazing. The slightly convex shape of the head means it won't bite as deeply as other axes with more taper, e.g., the Wildlife Hatchet. What it does better is to split wood. A good whack embeds the axe head into a 4" to 6" round, and then I can pick up the axe and round, reverse it, and bring it down on a stump or round with some speed and the round splits. The Wildlife Hatchet does have a more oval profile for the haft, which makes it easier to control so the hatchet doesn't twist in your hand, while the Outdoor Axe has a longer handle to provide more axe head speed to help it penetrate when you chop or split. I think they're both quality axes, and I agree with you about saws... combine either one of these with a saw to help fell and buck and you can create a pile of firewood very quickly. I use a Silky Gomboy folding saw to make it about halfway through a log at even intervals (the length of my Outdoor Axe makes a good gauge), and then come back with the Outdoor Axe, and give the log a couple of whacks at the saw cuts... and the log is quickly bucked into rounds. Then I split the rounds with the Outdoor Axe. This is a very fast, easy, and efficient way to buck a 4" to 6" log into rounds in a couple of minutes, and I can fell a couple of dead standing trees, or process several fallen trees or limbs, and under 10 minutes to produce a day's worth of wood to keep a small campfire going. What the idiot commenter you mentioned didn't realize is that portable saws like we have today didn't exist back in the days of Daniel Boone and the pioneers. If you look at the professional lumber industry and the lumberjacks who worked in it, they adopted saws as soon as they were available in the late 1800s and onwards, and used them in preference to axes to fell trees.

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

Thanks for the comparison and impressions! My favorite 'axe' is the Gränsfors Mini. That hatchet is even shorter (26 vs 34cm) than the wildlife hatchet ('Wildmark Beil' in German) and weighs only 300g. I use it the way I have seen many bushcrafters use large knives, like a chopper and for batoning. Together with a folding saw and a neck knife it forms my summer 'wood processing kit'. I also own the wildlife hatchet, btw, but have found that it is not that much more usefull than the mini, to justify the additional weight (300g vs. 600g). But the key tool, as you state, is the saw. The saw allows you to break down firewood fast and efficiently. In a pinch you can even use it to strike the ferro rod and ignite some saw dust...

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Some saws like the Silky can also spark with a rock, I think I've shown this in a previous video. Thanks for your input my friend.

[@felixcat9318]

I have a GB Mini Hatchet, a Wildlife Hatchet and a Small Forest Axe, but my absolute favourite is my Mini Hatchet! I too have Silky Saws, as I'd much prefer to quickly and easily saw through logs than to chop them! An F-180, a Gomboy Outback and a Bigboy Outback covers everything. There's no better combination than a compact and capable hatchet and saw, and my ultralight duo is the Mini Hatchet and F-180 saw, which I consider unbeatable.

[@felixcat9318]

A nice honest analysis of these two similar sized tools, subscribed.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Excellent, thanks 👍

[@lowtide402]

good review! Ive owned the Wildlife version for many many years. It's a great tool and I have used it for skinning deer and small chopping around the camp fire. Thanks for the review.

[@outdoorwoodchipps3107]

Good review. I own the wildlife hachet and pleased with it. Silky saws are excellent even professional foresters say that. The Big Boy I use is great for my needs. Stay save.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I prefer the Wildlife hatchet, combine it with a silky saw and your on to a winner!

[@MrMisaKulicka]

Nice video, good to see your comparison. Outtake made me laugh a lot...you're absolutely right, we have some great bits of kit to choose from these days and I can't see why anyone would want to make things harder for themselves in the woods, rather than easier!

[@kaneEvro]

“That guy was a knob, a complete knob”Subscribed 👍😂

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thanks mate 👍

[@gdgbd]

Great review and already got an Outdoor on way before watching as it should be perfect for my intended use........love the knob bit at end......sometimes it just needs to be said!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I'll try to keep my rants to a minimum, don't want to look like a miserable AHole

[@deanoboland]

Great video love your work advice in the videos 👍👍👍

[@jurgenkrebbekx4329]

Nice one, thanks for the effort Rob, that guy you call a noob we call it a cybercrafter, always on the Internet, never being outside

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Dick head, romantacist!

[@rajibjoshi9647]

good idea to learn differences and cutting tools and be familiar with advantages yet be able make do with all

[@Jayhallo-is4ns]

Came for the comparison, loved the rant!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Sometimes it's good to let things out.

[@seanwhite304]

I have Gransfors Small Forest axe. I'm definitely going to be picking up Hatchet. I really like the outdoor axe and it seems like it will fit my needs .

[@gimme376]

ty for review been looking at the wildlife hatchet for awhile now my Estwing is getting on a bit

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Wildlife is a great little hatchet , gets my vote.

[@jfm562]

Thanks for the great view. Using a saw is a no brainer. Keep up the great work. Thank You Sir.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I'm a saw before axe guy , pair them up and you're in business! Thanks for watching.

[@shadomane]

I own the Wildlife Hatchet and I own a nice Norlund Hatchet on an 18" handle that looks very similar in head shape/profile and size to that Outdoor Axe. I must say I used the Norlund for years but since I have gotten the Wildlife Hatchet, I prefer it over the Norlund. Great video. Thanks for the video and for sharing your thoughts and experience with us.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thanks for commenting.👍

[@tubularfrog]

Thanks for your work comparing the GB axes. I'm looking for a small axe I can put in my bug-out bag, and the little tomahawk Outdoor axe is my choice. Thanks again for sharing.

[@jamesnelson1443]

Ha, love your rant!!! We need a saw & axe going to woods!! Right tool for the job!

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Great Video Wildlife look more controlled in your hand. Even on carving the rudimentary spoon. I think I would buy a Hultafors Love the out takes. Agree totally with saw scenario.

[@joecool1875]

great review of some nice axes! loved your honest ending too =)

[@jamesnelson1443]

Outstanding, I think control is paramount, so the Wildlife axe gets the nod!

[@wtfmrb293]

I got the outdoor one. Definitely will be putting some sticky tape on the handle. Absolutely love the axe. It’s a piece of art

[@christiaankruger3713]

Thanks for your honest opinion. I have made up my mind. For my need I think I will prefer the Wildlife Hatchet. I am going to buy that as my first decent hatchet. But I sure like them both.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Hi Christian, glad I helped you decide.

[@christiaankruger3713]

@@RobEvansWoodsman yes, thank you. Just ordered my Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet from Fjall Raven in Cape Town and paid a small fortune for it but at least it was available. Will get it early next week. Can't wait. Be Blessed.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@christiaankruger3713 it's a great choice!

[@illiyakuryakin3092]

@@christiaankruger3713 How do you like it?

[@christiaankruger3713]

@@illiyakuryakin3092, just love it. I did buy a Gransfors Bruk carpenters axe later as well. The size and weight of the Wildlife Hatchet is ideal for small tasks. Great feel and balance. I am so glad I bought it.

[@getsmart3701]

I love my Granförs Bruk Lite Skogs Yxa and use it daily on the farm and in the woods around here but for me the saw (silky) is king of the bushcraft tools in my humble opinion. A sharp full tang knife, be it a 100mm or longer, and a decent sized saw and you can do most any camping tasks (it may take a bit longer but i think they can be done).

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Yes, saws rock!

[@MACV-Justice]

Just came across your channel. Thanks for the review. I appreciate it and I’ve subscribed. Also, I’m happy to be a Yank who enjoys using a saw in the woods and agrees that there’s nothing wrong with it, regardless of what my pioneer ancestors used, or didn’t use. They also ended up eating each other, which I wouldn’t recommend. 😆

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

🤣🤣🤣 brilliant, that was funny.

[@bgjr2304]

I like these, but if I could only have one.. I'd stick with the small forest axe. More versatile and safe. Great content

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Me too mate

[@FindersKeepers88]

Nice work on the comparison, good reasoning in your points. Thx

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thanks Jim

[@Be_Good_Do_Good]

I'm so glad I watched the end of the video...you're pretty funny. To your point about the guy's comment on saws...imagine living in this country where most people believe that living in the past is the best life. It can be torture.

[@alexanderswarbrick249]

Bloody funny about the yank just about pissed myself good work and I definitely support your comments 😂🤣😂👍

[@gillewilbanks8328]

What I hear is a bunch of poser brits who don’t have on square foot of actual wild land. No bears snuffing their nose into your tent. No puma challenging a bow hunter for the downed deer. Hills called mountains. Keep you heads down around the 4th of July. OK?

[@MrSurf247]

Great vid, love the rants, and the out takes!

[@domrumble8243]

Always wanted a Gransfors,but at the time,i didnt have the budget so i bought a Hultafors carpenters axe which is pretty tidy for camp tasks.I manage a wood near StClears, so everytime im in the woods i also take a large Husquvarna 70cmaxe,as well as a couple of chainsaws.The point im trying to make is that we all love the simplicity/beauty and peace of the woods/mountains/outdoors.But we all go about it in a different way,and use different tools,and thats the beauty of it.Theres always someone who gives it the chops about how they are Mr super bushcraft.(like the knob head commenter).And in a case i had on a Hottent fb group where i posted a photo of my tent in our woods ,and my van was on the edge of shot,a fella was making a snidey comment ,"oh hardly wildcamping is it lol".My answer was "yes i am in the wild and i have 3days of felling/coppicing/clearing to do.Do you think im going to drag my balls over barbed wire and carry 2 chainsaws and rigging kit in a rucksack,just to appease your own idea about what hottenting is about?".Excuse my waffling rant,i am new to your channel,and find it a breath of fresh air.Cheers Rob!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Hi Dom , too many know it alls out there mate.

[@whateman12408]

Thanks Rob you helped me decide on wildlife hatchet.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

My choice too, thanks for telling me, I've done my job!

[@The_Arby]

Always good to watch your videos Rob :-)

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Cheers mate. It's difficult to think of things to entertain myself and you guys when I only have a few hours free to go to the woods.

[@Tom_Bee_]

Very good comparison. I have the Outdoor Axe and for being the lightest workable axe I know of, I reckon it hits well above its weight. That being said, I have the short handled Wetterlings hatchet that I guess is somewhat similar to GB Wildlife hatchet and that's the one I always reach for when it's there.

[@DoomOfConviction]

I love silkys too, and got the outdoor axe now after using the wildmarks axe for 13 years. Btw the problem with the bigger one was there because the knots are on top relative to there position and they should be on the bottom that you have more meat to split first. After you turned the log around it worked immediately. I done it also 1000 times wrong but life is learning.

[@The_Northerner]

How do you like the Outdoor axe compared to Wildlife hatchet? I cant really decide which one I prefer, I am tempted to keep the lighter Outdoor axe and buy a larger, heavier general use axe than the Wildlife if I need more "firepower".

[@bubu0110]

excellente video , très bonne démonstration , merci

[@mikelychock0310]

Great , honest review. Thanks Rob.

[@farquharwilson2523]

Not in the market for a new axe but watched the video just for the inappropriate warning. Still waiting on the inappropriate bit. 😁 Good comparison between axes and detailing what you liked, I'm sure it will help folk out with their decisions. Nice challenge for Scott as well, another axe video to watch😁. Cheers Rob.

[@pbradventures]

Love your rant!! Made me laugh lots and was spot on! LOL

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Cheers mate

[@AdventureSworn]

Awesome video. Thanks for the comparison.

[@briantaylor180]

Thanks for the honest review 👍

[@CampfireKodiak]

Good info here thanks! I only have a forest axe but it works if you choke up on it. I too prefer a knife and saw for many tasks and would rather carry those instead of an axe of similar weight.

[@jongraves1262]

Knob! Thank you for reacquainting me with this classic, will endeavour to re introduce into my vocabulary alongside my other oldie, 'minge', as i seem to come across more examples very single day. Great video, as per

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Bell end is probably my favourite not too offensive insult.

[@jaalgr]

Good job Rob 👍

[@feralgrandad4429]

I think you're right Rob. Either or really. Wildlife Hatchet is a bit of a classic. Outdoor axe designed by Lar Falt, great Scandinavian woodman. I'd probably go with it for that reason as I'm bit of a fanboy lol. Real winner was the Silky Bigboy 😁

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Wildlife for me mate if I had to choose one.

[@senior.danzig]

I watched this after saving it years ago. I’m sorry to hear you got the bad take from the historical reinactor! I can assure you that saws were used in the early Americas

[@bubba7626]

I would go through the trouble a makeing a wooden wedge for pounding through with the extra weight of the GBWH - I really love my wildlife hatchet! paired with a silky big boy 2000 it will do more than an axe.

[@mitchwells69]

Love the rant

[@mrdarren1045]

Rob... tell us what you really think about that guy lol. Love it, direct and to the point, and yes he did sound like a knob

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I'm going to have to watch the video now to see who I'm calling a knob!

[@davidsomerset8411]

Thanks for this review...I've always wanted to see a comparison between these two. I have the wildlife and the mini but dont see any need for the outdoor after watching. Dont really see much difference between the two. I like the 2 is 1 idea and I like lite weight. So I have the Gransfors mini hatchet, a Buck knives of Alaska Vanguard in CPM S30V , and a Spyderco Military or Paramilitary2 both in CPM S90V, and a Silky BIGBOY. So right around 3 pounds gives me 4 good cutting tools.👍 LOVE your rant at the end👏 Hell yes Daniel Boone would have probably killed for a Silky saw esp a BIGBOY.

[@TheOffGridHunter]

great review! I was going to get an outdoors axe but now i am leaning towards the hatchet!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

If you're going to do any carving then the hatchet is best, the outdoor axe is a little splitter that can do other things, just not as well as the wildlife hatchet.

[@janvanoverdijk8116]

Hey Rob , a very interesting video , i have the G&B wildlife 58 centimeters , i keep follow you, you make Awsome , interesting video's ... grtz from Holland , Janneman

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thank you Jan.

[@hanksbud2544]

New to channel. Great review thank you.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Welcome Michael. Thanks for watching.

[@davidcooper6704]

A good comparison. I have the Wildlife axe and I wouldn't think its worth buying the Outdoor axe too. The small forest axe has more apeal for me .

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I prefer the SFA.

[@DanDannyDanielleBob]

Sweet, thanks. But how does the outdoor axe compare to a tomahawk for us yanks? I have heard it compared to a hawk for size and weight, but bit profile, handle geometry and wedged head are all different

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5rRe6Ciitamo7M

[@daveburklund2295]

Re: Rant: that guy was a knob! I know folks would have carried a quality pocket saw. Efficiency and saving wood would be primary concerns. Good video, btw

[@eamonkilkie6216]

Good information Rob. I generally use the GB small forest axe but when it comes to hatchets, I've got a soft spot for my Husqvarna. Not in the same league as GB but for the price, I don't think there's much that can touch it. :-)

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I prefer the larger axe.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I just received a Huskavarna Forrest axe, a video will follow......and maybe some modifications. It looks good, £45 posted, an absolute bargain.

[@eamonkilkie6216]

@@RobEvansWoodsman I'll look forward to your video, as I have the Husqvarna forest and carpenters axes, so am interested to see what mods you make. I believe they are forged by Hults Bruks but just not finished to the same standard. For the price though, I can't believe the quality. Cheers buddy.

[@TheDavewatts]

😂🤣😂 well said Rob, I wonder whether the said nob goes his local shop dressed like Davey fucken Crockett, the old pioneers had good sense to use what worked best and would definitely love some of the choses we have today, knives, axes, saws, Pack's, clothing ect. One more thing any good company worth it's salt should send you products to review at least they would know they worked or what to alter if they didn't, honest reviews are more valuable to the user. Love your channel.😁👍

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Dave , I love you! Not in a gay way though.

[@TheDavewatts]

@@RobEvansWoodsman 😂🤣😂 nice one I think.😂👍🤞

[@OzMan9989]

Nice review.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I make fuzz sticks with hatchets and axes all the time. Don't see any issue with it myself. I have even gone so far as to use something like my Fiskars X7 as my one tool option just for giggles. Even did up most of a bow stave with it but didn't ever complete the bow.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I make better curls with a bigger axe, I think it's because the head is bigger and easier to hold , no sharp edges digging into the hand. It's surprising what you can do with "non specific bushcraft tools", look at the humble billhook, most of us love fancy kit and tools but it's all just toys at the end of the day. I could easily do the same work with a 100 year old axe, bow saw and a mora knife, I think the ferrorod is probably the best modern piece of outdoors kit closely followed by the Leatherman type tool. That's just my opinion. Alway great to hear your input my friend. 👍

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

@@RobEvansWoodsman depending on the size of the axe using the reverse draw method works pretty good, except most of my over 2.5lb axes have a bit of a thicker edge on them. A friend of mine has an old brush axe that he absolutely loves! The use of such tools has fallen to the wayside and sadly most have rusted away. I also sometimes use one of my fire axes out of the school bus (remember those?) as my woods axe and I find the pick very useful for breaking up punk logs and such when searching for bush treasure. Im actually in discussion with a blacksmith right now to make some 2.5lb pulaski axes hopefully with a slip style 24" haft. I have had the idea for ages and think it just might make the almost ultimate (perfect can't exist) deep woods foragers axe. I was thinking something like O1 steel instead of 4140 or 5160 so it will through good flint/quartz sparks as well. What are your thoughts on that?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I'm in the UK they wouldn't trust us with an axe on a school bus! I went to the roughest school in the area! That'll be one hell of a tool, chop and split wood and a pick in one tool. I'll be honest that it would not be my cup of tea because I like a flat pole to pound stakes and nails. If you get it made please let me know, I'd love to see it.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

@@RobEvansWoodsman well to be fair there haven't been fire axes on school buses here in Canada in about twenty years and they are extremely hard to find these days. I have three, two with original hafts and one that I rehafted the third with a 28" boys axe haft. One of the originals is a half size axe with no pick on the back. The one I rehafted is a favorite tool and has an awesome wedge design. I find that I don't often need the poll to hammer things and if I do it is a simple matter to make a rudimentary mallet. I don't think this design of mine will be for everyone but it will work extremely well in some applications. There is no perfect axe, which may be why I own as many as I do. Or maybe I just really love axes as they were my first cutting tool love.

[@johnnybeanz1296]

I’m not an expert but I went with the small splitting axe as a complement to the wildlife hatchet. around 10 inches longer and a pound heavier. More to carry, but a little more versatile. If I was picking just one (they ain’t cheap) I would go with the outdoor forest axe and be very satisfied.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

nice splitter!

[@The_Northerner]

Why the Outdoor axe instead of Wildlife if you just went with one?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Wildlife is a better chopper and carver but the outdoor axe is a better splitter (with a batton) . If I was going on a hike or canoe trip for a few days and I was taking one small axe it would be a wildlife hatchet , it's just a better all-rounder.

[@The_Northerner]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Yeah that makes sense. I currently have both the Wildlife and Outdoor axe, but I will return one of them. Hard to decide which. I am kind of tempted to keep the Outdoor hatchet for its lighter weight for hiking trips where weigth is of concern, and maybe buying a Small forest axe for hiking where weight isnt as important? Might be a better combo. Kind of feel like the Wildlife is more of a jack of all trades, master of none. That the Small forest axe is better at most tasks than the WIldlife (other than carving), and the Outdoor Axe can do most of what the Wildlife can, but is lighter.

[@michalurbanful]

@@The_Northerner "I currently have both the Wildlife and Outdoor axe, but I will return one of them." I'm in the same situation. I like both, prefer the how the Outdoor feels in my hand (very lively), prefer the shape of the handle on the Wildlife. But what I also take into consideration is rehafting it - I can't imagine rehafting the Outdoor, even if I don't replace the guard. Which one did you choose?

[@colindavis5297]

Good rant 👍

[@arielbarbero]

You showed the profile (grinding) of both axes. One is thicker than the other. Which is which?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

The wildlife hatched has the thinner grind.

[@timbo4374]

Pioneers didn't carry saws because they were not as available as they are today, plus they are harder to keep sharp out in the middle of nowhere than an axe . I don't think they even had small folding saws back then. You're right, that guy was a tool.

[@skitidet4302]

What's this accent? I've never heard anything like it. It sounds a bit like Irish but with a Norwegian/Swedish melody to it. After listening to it some more, it's some type of Scottish accent is it not?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

🤣🤣🤣Welsh. Think Tom Jones, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Sheen and Luke Evans.

[@skitidet4302]

@@RobEvansWoodsman I've never heard of any of those people before. I think you're the first Welshman I've ever heard or seen. At least I've heard enough Irish and Scottish accents to pick up on the the Celtic sound, it being Welsh never crossed my mind but it does make perfect sense since it sounds a bit like Scottish and Irish but it's clearly neither of those. Anyways, thanks for clueing me in!

[@montanadenny]

I like them both.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Me too, but the wildlife would win if I were to only buy one.

[@sifusasdo2314]

COOL Video 👍 Thank U for the Info and the Link👍 U got a new subscriber... Hello from Vienna ✌️

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thanks my friend. Welcome from Wales

[@wez9943]

First time I have watched one of your videos. Great work. Can you do a video showing how to make a spoon? I would love to give it a go. Thanks !

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

For spoons my friend Scott "Welshwoodsman outdoors" is the guy you need to watch, he's far better at it than me.

[@wez9943]

@@RobEvansWoodsman I know his videos. I will watch his carving ones. Thank you

[@edwallace3704]

Great video , thanks .

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Cheers Ed

[@reaverman]

I own a Small Forrestry Axe, and I've got a Wildlife Harchet being delivered tomorrow. Enjoyed your vid! Just curious on you chopping the sawn logs earlier in the vid, why were you striking the pith. Surely, strikes closer to the outer part will split easier?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

It will split easier you are spot on , I filmed this ages ago so I really can give you an exact reason but it was probably to get nice even splits , often when I split to one side of the centre the split will run off and my OCD kicks in!!

[@losratitos8277]

Would love to hear your opinion on a Hultafors Ekelund hunting axe compared to a Hultafors Hultan hatchet...is the extra 5" in the handle that big a deal for canoe tripping use?..are the heads the same?...Love your vids and Thank you..(from Canada)

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Hi Los, very sorry but I can't afford to buy all that extra kit. I'm looking into a new knife to review. I'm sharpening the axe in my shed tomorrow and I'll probably film it. Very wet and windy here recently so I haven't been up the woods but even cloud has a silver lining, I've made a few knives and I'm getting on with long overdue projects.

[@losratitos8277]

@@RobEvansWoodsman ..fair enough...oddly, I can't seem to get a technical weight for the heads on these 2 axes...even from the Hultafors official website...seems like a pretty standard thing for a manufacturer to supply the info...I am hoping for a 1 1/2 lb. head on these...

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Difficult to make a choice when you don't know the head weights.

[@losratitos8277]

@@RobEvansWoodsman ...also looking at the 3 versions of Silky saws...the Katana looks like a beast and would be great for portage trail work but the Bigboy looks like it may handle that type of work as well..thoughts?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

"Hultafors axes | Tested and in stock" uk.knivesandtools.eu/en/ct/buy-a-hultafors-axe.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlvT8BRDeARIsAACRFiUzLUECkjCbP4zeJc5eW6j7d74cjDnM18LDIz2Gt3gKCFzPAOyK_S0aAryWEALw_wcB No axes of the names you sent on this site, could they have different names in Europe? May be able to get specifications that way.

[@maveraver]

Good vid Rob, had been looking at the Outdoor Axe myself and wondered about the slimmer helve and my big ol' hands, think i'll stick to my Wildlife Hatchets. Re Rob Rant there are some right pedantic so and so's out there at the moment, see it all over the place, YT, FB, BCUK and usually from people who have never left their comfy armchair, and you are dead right if Nessmuk had access to a Silky, you can bet your bottom dollar he would have had one or four of them.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I think I have 5 of them

[@farquharwilson2523]

@@RobEvansWoodsman show off :-)

[@Tom_Bee_]

I have one silky and I bloody love it. Saving up for a bigger one as I write this...

[@grahamwinter5536]

Rob, Happy New Year. Just watching some of your vids I hadn't watched before, Great review, 👍. Have you ever looked at the Roselli Finnish Collared Axe?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I googled it but found nothing, I used to have the long handled Roselli axe many years ago but I wasn't keen on it, good for splitting and crap for chopping.

[@grahamwinter5536]

@@RobEvansWoodsman👍 Thanks, thought as much on the slplitting, it does have a very wide convex profile blade for chopping. Not that chopping is much good here with the wood we have. A saw is a much better option. 😊 The one Russ was using on your Swedish trip in Scott's video of day 2 looked like one, but I may be wrong 😅. lamnia have them in stock as a matter of interest.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@grahamwinter5536 it was the same one as Russ has, I agree with you , saws are far more efficient than chopping with an axe.

[@grahamwinter5536]

@@RobEvansWoodsman 👍😎

[@hillbill79]

Im liking this before i even watched it. I wish the bit on the OA was as wide as the WH

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I hear you mate.

[@hillbill79]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Honestly mate, the next axe i buy will be a commission piece exactly how i want it. It's a combination of a few i've tried. Wide bit, around 4", thicker around the eye for splitting, (like the OA) steel collar, bearded profile. 20" handle. 600 to 700g head, Hardened poll.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

That won't be cheap

[@hillbill79]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Probably not. But i'll get what i pay for. I've tried nearly every GB, wetterlings, Husky, council tool axe etc, and a lot of them have good points, but also bad points. I know what i want now, after 15 years of buying things that just try to be something the'yre not. I know what works for me, might not be the best for everyone, but then you don't commission a piece for "everyone" You commission it for you. It will cost what it will cost. I only need the head, can do the handle myself. WHo would you go for? Owen Bush, Dave Budd? any others?

[@Fred_Rehnqvist]

Sorry for digressing, but are you wearing a Swedish army M/59 shirt?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Yes, I think so without looking back at the video, I haven't worn it in a while.

[@timbryan9701]

Hey Rob, do you notice a big difference in performance in the higher end axes? Most of mine are old, Kelly Flint-Edge, Plumb, and Norlund. Thought about adding a flying fox from CT to the collection.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

most of my axes are Scandanavian, i do find that the Gransfors are better out of the box than the Wetterlings and Husqavarna which are cheaper. Council tool look like nice tools but as far as i know are unavailable in the UK.

[@scottmcintosh2988]

Go with the Carpenter ' s ax

[@howardvarley8795]

Cant find an emoji of a knob Rob so a thumb will have to do. 👍

[@TheTrailDancer]

Hej Rob, great vid... Question, if I wanted one axe to take bushcrafting with me (backpacking, camping, trekkingetc.) which would you chose between the Outdoor, Wildlife and the Small Forrest Axe? If you had to pick one? Thanks!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

For me it would be the small Forrest axe. Then the wildlife hatchet.

[@Zenmastersean]

Fun comparison. Have you ever played with an Estwing? They're my go-to since the 80's for long and short axes. Thanks for sharing brother. Stay healthy!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I have the middle size Estwing with leather handle but I haven't used it in years.

[@Zenmastersean]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Good taste! I have the long handled campers axe and the leather handled forged hand axe.. I've had wood topple forward mid-swing and still get split by the neck lol.

[@AverageNiceGuy]

Nice, rant 👍

[@TheLapierre]

I will buy the outdoor axe for the main reason it´s a little bit different in the Gränsfors line. By the way, what do you think about the axes from Fiskars? Personally I love them but I can understand why people don´t like their looks and maybe the material Anyways thanks for the videos and greetings from Sweden :)

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Never used the Fiskars so I can't comment on them.

[@welshwoodsman]

Challenge accepted 👍.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Good man, I look forward to it.

[@Rupertblade]

I'm an old Italian hiker and hunter and I always had a small hatchet with me. Because I' m also an axes collector I have seversl Gransfors axes and hatchets and one Outdoor Axe. I tried it several times to cut with it wood for a fire and other camping chores and it did properly what was meant to do. The only real problem is its outrageous price; in Italy 135,00 euro. Yes the manufacturing is fantastic but the steel according the producer is "recicled steel" and not valuable steel coming from Swedish ore as they hint in their brochures. All in all their steel looks like a C70 steel with about 0,7 C 0.7 Mn 0.25 Si. Basicallyi it's a cheap steel good for the purpose of building an axe but not real renowm swedish steel. I have an Italian hatchet built with C70 steel with similar and for me better handling caracteristics than Gransfors Outdoor and it costs 30,0 euro. All the features duration and cutting properties have resulted after a long use and abuse the same. So how can Gransfors justify a 100,0 euro differentemente between the relative prices? If Gransfors people read this notes I should like a direct answer from them! Perhaps the answer is that they produce for collectors, like me, who can pay for an item beautiful to collect but not for the everyman who cuts wood for business or household use!.

[@robg836]

What brand do you suggest?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I'd go with the Gransfors any day.

[@Rupertblade]

@@robg836 In Italy Rinaldi is the brand with the best compromise between price and quality and one has a good selecyion of tyoes and weight suitibke to cope with every need. The steel should be AISI 1070 a basic carbide steel cheap but perfectly suitible for an ax: about 1% C and 1% Mn and the average price around € 50. When you buy an axe to use it you'll have to take into account that it's a consumable tool that it will wear and not a collection item! So if really use an axe in a couple of years it will wear out whatever its buy price!

[@TheTrailDancer]

Great vid!!!! Of the three axes, including the small forest axe, which would you prefer for an overall ace I can use while processing firewood while backpacking, pegs, etc.. Trying to decide between the three for my first Gransfors.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I'd go with the SFA but they all have their place

[@treybiker]

Great comparison. What saw was that you used? I live next to a forest where I can acquire all of the free wood I want (already felled) and think that saw could come in really handy. I will carry out a few pieces at a time on my mountain bike so it appears easy to carry in a pack.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

That's a Silky bigboy with a straight blade and medium teeth, if it's for firewood most people go for the curved blade corse teeth.

[@treybiker]

@@RobEvansWoodsman thanks! I was just looking at the 210 or 240 versions. My old SOG lived a good life but I'm ready to upgrade.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I also have a Silky Gomboy 270, another excellent saw.

[@tamieheadrick8786]

Goodvideo

[@1530786]

Thx m8!

[@Lawpsided]

Well, shoot. Now I just want both...

[@MrTangent]

Great review. Agreed on the guy criticizing you being a nob. Who cares what the pioneers used? Unless you’re trying to be a period-accurate reenactor...

[@hillbill79]

Cant cut a decent square edge with an axe. Saws are invaluable if you plan to construct anything. As is an auger bit

[@rhettoracle9679]

Gootoob is warning that this content may be inappropriate for some viewers and asking if I want to continue, or go back to my safe space. : ) Some viewers must be inappropriated! Cheers

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Nothing dodgy on there.

[@tuugh8742]

I want to buy 1 axe. Can you help me

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

The question is, what am I going to use it for and what length should I get, if you're going to use it mainly for splitting then don't buy a Gransfors Bruks, get something with a thicker heavier head. The Wildlife hatchet is probably the best one out of these two as an all round small Hatchet, Hultafors make great hatchets and axes and they are far more suited to splitting and afe cheaper.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

You need to tell me what part of the world you are, that'll give me a good idea of your needs, chopping is usually way down the list as a saw is the sensible option for cutting firewood and poles for projects.

[@tuugh8742]

Thank you very much

[@whitestarleather]

There are too many knobs on the net buddy... We need them to be honest, so we can give off to them :-)

[@Astronomization83]

Great review and video, but it’s not ”Wildlife” axe, it’s actually ”Wilderness” Axe. Keep up the good work!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Sorry but it's a Wildlife hatchet and outdoor axe. The large Ray Mears design axe is the wilderness axe.

[@berserker9601]

@@RobEvansWoodsman it's called villmarks øks in Norway and Sweden witch means wilderness axe in English.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@berserker9601 ok cool but I don't live in Norway or Sweden and they are branded this way in The UK and north America. Sorry if it pissed you off.

[@tbo2120]

‘Why am I using the saw?’ ‘Because I like saws’ Fair enough dude. Cheers! 🪵

[@rrcaniglia]

We have many ‘knobs’ ?‘nobs’? (spelling?) here in America, but they aren’t a majority and not even a plurality. Saws have been used on every frontier in America as Europeans moved westward. The circular saw blade was invented here by the Shakers in the 1830s, or so their historical site claims. Saws accompanied the pioneers across the Great Plains, as can be noted in many first-person accounts of those journeys. Though I have never found a description of a small hand saw (e.g., Silky-like), carpentry saws were taken everywhere. The American you reference is a troll and belongs under a bridge.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

It was a rediculous comment he gave. Three knives and no saw , just stupid.