Lightweight Bushcraft Axes: Which one is right for you?

We spent 3 days on the woods testing out 3 different Gransfors Bruks lightweight axes to find out which one is the best.

[@aaronliu9945]

It really depends what you mostly intend to use the axe for. The carpenters axe is meant to shape wood, the wildlife hatchet is a chopper, and the outdoor axe is a splitter. They can all do the other jobs but not nearly as well, smaller axes tend to be more specialized because their lighter head and shorter handle means almost all their functionality comes from the head geometry.

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

They make a great axe. I will have one in my pack one day, Thanks for sharing, this has been a fun video to watch. Thanks again for taking the time to make this video, Have a blessed week. Dale

[@nikonman3971]

witch one dude

[@ulflidsman3064]

Nice video guys! I live in Sweden and have an easy access to Gränsfors axes. I'm considering to buy a lightweight axe and you helped me chose. Keep up the great work!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Nice products. Like a good axe and knife combo myself. Take care, Al

[@gertfredrikson4584]

More than being a general sharp edge tool, and delimbing tool, the GB outdoor axe is for it's weight an excellent wood splitter. First fasten it in the wood log and then hit it butt first in a stump so that the splitting force is not limited by the weight of the tool but of the weight of the log and the speed it has when the axe head hits the stump. Together with a lightweight saw you have an efficient firewood processing. And together with a small knife you have sharp edges for most important camping needs.

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

In these kind of comparisons for bushcraft tools everything is always focused around fire. I would love to see someone craft something with the tools. knotching, carving bushcrafting something. These kind of tests are great for a camp axe. It was a great video though. And it goes to show that there is not one tool to rule them all and your choice of axe should focus on what you would use you axe for most. I carry a carpenters axe because I use my saw for most for cutting down trees and bucking. I use my axe more for crafting and my knives for small work. Still a great demo guys

[@daneofarrell9460]

The pretzel bit gave me chuckle, so freaking random

[@johnnybeanz1296]

I have the wildlife and the small splitting axe. Expensive, but great quality. At my age these two are all I will ever need. I’ve got some other cheaper ones and for people wanting to save money, I recommend an estwing or council tool. Well made good value. Nice vid.

[@xr4kimx766]

thanks! this is my favourite video about axes on yt!

[@wolfking2281]

They are great axes and you guys did a gpod test ! However I would skip right to grans fors sm forest axe !

[@FBOConcrete]

I have the small forrest axe, love it. Just ordered the carpenters axe, still waiting. My next are going to be the broad axe, outdoor axe, and Scandinavian forrest axe. I want them all. I love gransfors bruks

[@zombiefighterof1987]

My worry for the outdoor axe is the same as every other Hudson Bay pattern axe/hatchet, it'll loosen up guaranteed. There's so little contact between steel and wood that if you were to use it a lot for chopping and splitting it would most definitely loosen up, much quicker than a hatchet with lugs on the bottom of the eye.

[@BurkeCN74]

I live next to Yellowstone Park “no chainsaws”. A Silky Katana boy does my big logs and a wildlife hatchet does the rest. I also always have the Silky PocketBoy with me anytime in outdoors.

[@ironbrutesrage]

Is it worth the 300 bucks for the katana boy? I want one so bad buy i was gonna settle for a smaller one

[@brucejohnson9673]

The difference between those axes is the geometry of the head. The outdoor axe is a small splitting axe with a wedge like profile, kind of pointless IMHO (why would you split wood with something like that?). The wildlife hatchet has the narrower profile in the front, and will be a much better cutter around camp. The carpenters axe is primarily for timber framing or carpentry. That's why it has the straight edge and the big beard for holding onto the head. For me, the choice is pretty obvious for the axes you compared. I'd love to see a comparison of some slightly bigger axes like the GFB hunters axe and small forest axe. With their increased weight, they should be better in the woods for most tasks. The hults bruk aneby is another interesting choice. Can we see those three?

[@cameronf3343]

Outdoors Axe is the one I want to buy for myself. I’m trying to move to Stockholm soon enough, and think it’d be cool to take a trip up someday and buy from the Forge. Do you owners of one think it holds well in the hand? Wildlife hatchet seems to have the best grip with the thick bulb (don’t know what it’s called) at the bottom of the shaft, but that collar has me too interested.

[@passwordistaco507]

Have the GB small forest axe that I use for everything camping associated. Wondering if you can pair it with a small hatchet to take place of large knife. Thoughts?

[@semco72057]

I am looking for an ax or hatchet right now, but the hatchets have handles too small for me. Each of those axes look great and I would use either of them for camping and feel comfortable having them in my backpack.

[@aliveoutside248]

Sidney Mathious I would recommend The Scandinavian Forest axe over all those. Or at least the small forest axe if the Scandinavian is too long for what you are looking for.

[@xqlusive]

Really want to see a comparison between the GBA Wildlife Hatchet and the Hultafors Hultan. I can't decide which one to get. Ideally to make it easier. I should just buy both. But really want to see a comparison.

[@alexanderpatterson7117]

Does the metal collar really make a difference? I mean, they designed the outdoor axe for bushcraft, but the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe is considered to be the quintessential bushcraft axe by many. . . .

[@kieranmccue6786]

The collar is meant to take the impact if you overstrike, so you don't weaken the wood nearly as much.

[@nickbakalos91]

You mentioned the Scandi Forest Axe is your favorite of the bunch, have you tried the Ray Mears Wilderness axe out? I used both and while Wilderness is heavier, I found it packed way or a punch when chopping and for splitting was way more explosive. Only downside was it was a bit heavier and not as well balanced as the Scandi.

[@aliveoutside248]

I haven’t tried that but in a way it’s too late LOL. I’ve taken that Scandinavian forest axe on virtually every wilderness trip I’ve ever done in my adult life. it’s worn and well used and i just can’t see myself cheating on it LOL

[@MrCallex12]

Best review

[@CatapultCarnage]

The notion that a large knife can do the same same work as a hatchet is ridiculous

[@bossmodus5020]

It cane do More 👈 its a Skill thing 👈

[@chriswalker7491]

Hunters axe is awesome as well

[@csh6220]

My small carpenters ax has a curved handle so if you plane wood your knuckles don't get beat up. I am surprised yours had a straight handle, especially since the GB is considered the "Cadillac" of axes. I have had mine well over 30 years and it has no name on it. I like the smallest ax you presented. It will do big jobs, maybe not as fast, but will get it done.

[@nathanchandler18]

I believe there's a choice between the two, cause I know the american felling axe come with a straight or curved handle, i'm pretty sure you can hammer nails with the back of the carpenter's axe and thats why theres a straight handle, I think I remember reading about a hardened poll?

[@59chevt]

It was a bit choppy but I enjoyed it.

[@aliveoutside248]

59chevt lol

[@DerTintinfish]

U guys are hilarious

[@DerTintinfish]

One of my favorite outdoor channels for SURE. Feels special

[@lz3751]

HAHAHA😂😂

[@curttomlinson9337]

I have the wildlife hatchet

[@vladimirlopez7840]

Please don’t compare any knife to a hatchet. There is no comparison I don’t care how rugged the knife is.

[@KNIGHTRACEDOTCOM]

today people think knives are for chopping I don't get it...... Small hatchets are great on meat but knives never chop very well. and this beat the blade to split wood seems crazy

[@Imightberiding]

Nice brief comparison. Perhaps a little more use for what these axes are made for would not be a bad thing. On the whole, GFB axes are of course very good but almost impossible to get here in Canada at the moment. I'm a big Hultafors fan not only because they are more readily available but are also less expensive & just as equally as good an axe as the GFB. On a side note: You guys didn't take the piss out of each other enough in this video. Always humorous & entertaining to watch your interaction. Cheers.

[@aliveoutside248]

Imightberiding Thanks for the feedback. The next one will be more fun.

[@Imightberiding]

I understand what you are saying but let me assure you that a thinner more lively & responsive handle/haft is far superior to many of the thicker so called "man's axes". You would be surprised how strong a thin but not too thin handle can be. It provides more flex which absorbs shock & thus prevents damage to the joints, tendons & muscles with long term use. Also a thinner haft is often easier to grip & causes less fatigue while gripping than an oversized, dumbed down handle that was produced by the axe maker because so many people do not know how to use an axe properly & ultimately end up breaking a proper thinner handle by over striking or torquing the axe handle to the side whilst trying to split or free the head from a round. I assure you, I am no child or woman. I have owned & used many axes over the years. The Fiskars, Estwings & Bachos included. I am a semi retired carpenter who now fills my spare time restoring old axes & knives; bringing them back to their former glory. At any given moment, I have at least 3 to 4 dozen axes on the go. I think you are correct in some of your assumptions but far from the point when you say a thin haft is for children or women. Thank-you for taking the time to respond to my comment but I trust you will realise & see the truth & value in a properly made (thinner) handle as you continue with your interest in axes. I would also say that the straighter the handle/haft is, the more intuitive & safer it is to use. This comes from many years of experience. Might I suggest a channel here on KZbin called Skillcult. He is a knowledgable fellow if not a little eccentric in a "Techno Viking" sort of way. You will see what I mean when you see him & or Google "Techno Viking" if you're not familiar with that character. That last comment was made in good humour. I do respect Skillcult's opinion & experience in many areas. All the best & safe axe use. Cheers from Canada. PS: By the way, GFB axes are more like $200 & up to $350 here in Canada & I have yet to find a seller where you don't have to get on a waiting list. Hultafors are just as lovely but at aprox ane half to two thirds the price. I was sad to here of Wetterlings dissolution as I have always wanted to find one of the axes designed & made for Les Stroud (the survivor guy) I have many Canadian, USA, Italian, German, British, Spanish, Finnish, Norwegian, Central American, South American & Swedish axes that are all quality tools. It is the ultimate need & purpose for the axe that determines its value. And of course how it is used & maintained.

[@JonathanRobinson11]

Get them at Lee Valley or Canadian Outdoor Equipment. Both places almost have the entire line of Gransfors Brux.

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

Bushcraft canada and Canadian outdoor equipment have them stocked for most of the year and reasonably priced aswell. They also carry the adgor line which have a more american style pattern head. Which can be bought around $100cad and are made by hultafors as well.

[@WhoThisMonkey]

I really like the look of the smallest axe, but I can't find it online... How much does it cost?

[@aliveoutside248]

British Wrath just search for “outdoor axe”

[@WhoThisMonkey]

@@aliveoutside248 Found it now 😂 cheers. Been looking for a reliable small hatchet, this looks like it meets the criteria just right. 🙃

[@petermartnez1204]

Well the little hatchets are fine but you could build a log cabin with the carpenters axe that's what it's for! So totally different animals but if you had to choose one only the other 2 little hatchets wouldn't compete if you had to choose only one

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Longer handle can make axe safer to use. It's easier to accidentally hit yourself with a short-handle axe.

[@samnelson4975]

a metal collar separates the men from the boys--on the boy side. jejeje

[@toddb8575]

"For our next video - we're going to be reviewing a Robertson screw and compare how effectively a flathead, Phillips and Robertson screwdriver each drive that screw into wood. Stay tuned!"

[@aliveoutside248]

Todd B That's a great idea, man! Do you mind if we use it?

[@virginiacamper]

Actually, I take the Small Forest Axe. At the moment, the Scandinavian Forest Axes are unavailable...unless you want to pay around $350 for one.

[@aliveoutside248]

Rodney Buse That’s too bad, the Scandinavian forest axe is my favorite of the bunch...

[@virginiacamper]

Alive Outside I settled for a Hults Bruk Kisa, basically the same weight and size, about an inch longer handle, and the quality is not quite Gransfors Bruks, but it does the job.

[@wallacepelletier698]

I find them to small and to light for Canadian bush there more like a kids axe

[@zombiefighterof1987]

As someone who puts lots of time into an axe i can with confidence say the 20" handle length is overrated and useless, it's too short for decent two hand use and too long for one handed, the weight of the heads is also both to light for a long handle and too heavy for a hatchet so you're basically screwed if you want to rehang it on a different handle.

[@mordyfisher4269]

I disagree, i find that almost any weight of head can be functional on any length of handle... A 3 pound head on an 18 inch handle makes an awesome kindling axe as well a 2 pound head on a 36 inch handle makes an awesome trail blazing axe... Have you seen some of those viking axes? They have like 1 pound heads on 4 foot handles

[@Marian1983.2D]

The fire rod is not steel! The fire rod is made of Magnesium, Neodymium, Lanthanum and Cerium.

[@aliveoutside248]

MB B obviously it’s not steel I just meant it’s hard and will damage a cutting edge. But you are correct I shouldn’t have said steel, especially since I actually have earned a engineering degree

[@randallflagg3464]

Stupid comparison the Carpenters axe is designed for making precision cuts and shaving wood while making joints etc

[@aliveoutside248]

Randall Flagg sorry you didn't enjoy it. thanks for giving us a try tho...

[@BEARivrman81356]

No question carpenters axe all the way😄😄

[@tsizzle]

Have 2 GB outdoor axe, on both the eye of axe have gaps where GB filled with epoxy. Their build quality and craftsmanship is not as legendary as I thought.

[@zoltanberegszaszi1182]

Put an SD Card in it an make it 4 GB

[@johnclarke6647]

Who in the Gränsfors marketing department wrote the script for this video?

[@dyvel]

No carving and shaping vs. splitting wood? That's my opinion on the main difference between the two smaller ones. The carpenter's axe is just meaningless to try. If you want to carve - go with the wildlife hatchet, if not, go with the outdoor axe as it's better at splitting wood.

[@AshInTrees]

This is so ridiculous, everyone knows the small forest axe was designed for flattening pretzels.

[@johnossendorf9979]

Small forst.

[@MrNoNameForYou]

$$$$$$$

[@stevenmc56]

Too much money

[@medeiros3610]

Their moms let them play with tools? Doubt it 😄 I’ll take my 3lbs Chinese axe and ditch the knife or any of these toys. 5 bucks at a flea market folks and you are set once you learn thru repetition how to use and maintain it 👎🏻

[@nikonman3971]

dude ... lets learn to chop. bro. i .. just ...