Best Bushcraft Axe - Choosing & Using

[@johnvanderwalker4830]

I have done a lot of public speaking in my life. Your flow of information is impressive. A seamless and very informative presentation. Thank you.

[@ragnaroksangel]

Right? He's really good at this

[@BenOrford]

Wow thanks a lot that’s very kind of you to say. So pleased you found this informative. Many thanks for taking the time to comment. cheers Ben

[@j.p.4541]

Best axe tutorial I’ve ever seen. Thank you sir.

[@marion6083]

Thanks Ben for a fantastic video. I've got an old hand-forged hatchet and want to use it for greenwood working while keeping metatarsels attached! So appreciate you sharing your excellent skills.

[@felixcat9318]

Many years ago, being completely ignorant about axes and preferring the modern look of the Fiskars/Gerber black axes with the plastic handles over the traditional (old fashioned) types, I happened upon an article on Bushcraft UK about axes. That was when I first set eyes on a Gransfors Bruks axe and learned something about them and their correct usage. I then eagerly read up on and watched videos of these axes and began to appreciate them for the fine tools that they were. I was particularly taken with he Gransfors Bruks Mini Hatchet, Model 410, and after seeing what could be achieved with such a light, compact hatchet on the Old Jimbo channel, I bought myself one, crafted by the man whom had originally conceived the Mini Hatchet and had put his initials, LP, into my hatchet! I consider my Mini Hatchet to be a thing of beauty in addition to being a fine tool, and after a few years, I added the Wildlife Hatchet, Model 420, and unsurprisingly, I feel exactly the same about this hatchet as I did my original Mini. I have just bought a Small Forest Axe, and the first ime I held it was a realisation that this is an extremely competent axe, which is an order of magnitude more capable for processing wood! I also bought a Silky Big Boy 2000 Outback Saw, which is a great companion to my Small Forest Axe, even more so as it absolutely consumes wood and sawing takes less energy than chopping! I particularly liked your emphasis on safety when using these tools, and whilst everyone knows that they're shaving sharp straight out of the box, they're even sharper when swung with power, so safety is absolutely critical, especially to non professional users like myself. I'm really pleased to have found your channel and subscribed to it, it is clear that you are passionate and enthusiastic about sharing your knowledge and your video was really well presented and narrated and had excellent videography, lighting and sound. I couldn't have asked for a better tutorial on the appropriate use of these three GB gems.

[@Mike-zw7fq]

You've created a good video. I like the method you use to chop a downed tree. Several chops from one direction then from the other. Some strike left right left right. In my opinion this later method leads to fatigue and possibly lose of control. Nice work Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.

[@500asquare]

Wow what a informative well done Vid. I have been bumming ,hunting ,camping etc around in the Canadian Rockies or 40 years and found it very informative and safety orientated . Good job thank you, Martin

[@BenOrford]

Great stuff so pleased you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment Hope you enjoy some of the other videos on the channel too 👍

[@svenschmalfu3093]

Very precise hittings, Ben! Nice teaching! You are the only one i've seen so far on YT who changes the hands when change the angle left/right. That's how you do it! About the felling: i always thought that way you show us here, but i stumbled a few days ago over Owen Wilson, also a GB Vid, and he do it different, and that worked perfect! The higher stumps(?) he create you can cut of with a saw afterwards. Or maybe you cut all of them at once after. Another one, who works with a Ox Canada-Iltis, splits the round the same way as you did, but stand on the opposite side. This function also pretty well. The splitting with the SFA: i always hate this, because of you can always get your fingers caught between the handle and the wood, so i prefer really Axes instead of Hatchets. And the middle thing with +/- 50cm. I wonder really why no one in Germany know this technique you shown here. This didn't come in my mind also.. And as a ex-logger, i prefer Axes anyway! I'll try this! (But with a X10..) Greetings!

[@davidleasure9138]

Great video Ben. You are certainly a craftsman

[@GunGuy258]

I really learned a lot from this video. Thank you.

[@VsemBobra-w3o]

This comparison is a pure gold!

[@steveb8001]

Best video I’ve ever seen on using an axe and the various techniques employed.

[@ragnaroksangel]

Jesus. I expected a brief demo of each axe and a bunch of flashy nonsense, like virtually *every other video* I've seen. This was amazing. You gave a LOT of great information that most people don't, about using axes in general. Really informative and you have a knack for keeping people engaged. I really enjoyed this and you definitely earned a sub. Top notch stuff, my dude. I wish I'd had your channel suggested sooner.

[@kurtdavis4514]

I agree completely with this comment! Thanks for such an informative and enjoyable video!

[@nuffspudsify]

Got the Ray Mears GB Wilderness Axe- slightly longer than the GB SFA. Nice balance and weight - not just a RayMears gimmick - its genuinely a good axe that still fits outside a pack.

[@mountains_and_moors]

Great skills and presentation by Ben, however I would like to thank Lois for the superb cinematography/photography work. Top notch from both of you. ATB Ant 👍🏻😉

[@ragnaroksangel]

All of this is put together really well. Every channel I've come across in regards to bushcraft, knives, axes, and survival all have a bunch of loud, stupid music, flashy graphics, and they go on and on with nonsense I don't even almost care about, like they're trying to sell me some crap in a department store. I hate it! This was a breath of REALLY fresh air. Brilliant. I loved it.

[@anthonypeltier4039]

in the USA we call it choking up, strangling up is hilarious to me but fantastic video mate

[@seanfarrell5341]

It's called choking everywhere, sledge hammer, axe . All the best from Ireland

[@woodbalt]

The Gransfors Bruk Scandinavian forest ax is the most beautiful and comfortable ax in the world, so I bought it today.

[@lawrencemartin1113]

Excellent! I have the Small Forest Axe, which I love and the Wildlife Hatchet (my first Gransfors purchase at The Game Fair about twenty years ago and made by the same man as yours!) and have also just today added the 'large splitting axe/maul' to my collection. This has taken an enormous amount of effort out of processing my medium and larger firewood at home and will accompany me on truck based expeditions too. I have a very heavy duty splitting maul as well for very large stuff but it is really too large for most jobs. This Gransfors version is just perfect and so easy to use well! I am extremely tempted to add the Scandinavian Forest Axe to the collection eventually.....but I may end up sleeping in the shed if I do! Great film with loads of useful info. Thanks.

[@VsemBobra-w3o]

what axe would you choose for 1-2 day trip/camping if you could choose only one - small forest axe or the hatchet?

[@lawrencemartin1113]

@@VsemBobra-w3o Well....good question! If I was walking, possibly the hatchet because it's so light weight and if used carefully in combo with a good folding saw, will do much that you need to do around camp, prepping fire wood. (I also use a decent bushcraft knife when possible, which easily battens fire wood for the stove or camp fire). If I am canoeing, I am often tempted to take the Small Forest Axe. It just gives even more versatility, coping well with larger timber. It's really a choice based on several factors. These can include where exactly I am going to be camping. If it's likely to be near anywhere close to public spaces, here in the UK, the laws on carrying any bladed article or sharp objects can create huge problems for the outdoorsman. That is also when I need to leave the fixed blade knife at home and only take my slip joint EDC folder. If I know the chances are minimal of coming into contact with folk who just don't understand these things and who panic at the sight of anyone carrying an axe on their pack, then I might go with the larger axe. If the 'public contact' issue is likely, then the hatchet is better as it can be carried inside even a small pack. Hope that helps.....sorry it's a long answer! 😜

[@VsemBobra-w3o]

@@lawrencemartin1113 A folding saw is a good option and still more compact than SFA

[@lawrencemartin1113]

@@VsemBobra-w3o 👍🏻😊

[@hawkman302]

I made my own with an old plumb hatchet head. Put a 25” handle on it and love it. Small and light weight and takes a really good bite when chopping due to the thin head. Easy to swing in weird angles as it’s under 2 pounds which I really like.

[@metasolo1222]

I use an old Estwing hatchet. That little beast would survive a ground zero nuclear blast and the subsequent zombie apocalypse. And it chops through all the stuff I can throw at it. Keeps a fair edge too. I’m cheap.

[@kgilliagorilla2761]

Meta Solo Made in Rockford Illinois.

[@greghumble7306]

There’s nothing wrong with an estwing hatchet. I love them too. I have gransfors and wetterlings too

[@Musicpins]

​@@WeFightTheDark There are some vintage makers, but they are a little hard to come by here.

[@huejanus5505]

I bought the husqvarna campers axe for about 1/3 the price of the gransfor. Easily it’s equal. I do leave my 26” estwing campers axe in my truck for that ‘just in case’ scenario. Don’t think i could break it if i tried.

[@grahamconner1809]

@@WeFightTheDark Yeah. I have a 70ish year old plumb jersey axe that i got at a yardsale for 9 dollars all beat up and rusty. I fixed it up and it is one of the best axes i have.

[@michaelballinger6419]

That was awesome, nice to see good safety tips and knowledge from someone who has spent years at it. I have a Gransfors Carpenters Axe, the bits quite straight on it. Man I love that axe.

[@foxholeoutdoors70]

Im a big fan of the axe saw knife combo, since it helps to eliminate the dangers involved with bucking a log. I always carry my Scandinavian forest axe, and plan on trying my luck with carving with it a bit later on this week .

[@bjdenil]

Your axe skills are great! Thank you so much for shairing!

[@BenOrford]

Thanks a lot glad you enjoyed the video cheers Ben

[@canadianloon6433]

One of the better tutorials. Thank you

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I’ve finally come around to Gransfors. Posted a recent video on my new channel explaining why I think they’re so valued among the Bushcraft community. In short, they do most of the work that is going to be required of you when you buy almost any other axe. Still need to slim out the handles quite a bit, but otherwise it’s fairly efficient right out of the box.

[@P.Subaeruginosa]

The Swedish are decended from vikings, thats why they make the handles so thick lol

[@andrewwebb8190]

I hope you start more green woodworking classes

[@grantcook5376]

Very informative, full of useful information. Hopefully this video will stop someone badly injuring themselves.

[@thomasroth4695]

Nice Video. The Bushcraft /Surv axes ive havnt liked is the hammer side. I make my own so the hammer side has a drop nail pull /pry bar hook on bottom Pretty handy

[@michaelwhite1446]

I have a Wetterlings Hunter Hatchet #115 great axe

[@ccb7122]

I love this SFA. I just bought this as a camping axe

[@darrenburrows9350]

Great video - very informative & well presented! Thanks

[@DoomOfConviction]

I carrying every time in the woods my Axt and my silky saw and trees are such a easy work for a good saw. No hammering around no need to swing heavy objects and less work for the body. Just cut out a 45 angle and cut in a straight line from the back towards the angle and it’s the same procedure as with an axe. Also I never chop down a log, u loose so much wood and need so much power over sawing. My axe is just splitting sawed wood and therefore I just need the light weight outdoor axe.

[@markbunyan9092]

Great video, takes me back to a Woodsmoke Axe course weekend I did many years ago and you did a similar demo for the tent peg. You can never have to many axes !!

[@KettleCamping]

Great video! You explain very well! Thank you! 👍

[@rickeyvarga5432]

What an awesome video, informative with helpful tips! ...very nicely done!! Just stumbled upon your channel, looking forward to viewing your other videos, thank you!!!

[@BenOrford]

Fantastic so pleased you enjoyed the video. Hope you enjoy our channel. cheers Ben

[@stephengadd3906]

Thank you very much, interesting especially the safety points

[@mikehagan4320]

Nicely done video. Good Axe manship. Best Wishes from Montana M.H

[@jefferybauduin2919]

The small Forrest axe is arguably the best axe of all time for camping and bushcraft, it’s the perfect size for cutting firewood, it’s light weight, but it has enough weight to be useful, it’s made of the best axe steel, it’s durable, it’s comfortable in the hand, it’s effective in 2 hands and 1, need I say more?

[@serkanst15]

Very informative indeed..usual british style😊

[@JK-dn9yp]

Great review. Thank you.

[@richardwhitehead5877]

Brilliant display of axmanship!!

[@joshuamoses1631]

Your easily impressed

[@gilbertdiaconu7145]

Big wow ...beautiful presentation!

[@ulvesparker]

I find the Small Forest Axe to be the perfect balance and size between a hatchet and a full size axe. Because it is so light, I am much more likely to have it with me. I mostly use it to process firewood and small maintenance tasks out in my archery clubs' forest range, which requires a 3 km hike through some challenging terrain (so weight matters).

[@VsemBobra-w3o]

would take with you SFA or a hatchet for a 1-2 days small trip/camping?

[@Michalis_Karakostas]

Thank Ben for the knowledge! Except Large Carving Axe, which else is suitable for carving spoons, forks, bowls?

[@KellyGordonUSA]

Thank you!

[@larryeddings3185]

Excellent information clearly presented. I really like GB axes.

[@ronkay1573]

Nice video and I own several GB’s (small hatchet, wildlife hatchet, Scandinavian, American felling axe). They’re great products but I’d say my Tuatahi trapper and camp axe are superior in quality.

[@madcanic9632]

i'm going to buy the wildlife hatchet simply because it will fit in my backback when i'm dirt-biking, eventually will buy the small forest axe too i want ittt

[@markmaloney5146]

Ben . Many can't afford such axes, yet b and q do then fiskers type, and for money, they are good.. shaving sharp almost. Nice if you gave reviews on such, and not what you sell..

[@Cr30s]

I got your point. But I'd like to point out that I own Fiskers and Husqvarnas as well as 2 Gransfors. Only the Gransfors still have their original handles. And no play at the eye level. In my eyes they totally justify their price point although pricy. So I think Ben is shooting for quality as a retailer and not the easily accessible stuff. Because yeah, in some countries their hard to get hands on at with a reasonable imported pricetag.

[@randombeastmode7332]

14:05. Instead of twisting the axe and putting stess on the handle to the axe head, twist the piece of wood to split it instead. Helps releive a little bit of stress on the axe n handle

[@CristiNeagu]

Makes zero difference, as the torque transmitted from the head to the handle is exactly the same.

[@codyevans6032]

I have to admit when i searched for axe comparisons i was hoping to look at various manufacturers steel types and maybe sizes. Wasnt expecting a review of the same axe at three different lengths

[@technospcgaming]

I love my hultafors small forest axe 🪓 been using it quite a lot when a have been out camping lately, quite fancy the granfors bruks

[@laciihasz4734]

I used to think only these premium axes are the good ones. Than i learned how to re grind an axe's edge and sharpen it, how to hang an axe and wedge it. Now i just use the ones thst i fixed up. No need to spend 100s on a expensive one when u can use something that u fixed up.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

They make a good axe, but restoring an old head is more fun and just, if not more efficient a chopper.

[@laciihasz4734]

@@KevinsDisobedience exactly! i love restoring old axes, they are pretty good after a little bit of tlc

[@Jackthehalfblood]

Wish i could i spent three days on an hatchet handle and messed it up and i want to make the head i have its like two pounds and trying to make middle size handle but cant and dont have powered tools

[@laciihasz4734]

@@Jackthehalfblood It only takes few hours to make a new handle, little longer on the head with hand tools only. Can be done in a day.

[@TheDevonOutdoorsman]

Outstanding video, really well presented and great demonstration.

[@bergeracvandamme]

Great video.

[@BenOrford]

Thanks so pleased you found it useful. Many thanks cheers Ben

[@nomad753]

I have a couple of Rinaldi axes that I've been enjoying as of late

[@anelimTS]

great video, so informative! also, nice shoes, i wear the same ones in winter and also love them outdoors :)

[@nicholasschut3317]

Sorry if it has already been mentionned, but you are totally not supposed to hit the back of the blade !!! It's not meant to handle such force, only a maul can handle it ! Gransfors clearly state it on their website. You need a froe if you want to hit and split ! Nice video ! All the best !

[@willstonvelo8100]

I've a nice selection of old wood choppers, some out of skips, they do the job , my fav is my fiskers, cracking little hatchet, lightweight and sharpens very easily, more interested in performance than looks as a carpenter it's what you've got to hand that gets the job done not how much is spent, some of my favourite tools are cost just pounds

[@semco72057]

I have an ax, but it is a double bladed ax and one we use here primarily for working in the woods by loggers, and for people who are cutting firewood. I have tried the single bladed axes like the ones you have there, but they didn't do the job for me or most other people here in Arkansas where I live.

[@ArkansasPublicHunts]

Really? I’m from Arkansas and I don’t really see people with double bladed axes. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one. I work for a logging company.

[@oliverclothesoff5397]

I need me some nice axes like these!! Great content!

[@DaveDoesOutdoors]

Love watching your skill with the axes 👍🏽

[@steveb8001]

Great video. Thanks.

[@luthfisidik001]

Great video mate, i never used axes bevore actually in the woods

[@dash8465]

I have a bunch of Gransfors and Estwings… but I carry a Coldsteel shovel instead.

[@erichan6985]

That’s a sweet ass tent peg

[@FT4Freedom]

Collins boys axe. $27. Pick it in person at ACE HARDWARE to get a good handle. Needs tuning but mine turned out great and I learned a lot about being an Axe Man.

[@VsemBobra-w3o]

It seems a small forest axe and maybe mora garberg, some Finnish puukko or any other good full tang alternative is a good all-around option if you're choosing between SFA and a hatchet. You would take a knife with you anyways.

[@floflo4089]

Love the vid Ben!

[@shadomane]

Thanks for your video. And it is a very good video. Although the title is misleading. I'm not going to chase down this "rabbit hole" very far at all because it is just too damn deep. But, IMHumbleO the best bushcraft axe/hatchet actually comes down to #1 Skill Set/ Experience/Proficiency, #2 Personal Preference, #3 The Axe/Hatchet. #4 Affordability to the User. And just as important and for good measure let's throw in #5 Application, since there are many applicable chores in bushcraft/woodcraft one might endeavor that can be accomplished with an axe or hatchet. I have been working with axes and hatchets since 1967 at the young age of 8 years old, and have owned, used and maintained and do still own, use(on a limited basis) and maintain several brands, types and styles/patterns of axes and hatchets throughout my lifetime thus far, although I must confess that I am getting older and my usage of said tools is gradually tapering ...lol. So, while Granfors Bruk axes and hatchets are indeed awesome, are some of my favorites in my collection of tools and serve as great tools for bushcraft/woodcraft, my GBA Wildlife hatchet is also one of my favorites, but as so my vintage Norlund hatchet is just as capable in my hands. And so is my Council Tools 24" Woodcraft Pack Axe, it will perform any task(in my hands or the hands of a skilled user) that any of those three Granfors Bruk axes/hatchets will do and do it just as well. My vintage Plumb Official Boy Scout axe(which is actually a hatchet), or my vintage S.A. Wetterling hatchets are very viable options for bushcraft/woodcraft as well. So the bottom line is, is there "The best bushcraft/woodcraft axe?", or "These are the best bushcraft/woodcraft axes in my humble opinion". Still a great video and I thank you for your time, commitment and efforts, my hat is off to you sir. And I do respect and somewhat agree with your opinion Stay sharp. And again, thank you for the video.

[@pareshpatel6024]

Man great video ben and lois

[@nickbakalos91]

How would you compare the Ray Mears Wilderness Axe to either the Scandinavian Forest Axe and the Small Forest? I have the Ray Mears and love it, as well as the Outdoor axe and trying to see if there is any need for the Small Forest axe?

[@jamesnelson1443]

Really informative review!! Seems I need 3 axes to accomplish different tasks!

[@ZgNavigator]

Fantastic video 👍 I have wildlife and small forest axe x2

[@pilatusk2]

use a silky saw

[@The_Arby]

Cool video and very helpful too :-) Nice one Ben :-)

[@ScoOutDoors]

Brilliant tips for safety and cutting .... I am guessing that you are right handed because you demonstrated how to slide your hand and how not to get fatigued when cutting but when you cut left handed you do exactly what you tell people not to do and you’ve probably never noticed till now 👍

[@just-dl]

I’d love to have a slightly longer SFA…22” with another 1-1.5 lb extra on the head weight. My 4.25” knife can do most of the hatchets task. A medium/long axe can do almost as well as full sized. I will say though I recently got a knock knife that is remarkably useful and might pair well with a hatchet for a dedicated smaller task list. I’m thinking for a young hiker to learn the ropes this way. My daughter is the right size for that. But, she’s inherited my knife-nerdiness. She’d want one of each. And who am I to say no? 😜

[@_zoiks_]

Tent peg for a big ass tent. Lol great vid

[@GopanBushcraft]

helo Ben those boots look realy nice what brand are they?

[@TheVeganeater]

Gransfor bruks small forest axe probably holds the record for most tent pegs carved.

[@miccorockstar1]

awesome, also, the Fiskars axes are boss, the best axes money can buy the last axe you will ever need. But some people are more traditional, that's why I own more than 1 brand.

[@ragnaroksangel]

I don't trust plastic. If something happens to an axe handle, you can't really repair it in the wild if you need to. You can always craft a new handle using just the axe head if the handle is wood. I've seen a lot of excellent reviews of Fiskars machetes and I'm assuming from those that the axes are also superb, but I'll still never trust plastic the way I do my excursions. My vehicle/civilization is a long g*dd*mn ways out and it's too great a risk. Plus, the aesthetics of a cool custom (no way I'd ever buy anything and not stamp it with my own touches) axe builds morale. If it breaks, you get to make a new one. Fun stuff. I'd use Fiskars if I was car camping or close to home. Not in the wild

[@rexnemorensis8154]

Those boots look great, what are they?

[@BenOrford]

These are my favourite boots. They are the Scott’s from Vivo super comfy 👍

[@X_explorer]

Very good channel!

[@henrymoreland8719]

Thanks for that.

[@kazporkaz]

Looks good !!

[@OutdoorAbenteuer]

Great Axes 🪓 ❤️🌳❤️

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

I have the small forest axe for many years. Great axe. For carving I like the

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

Svante Djärv small carving axe. Good to be reminded about the safety.

[@gabrieledariva1948]

Sono un vostro fan italiano che, purtroppo, non conosce l'inglese e deve capire i vostri gesti. Nonostante questo, riesco ad apprezzare il vostro impegno e vi ringrazio.

[@l3nnon1]

Salve amigo... esplêndidas muito lindas as machadinhas....manda uma dessas pra min...... abraço 👍🏻

[@BCJerbs]

Wish I could afford the Ray Mears one...thats a sweet vid buds thank you...wish I could win one of these beauts! Cheers, Jerbs.

[@trumpocalypsesurvival]

I prefer wide-eyed tomahawk because I can change the length of my handle And re handle it in the field easier

[@roryembleton778]

Absolutely useless for splitting all but small wood though!

[@foxholeoutdoors70]

@@roryembleton778 thats why we baton! (;

[@roryembleton778]

@@foxholeoutdoors70 by that rationale, why carry an axe at all and not a chopper?

[@foxholeoutdoors70]

@@roryembleton778 because axes are more fun (:

[@NikosKatsikanis]

learned a lot

[@adriennefraschetta5391]

Very informative😏

[@dtothes686]

Which Boots do you wear??

[@patriceb26]

Bonjour So which one is the best ?

[@Elfin4]

Have you over used or considered an Estwing axe, they are small enough and handy to put in a backpack?

[@johnclarke6647]

Agree 100%

[@TheZippyMark]

Good video mate, has anyone ever told you you look a bit like a better built Mark Gatiss?

[@NikosKatsikanis]

my tent begs look like rough rough picks😊