Bushcraft Review - Ray Mears Designed Axe by Gransfors Bruks in Sweden

#bushcraft #nativesurvival #alone nativesurvival.com

[@rolandsilva9743]

I have had one for a while and it's my favorite. I must have about 15 axes and this is the one.

[@timphilfellinabrook8144]

Same axe I've had for about 5 years. Strong, easy to carry and super reliable long as it's well maintained.

[@coydogoutdoors]

ray mears is my go to guy for a lot of bushcraft knowledge lol ive had so much fun learning from that guy its crazy. as for his choice in axes their expensive but man are they worth it thanks for showing that nice axe off

[@watermain48]

Nice to see someone who respects his tools talk about them. Thanks for sharing your review.

[@yveskc1]

Speechless.. without words.. thanks for sharing!

[@FSBushcraft]

Great looking Axe Brother....I love that you mentioned your tools look like tools and not straight from the shop or shelf, I have to agree with you on that Brother, they are tools not show pieces. It was an honor to meet and spend time with you this summer, and I will never forget our great talk that you, Mike, and I shared that night, it meant a lot to me, and glad to have you as a brother...and you Rock on the guitar, that was another amazing night....ATB...Peter

[@nativesurvivalcommunity]

I hope you are well my brother, sentiments i share also; special times indeed, glad for that night we shared with mike as well......

[@stephensgate1]

Mitch, any update on how the knives are coming along? I cant wait till I get mine.....really excited. Just curious on if their on schedule to be finished in the next few weeks?? -Stephen, Ohio

[@Nativesurvival]

Sure, yes on schedule indeed, the PreOrder ends in 2 weeks, however all 100 knives are nearly sold, old a few left. Yes will be shipping them soon my friend.

[@shadowdance4666]

Excellent geometry. Looks good for splitting. Very stout looking axe!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Thanks for the review. Thanks also for the tip about the hanging loop and the wool 'sock' cover for storing the axe. The brief comparison with other Gansfors Bruks axe sizes and models was very helpful for those of us who are not forestry workers. Could you say more some time about using the pommel--what to do; what not to do?

[@patrickgermond2750]

Great video by the way. Hey, how's the balance on that when you choke up for carving?

[@patrickgermond2750]

Nice. I have 4 Grandfors Bruks axes. The one I fell in love with is their carpeters hatchet. I carve with it. Split with it. And beat the pee out of it when I'm logging. I use it to pound in the wedges.

[@Kentucky31Bluegrass]

I couldn't care less if Mitch had been given a deal or not. I do care however that I'm watching a review from someone that used, and relied on a product more in 2 months than most would in a lifetime. thanks Mitch

[@NorwegianWoods]

That axe looks like a great working tool. The combined effort of Gränsfors and Mr Mears got to end in something great :) Thanks for the review - Martin

[@Breal191]

Does the sheath come with the axe or is it extra? I mean when you buy directly from Woodlore.

[@craigmurphy163]

Fantastic great axe glad you love it as much as I do having used it as much as you do great vid

[@preppingforbeginners1347]

love your channel one of just a few to inspire me to change my lifestyle and create a channel to document it! really do love everyone of your video's Thanks Frankie Prepping for beginners

[@WisconsinEric]

Great review. I would have liked to see it next to the Small Forest or Scandi Forest axes to see the difference in head thickness. I sold both my Small Forest and Scandi Forest axes a couple years ago as I felt they were too light and thin for me.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Oh man, now I gotta buy a new knife AND a new axe. I need to check their website though to see if they make one with a single bevel with one flat edge.

[@timphilfellinabrook8144]

Also when will you have classes available again? I'd like to take the woodland living course sometime.

[@bosse641]

I want the hatchet. ...perfect around camp. ...and nice to carry.

[@walden6272]

Will you be making a video showing this axe in action? I was hoping to see how it performs in real life situations, felling tree, chopping, splitting, and carving.. etc.

[@rickytown1048]

I just placed an order for one!!! I will final have one within 2 to 3 days! Finally

[@brandonlenenski]

Great review. I would expect nothing less from Ray Mears. Why don't you carry this axe anymore and what did you replace it with?

[@Nativesurvival]

Retired it after its adventure in Vancouver, i use a Haltfors Kisa.

[@crosscountryoutdoors2472]

My husqvarna Scandinavian axe is 26” 3 lbs. I don’t know what the head weighs by itself. That’s Ray Mears is a perfect size. Good video! Nice axe with memories .

[@thedowntrodden1522]

have you thought of using a gun stock to store the axe it's good for keeping moisture out

[@Heirphoto]

A great example that a little mixed sap and heartwood in a handle is not a deal breaker. Looks like it served you well without failure. The keyboard commandos would tell you that wood combo was doomed. The proof is in the pudding, it works fine. Loved all my Gransfors tools that I have owned.

[@nativesurvivalcommunity]

totally

[@drowseybowser4247]

Mitch where can I get one? im looking to get my first woodsmen axe and I think this is a great one, or do you have any other recommendations?? thanks for any feed back buddy, and that 7 weeks looked like hell man! you trooped it

[@Nativesurvival]

On Rays site

[@MRBABAR]

Love this video. How is your Wilderness axe holding up? Also, do you watch the recent Alone seasons? Rooted for you way back when!

[@aHigherPower]

Mitch did Alone supply you guy with any equipment or did you have to go out and buy all your own? Thanks.

[@Nativesurvival]

bought my own

[@aHigherPower]

Dang, seems 1st place was the only pay out. Did anyone get to walk away with any gear?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Was it that axe you had with you at the Nova Scotia Bushcraft gathering in August?

[@Nativesurvival]

Nope, i had the Hultfors Kisa, its a little longer and still pretty new so im sort of being careful with it until im perfectly comfortable with it. Great to see a comment from you my friend , i very much enjoyed our time together ; )

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks Mitch. I enjoyed meeting and talking with you as well. God willing, we will have the opportunity to get together again. I originally thought it might be a Hult as I own one as well. I have the shorter Forest Axe. Still getting used to it but I was able to carve a spoon with it at the gathering

[@Nativesurvival]

Ive since come to the conclusion the kisa is definitely not as good as this wilderness axe for a few reasons, so rather than chasing the wilderness axe with other axes i was in luck they were in stock after havign been out of stock for almost a year so i got another this week. ; )

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good fortune for you and good information for me. I do love my smaller Hultafors and have been considering which larger axe I should buy next. Thanks Mitch

[@fodoon]

Hey Mitch, which axe do you think is better between this Ray Mears Wilderness axe and your current Hultafors Kisa?

[@nativesurvivalcommunity]

ill do a vid

[@bryanr.3241]

My go to axe is Wetterlings Foresters Fine Axe. Nice weight and length.

[@nativesurvivalcommunity]

Right on ive yet to like a wetterlings ive held, perhaps this model would be the first. thanks ill keep an eye out for it.

[@bryanr.3241]

Randal Flagg They still make them. But I will check into this because I bought mine a year ago.

[@Ka7wyf]

i have had the gransfors bruks carpenter hatchet... i bought it in a hurry but learned how to carve wood and chop down smaller trees. at the end a tiny bit of fine sandstone or my leather belt would bring it back to razor shave your face sharpness. a wicked sharp hand made marvel. makers mark on the tool. spendy but will last. only thing i did was a linseed oil rub down on the wood and steel. best hatchets/axes in the world.

[@marcussantos7177]

Man I love your videos

[@WiltshireMan]

A good axe without doubt.

[@Nativesurvival]

Indeed

[@BlackthornBushcraft]

Does your wife know about you and this axe? It got a little comfortable to watch at one point like I was intruding... Sorry couldn't resist. It looks similar in weight and length to the swedish army axe, love your channel thanks for sharing.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah, I almost got the R M Gransfors Bruks Forest Axe. But I changed my mind and got the 24" Council Wood Craft Pack Axe with the Heavy Duty Sheath and Sling It's made out of the 5160 and I love it.,,. p

[@indyoutsider]

Well, yeah, that's a nice axe, but i got a wetterlings and and i love it.. It can make shavings from shavings.. yeah.. Mine is so sharp it can cut water into hydrogen and oxygen. Yeah,.. My wetterlings is so sharp and tough, it could shave chuck Norris.. Beat that.. lol.. Thanks for the video.

[@gordonlawrence3537]

You can sort of tell that axe is going to handle well just looking at it. The proportions and shape just seem right.

[@patrulhacaburai]

Can you do an actual video using this axe? It would be nice to see it in action

[@Nativesurvival]

simply watch my newest vid i just posted, use it a bunch in the beginning.

[@EDLuke246]

Quick question, I don't think you said but how many hours did you use it for each day? - Jokes aside thanks, informative video.

[@UlhednarOutdoors865]

How did you patina the axe

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah, Yeah, Since I have the Small Forest Axe, I decided on the Council 24" Pack Axe. Because it too has a 2lbs. head but it's made out of the 5160 Carbon Steel, I also got it with the Heavy Duty Sheath and Sling. Yeah, I got it because it was hard to get the R M G. B. But absolutly no regrets, I got a diamond in the rough, Actually it's a gem.,,.

[@Stevenowski]

Thanks for the review. Going to the website next!

[@AdventureSworn]

Awesome review, Mitch

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

I notice that the Wetterlings Les Stroudt and this GB Ray Mears have heads much thicker and heavier than the other axes by those companies in the same size range. Why is that?

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

Okay, your video answered my question. However, it doesn't make much sense to me. The Scandinavian Axe seems like it's be about perfect for outdoors use.

[@kvnztr]

I think you misspoke when you said infamous. Great video, amazing axe! Glad a bought one.

[@Nativesurvival]

Hmm it appears i did, how unfortunate.

[@centermass3454]

Mitch, any opinion on Hudson's Bay Axes ? I beleive those heads are also 2 lbs.

[@Zedoutdoors]

Amazing what that axe has been through, nice going Mitch ~Peace~

[@Nativesurvival]

Thanks my friend

[@discusdog]

Where on the Island were you?

[@TheWoodedBeardsman]

A celebrity can actually endorse a good product? It's no bear grylls! Ha.

[@xaheaadx]

Bear Grylls is a bellend tho! Just sayin!

[@rowanhealy]

Interesting comparison to this with a hultafors hunting axe that is about 1/3 of the price by a Scottish guy on youtube.

[@jackgaskell9309]

@@rowanhealy that scottish guy is amuppet talking out his arse - just saying

[@Howlingdingobush]

Well tested..Good vid

[@FargoNDRoland]

Hi Mitch where can I get one of these. I checked with GF and I dont see it on the website?

[@nativesurvivalcommunity]

? its on Rays's website.

[@elpistola1104]

where is your school ?

[@attaemad5116]

where are you filming this?? Alaska?

[@k1llerseventeen]

Awesome.

[@erikgranqvist3680]

They do make good axes. Besides - your pronunciation of Gränsfors isnthalf bad. I really enjoy your show!😃

[@scottsmith6571]

Is this small forest axe or larger Scandinavian axe

[@Nativesurvival]

Neither, its the Wilderness Axe

[@scottsmith6571]

Mitch Mitchell so in between ?

[@MidwestFirecraft]

Small Forest Axe has 19 inch handle and 2 lbs. head, Scandinavian has 25 inch handle and 2.6 lbs. head. Ray's website lists the wilderness axe head at 1.75 lbs. with a 23.5 inch handle.

[@Nativesurvival]

somethings wrong with your figures, rays axe is substantially heavier than the small forest which was the main reason he cited as the need to design it in the first place a heavier small forest axe.

[@MidwestFirecraft]

From his website: Don't own one so can't weigh it myself. On waiting list. Ray Mears Bushcraft logo on handle Head weight: 0.8 kg Total weight: 1.4 kg 60 cm hickory handle Protective leather sheath included 20-year guarantee

[@johnmutton799]

Having two different woods in the handle is wrong. They swell differently in moisture. Sap and heart wood will eventually split. GBs quality is different now, they use any hickory now the grain orientation is poor.

[@somchanhphanhlathy9689]

I'd like to see you utilize it with your other skills

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Good vid! Gotta get me one!

[@lubovladi]

good looking tool...))

[@steveholt3089]

Wetterlings Scandinavian forest axe is better.. 25" handle,2lb head and around $120. HultsBruk "Akka" is a 1.5lb head on a 23 inch handle for around $140

[@Nativesurvival]

Ive never held a wetterlings that didnt feel cheap, to me lowest quality is wetterlings, then hults, then grans.

[@steveholt3089]

they're all made the same..same steel same handles...have you ever actually used a wetterlings or HB? or just held them? because you'd find out they all do the same thing quite well.

[@Nativesurvival]

lol yes i own a HB Kisa and have used Wetts owned by buddies, i wouldnt say what i did based on nothing; i find their balance points and weight to handle ratio and bevel geometries quite different which obviously is 90% of an axes performance. And for the record with the same ingredients made in same factory argument just think of cooking we all have the same ingredients yet top chefs produce a plate vastly different than laypeople with the same items.

[@wanderingthewilderness]

SWEET TOOL. WHATS $$$

[@Nativesurvival]

check his website.

[@highdesertnation1285]

that's one hell of an endorsement..

[@Wingman115]

👍🏻👊🏻

[@Nativesurvival]

hey bro hope your well

[@Wingman115]

NativeSurvival Doing fine on vacation this week getting ready to do a bit of camping.

[@amrasurvival5580]

great axe nice story thanks for sharing

[@chrisalbanese7048]

Gransfors “BRUK” why so many people say Brooks I will never understand.

[@Nativesurvival]

No idea, its clearly Bruk. Agreed, certainly not Brooks haha.

[@hugoakerlund5114]

well it wouldt be rusty if you were using it

[@dickdastardly9018]

Condor axe same deal third of the price

[@paulmartin2586]

I would put my Iltis oxhead limbing axe up against this axe any day, and "kill it" The Iltis goes through a 4 inch piece of hardwood in one swing. It don't take much to chop cedar and pine.... the local indians were cutting them with rocks ... before steel ... AND .. "killing it".

[@redcanoe14]

Iltis Oxhead Axe 2.5lb? I have had one for 10 years, fundamentally not a bad axe, very thin profile, strong but badly shaped shaft, cuts OK but not in the same league as comparably sized Swedish Axes, I have also improved the grind on it. (HB, SAW or GB's) also falls shrt against my Billnas 12.3 with self made ash shaft (25")

[@Yanna316]

First

[@TinyBoatConcerts]

first lmao