Chop Off: Cold Steel Trail Master vs. Gränsfors Bruks Outdoor Axe

Comparing the Cold Steel Trail Master to the Gränsfors Bruks Outdoor Axe in a chopping test.
Se the comparison with the Wildlife Hatchet: • Chop Off: Cold Steel T...
Cold Steel Trail Master:
Blade Length: 24,1 cm (9 1/2")
Overall Length: 36,8 cm (14 1/2")
Steel: O-1 High Carbon
Weight: 0,47 kg (16.7 oz)
Blade Thickness: 7,9 mm (5/16")
Handle: 12,7 cm (5") Long Kray-Ex™
Sheath: Secure-Ex® Sheath
Made in Taiwan
Gränsfors Bruks Outdoor Axe:
Length with handle: 37 cm (14.5”)
Weight: 0,5 kg (17.6 oz)
Sheath in vegetable-tanned leather
Made in Sweden
#coldsteel
#trailmaster
#gransforsbruk
#gränsforsbruk
#outdooraxe
#theswedemike

[@CedricAda]

I really enjoyed your video! The axe enthusiast community is full of people who love to judge and instruct in every case they see of someone using an axe - even when its obviously set up in an abnormal way for a fun or abstract video scenario. Some very Serious Axe Users lurk in the youtube comments sections. But you have a good attitude to these types of comments and keep working at it!

[@theswedemike219]

Thank you for a common scens comment and your support. I will keep doing my thing no mater what. ;-)

[@johnfadds6089]

I own a Trailmaster and love it, but this demonstration is ridiculous.

[@Rupertblade]

I full agree with you and I'm am adding a comment as well. The two things are complementary but it's really ridicolous to make a comparision. In Italy there is an old way of saying: " It's like compare meat with potatoes"

[@stevew3978]

I just received my Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe this afternoon. Although I am keeping the axe, I want to point out the obvious that using a high-quality small folding pull saw would be much faster, much safer, and far less tiresome than using an axe to cut down small trees 8" in diameter or less. A folding saw is also much lighter and much cheaper than an axe. However, I do get the fascination with owning axes. They are more traditional and sexier than a folding crosscut pull saw.

[@slashman6969]

your technique means that it is an unfair test - basically your technique sucks and the variability of your shots is the determining factor.

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

i agree,he was to presise with the axe. he kept hitting the same spott over and over with the axe. Well then,nothing is happening. I love knifes but i also have the same axe,and it really chops good when you do it right.

[@205jab4]

That just means the trailmaster works better for him. That's all. No reason to say it was unfair bc every chopping test is skewed by the person. Unless it's done with a robot in a lab on man made material then it always will be skewed. In a lumberjack competition, who's to say one guys log wasnt harder. You cant, it's just what works best for you. If you like small axes and they work better for you then great. I carry 3 blades a bahco saw, tops b.o.b. or brakimo and mostly a bk9 or cold steel hatchet. I'll never be falling trees over 4 in. Probably so it doesn't matter if I carry the bk9 over the hatchet. I do have this ax but it doesn't leave my wood shed. I use it for small kindling. I don't want to lose it.lol

[@johanpettersson8039]

Where did you get the trailnaster? I'm considering to get one but I can't really find one that ships to Sweden. Btw love the lundhags pants

[@JudahMaccabee_]

Great video. I have the GB Small Forest Axe and it's my favourite tool to take to the woods. Pure quality.

[@theswedemike219]

Yah, it's a great allround axe.

[@MitigateStress]

Question, can you use a rada sharpener for a convex edge/ axe and trail master? I have the Scandinavian.

[@sifusasdo2314]

Cool Video 👍 Thank U for the Info and the Links 👍 I definatelly will buy both cool done Bro👍

[@Thornton733]

Interesting, I am a Trail Master owner and use it because I have little to none axe skills. Actually thought the Axe would win. Thank you!

[@MTwoodsrunnerPrimitiveSkill]

Not the first time iv'e seen a knfe out perform a hand axe...woods

[@vector8310]

I would like to express a reservation, then ask a question. First, while it was only 10 whacks with the Trailmaster, you undeniably expended energy delivering them. Then immediately, without rest, you began using the Gransfors which, as you initially disclosed, was slightly heavier than the Trailmaster. Second, which one was better at attenuating the shock to your hand?

[@theswedemike219]

Swinging these tools 20 times with out rest is no problem, they are not that heavy to work with. You get almost no shock using the axe, it is much more comfortable in the long run.

[@michaelhartley8426]

You should show how you fit the lanyard on your hand. Thanks for your videos.

[@steveottavaino3804]

Thanks for a fun comparison. The GB axe model you tested is a splitting axe, the head is thick for the purpose of splitting logs. It can but is not designed for chopping, baton some logs with the Trail Master in comparison to splitting similar logs with the GB and you'll see a big difference. The right tool for the right job and all that stuff. Try the GB small forest axe for chopping and I'm certain you be pleased with its performance, if not the size differential. Be well my friend!!

[@figtreeprophecy]

(4 yrs later) I'm happy to see that you identified the GB as a splitting axe. All GB axes with collars are considered splitting axes. I have a CS Trailmaster in 01. Love it! I have 6 GB axes but not the Outdoor Axe. ( Try doing some reasonable splitting with it. I'm sure it will excel at that!. Comment directed at Swede Mike ) :)

[@Rupertblade]

Exscuse me but your comparision is what in Italy we say " to compare meat with potatoes". I'm an old Italian hunter and hiker and in my adventures, let's call them so, I akways brought and still bring in my knapsacs three items: 1) a small hatchchet to quickcly and efficiently cut and split logs not more than 0,5 kg 2) a medium size bowie knife about 8 to 10 inches for most of heavy camping chores as to prepare meals and self defence against feral dogs and stray shepherd dogs which are the only real threat you can find in Italian woods 3) a folding knife with a stout blade to skin animals and for small camping and personal chores. So every really experienced backpacker or hunter won't choose between a hatchet and a bowie but will bring both. By the way during a trek in the Adirondeck I learnt that a famous early 29th century writer Washington Sears aka Nessmuk professional guide in that area gave a possibile backpacker the advice to bring exactly the three items I happend to carry on hikes and hunts with me: a medium sislzed bowie knife, a small harchet and a stout folding knife! So if are the professional I think you really are, I suggest you to read Nessmuk books and give your readers advices based also on his Adirondeck experience besides yours! P.S. I own and often bring both the Cold Steel Trail Master Carbon V and the Gransfors Outdoor Hatchet: very expensive otems but outstanding!

[@rrcaniglia]

I own a Trail Master and a three Gransfors Bruks axes, but not the one you tested. My knife chops well. The axes chop wonderfully well, even the mini axe. I think technique makes a difference. We’re you snapping you wrist with the axe? With that long handle, you should have been able to generate much more head speed than with the knife.

[@longpinkytoes]

can you use the knife to split wood or as a splitting wedge?

[@donoberloh]

Ever heard of a baton or wood wedges also?

[@carscigarsscotchnwatches5158]

Good job. I think you could do this test on different wood and it might turn out different, who knows. Another thing, if the Trailmaster's edge was factory, it is likely burned. I have noticed that a lot of knife factory edges fail, then after a resharpening the edge holds up better.

[@MegaHkon]

Fresh wood- thin blade. Dry wood- thicker blade. Thats my experience. Like your video! Try the long cold steele two handed chopper! 2 inches thick of fresh wood in one swing. Super for clearing trails. But it will bend on dry/ hard wood.

[@silentbigsteve3429]

Thanks for info

[@dannyrock4738]

Det händer samma sak med min ny trailmaster (SK-5 stål)... Du vet, små chipping på knivseggen, men min gamla trailmaster med 1095 stål har aldrig hänt.

[@charliemcawesome5012]

The Outdoor axe is designed for chopping AND splitting. That’s why it’s not as prodigious a chopper..... so a similar test splitting logs. The Knife won’t stand a chance because the axe is DESIGNED to split wood.

[@mynameisnobody.258]

If you will learn how to use axe, it will perform much better.

[@theswedemike219]

Well, have compared this two items yourself?

[@mikeyeatworld]

Great video, but Aleks is correct. I own both the small forest axe and the Trailmaster in San Mai. Although the Trailmaster is a great chopper and as an all-around tool, the axe definitely wins in the chopping and wood processing arena.

[@theswedemike219]

Thank you!Yah, the small forest axe is a great axe an it is definitely better than the trailmaster. But the outdoor axe is not as good as it´s brother the wildlife hatchet when it comes to chopping. And yes Aleks is right in a certain point of view. A way I see it is no matter how you use your axe you can´t affect the preformance caused of the geometry on the axeblade. Even the small forest axe which is an large axe has a thinner axeblade than the outdoor axe. And agree with you. I would choose an axe any day when it comes processing wood. After working more with the outdoor axe I can tell you that it have an incredible edge holding and it is really comfortable to work with. This was just a fun test to me and it is to bad that some see it controversial to say that a knife could be an equal good chopper as an equal sized axe. Thank you again for watching!

[@TheKimjoh560]

Even a 5 dollar axe will cut better than a bowie if used and sharpened properly. Buying an expensive quality axe like this you pay for edge retention and longetivity, not cutting ability. I enjoyed the video but I found that you made several misstakes in this video to reach your conclusion :)

[@theswedemike219]

Cutting ability is much about the geometry of the axe blade. And edge retention is a part of the cutting ability as well. To say an axe is just an axe is like saying a car is just a car.

[@WarGrrl3]

Really enjoyed this honest review. Thank you

[@sebastiansteiner1546]

When you chop a log you need to get a much wider notch especially with the axe. And a knife is not ground for chopping.

[@theswedemike219]

Actually the Trail Master is designed to be an all-purpose knife. That means for instance it is designed to be a good chopper. In this case I don´t believe it would make any difference in the comparison if the notch was wider. No mater if it is an axe or a knife, the geometry of the tool will affect how the tool will preform. But you are welcome to prove me wrong. Thank U for you´r input and thank U for watching the video.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Mike, WoW, Put me down for the Axe to win, Infact I have a 1990 San Mai Trail Master, I also have a video of Lynn Thompson claiming it to be the strongest knife made commercial or custom (at that tine), But no doubt the axe is made for chopping, The Trail Master is just a large knife, Sure it's 5%16" thick and a 9 1/2" blade. But it's still a large knife. Sure it chops, But in a survival situation the last thing you want to do is use up alot of energy. But for sure if I had a choice of knives on me in a survival situation if I had a choice, I think the Trail Master would be one of my considerations, After my Anneversay Straight Handle Battle Mistress LE, and my Nuclear Meltdown Fussion Steel Heart and my Ergo Battle Mistress. Not to say the Trail Master isn't a good knife, But sometimes the handle rolls on them, Mine never did. I think they did do something about it tho. Again good review Thanx You. Like I said I have a good one, the ricaso were different, I also have the G. B. Small Forest Axe, But my Go to Bush Craft Hatchet is my 17" Hultafors Bruks Agdor Hatchet, because it's a little more compact with enough weight behind it and I can still use it one handed, Eugene made me a excellent Axe Holster at reviewsog.com to on person carry it. It's Awesome. Also I like to carry my Rodent 5 with my Wicked Tough Saw in its Sheath. I also neck carry my Mora 510 since it's so lite I hardly can tell I have it as a neck knife. That's how I like to Scout. All I sometimes take is my Haversack depending on the time of year, In colder weather I might take my G. B. Small Forest Axe, and my 3Day Backpack, But also I use my 24" Council Wood Craft Pack Axe with the Heavy Duty Sheath and Sling. One of my Fav's. I also use Stainless Steel Knives on wet and snowy weather.

[@Jimlovescock]

Paul'ie 4X The Consiglior what does "heah" mean and why do you tell everybody to say it?

[@grumpyoldwizard]

You angled the knife, but cut straight down with the axe. The axe should win.

[@crouchingtadpole5158]

Poor axe skills

[@danielguerrero2426]

How long could the knife chop without braking, those axes are handed down to your children. I'm not so sure the knife would make it.

[@semdijkstra9784]

That knife would hold up longer than the axe, period. I really do love gransfors axes but saying the axe handle is more durable than a steel blade is just not realistic

[@wavepropulsion1]

I don't know your hatchet, but my hawk will outchop both

[@donoberloh]

5 chops with CS and 10 chips with GB

[@maxsso]

This way using an axe its dangerous mate ,,, and a knife perform ok but the axe doing it on the floor where the true force of chopping comes out - i asure that you will get much beter results ! knives that arent full tang are stressed when you chop in a middle of the blade - the true way its on the first 8 - 10 cm from the point so the blade dont kick back your hand mate ! Batoning dont stress the knife !

[@tested123]

its an obvious conclusion. also the vibration of the piece of wood doesnt work in the axes favor. also try hammering in tent stakes with the knife. i would take the axe with me any day.

[@ricklane1693]

those narrow brackets were the issue Brother.

[@tikkidaddy]

Angle of attack to the wood surface is WAY TOO CLOSE to 90 degrees on BOTH tools. I'm not sure what kind of wood that is, but both tools will send chips raining when that sharp at proper angles. I love CS and I use them every day. Since 1989. The knife steel is HARDER, and when you chop deep, and twist or torque the blade to pull it out, the thinner metals WILL deform it is also very hard to get proper angles of attack on the stand you have set up due to the boards sticking up in your way. I love GB as well, and I think your axe should've WON, you can flick your wrist on the second chop and pop out a hunk of wood, and do no damage to the GB.

[@fouba2]

Jag har beställt en Trailmaster som jag snart får hem då ska jag ut i skogen och campa och på samma gång testa min Trailmaster :)=

[@jvcycle]

You could probably cut (chop) even more with a machete! But if you look back at your video, you'll see just how many bad swings while cutting with your backswing. NOT criticizing, just pointing out, practice your technique. Axes require their own style technique. Also, much better if the log was solidly grounded and not losing the energy. Thanks for the Good vid! Keep Chopping ...J

[@theswedemike219]

Yah, a machete would definitely chop better but I wanted to compare so close I could with out any off them having any advantage. Anda a machete is generally longer than a small axe. I agree to all you say. Some swings could be better. I wanted to do a retake but I didn´t have any more logs att that time. Usually I don´t chop a log like that, it was just to make it easy to film. And if i want to cut a log in half I use a saw. It was just to compare the two different tools. And yes it would be better to have the log on solid ground but at least both had the same circumstance. Thank U for you´r input. It helps me doing better next time. :-) Pleas keep comment you´r thoughts. Thank U for watching! :-)

[@loki1066]

Exactly ! The test favoured the knife.

[@brianmcwhorter2867]

The axe fanboys are freaking out!

[@johnmutton799]

You don't cut at the same spot. You make your cut the same width of the timber. You are only compressing the timber hitting in the same spot. The cut you made with the trail master was better because the cut was wider. What you call missed strikes. The axe is the better chopper. Try it again. I have both of these. The axe is a better tool for chopping. The trail master. Is a very good knife. But mare for tactical use.

[@theswedemike219]

Sorry but I have compared this even after and in different angels and still had the same results. And no, the trail master is not maid for tactical use. It’s a Bowie knife and the of the shape is origen as a hunting knife.

[@nonjaninja4904]

Your axe technique needs work.

[@EattinThurs61]

Varusteleka Skrama...

[@truthteller1951]

Not an even comparison

[@mariaconcepcionrodriguezhe2850]

A lot of axecels are criticizing your test because of your technique. Your technique is awful but it is fair because you are awful with the knife and the axe equally. If you would like to improve your technique i advise you check out cliff stamp's yt

[@mariaconcepcionrodriguezhe2850]

I hate axemaxxers. They are a blight upon the whole internet. Why are you batoning? Use an axe! Why are you chopping with a knife? Use an axe lmao! Use an axe! Heard of axes? Blablablabla. How can barely sentient creatures(axemaxxers/axecels) be so cocky...