Gransfors Bruk Outdoor Axe: Deep Wilderness Field Use!!

There's no doubt Gransfors Bruk makes some high quality, fine axes. And many people rave about the Outdoor Axe as their favorite model...but will it perform in a deep wilderness situation. Not that I needed it for a true "survival" situation...but when your only serious wood processing tool needs to perform to get your fire started...it's game time. Does this Outdoor Axe perform? Does it get my wood processed for a fire to keep us warm, cook our food, and keep the bugs and critters away?? There's only one way to find out...you just gotta watch!
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[@locoraindrops7653]

I've had this little chopper for a bit. It's a good one. I think those who bash it expect too much out of a tool like this. I could tell the gentleman doing this review was shooting way above this tools intended purposes just based on the very 1st footage of him chopping with it. To me it is like the guy who buys a 3 season tent and then complains about it coming up short during a northeast snow storm because he is eating spindrift sandwiches. This axe to me is best utilized when complimented in a system. My setup is 3 fold. The LT Wright Outback 3v saber grind, the Grandfors Outdoor Axe, and finally the Silky Ultra Accel 240 curved I sometimes run the Agawa Boreals(both sizes) from time to time as well. I've been at the outdoor stuff(backpacking & climbing) for 4 decades some of which was as a gear reviewer as well as doing a bit of r & d for a few very well recognized & respected brands. Not bashing this review. Just saying when reviewing a product get a grasp of what its limitations are before you expect it to do to much & when it doesn't perform say it is the tools fault & not the users.

[@McXyu]

He has 2 left hands. Tool itself does not do it. It is always operator behind. He did not sharpen it to perform, use wrong angle to strike wood, did it way too often per minute with wrong force behind strikes and awkward body positions, just exhausting himself. Anyway, he did what he wants regardless, meaning the axe is good or very good

[@outlaweric]

couldnt agree more. most of these videos arent using the tool as intended. id never even bother trying to cut that size tree with that little axe. good point

[@The5150owl]

Very well said my friend, I completely agree.

[@TheDavewatts]

I'm a bit late I know, but I've just read your comment and I have to say never a truer word said, absolutely spot on, unfortunately this seems to be the case on the majority of KZbin channels, example far too many stood there with a small lightweight sheath knife saying it doesn't chop well 😖 . All the gear no idea gang I call them.

[@michalurbanful]

"I could tell the gentleman doing this review was shooting way above this tools intended purposes just based on the very 1st footage of him chopping with it." If he misused the GBOA and then said the axe is shite, that would be bad. But after all the excessive use all he criticized was the handle shape (which is something I agree with). Apart from that he praised the thing. So ... I don't understand what the point of your comment is.

[@PREPFORIT]

Wow, you really tested this outdoor Axe/Hatchet in every possible scenario. Thanks for all the time markers.

[@erlendhansen9246]

Got the outdoor axe this Christmas. Used it one time, and I have fiskars X7 to compere with. It outperform the X7 in almost everyway, expect to cut thick logs. Its natural since the head is light. Where is realy shines is splitting, its almost magical how this light axe/hatched splitt rather big logs. This axe can do everything to make a fire in the winter, but it is perfect combined with a saw wintertime in Norway. I am very pleased with my X7, but it has suddenly become a bit soulless.

[@dinzo22]

This was kind of hard to watch. The GBA OA is a wonderful tool that I love.

[@danielcharbonneau222]

Well Eric, that's a full blown field test, great job.

[@KettleCamping]

Great video! Very informative! Thank you! 👍

[@mikeprice1838]

Very useful review. Thank you!

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks for watching!

[@damienvanhalen]

Amazing gear room you have.

[@barrybueler3356]

This is the one gransfors bruks models I’d like to get though I do have their Scandinavian axe small forest axe and the wildlife hatchet so it’s hard to buy another gransfors bruks axe for room and money. For a pack axe I love the small forest axe the Scandinavian is my camp axe and for game and light hikes the wildlife hatchet is my go to. I have all your gransfors bruks axes except this one your showing in this video.

[@knrst9061]

I woke up kind of hazey outside and chopped kindle without removing the sheath. It chopped through one of the steel rings and split the wood without damaging the edge.

[@TheLapierre]

Great review! Was just looking at this one the other day for a specific system, I choose the Fiskars X7 instead but I´m gonna buy this one for another application/system to go with the scandinavian axe Thanks for the upload and greetings from Sweden :)

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks for watching! Greatly appreciated!

[@taefer7437]

Thanks for taking the time for a review. You should really consider hitting the grain with an angle when "felling" or dividing lenghtwise. An axe is most efficient when you're taking large chunks out from dividing the fibers from two sides. Also chopping with a straight angle will put more strain on the edge. Also you should consider letting the head and swing work for you more. It's your axe and your shoulders but I you could have a better experience chopping.

[@damienvanhalen]

I put the grips tapes like a sanpaper sort of with grip grains on it on my Outdoor. I even put them on my Scandanavian. It really shores up a solid grip. The grip tapes are designed for pistols.

[@michalurbanful]

Great and detailed review! PS: I just got the GB OA today. Didn't have time to use it, in the feel and heft the Wildlife hatchet still rocks. I'm curious how the OA will perform. Plus it reminds me a little too much of my Small hatchet.

[@outerlimitless]

Yes, surprisingly more compact holding it in person than I would have expected by photos. The Wildlife hatchet is definitely more stout...and more hefty. Thanks for watching and enjoy the OA!

[@jrbarilla]

I noticed that when I started using it like a large camp knife and less like an axe (it’s a hatchet anyway) it really shined! Great trip My opinion ✌️

[@funkydozer]

This is like watching somebody try to use a Porsche 911 as a bus

[@sandyk6657]

It looks kind of small for effective processing of wood. I think I would take the small forest axe or a Hults Bruk Akka where you have more leverage and cutting power. It will be a little heavier to carry though - probably by a pound or so. It would be okay for small stuff. Any cutting of decent size, this hatchet looks like a real chore.

[@felixcat9318]

I have the GB Mini and Wildlife Hatchets and a Small Forest Axe, and when considering the Outdoor Axe I thought the handle was too thin, whereas I prefer the one on my Wildlife Hatchet. The Outdoor Axe is similar in head and handle size to my Wildlife, and I doubted that I'd find any benefit in it compared to what I already have! The Outdoor Axe with the handle of the Wildlife Hatchet would be something interesting. I forgot to say that I also take a Silky Saw, either an F-180, a Gomboy Outback or a Bigboy Outback, as I'd much prefer to easily and swiftly saw wood than chop it! I'm providing fuel for my tent stove and camp fire, not building an ark, so I don't need to over think stuff!

[@BoxcutterBushcraft]

You are absolutely correct. My OA has a very dangerous tendency to twist in my grip because of the awful haft.

[@kurts64]

Great review mate, detailed as always. As you said, possibly a bit underpowered, but a handy tool nonetheless. Shame about that chip though. Good stuff Eric

[@ericbrown50]

It's not underpowered at all..his technique is horrible.. you'll go nowhere fast trying to chop a log htting it at a 90 degree angle..it was hard to watch

[@jjm6187]

If you had to choose one, would you choose the outdoor axe or the small forest axe? I'm stuck in-between these. One more packable but less capable, the other more capable but less packable.

[@outerlimitless]

I say it depends on your other tools. What else do you own? Fill the gap... if no axes currently then SFA. If you have an axe or large chopper then go Outdoor.

[@jjm6187]

@@outerlimitless I rescued a double bit craftsman from an old barn that needs to be completely restored. Once that project is done, that would be my only other axe.

[@dogodogo2144]

Whitch of Metall is?

[@michalurbanful]

So, I managed to sell my OA, miss my OA and buy another OA ... :D Now I'm kinda worried that the steel collar is too short to really protect the haft ... so I made a longer (say 3.5") leather guard. I soaked the leather for about 10 minutes, used a towel to dry the surface of the leather and then I used a leather cord to attach the guard to the haft. Now I'm worried (again, lol) of rust that formed on the steel collar under the wet leather before the leather dried up. Let's say there would be some rust. In your opinion, should I be afraid? Have a nice day!

[@outerlimitless]

Hmm...I would suggest soaking the entire thing in boiled linseed oil...get it completely saturated so the oil goes into the leather and under the collar. It will leave a residue that could help protect it. That's assuming this is going to be a user and you're not concerned with some residue on the steel collar under the leather. I would just wipe off the residue from the axe head, but saturating the rest will be helpful in my opinion. Thoughts?

[@timjk32]

what state r u in?

[@MJGEGB]

Good on you for doing everything with the tool. Watching the video it didn't seem to be bucking near as well as it should. Part of that was likely the angle of the cut. Part of it was not opening up the cut enough and hitting the bottom of a V over and over. But I have to wonder if it wasn't dull or in need of some profile work. Not many people will take any axe of any kind into the woods and use it for everything so good job there. Hopefully you don't take this the wrong way. Just based on my experience you should be able to do the same work with a fraction of the swings used. For the handle you might thin out the sides. Sounds crazy I know but an oval cross section really makes a difference. I agree about it being too round in shape. For the roll and chip hammer it flat and hit it will a stone. If you have a good file it MIGHT cut the steel okay. Gransfors may be overated in a lot of ways but their steel sure is hard. Trying to improve the terrible factory bevel on my SFA was a royal PITA!

[@outerlimitless]

I don't use axes all too often so could be technique but the wood was all hard as nails from being almost petrified in the river bed. That was a solid test of my ability to make it work and also keep in mind we were 10 miles deep into the wilderness so I had no choice but to succeed! The axe was brand new so not dull but maybe reprofile would help? Dunno

[@MJGEGB]

@@outerlimitlessmakes sense, it takes a lot of time with an axe to become even relatively proficient with one in my experience. I'm a novice but I'm getting better over time. Backpacking with an axe is one of my favorite things to do. In fact I just got back from a trip earlier today. Definitely a good test of the tool as you said. Oak heartwood is a fun one to go after. Keep it up, I enjoyed watching someone using an axe for more than just splitting wood.

[@ESSSSSGEEEE]

I think the Angle of attack on the bigger logs hurt to show the ability of the axe, yes it is a small axe but you have to make your cuts as far apart as the log is thick. Great axe imho. It excels more with wrist to calf sized wood and is in good company with a good saw. Splitting is better than chopping but it can do both, if needed.

[@user-gv7uj1wt6s]

The 'problem' with the handle, almost slipping out of the hand, is, easily fixed: I took a tin pin, in my case of a fox, and pushed it into the handle, where my fingertips rest. That way, I have enough grip on the handle and I've personalized my hatchet :-)

[@chuckpoyner4445]

Hockey tape will fix the small handle problem

[@michalurbanful]

Yeah, but it looks gross ...

[@lawrencehawk5179]

Been a year, you still have & go camping with the axe?

[@outerlimitless]

Sold it to keep the channel moving

[@lawrencehawk5179]

@@outerlimitless oh ok. When you making another video on your 10/22?

[@outerlimitless]

@@lawrencehawk5179 on my other channel? Hard to say...I covered that fairly complete. Mostly accessories I would think. I'm working on another rifle currently.

[@Buckeyes216]

I have the small forest axe and the wildlife hatchet but still want the outdoor axe

[@inoperoscio]

Boh! Who use it like that?

[@outerlimitless]

Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Haha!

[@wtfmrb293]

Pulling the trigger on one of these axes. 100$ for a new one

[@Ouwkackemann]

Nice for carving or making feathersticks, but for anything else, it is to light and the handle is to narrow for at least middle large hands. In my eyes it is more a toy, than a tool. I regret that I bought it.

[@andrewkeeton3627]

My man, are you scared of the tree when you’re choppin or what?? 😅

[@RemyLebeau1985]

Seems ok, but I think I'll just stick to my Chanto.

[@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!.

[@emonty62]

can you share info on the C70 steel axe you mentioned, thxs

[@montecristo7602]

I have returned the Outdoor axe. First of all its not an axe, more like a hatchet. Second, the price. Its outrageous. For the same amount you can buy small forest axe, wich is the best axe for outdoors.

[@tested123]

i think you used thst axe beyond its means. you used it as if were a small forest axe. also gransfors weights are just the head

[@outerlimitless]

Performed perfectly...how is that BEYOND its means it it can do the work?

[@tested123]

@@outerlimitless if you had to do the same tasks again then i wiould bet you would choose another axe. i want to see how an axe performs as designed

[@outerlimitless]

@@tested123 But this is the axe I had. I test all kinds of gear...this is the one I had with me. No other...I was 10+ miles deep into the wilderness...no heading back into the workshop to grab another tool. This is the one I had...the one I used...and the tasks it had to perform. And it did all of it well. Fire, food, warmth, success...

[@tested123]

@@outerlimitless true

[@bradleygriffin7629]

A good pair of gloves would solve the rolling problems. Should probably be using some gloves anyway

[@rodrev_hiking6757]

At min 23.30 u are using it like a hammer not like an axe . Strike with an angle , let the axe work for you

[@Truthwillalwayswinoverlies]

the axe is for small kindling carving are rotten wood with its light head not true survival axe/hatchet for actually chopping and building shelters. Stop trying to make excuses for a product and company that's overated and overpriced.

[@richardhenry1969]

Way to expensive for what it is. Really a cheap coldsteel tomahawk could do the same thing. But personally I like the look but camp ax is something I never seem to use. Like every boy scout I've had many hatchets. After more then 35 years camping I stopped carrying them 25 years ago. Just never use them. I'm a knife an saw kinda guy. I have lately carried the coldsteel trailhawk I like that but I tend to have to force myself to use it. It's not what comes to mind if you know what I mean. I just wanna increase my skill level. Anyway my question after my long life history is who else makes a quality tomahawk/ camp tool under $100?Seems everything is getting very expensive lately. Nice video and it is a beautiful ax. Just when I looked It's $195 which is high for its limits in my opinion.

[@chrislossing1206]

Common. And when it comes to this stuff you just buy quality. If you have to pay double there is a reason for that. GB is a legendary company

[@MJGEGB]

If you can get your hands on one the Rinaldi Calabria pattern is excellent and well under $100. It's sort of similar to the OA with a larger bit, no poll, a slip fit handle, and a bit of a better profile. Prandi also makes the same pattern though the factory grinding on the one I received was pretty terrible.

[@richardhenry1969]

@@MJGEGB never heard of them. Thank you , that is more my line of thinking. To tell you the truth factory grind never matters to me. I'll put my own edge on anyway.

[@MJGEGB]

@@richardhenry1969 same here, but in this case whoever butchered the poor axe left a concave surface that was around 1/8" deep at the worst part. Took a lot of work just to fix what they screwed up at the factory. It would have been much better had they never touched it with a grinder. The Rinaldis are rough around the edges but otherwise only require some edge refinement. The Prandis are very well finished except for the bevel at the bit in my experience. Both are capable of what was done in this video with a fraction of the effort.

[@richardhenry1969]

@@MJGEGB I looked them up especially the model you said . It was $50 euo well within my budget buy. I'm really impressed by what I've seen. I can't believe I've never heard of them. I guess they slipped by because usually youtu.be shows crazy priced hawks that make no sense. Hawks are supposed to be cheap. It's like because America doesn't manufacture stuff that takes hardly any talent now costs a fortune. Like fixed blades sharpened carbon steel should not cost hundreds of dollars. But people nowadays don't understand how companies are playing them. Well thats my morning rant. Lol thanks again

[@alex-craft]

Handle is too short, not enough speed. It would be better if it was thomahawk with traction, round handle, so you can just cut a branch and use it as a long enough handle.

[@outerlimitless]

I was shocked at how truly small this little hatchet really is. Not exactly an "axe"!

[@montecristo7602]

@@outerlimitless i have returned mine. Its too small to be a proper axe. The price is to big for this product. Small forest axe its the best in GB range. Or you can chose hultafors hultan, best price/ power ratio.

[@6666tank]

Nah! A good camp saw less than a quarter of the time and😢😮 effort

[@BoxcutterBushcraft]

Dude, get a saw. That axe is for splitting and limbing. The grind is ALL wrong for cross cutting.

[@JJ-qi9zn]

Overpriced, overrated, and nothing that my USA-made Estwing couldn't do at a fraction of the price.

[@michalurbanful]

Go Sweden!!!

[@dinzo22]

If mine breaks I can make a new handle...also doesn't bend.