The GFB Small Forset is dead! - HULTAFORS ABY AXE - Is the new king!

The Hultafors Aby Axe is my new go to axe. Find out why I have stoped using the GFB Small Forest Axe and see why I think the is the new king of the axes!
The Hultafors Aby Axe is a beast!
Subscribe for more Bushcraft and Wilderness living videos: kzbin.info...

[@PaulKirtley]

Nice video John, with your thinking well-explained and choice logically made. There is no single axe that is best, and all of us have to take into considerations our use cases and choose accordingly, so well done for highlighting and demonstrating this. What's also applaudable is that you (and some others in the comments section) are not afraid of stepping outside of the "bushcraft orthodoxy", which I think is healthy, especially these days when there is so much sponsorship and influencer marketing. Honest, unbiased opinions are at a premium these days. Nice one. Cheers, Paul

[@greekveteran2715]

Well said! Hultafors Felling Axe HY 10-1,2 SV and Muller Biber-Canada both come so close to perfection for me! It's needs thus purpose the axe is going to fit for, as also the user's height/strength are also a factor. A handle too short, may be dangerous in some situations as also a handle too long, may provide less accurate hits ,which is an issue when chopping. The trees size and hardness of their wood of the user's a area, is also a factor, on what axe to choose. Both these comments, are a good read, for begginers, even though I'm far from being an expert. I learn every day..

[@Gunner-qz9sh]

The first axe I ever bought was the Aby and now I own 11 axes from HB & GFB. I have to agree with you about the overall versatility of the Aby when it comes to my pack axe it’s amazing! I can use it for food prep because the blade is very flat and you can choke up on it well. Felling is a breeze with it also limbing and splitting just fine. Ya I would have to say if I could only take one axe with me or choose one axe out of my collection it would be the Aby forest axe! Hands down best all purpose axe. Thanks for your video love the honest reviews and attention to detail!

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Thank you. the Aby is great.

[@Aco747lyte]

I love my Hultafors Åby Forest Axe. Best ever. It's been part of my bushcraft kit for a long time. I'd have preferred a slightly longer handle, but otherwise it's a dream to use and am glad you did so, too. You deserve more subscribers. ~Wendi

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Thank you very much. It is a great axe. It is a real slog getting the subs that’s for sure! Feel free to share and shout about the channel!!

[@deanoboland]

I am also ex military suffering with same condition as yourself, after watching this video I purchased the aby . Keep the video’s coming great work 👍👍👍

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Keep fighting dude. Enjoy the axe

[@MrPaulbibby77]

Swapped to the aby 2.5 years ago by far one of the best all round bushy axes

[@Twizzler26]

Great video. I love my hultafors.

[@NewForestAdventures]

Great video mate and insight into your experience with both. I’m still a sucker for the small forest though 😁

[@Crusty_Otter]

Great explanation of where each has it's strengths and weaknesses. I've been debating the GB SFA vs HB Aneby vs HB Akka/HF Aby for the last two years. I finally decided on an Aneby but couldn't find one. I ordered an Akka, then two days later found a SFA at a reasonable price and ordered that too. Hopefully both should arrive later this week. Overall, I think the Akka will suit my needs better but I've got some clearing to do along a fence row where cramped spaces "should" make the SFA easier to maneuver.

[@michalurbanful]

Nice video, thanks! :) PS I love my GB SmFA but use it mainly around the garden. I carry the GB Wildlife Hatchet most of the time when bushcrafting. I also have the GB Outdoor Axe and the GB Small (formerly Mini) Hatchet. And if I had a chance to return all these and start from scratch, I would get just the GB Wildlife and the GB Scandinavian.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Solid choices. Thanks for the comment and watching !

[@cumulusbushcraft4341]

Made that transition recently for the exact same reason mate. Nice vid, told you I'd watch them 😇

[@deanoboland]

Great work on video mate 👍👍👍

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Thank you Dean

[@fog360]

I like my small forest axe 🪓, I’ve used many and tested 100s I think 🤔 often it’s down to personal choice and of course the technique that you are using … I do like the TSB boar 🐗 axe 🪓 I’ve been using that all summer, but mostly in a professional forest environment, with tree 🌲 management . To assist the chainsaw.., great video it’s nice 👌 to see people though on there choice of equipment.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Thanks dude, I have not used the Boar axe myself. Whats it like?

[@fog360]

@@wildwaybushcraftuk I like it . Small cutting edge then both , longer handle then the forest axe 🪓, we are digging it the woods , takes a bit getting use to .. you don’t get tired using it over long periods … you have to very good with an axe in general, to be able to use it to its full potential , carving is amazing with it … just a great tool , if you need power cuts with out all the weight

[@rafd1638]

Hesitated between the Hultafors Ekelund (round edge) and Aby (Skandi, more straight edge). I might think the Ekelund handle (50cm) is too short for a great swing. Although the cut of the Ekelund is nice (small and deep). If I need to choose 1 axe for bushcrafting, preparing food, ... the Aby is the way to go. It provides enough power for a great swing and a lot of grip for fine work (like a knife). Just a question: the Aby (Premium) does it rust, the high carbon forged steel?

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Yes it will rust if you dont take care of it.

[@Erik1970Viking]

Hi Buddy, great video! I mainly use the GB large forest axe. I thhink its a bit unfair to compare the small forest axe to the Aby, just because the aby got a longer handle. A comparison Aby large forest axe would be more suitable. But i agree that it is probably very comfortable to choke up o the Aby. - my next axe vey likely will be the Aby. - Cheers, Erik

[@grappolidipalma]

mmhh... Because the "Smal Forest" and the "Aby" weight both 1kg, I think it is "Very Fair" to compare them. The "Scandinavian Forest" weight 1.2kg+ / 2,6lb+ (head 900grams / 2lb) and the "American Felling Axe" is 2.2kg / 4,85lb (not exactly a backpack axe). The "Aby HEAD" is 700grams, pretty similar to the "Small Forest" (that is around 650grams, if i do remember well) but with a better shape for an "ONE DO ALL" axe (in my opinion) and the longer handle OFC give an advantage when need "more oomph" without any added weight. On the other hand: the "Small Forest" and the "Scandinavian Forest" (both) have a "bigger eye", making them "OVERALL MORE ROBUST" (but so has the Wetterlings or the Hultafors models in the same weight class). In very cold climate, i would probably go for the "Scandinavian Forest" (or a similar model of any other RESPECTABLE BRAND) but for my place (Italian Alps) a "full size axe is an overkill" (for bushcraft or "wild life"). In conclusion: I personally recommend the "Small Forest" to any "novice"; the thickness of the handle (especially near the eye) make it a "more forgiving tool". For a more experienced user, the Aby is a Joy to use, the perfect "OUTDOOR COMPANION". P.S. The Aby look like a copy of the "Wetterling Fine axe" 176 (the Aby was released some years after the "Wetterling Fine axe"). The "Wetterling Fine axe" have been discontinued (it is a pity).

[@juliusmm5616]

hi is it supposed to fell trees because i have heard that you can fell trees with it but my new Aby axe handle broke on the second day.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Yes, you should send that back

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

Well what can i say, i just bought the American felling axe from GB, with a straight handle. It will cut. But i have wanted to try the Hultafors Aby for a while too. I like the handle. Does not cost much eather. I live in the deep woods of Norway, and has used axes for over 40 years now. Here you need a good axe in the wintertime, well it is not to warm the rest of the year eather. We still have plenty snow here, even now.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Thats somewhere on my list to vist

[@boutthere3374]

I went the other way. I love my GF forest axe but I prefer the Council tool Camp Carver axe and it's the one I enjoy using the most.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

I’ve not seen that axe. I’ll have to look it up. Thanks for commenting !

[@boutthere3374]

@@wildwaybushcraftuk Its handle is only 16inchs but the weight and balance is perfect and it definitely punches above its weight.. It has a harden hammer type pol that's extremely useful.

[@jerrybuck9236]

Wife just bought the Hultafors Aby for an anniversary gift. Couldn't be happier with it.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Enjoy. It’s a great axe

[@Macovic]

It is good to compare apples and pears outwise one might now about pears… I like both, but also GB Wildlife hatchet and Wetterlings Backcountry/Outdoor 118.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

both are great axes!

[@-boska]

Hey mate, just purchased one of these. did you treat the handle more to get a nice darker colour? mine came looking a bit rough also :/

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

I just put some oil on it and gave it some use. It will soon darken up.

[@-boska]

@@wildwaybushcraftuk did you sand back the handle at all? Mines not the smoothest, either is where the handle goes into the head. Looks like the worst chisel job. And the top has a gap also not tight all the way around. Seems like a Friday job to me. Even looking down the head it’s not symmetrical

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

@@-boska Thank does not seem right. id send it back and get a new one.

[@-boska]

@@wildwaybushcraftuk yeah I’ve emailed the business. See what they think. Was hoping for a more polished product. Thanks heaps!

[@tinkypete491]

Great video I totally agree the SFA is over rated. I tried the SFA out years ago and it wasn't for me, too light, too short and wrong head profile. I much prefer a slightly bigger axe normally around 24". My favourite is an amazing old swedish army axe that cost me £10. The couple of GF axes I have are larger the Scandinavian forest being a good one. I also have some hultafors and friskar axes. If I need a small packable axe then I use a hatchet if size and weight are an issue.

[@ajaxtelamonian5134]

My thoughts are similar the Hultafors 850g chopping axe is very nice too. But I usually carry a Rinaldi American boys axe these days. Awkward to find any axes in those handy sizes these days in the shop they either have Hatchets where the handles too short or 4lb felling axes.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Yeah, there does seem to be a gap in the market for good mid range axes

[@ajaxtelamonian5134]

@@wildwaybushcraftuk Exactly anything for that in between work one has to go online. Anything you need to cut and process anything below a foot in diameter basically. It's probably the axe size I use most tbh

[@erikfogelmark4476]

The name "Åby", is pronounced like the "o" in "more". With a long "oo". "Moore" - "Ååby" /Erik, Sweden

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Mega. Thanks for that it’s good to know. Cheers

[@southbucksbushcraft6572]

It was always a toss up between the Gransfors axe and the Hultafors but I went with the Hultafors for the same reasons.. great vid

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Cheers means alot

[@BassWhoopinFishingTeam]

To be fair the Grandfors Bruks small forrest axe is more comparable to the Hultafors Ekelund Hunting axe, not the Aby. Two totally different axes. I own a Hults Bruk Kisa, Hults Bruk Arvika, Hultafors Ekelund, and a Husqvarna felling axe (pretty similar to the Kisa) and a Husqvarna hatchet (Husqvarna axes are made by Hults Bruk) I’m a huge HB fan. But the Grandfors Bruks can’t be compared to the Aby. It’s just not a fair comparison, i also think the Grandfors Bruks small forest axe is now offered in two different handle lengths to address the issue you had with handle length.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

While I agree to some extent, given the choice for general purpose axe use I’d still take the Aby. Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@georgemoutafis4399]

Have you ever stitching to the Gransfors Bruk Scandinavian Forest Axe? This is absolutely amazing!

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Not sure what you mean by stitching

[@711Biggy]

Each to their own. Your opinion is yours. Some may agree, others can change their approach to get the best out of a tool.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

They sure can. thanks for the comment

[@thomasgronek6469]

I agree, I need something a little more diverse than the GFB, light splitting, light limbing, etc. the GFB’s head isn’t conducive to splitting

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Spot on!

[@clayhall8104]

Looks kinda like the wetterlings foresters fine axe

[@mikeinthewoods2193]

Its more or less a copy. Hultafors/Hults Bruk is a smart company. Cater what People wants😉

[@savagex466-qt1io]

Also lifetime warrenty. Better warrenty and a lil more cheaper. Both are great companys though.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Good points

[@AR-vf7vg]

Your title, I pretend, is mischievous. This clickbait title would have been more acceptable had You compared it to a same length axe.

[@user-zo8ck6kg1n]

Are you using a green screen?

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

No, it’s just the woods!

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

there is no need to hold the wood and shaft together when splitting lenghtwise. Just hold the stick, can be done several ways.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Sure can - this is one way!

[@Handcarved]

hatchet vs boys axe

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

What do you mean?

[@erikfogelmark4476]

The SFA is harldly dead. It's very good and popular. But the SFA and the Åby are very different, for different uses. The Åby is longer, has a much thicker and heavier head, and is therefore heavier overall. The thick head makes it less of a felling axe and more of a splitting axe. Both are very good all around axes, but with different focuses.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Bit of a clicky title granted!

[@davidwatt4511]

I prefer the hultafors axe and to me its the gold standard of axes BUT im more of a machete man.

[@jeanducheamps7697]

Igood video. But you’re comparing apples with oranges in my opinion. The aby should be compared with the GFB large forest axe. And they are pretty much equal in my book. :-)

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

I can see your point, but the large forest axe is a bit over kill for a quick few days.

[@jeanducheamps7697]

@@wildwaybushcraftuk I get what you men, although comparable in size, there is a 200gr difference in weight. Not too much for me, even for a quick few days. I prefer a bit more weight. But to eachtheir ow ofcourse. Th Aby is an excellent axe and a better all rounder.

[@savagex466-qt1io]

The aby says it is a 700 gram head. Is it lighter then the Hultafors small forest axe ? It says its 2lbs but I think its slightly less. I loved that small forest axe however I do like this aby as well@@wildwaybushcraftuk

[@svenschmalfu3093]

Yeah, but 175.-€ is a high price for this thing. Even the GB Scandi cost less. And you have a 64cm handle. And for ca. 90.-€ you could become a 800g w60cm handle 'Bison Oberharzer 1879' This is half the price! I think this is a great camp axe. Maybe you can do a comparison with that!

[@svenschmalfu3093]

Now i have seen Husqvarna Wood Axe 850g cost 80.- € It looks almost indentical to the GB Scandi, and also half price. Made bei HB..

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Get your point.

[@svenschmalfu3093]

? ..The Åby is a way overprized sht?..

[@Oktavian-lo3bw]

don't you think you're exaggerating a bit in what you're saying?

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Not really, I think it’s a far better axe for the woodland

[@user-gc7ii4le5p]

You're comparing apples to oranges should use GB Scandinavian axe to the aby GB Scandinavian is a lot better than the aby

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

that would be a good test to do

[@EA-History]

You are comparing apples to pears. The Åby is better compared with the Gränsfors Bruks big forest axe, which has the longer handle, about 64 centimeters. I agree that the longer handle is better. I got the big forest axe, and it's because I get more power out of it and you can stand without the risk of hitting yourself. Price-wise the Åby and GFB big forest axe is the same at the moment.

[@EA-History]

I really like both brands, but currently I think you get more refinement out of the GFB when they are at the same price point. You can get very much use out of both, but I think the Hultafors need a little bit of refinement after purchase.

[@Crusty_Otter]

@@EA-History Serious question, as I'm fairly new to the Swedish offerings. I assume you're referring to the GBA Scandinavian Forest Axe as the "large?" How much more difficult is it to pack into a camping/bushcraft kit if the intent is hiking into a camping area and how well does it handle the "carpenter" aspects like joinery and such? I ask because I'm also debating the GB Scandi Forest or the HB Kisa as a possible future purchase.

[@EA-History]

@@Crusty_Otter I refer to the GFB large forest axe, yes. It has the longer handle, about 64 cm. I use it both in my rucksack and the supplied sheath also makes it possible to attach it to your belt using the attached loop. The handle will probably stick out somewhat, depending on the size of your sack, leaving the head at the bottom. It is also decent at bushcrafting, but you might want to use a smaller axe for more fine-tuned work such as joinery. The grip at the neck near the head is quite comfortable, enableing you to get nice control. You might want more specialized axes for certain Jobs when handcrafting items, the axe excels at cutting down small trees and the long handle gives you more power than the GFB small forest axe.

[@achillesdanieladam9486]

Exactly I am to buy and choose between those two you are mentioning. I have the small forest axe so I want something little bit bigger. Should I go with the Gransfors Scandinavian forest axe?

[@EA-History]

@@achillesdanieladam9486 both alternatives are good axes, but I think the GFB larger forest axe has the edge when it comes to the details, the sheeth and quality.

[@WR3ND]

They have differing uses. What changed is you, not them.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Thats fair enough

[@edwinmason123]

pronounced "Oh-boo". (Swedish word)

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

thanks for the heads up.

[@barrynichols3121]

It's pronounced Oh-boo.

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Cheers.

[@AJ-gk7bn]

Nope

[@user-cf6dv7rc3m]

Hello, nice to meet you. I'm Japanese, but I'm also thinking of buying Aby. Is Aby still good?

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

It’s a great axe

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

24 inches is the absolute minimum for me for any real axe work in British Columbia Canada.....I have 10 forested acres up north in the Cariboo region

[@wildwaybushcraftuk]

Very nice, Canada is an amazing place, I need to vist more often