Exhuming this thread from a well-deserved grave in order to give my initial reaction to the arrival of the three GB axes I ordered, and I will not continue it further so as not to extend a bow-related subject to an axe review. Suffice it to say I took delivery of: (1) the Scandinavian Forest Axe, (3) the Large Swedish Carving Axe, and (3) the Wildlife Hatchet. The largest of the three will have little to do with bowyering--although the smaller two, I will use (very carefully) for stave reduction.
The first thing I will say is that they are TINY. I am used to big old honking 'Murkin Axes, like my Grandfather's huge 4 pound-head felling axe. I do not believe any of the three weighs as much as my farrier's rasp. Moreover, I did not picture how short a 25 inch handle is, let alone a 14 incher. The second thing I will say is that they are indeed addictive. I confess I ordered the 10 inch mini-hatchet yesterday and am looking at the American Felling Axe and the Small Forest jobbie. Can I justify the expense? No way. But I have two grandsons and a granddaughter who just hit 15, 15, and 14 who will need an axe shortly. Until then...😊
Also, I really like the look of their broad axes and adzes-- I mean what the heck? If I were to build the Wife a log cabin with a sod roof, we can take out a home equity loan on this too-big house, default on the loan, and I can use the cash to buy some Yew and Osage bow staves, a decade's supply of firewater, and, oh yes, more axes!
Best regards,
Russ