Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: HoBow on March 16, 2018, 05:34:26 pm
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It's been a while since i posted. Hope everyone is doing well. Does anyone do much work with carving axes? If so, any recommendations? I've looked at plenty and it seams like the reputable ones are $100-250. Are they that much better than the $40 one I have now. The Swedish axes seam to be the most popular. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
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I would be curious as well.
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The old saying is"You get what you pay for" ( most of the time)! I would think the Swedish hatchets are very good, but that is a chunk of money. If your hatchet is doing what you want to your expectations, stay with it. Your skill level should determine whether a high dollar hatchet is worth it.
Hawkdancer
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Btw,, you ain't the Jeff Utley I know! >:D Lol!
Hawkdancer
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People tend to think that the expensive tools will turn them into an expert. It's kinda the other way around. You should be an expert to appreciate expensive tools. For most of us a moderately priced tool will do the job nicely.
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I use my hatchet quite a bit- between yard work, kindling fire wood, splitting smoking wood, wood reduction for staves and other wood projects etc. it doesn't stay sharp as long as it should and it's showing it's age from heavy use and sometimes abuse. This is part of why I would be more comfortable spending money on a nice one as it would get used a lot. I spent a lot of money on a draw knife 15 years ago and my go-to is a $10 antique shop find. Most old hatchets I've found are junk- I guess because of what all they can be used for.
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Well... can’t go wrong with gransfors bruks!
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Yeah- but they are definitely on the high end of what I would be willing to spend. I've been looking at the hults bruk. A little cheaper but gets really good reviews. The almike is the size I'm looking at. .
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Hey HoBow, you didn't grow up in Pittsford, NY did ya? I'm asking cause I know a guy who made bows and uses that same handle... HoBow.
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Not me- grew up in Kentucky. Sounds like an imposter 😜
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One of my buddies had a nor mark Swedish skinning axe that was real sharp and light, and I really liked it, but I like my double bit warren axe more, I like the weight. Durability wise setting hatchets last forever. The hatchet is an amazing tool, good luck
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I have a Granfors and it is really sharp. I just don't like the weight. Check into some of the high end Japanese blades.
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For a carving hatchet a Vaughn roofing hatchet works fairly well. The cheeks are pretty thin, and the weight is pretty easy to handle. A little work with a file or grinder to reprofile the bevels and you're all set.
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Personally I like using old 1930s pre-war Plumb's, they have a good weight to them, plus I love the looks of the subtle hudson bay style hatchet. Collins are great hatchets also. One day I would like to pick up an old Norlund, now those things are cool!