Wetterlings 116 vs?

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Hi all,

Back for a (hopefully) quick question...

I'm looking for a new small-axe/large-hatchet, and am considering the Wetterlings 116.

Overall length is 16" and total weight is about 2 lbs. Seems a good compromise for a good all-around chopping/hammering tool. My intended use would be primarily for backpacking. I realize there are smaller offerings, but I'd prefer to have something a little larger than a 12" hatchet. Definitely not going to go with anything super-small like a 10" hatchet.

I know Wetterlings are some of the best; Knifecenter has the 116 on sale right now for $99. I'm also considering the Fiskars 15" small axe; I think it's the X5 model, but not sure if IIRC. Will I really get a lot more out of the 116 compared to the X5?

Thanks in advance for any input/thoughts/advice.

[enki_ck]

You're thinking of the Fiskars or Gerber (same stuff just rebranded) X7, not X5. I have an Fiskars A6, same as X7 just without the rubberized grip ad really like it. Not too hard of steel but easy to maintain and sharpen if needed in the field.

In the size class there's also the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet I think, but I don't have any personal experience with those.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

GB axes are phenomenally good axes, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Sent from the astropathic choir.

[Gareth]

I've not tried that one, but I like the look of the specs.  I might prefer my backpacking axes just a couple of ounces lighter but, if you are ok with that, then I think it would make good all round camp axe.  It's definitely a bit longer and heavier than the GB Wildlife hatchet. 

[Syph007]

My favorite is the Gränsfors Bruks Small Forest Axe.  It would be ideal for what you want.  Light weight and amazing chopper.  Ive felled foot thick diameter trees with less effort than other axes.

Wetterlings are decent too though.  I cant stand that fixars stuff.  An axe head with the handle around it not through it just feels wrong.

[Grathr]

The wetterlings axes I have are great, but not quite as good as a Granfors Bruks. The wetterlings will require more maintenance (rust and moisture protection) than the fiskars.


Sent from a device made from star dust using tapatalk

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Okay, so I checked GB's product page and found this...

http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/products/forest-axes/gransfors-outdoor-axe/

Haven't seen it before, but it look like exactly what I want.

[zoidberg]

Looks very nice.    Now I really want one. 

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Well, after checking the price, I think I'm going to have to choose something else. I think the wildlife hatchet is going to be the best balance of price, size\weight, quality and versatility. I found this review that compared the GB to the Wetterlings, and the X7. Surprisingly, in the informal testing he did the X7 performed very well.

However, considering that I want a tool that will be as versatile as possible, I think I'll spend the extra and get the GB.

http://rockymountainbushcraft.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-gransfors-bruks-wildlife-hatchet.html

[Pacu]

Those fiskar axes are pretty nice and cheap. Watched a video on YouTube of some guy putting one thru some very severe torture testing.

found 'em

Fiskars X15 Distruction Test Pt 1
Fiskars X15 Distruction Test Pt 2

[Gareth]

Okay, so I checked GB's product page and found this...

http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/products/forest-axes/gransfors-outdoor-axe/

Haven't seen it before, but it look like exactly what I want.

I've handled one in a shop and it is indeed an excellent little axe.  Mike LOTS has one I'm sure and he seems very happy with it.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Yes I am its a bloody excellent too

You do have to change your technique as it is very light, so you have to do a draw cut every time you try and split anything over a certain size

Sent from the astropathic choir.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Thanks for the input and references guys... I think for my intended use, which is going to be backpacking, the wildlife hatchet is going to be the best choice. I'm going to poke around online to try and find a good price, and order one.

After this, all I will need to complete my backpacking kit will be an alcohol stove and a cookset. I have a Vargo ti wood stove, but since they're so small and light, I figure having an alcohol stove would be a good idea for when wood isn't readily available.

[sjdep97]

Don't forget Husqvarna for a good quality tool in the size you are looking for. I have two Husqvarna axes and they are very similar to the Wetterlings and GB but are more reasonably priced.

[Pacu]

Don't forget Husqvarna for a good quality tool in the size you are looking for. I have two Husqvarna axes and they are very similar to the Wetterlings and GB but are more reasonably priced.

doesn't the same parent company make husq and wetterlings? Hults Bruks.  I could be and am usually ill informed.