Multitool.org Forum
Outdoor Section => The Axe Hole => Topic started by: Gareth on March 23, 2017, 01:19:10 PM
-
OK, having had a chance to play with this for a day or so I thought I'd share my initial impressions.
(http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss260/gareth_SAKs/Axes/DSC_0014_zpsycvgxktd.jpg)
So, for me anyway, this is going head to head with my Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe, a fantastic axe in it's own right. As you can see the Bushman is around 80mm longer than the SFA and (less obviously) it's also about 100g heavier.
(http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss260/gareth_SAKs/Axes/DSC_0013_zpsjrmyqevk.jpg)
As most of the reviews point out the head is most definitely more geared towards splitting than many other "bushcraft" axes and it shows when you use it. Instead of biting into the wood it immediately starts to wedge the wood apart and throwing it into two pieces. I didn't have much in the way for knot free wood, but what I did have was extremely easy to split and the Bushman clearly had the upper hand over the SFA. The slightly longer shaft plays it's part as well. Even the knotty stuff came apart with a bit more work.
On the other hand when trying a bit of carving and chopping the thinner cheeks of SFA were clearly much easier to use and it also felt better balanced and nimble in the hand. Not that the Bushman couldn't do the job mind you, it is very sharp right out of the box, but it's not as easy as it is with the SFA.
(http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss260/gareth_SAKs/Axes/DSC_0018_zpshcwmnyu5.jpg)
I need to try a bit of cross cutting and felling when I get the chance, but my thoughts are that it'll be less prone to sticking but not bite quite as deeply, time will tell. No, it's not a cheap axe but given Wetterlings name will soon be a thing of the past I'm not sorry I got one.
-
(https://media.giphy.com/media/10SlorrtKJVWW4/giphy.gif)
-
(https://media.giphy.com/media/10SlorrtKJVWW4/giphy.gif)
Lol, I was waiting for you to submit the badge request before I said anything.
The wetterlings handle looks cool. :tu:
-
Yeah, sorry about that. My only excuse is that I'm on my phone ATM and I hate copy and paste.
-
Yeah, sorry about that. My only excuse is that I'm on my phone ATM and I hate copy and paste.
Totally understand and badge awarded. :tu: :tu:
-
If I had to chose between the two, I would take the GB. :like: :gimme:
-
If I had to chose between the two, I would take the GB. :like: :gimme:
It's definitely a tough choice IMO. Taking cost out for a minute I'd perhaps still favour the SFA as "do all" axe. Factor in the fact the SFA is actually cheaper and if I was to only have one I'd almost certainly recommend the SFA. However it's early days with the Bushman and the SFA is an old friend, so perhaps time and usage will change my mind.
-
Great comparison, they both look like solid axes :tu:
-
Great comparison, they both look like solid axes :tu:
Cheers Steve. :cheers:
-
On the other hand when trying a bit of carving and chopping the thinner cheeks of SFA were clearly much easier to use and it also felt better balanced and nimble in the hand. Not that the Bushman couldn't do the job mind you, it is very sharp right out of the box, but it's not as easy as it is with the SFA.
(http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss260/gareth_SAKs/Axes/DSC_0018_zpshcwmnyu5.jpg)
Nice review,
That is odd because it 'looks' like the Bushman would be the better axe, I guess there's no telling until you pick the thing up :tu:
-
no idea how i missed this. that mind you reminded me of another British fellow that knows a thing or two about axes. and other things outdoors
-
no idea how i missed this. that mind you reminded me of another British fellow that knows a thing or two about axes. and other things outdoors
Sparky or Ray Mears? :pok:
-
Awesome comparison :dd: I have neither and would love both but the wallet say otherwise :facepalm: :D I thought the shape of the Bushman was suppose to make it good for carving :think: Maybe you got a bad one :whistle: I know you can send it to me and I shall test it to find out ::) :D
Great pics and when you have had a bit more time a follow up please :D
-
no idea how i missed this. that mind you reminded me of another British fellow that knows a thing or two about axes. and other things outdoors
Sparky or Ray Mears? :pok:
Where's my hotel key gone? :think:
:whistle:
-
no idea how i missed this. that mind you reminded me of another British fellow that knows a thing or two about axes. and other things outdoors
Sparky or Ray Mears? :pok:
Where's my hotel key gone? :think:
:whistle:
That's the other one
-
Thanks for all the comments folks. :salute:
Awesome comparison :dd: I have neither and would love both but the wallet say otherwise :facepalm: :D I thought the shape of the Bushman was suppose to make it good for carving :think: Maybe you got a bad one :whistle: I know you can send it to me and I shall test it to find out ::) :D
Great pics and when you have had a bit more time a follow up please :D
Don't get me wrong, it isn't at all bad at finer stuff, just not as good as the SFA. The head shape allows you to choke up very nicely. The issue for me is more that the fat cheeks limits the angle you can approach the work from compared to the SFA. As you can see though it does have an excellent edge and certainly can produce a curl of wood.
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=71243.0;attach=310573)
-
no idea how i missed this. that mind you reminded me of another British fellow that knows a thing or two about axes. and other things outdoors
Sparky or Ray Mears? :pok:
I thought Ray Mears was Sparky's cover identity like Clark Kent is to Superman
-
How about a top view of both to show the difference :pok:
-
How about a top view of both to show the difference :pok:
will do. :)
-
Just for you Steve. Also worth noting that the grain orientation is excellent.
-
Thanks for all the comments folks. :salute:
Awesome comparison :dd: I have neither and would love both but the wallet say otherwise :facepalm: :D I thought the shape of the Bushman was suppose to make it good for carving :think: Maybe you got a bad one :whistle: I know you can send it to me and I shall test it to find out ::) :D
Great pics and when you have had a bit more time a follow up please :D
Don't get me wrong, it isn't at all bad at finer stuff, just not as good as the SFA. The head shape allows you to choke up very nicely. The issue for me is more that the fat cheeks limits the angle you can approach the work from compared to the SFA. As you can see though it does have an excellent edge and certainly can produce a curl of wood.
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=71243.0;attach=310573)
Ah yes the angle would be a problem if you couldn't adjust it some :salute: Thanks for the reply :cheers:
The grain looks superb :o :like: :like:
-
no idea how i missed this. that mind you reminded me of another British fellow that knows a thing or two about axes. and other things outdoors
Sparky or Ray Mears? :pok:
I thought Ray Mears was Sparky's cover identity like Clark Kent is to Superman
I'm far too lazy to be Ray, I like to take petrol and matches when I go camping :D
Great looking feather sticks Gareth :salute:
-
Great thread Gareth have enjoyed reading through it! :tu: :like:
-
Great thread Gareth have enjoyed reading through it! :tu: :like:
Cheers David. :salute: I was having another little play with it last night as it happens and it really is a very pleasing axe to use.
-
Nice review! :tu:
I dont know how i missed this!
-
Nice review! :tu:
I dont know how i missed this!
Cheers mate. :cheers: Did you ever get one?
-
Nice review! :tu:
I dont know how i missed this!
Cheers mate. :cheers: Did you ever get one?
No I didnt.
Only got a refund :D
-
Was stunned to see there would no longer be a Wetterlings brand....and you just cost me $165.....
-
Was stunned to see there would no longer be a Wetterlings brand....and you just cost me $165.....
Don't blame me, blame...errr...someone else! :-[ I know it's a very pricey axe, but I'm not sorry I bought it and I hope you feel the same way. In fact I don't think I've used anything else since I got mine.