I have purchased a few axes recently and looked at a lot of videos on UA-cam. I don't hike with an axe so I went with longer handled axes. They have more leverage, cutting force and are less dangerous to use as the longer handle puts the axe farther way from you in the case of a missed strike or bounce off. I got the Scandinavian and the Hults Bruk Akka as someone else mentioned that the Akka is the best of all worlds - light 1.5 lb head and a 24" handle vs the 19" on the Small Forest Axe. I think the weight is close to the same. However, if you are going backpacking or hiking and want to carry an axe, then the Small Forest Axe might be better - smaller, lighter. It would be nice to have them all - but they are not cheap.
I think you chose the right kind of tests. Realistic for daily use. I wish they'd put a slightly longer handle on the small forest axe head. I love the length of the Scandinavian Forest Axe, but wouldn't mind it being slightly lighter.
After two years of my comment an update. I have now the GBSFA a month ago and I like it for my purposes, It did excellent performance . Blessings to you from the Philippines 🇵🇭
I think if you intend to carry the axe any distance, and you're not chopping down any tree larger than 5", the Small Forest Axe is your logical choice. You'll have to swing it a few more times than a Scandinavian Forest Axe, but who cares? You're a mountain man! For serious work, not just playing in the forest, a large axe will serve you better. An axe must match the man and the work. The number of possible combinations of these two variables is large. Hence so many axe head types and weights, and axe handle lengths. I love videos like this. btw, I own both the Small Forest and Scandinavian Forest axes.
Love the videos but one thing that always gets me is the audio. Your intro music nearly blows my speakers out because I have the volume jacked up to hear what your are saying. Thanks for this video though. I enjoy the scandi.
Ask yourself which takes more effort.. swinging the SFA 30% more per cut every cut, or packing ~1 extra pound for the Scandi. The answer depends on how many cuts you'll make and if you need the extra reach for limbing. My SFA goes on longer backpack treks across multiple stops, mostly just splitting. The Scandi goes on all single location camps, packed or vehicle alike.
I have the scandi and i love it and i think gransfors must create a little bigger model like 28 inch and 2.5 or 2.75 pound head . A model between the scandi and the american felling with a pattern head like the american felling .
The advantage of the small axe is portability and nimbleness, lack of fatigue in repetitive smaller tasks, while the 2/3 axe is better at whacking stuff.
If I was car camping or had a remote camp, the Scandanavian Forest Axe would be my choice. If I was hiking I'd go with the Small Forest Axe. But, the Hults Bruk Akka is the best of both worlds... combining a 1.5 lb head with a 24" handle. I would, and did, choose that over the two axes in your review. I have a Granfors Bruk Outdoor Axe for hiking/camping when I don't foresee having to take down anything over 3" but it will work on bigger things... just takes longer.
Great job. I have a tendency to grab lighter gear if I am gonna be hiking. The Scandinavian would probably be a great truck axe for fishing, car camping and such.
Great video ... I would love to see some more extreme tests. But I agree, that u always go lighter when in the woods, I pretty much do all of it with my GBA wildlife hatchet.
Both are great axes! Each one is designed for different types of jobs. Although there’s some common ground in the middle. At the extreme ends both will have advantages. In my humble opinion. Great video.
I have never had a need to chop a tree down when trekking/camping. I carry the SFA in my pack. It has done everything I needed done with an axe. If I had to fell trees I would use a larger axe.
I went with the wetterlings small forest axe. Better than a hatchet but can be used the same, smaller than an axe but not so heavy. I've used mine for everything from butchering a moose, deer, hare, and bird plus processing more than ample fire wood for camp. If not packing and in a permanent camp sure the axe. But I wouldn't trade my small forest axe!
Im with Mors Kochanski on this one. Crotch to ground or pit to palm length saves energy. Camp axes/hatchets will wear you out. The end of the handle bumping brush/ground has never been an issue for me in finer tasks. I just roll forward a bit on the log 😒
Each has its own pros and cons. It all comes down to personal preference. One can go with either smaller or larger axe for bushcraft and survival. Better to have an axe then no axe at all.
If you hold it in the middle and a bush is bothering you why not to clean a working space in the first place? My choice is the larger axe. If I take an axe with me at all I usually intend to face some rough work and the longer handle is a BIG advantage.
I have both and prefer the scandie because I have extra large size hands and prefer the extra weight and in my humble opinion the boy’s axe in general is more versatile! The small forest axe is the largest hatchet and the scandie is the smallest axe for me to take with me on my outings and again this is just my humble opinion!The longer axe is always the safer one to use as well! I have build enough muscle memory to carve very easily with the larger axe! I also carried the American felling axe for a while and after that the scandie really feels like a small axe to me! The 2 pound head falls right into the sweet spot for a survival/woodcraft axe for me! But everyone is build differently and most people have an issue with carrying a larger axe in the backpack! I don’t care about the weight and even if the bag gets too heavy I won’t take that on my most important piece of kit which is the cutting tool! The small forest axe does 80% of the work of the Scandinavian forest axe and is very hard to beat at 19”. Thank you for the video! I just subscribed.
I would have to say the Scandinavian axe. I have 2. Yes its longer but so much better for processing wood. Ive been able to use the small forest axe as well and i love that one too haha my opinion i would take one of each! Two is one, one is none. And i think you processed the size of wood you should be processing with these size of axes.
I have them both and definitely have different purposes. Make another video with bigger trees. The small forest is easier to carry and your correct if time is not an issue its the one to take.
I fully agree with your assessment of the two. Really depends on what you’re going to use them. It would be like saying a half ton isn’t as good as a one ton. If you’re pulling a big trailer the one ton is really going to Shane. But for Intown use and pulling a camper the Half ton will really shine.
enjoyed! thanks and subscribed! i ended up with two sfa's and am still awaiting delivery of the scandi model--i don't know if you can go too far wrong with either, and i bet you could sell either without taking too much of a beating. some people want a one axe does all and perhaps the gransfors achilles heel is splitting. i am not a woodsman as i approach senility, but for property maintenance, i'll go with a cutter before a splitter....
Great video! I’d love to see the two axes put up against some hardwood. I’ve got the small forest axe and a lot of the hardwood I’ve split hasn’t split nearly as easily. Thanks!
Small forest is the useless size, skandi forest is already a small axe and the hatchet or hunters axe is all you need, the small forest axe fits into an size category that feels redundant.
I did subscribe and clicked on the bell! I do like my 26” husqvarna multipurpose, and my 24” council tools wood craft axe equally. Like you it would depend on what I was planning on doing to choose which one I would take. Your desire to make us happier with your videos is refreshing! Great job on this one.
The Husqvarna is the best kept secret gem of bushcraft that apparently not many know. But it's also good that not many know of this glorious axe because it keeps prices down. Got my particular Husqvarna Forest Axe for $65 CAD. Rocking deal for a Swedish made high quality traditional style axe.
Excellent job in demonstrating the difference between the two. Seems to me on small camp task, the small forest axe is best. I would love to see you do another video chopping bigger trees. It would be interesting to see how the small forest axe would perform on a big tree. I know the Scandi would do well.
At 5’-9” 205, the GB American felling axe, is a real work horse (31” handle). The Small Forest, great pack axe, prep game and cooked entire meals with it. God Speed, and take care in the woods,,,,, Semper Fi,,,
Nice axe review. Lots of useful information. About splitting, have you tried standing square to the log, in more of a horse stance, and drop your weight as you strike? You can add a lot of speed to the head by dropping lower with your knees, back more straight, pull the handle in at the last moment to tighten the radius of your swing, and give the handle the freedom to vibrate on impact instead of trying to muscle through. The steel does the work, it's not tiring, and you don't get the impact forces into your body. And feels so zen.
The only thing that I wish you'd done is get the same or atleast some more time for muscle memory with the Scandinavian.I love❤️ your videos and I also have a rack full of options and it completely depends on what Im doing and both are excellent options but if I could only have one the Scandinavian wins every time.
Love your videos, but this one has to be for apartment dwelling folks who have never spent a night in the woods . Apples to oranges comparison as for as cutting ability. I think the bigger question would be why a larger ax would be best to carry in the woods on a short term trip? With the development of the great folding saws, I am thinking that the larger ax would not be needed in most people's packs. Now with that said, if someone is depending on wood to heat a house or cabin in a long term situation , the larger ax should be in the woodshed because of it's splitting ability in the long haul.
Actually if wood is needed to heat a cabin or house, a dedicated splitting axe would be ideal. That Scandi isn't a splitter. It's design more for felling and limbing.
I prefer the full sized axe simply because I use an axe a good bit and i can carry the same one in the woods. Also I feel a good axe is probably the best tool for staying alive in the rockies, so why not carry a real axe and go light weight somewhere else in my pack.
I find these video's really interesting. The talk about the Gransfors Bruks axes as if they were made out of gold. They hype them up and people start to believe they could tell the difference and become what I refer to as an axe snob. There are many great axes at a fraction of the cost of the Gransfors Bruks. But for some reason this is the axe that is happening now. I own several axes such as wetterling and husqvarna. Wouldn't pay for a Gransfors Bruks as I have this aversion to being taken financially. All you that believe that 200 plus dollars are, in my opinion in need of therapy. But keep spending on them. As P.T. Barnum famously said..."There is a sucker born every minute"!!
One thing that GB handles much better than Husqvarna is quality control. I've been looking through comparisons and reviews of Husqvarna axes and one thing that has come up in a lot of the videos is that they received a product with some faults and were disappointed. Now the positive reviews I have seen are generally from reviewers that were sent an axe to review which would generally go through a lot more QC checks before it gets sent out. You definitely pay more for a GB but at least you know you will receive a high-quality product that won't require the customer to rework the product
@@TankaSaurus23 I have a Husqvarna 26 inch axe, I bought it from Amazon for 83.00 Canadian. The axe is excellent, aligns true, finish is great, handle is well done. I also have two Wetterlings that I have had for about 10 years, they too are excellent quality and the cost on the two Wetterlings was just over $100.00 each. No doubt the Granfors Bruks is a great axe but since they bought the Wetterling company their price has gone up unrealistically. Now there are always those that are willing to pay more than top dollar for a quality product. My point is when you put them side by side there certainly isn't a difference that would warrant the price that Granfors Bruks charges. If there are those that will pay I go back to P.T. Barnum famous quote. Enjoy your Granfors Bruks.
Great video! Would you say that for bushcraft, a long handle on your axe is a hinderance? It can be dangerous of someone or your dog walks behind you and bumps the handle while you're chopping close to your fingers. A sudden, unexpected change of direction while on the downstroke could result in injury. btw, I confess I know nothing about bushcraft, and only a little about axe safety.
IMHO I would go with the Small forest ax. Only because I believe the size of it is best suited for normal camp tasks. Like you said, both are great tools. Thanks for sharing and we’ll catch you on the next episode. ATB Mike
You’re right. I have both and a manly use my SFA. Always have it in my backpack while hunting/hicking. I only use my Scandinavian to fell trees around the camp. Does it really well tho
Appreciate the comparison. Comes down to weight. SFA works as you say. Building a cabin you need both plus lots more tools!! Here in Australia my SFA head was chipped by the hardwoods (mist wood here is hardwood like US oak) so I bought a small Aussie axe which doesn’t chip. ruralfencing.com/collections/axes-etc/products/razorback-handcrafted-hatchet It’s heavier than the SFA but not long like the Scandinavian. Works well and portable
That axe you suggest from rural fencing looks dope but for $240 CAD or $180 USD it becomes less cool. The bushcraft trend has contributed tremendously in ways to garner hype and prices. I saw a review for a shiny $300 or $400 "Autine" where the axe helve wiggled loosed from the head from about 30 minutes of use. That is more consistent with a China made axe for $5. That is certainly unacceptable for a several hundred dollar tool. Silly saw is another one of the trendy "gourmet" brands.
Love the videos and have just shared them with a few friends. I hope you're able to grow as a youtuber. If I may recommend something is lower your into volume and raise your commentary volume. I have to crank my volume to hear you talk. Wish ya all the best of luck!
I think a smaller axe is better for bushcraft and a big axe is meant for big trees for like a cabin build I use a small Snow and Neally Penobscot Bay Kindling Axe. It's ok for 60 bucks but some day I will get the Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe
Small forest for bug out bag. Scandinavian for inch/ shtf bag. But I might switch out the small forest for a crkt chogan with easily replaced handle, light weight, way cheaper and ability to handle small tasks. That being said I'll be buying a Scandinavian for inch bag. Chogan for bug out bag. In case whoever reads this doesn't know. I.n.c.h=I'm never coming home Bug out=72 hour preparedness
i agree with you..i'd prefer the smaller one because it can do the same job of the larger one but will take a longer time..but in terms of convenience carrying a lighter load can save you more calorie/ energy..it will depend on your project..for long term buscrafthing that will require larger shelter the bigger axe would be a choice.but for one or max. week camping id go for the smallet axe..
Really depends on the location or environment. If you need a smaller axe try a hatchet perhaps. Not reason for me in choosing a 19" over 26" as the longer one is safer and can do more work. The weight difference of ~.6 Lbs shouldn't be a concern for anyone really. Added safety and being able to do heavier work is more important than saving an negligible amount of weight in any regard.
People always talk about how the heavier axe would burn more calories while hiking. True. However, people don’t think about how many more calories it takes to use a smaller, less efficient axe rather than a slightly larger one. It all depends on how big the wood you need to harvest is. Just some food for thought.
I dont care for the Scandinavian...thats not a knock on GB, or even the axe itself. Everything is opinion and preference based on individuals use and needs. I'm just out in the woods a few days at a time, doing exactly what you're doing. I dont deal with large trees or logs...usually 4-6 inches in diameter, but the wood here is dense and difficult for such a thin bit. It is a versatile tool, and you need that...I just think the Scandi is designed more around felling, and less around less splitting...I need more splitting and less felling. So I prefer a fatter profile. The thin bit just gets stuck too easily. Also, like you...I think the handle is too long and unnecessary for what I need. Again, that's all opinion and preference based on my own needs. I buck the logs, and process firewood with it if I have a place to do it. Otherwise, after bucking, I'll process it down with my knife. I would consider the SFA, but the profile is the same, and right now I've found the CT WoodCraft Pack Axe to be quite good. Great video...beautiful country out there. God Bless
Of course a larger pieces of wood and depending on how much time you have and which you how much time you want to spend I kind of like the smaller one just more compact ladder weight hands on your skills
WHO wants to PAY $223 for ANY hatchet (aka GB small forest axe) when you can purchase the HB Scandinavian ( the “Akka” here in the US ) for 180 and it has a 2-pound head ? That’s a forty dollar difference and they’re both premium hand-forged in Sweden. The small forest axe is merely a long handled hatchet at 1.5 pounds and since the Hults Bruk is more effective and efficient with eight ounces MORE of forged and blackened Swedish steel, a person could use that forty dollar savings for FOOD or FUEL 👌
I like the extra length of the Scandinavian. Also, you will never find two identical rounds to compare splitting abilities of different axes. But you can see the individual axes idiosyncrasies. Like propensity to stick in wood and such. So the video will help in that respect! Good video and keep them coming!
Why do you call it "work"? Swinging an axe is not work. It's pleasure, liking eating a delicious meal. Every swing is like a bite into a juicy piece of wood.
Pretty damn sure i could have dropped those trees in under 10 swings with both axes. With the scandi it could be done in less than 5 if you know what you're doing
That is important reason to choose small forest too. Can't be seen walking around with a big axe strap to my backpack. I prefer people thinking I'm just out for a simple hike.
Neither actually. For all the hype and over inflated prices they really are not worth it. Too top it off in reality there is no hand forging involved, hand finished yes but the forging is open die drop forging which was the first form of drop forging. To top it off these are recycled steel which actually reduces the life in the long run (no one will actually notice a difference).
I have purchased a few axes recently and looked at a lot of videos on UA-cam. I don't hike with an axe so I went with longer handled axes. They have more leverage, cutting force and are less dangerous to use as the longer handle puts the axe farther way from you in the case of a missed strike or bounce off. I got the Scandinavian and the Hults Bruk Akka as someone else mentioned that the Akka is the best of all worlds - light 1.5 lb head and a 24" handle vs the 19" on the Small Forest Axe. I think the weight is close to the same. However, if you are going backpacking or hiking and want to carry an axe, then the Small Forest Axe might be better - smaller, lighter. It would be nice to have them all - but they are not cheap.
Josh's daughter Kylie who is 8 is voting for the small ax. Great video Josiah!
Scandi! Bigger is better! LOL Small Forest is also sweet. Thanks for the video.
I think you chose the right kind of tests. Realistic for daily use. I wish they'd put a slightly longer handle on the small forest axe head. I love the length of the Scandinavian Forest Axe, but wouldn't mind it being slightly lighter.
the Hults bruk akka :D
Liked because of the honesty at the end. Keep up the good work.
The Scandy in camp and Smally if packing out. Awesome video God's Woodsman❤
I just bought the Scandinavian forest axe for an all purpose axe. I may pick up a small forest axe later for a backpack/camping axe.
After two years of my comment an update. I have now the GBSFA a month ago and I like it for my purposes, It did excellent performance . Blessings to you from the Philippines 🇵🇭
SFA for backpacking; Scandinavian for a canoe trip or car camping.
Spring summer. Small forest axe.
Fall winter scandi.
If I had a choice of just 1 id take the scandinavian its more viecitile imho
I think if you intend to carry the axe any distance, and you're not chopping down any tree larger than 5", the Small Forest Axe is your logical choice. You'll have to swing it a few more times than a Scandinavian Forest Axe, but who cares? You're a mountain man! For serious work, not just playing in the forest, a large axe will serve you better.
An axe must match the man and the work. The number of possible combinations of these two variables is large. Hence so many axe head types and weights, and axe handle lengths.
I love videos like this.
btw, I own both the Small Forest and Scandinavian Forest axes.
Love the videos but one thing that always gets me is the audio. Your intro music nearly blows my speakers out because I have the volume jacked up to hear what your are saying. Thanks for this video though. I enjoy the scandi.
Whoops sorry about that.
Ask yourself which takes more effort.. swinging the SFA 30% more per cut every cut, or packing ~1 extra pound for the Scandi.
The answer depends on how many cuts you'll make and if you need the extra reach for limbing.
My SFA goes on longer backpack treks across multiple stops, mostly just splitting.
The Scandi goes on all single location camps, packed or vehicle alike.
Both are brilliant!
I have the scandi and i love it and i think gransfors must create a little bigger model like 28 inch and 2.5 or 2.75 pound head . A model between the scandi and the american felling with a pattern head like the american felling .
The advantage of the small axe is portability and nimbleness, lack of fatigue in repetitive smaller tasks, while the 2/3 axe is better at whacking stuff.
I'd say the small forest axe for me. Seems like a good size to pack and a bit less weight. Nice comparison.
If I was car camping or had a remote camp, the Scandanavian Forest Axe would be my choice. If I was hiking I'd go with the Small Forest Axe. But, the Hults Bruk Akka is the best of both worlds... combining a 1.5 lb head with a 24" handle. I would, and did, choose that over the two axes in your review. I have a Granfors Bruk Outdoor Axe for hiking/camping when I don't foresee having to take down anything over 3" but it will work on bigger things... just takes longer.
Great job. I have a tendency to grab lighter gear if I am gonna be hiking. The Scandinavian would probably be a great truck axe for fishing, car camping and such.
Great video ... I would love to see some more extreme tests.
But I agree, that u always go lighter when in the woods, I pretty much do all of it with my GBA wildlife hatchet.
Both are great axes! Each one is designed for different types of jobs. Although there’s some common ground in the middle. At the extreme ends both will have advantages. In my humble opinion. Great video.
I have never had a need to chop a tree down when trekking/camping. I carry the SFA in my pack. It has done everything I needed done with an axe. If I had to fell trees I would use a larger axe.
I went with the wetterlings small forest axe. Better than a hatchet but can be used the same, smaller than an axe but not so heavy. I've used mine for everything from butchering a moose, deer, hare, and bird plus processing more than ample fire wood for camp. If not packing and in a permanent camp sure the axe. But I wouldn't trade my small forest axe!
Im with Mors Kochanski on this one. Crotch to ground or pit to palm length saves energy. Camp axes/hatchets will wear you out. The end of the handle bumping brush/ground has never been an issue for me in finer tasks. I just roll forward a bit on the log 😒
Thank you so much for sharing this video
Each has its own pros and cons. It all comes down to personal preference. One can go with either smaller or larger axe for bushcraft and survival. Better to have an axe then no axe at all.
If you hold it in the middle and a bush is bothering you why not to clean a working space in the first place?
My choice is the larger axe. If I take an axe with me at all I usually intend to face some rough work and the longer handle is a BIG advantage.
I have both and prefer the scandie because I have extra large size hands and prefer the extra weight and in my humble opinion the boy’s axe in general is more versatile! The small forest axe is the largest hatchet and the scandie is the smallest axe for me to take with me on my outings and again this is just my humble opinion!The longer axe is always the safer one to use as well! I have build enough muscle memory to carve very easily with the larger axe! I also carried the American felling axe for a while and after that the scandie really feels like a small axe to me! The 2 pound head falls right into the sweet spot for a survival/woodcraft axe for me! But everyone is build differently and most people have an issue with carrying a larger axe in the backpack! I don’t care about the weight and even if the bag gets too heavy I won’t take that on my most important piece of kit which is the cutting tool! The small forest axe does 80% of the work of the Scandinavian forest axe and is very hard to beat at 19”. Thank you for the video! I just subscribed.
Yeah that’s a smart observation.
The largest of hatchets and smallest axe. Good sweet spots for both.
just ordered my scandi forest. nice review
I prefer having a folding saw and a hatchet for bushcraft/survival. But I'm considering getting this scandinavian axe for processing wood on my land.
I would have to say the Scandinavian axe. I have 2. Yes its longer but so much better for processing wood. Ive been able to use the small forest axe as well and i love that one too haha my opinion i would take one of each! Two is one, one is none. And i think you processed the size of wood you should be processing with these size of axes.
Small forest totally. Its fantastic.
I have them both and definitely have different purposes. Make another video with bigger trees. The small forest is easier to carry and your correct if time is not an issue its the one to take.
Nice comparison, I love my small forest axe.
Both have there advantages and disadvantages for me personally I have the gb wilderness axe and it really hits the sweet spot between the 2 100%
I've watched a lot of UA-cam axe demos and you have amazing axe skills. One of the best I've seen, great video
I fully agree with your assessment of the two. Really depends on what you’re going to use them. It would be like saying a half ton isn’t as good as a one ton.
If you’re pulling a big trailer the one ton is really going to Shane. But for Intown use and pulling a camper the Half ton will really shine.
3/4 ton is the best and coolest of both worlds I'd say. I always prefer it to the others.
enjoyed! thanks and subscribed! i ended up with two sfa's and am still awaiting delivery of the scandi model--i don't know if you can go too far wrong with either, and i bet you could sell either without taking too much of a beating. some people want a one axe does all and perhaps the gransfors achilles heel is splitting. i am not a woodsman as i approach senility, but for property maintenance, i'll go with a cutter before a splitter....
For most outings the smaller axe is the way to go.
Great video! I’d love to see the two axes put up against some hardwood. I’ve got the small forest axe and a lot of the hardwood I’ve split hasn’t split nearly as easily. Thanks!
I will see what I can do.
Good stuff, thanks!
Good video. Great sound quality too BTW. Maybe talk about a good two axe combo if you haven't already. Like a GB wildlife hatchet and GB Scandinavian.
Small forest is the useless size, skandi forest is already a small axe and the hatchet or hunters axe is all you need, the small forest axe fits into an size category that feels redundant.
I did subscribe and clicked on the bell! I do like my 26” husqvarna multipurpose, and my 24” council tools wood craft axe equally. Like you it would depend on what I was planning on doing to choose which one I would take. Your desire to make us happier with your videos is refreshing! Great job on this one.
The Husqvarna is the best kept secret gem of bushcraft that apparently not many know. But it's also good that not many know of this glorious axe because it keeps prices down. Got my particular Husqvarna Forest Axe for $65 CAD. Rocking deal for a Swedish made high quality traditional style axe.
I have the small forest axe and love it.
Excellent job in demonstrating the difference between the two. Seems to me on small camp task, the small forest axe is best. I would love to see you do another video chopping bigger trees. It would be interesting to see how the small forest axe would perform on a big tree. I know the Scandi would do well.
I will plan on doing a video chopping down larger trees with the small forest.
At 5’-9” 205, the GB American felling axe, is a real work horse (31” handle). The Small Forest, great pack axe, prep game and cooked entire meals with it.
God Speed, and take care in the woods,,,,,
Semper Fi,,,
Hello Super vidéos m'y Friends,more more pleace 😉
Luigi
Belgium Ardennes
Nice axe review. Lots of useful information. About splitting, have you tried standing square to the log, in more of a horse stance, and drop your weight as you strike? You can add a lot of speed to the head by dropping lower with your knees, back more straight, pull the handle in at the last moment to tighten the radius of your swing, and give the handle the freedom to vibrate on impact instead of trying to muscle through. The steel does the work, it's not tiring, and you don't get the impact forces into your body. And feels so zen.
Good suggestion I will give it a try.
If you could only have one, it's the Scandi. If you can have both...have both😉
If I could only have one, it's the small forest. It's a compromise between a hatchet and boy's axe so it's quite versatile axe.
The only thing that I wish you'd done is get the same or atleast some more time for muscle memory with the Scandinavian.I love❤️ your videos and I also have a rack full of options and it completely depends on what Im doing and both are excellent options but if I could only have one the Scandinavian wins every time.
Love your videos, but this one has to be for apartment dwelling folks who have never spent a night in the woods . Apples to oranges comparison as for as cutting ability. I think the bigger question would be why a larger ax would be best to carry in the woods on a short term trip? With the development of the great folding saws, I am thinking that the larger ax would not be needed in most people's packs. Now with that said, if someone is depending on wood to heat a house or cabin in a long term situation , the larger ax should be in the woodshed because of it's splitting ability in the long haul.
Actually if wood is needed to heat a cabin or house, a dedicated splitting axe would be ideal. That Scandi isn't a splitter. It's design more for felling and limbing.
Good point.
I'm 6'5'.. i went with the scandinavian axe..the small forest axe is a little small..its like a hatchet
I prefer the full sized axe simply because I use an axe a good bit and i can carry the same one in the woods.
Also I feel a good axe is probably the best tool for staying alive in the rockies, so why not carry a real axe and go light weight somewhere else in my pack.
I find these video's really interesting. The talk about the Gransfors Bruks axes as if they were made out of gold. They hype them up and people start to believe they could tell the difference and become what I refer to as an axe snob. There are many great axes at a fraction of the cost of the Gransfors Bruks. But for some reason this is the axe that is happening now. I own several axes such as wetterling and husqvarna. Wouldn't pay for a Gransfors Bruks as I have this aversion to being taken financially. All you that believe that 200 plus dollars are, in my opinion in need of therapy. But keep spending on them. As P.T. Barnum famously said..."There is a sucker born every minute"!!
One thing that GB handles much better than Husqvarna is quality control. I've been looking through comparisons and reviews of Husqvarna axes and one thing that has come up in a lot of the videos is that they received a product with some faults and were disappointed. Now the positive reviews I have seen are generally from reviewers that were sent an axe to review which would generally go through a lot more QC checks before it gets sent out. You definitely pay more for a GB but at least you know you will receive a high-quality product that won't require the customer to rework the product
@@TankaSaurus23 I have a Husqvarna 26 inch axe, I bought it from Amazon for 83.00 Canadian. The axe is excellent, aligns true, finish is great, handle is well done. I also have two Wetterlings that I have had for about 10 years, they too are excellent quality and the cost on the two Wetterlings was just over $100.00 each. No doubt the Granfors Bruks is a great axe but since they bought the Wetterling company their price has gone up unrealistically. Now there are always those that are willing to pay more than top dollar for a quality product. My point is when you put them side by side there certainly isn't a difference that would warrant the price that Granfors Bruks charges. If there are those that will pay I go back to P.T. Barnum famous quote. Enjoy your Granfors Bruks.
Do they come in mens also?
Great video!
Would you say that for bushcraft, a long handle on your axe is a hinderance? It can be dangerous of someone or your dog walks behind you and bumps the handle while you're chopping close to your fingers. A sudden, unexpected change of direction while on the downstroke could result in injury.
btw, I confess I know nothing about bushcraft, and only a little about axe safety.
What kinda trees were you cutting
Douglasfir
IMHO I would go with the Small forest ax. Only because I believe the size of it is best suited for normal camp tasks. Like you said, both are great tools. Thanks for sharing and we’ll catch you on the next episode. ATB Mike
You’re right. I have both and a manly use my SFA. Always have it in my backpack while hunting/hicking. I only use my Scandinavian to fell trees around the camp. Does it really well tho
Appreciate the comparison. Comes down to weight. SFA works as you say. Building a cabin you need both plus lots more tools!! Here in Australia my SFA head was chipped by the hardwoods (mist wood here is hardwood like US oak) so I bought a small Aussie axe which doesn’t chip.
ruralfencing.com/collections/axes-etc/products/razorback-handcrafted-hatchet
It’s heavier than the SFA but not long like the Scandinavian. Works well and portable
Sorry to hear that your axe chipped
That axe you suggest from rural fencing looks dope but for $240 CAD or $180 USD it becomes less cool. The bushcraft trend has contributed tremendously in ways to garner hype and prices. I saw a review for a shiny $300 or $400 "Autine" where the axe helve wiggled loosed from the head from about 30 minutes of use. That is more consistent with a China made axe for $5. That is certainly unacceptable for a several hundred dollar tool. Silly saw is another one of the trendy "gourmet" brands.
Love the videos and have just shared them with a few friends. I hope you're able to grow as a youtuber. If I may recommend something is lower your into volume and raise your commentary volume. I have to crank my volume to hear you talk. Wish ya all the best of luck!
I will be working on it thank you for the suggestion.
I'll have My Scandinavian Forest axe in a couple more Days 😊
I think a smaller axe is better for bushcraft and a big axe is meant for big trees for like a cabin build I use a small Snow and Neally Penobscot Bay Kindling Axe. It's ok for 60 bucks but some day I will get the Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe
You could’ve taken down the tree with the Scandinavian axe in 2 hits if you were willing to push it a bit more
Never seen anyone chop with that hand on top swinging from that way
Small forest for bug out bag. Scandinavian for inch/ shtf bag. But I might switch out the small forest for a crkt chogan with easily replaced handle, light weight, way cheaper and ability to handle small tasks. That being said I'll be buying a Scandinavian for inch bag. Chogan for bug out bag.
In case whoever reads this doesn't know.
I.n.c.h=I'm never coming home
Bug out=72 hour preparedness
Both are great axes but each one is best at different tasks! It all depends on what you want to accomplish!
Thanks for the video.
How about a video about Compasses, maps and navigation
Great idea.
small forest awsome one the scandinavian one seems cool but the small forest ill go for first!
i agree with you..i'd prefer the smaller one because it can do the same job of the larger one but will take a longer time..but in terms of convenience carrying a lighter load can save you more calorie/
energy..it will depend on your project..for long term buscrafthing that will require larger shelter the bigger axe would be a choice.but for one or max. week camping id go for the smallet axe..
Really depends on the location or environment. If you need a smaller axe try a hatchet perhaps. Not reason for me in choosing a 19" over 26" as the longer one is safer and can do more work. The weight difference of ~.6 Lbs shouldn't be a concern for anyone really. Added safety and being able to do heavier work is more important than saving an negligible amount of weight in any regard.
People always talk about how the heavier axe would burn more calories while hiking. True. However, people don’t think about how many more calories it takes to use a smaller, less efficient axe rather than a slightly larger one. It all depends on how big the wood you need to harvest is. Just some food for thought.
@@jdcampbell_outdoors great point, never thought about that before
I dont care for the Scandinavian...thats not a knock on GB, or even the axe itself. Everything is opinion and preference based on individuals use and needs. I'm just out in the woods a few days at a time, doing exactly what you're doing. I dont deal with large trees or logs...usually 4-6 inches in diameter, but the wood here is dense and difficult for such a thin bit.
It is a versatile tool, and you need that...I just think the Scandi is designed more around felling, and less around less splitting...I need more splitting and less felling. So I prefer a fatter profile. The thin bit just gets stuck too easily. Also, like you...I think the handle is too long and unnecessary for what I need. Again, that's all opinion and preference based on my own needs. I buck the logs, and process firewood with it if I have a place to do it. Otherwise, after bucking, I'll process it down with my knife.
I would consider the SFA, but the profile is the same, and right now I've found the CT WoodCraft Pack Axe to be quite good.
Great video...beautiful country out there. God Bless
Great vid good explanations on both
Thanks!
great video and you remind me of jake gyllenhaal XD
Like a Boss😆
Nice video, thanks. Suggestion, a clip on wireless remote microphone.
That would take away from the nature scenes. A microphone has no business in the wilderness..
Of course a larger pieces of wood and depending on how much time you have and which you how much time you want to spend I kind of like the smaller one just more compact ladder weight hands on your skills
Really enjoy your videos. Wish the volume was louder. I'm sure you answered this a million times but what brand pants were you wearing?
Kirkland from Costco. As for the audio I will continue to improve on it.
Enjoyed the video. Keep up the great work. Be blessed
Like to see a buck saw test.
Great idea.
God's Woodsman really enjoy your videos. One of the few without cussing. Much appreciated
The handle really got in the way of that twig you positioned yourself next to and didn’t move. Pesky long handle
10 strikes in mark aimed"!... Very good for the first Axe"!
WHO wants to PAY $223 for ANY hatchet (aka GB small forest axe) when you can purchase the HB Scandinavian ( the “Akka” here in the US ) for 180 and it has a 2-pound head ?
That’s a forty dollar difference and they’re both premium hand-forged in Sweden.
The small forest axe is merely a long handled hatchet at 1.5 pounds and since the Hults Bruk is more effective and efficient with eight ounces MORE of forged and blackened Swedish steel, a person could use that forty dollar savings for FOOD or FUEL 👌
Why are you pulling back soon as it hits the wood while splitting?? Follow through.
That’s why you buy a silky katanaboy and one of those axes, then you can pretty much do anything bushcraft wise.
I like the extra length of the Scandinavian. Also, you will never find two identical rounds to compare splitting abilities of different axes. But you can see the individual axes idiosyncrasies. Like propensity to stick in wood and such. So the video will help in that respect! Good video and keep them coming!
i want all axes they do ! small forrest axe for me ! but as said before address the audio ! great video though my friend
Have you made the video with Small Forest Axe chopping big trees yet?
Not yet I'm planning to do it in 2020
@@GodsWoodsman cool. Looking forward to it.
Great video
Please get mike closer to you. Some of us can't adjust our speakers any higher to hear you. Thanks.
Understood thanks feedback.
A boy’s axe or a large hatchet? How much work do you have to do?
Why do you call it "work"? Swinging an axe is not work. It's pleasure, liking eating a delicious meal. Every swing is like a bite into a juicy piece of wood.
@@walden6272 Depends on wether or not it’s a delightful hobby to pass the idle hours or a chore than needs to be done on time.
@@SolzhenitsynBoogie "Delightful hobby" would be an understatement. It's more like a burning passion.
Personaly, I would take the Scandinavian axe.
Small forest axe 👍
im small so i got the small one
and it fits
Pretty damn sure i could have dropped those trees in under 10 swings with both axes. With the scandi it could be done in less than 5 if you know what you're doing
Wow! Really?!!! I guess we should call you 'SUPER STUD'!!! Thanks! I learned a lot from you! You're my hero!!!
that is what they call me. get me a damn cape
I could totally do it in one swing. In fact wouldnt even need an axe just my razor sharp sarcasm
Husquvana multi purpose axe any day
Yes it is easily the best. Keep it on the down low though otherwise prices might increase :)
Great vid, but you NEED to get a wireless mic to clip to your shirt. They audio is so low and your intro music is so loud.
Smalls ones more accurate"! 17 strikes"!.... Very good"!
Rather have the small forest axe to put in a pack.
That is important reason to choose small forest too. Can't be seen walking around with a big axe strap to my backpack. I prefer people thinking I'm just out for a simple hike.
Neither actually. For all the hype and over inflated prices they really are not worth it. Too top it off in reality there is no hand forging involved, hand finished yes but the forging is open die drop forging which was the first form of drop forging. To top it off these are recycled steel which actually reduces the life in the long run (no one will actually notice a difference).
Doesn't matter. Any axe, hatchet even a machete, or cost. Safety and experience doesn't cost a penny...