Don't know why I hadn't watched this earlier, but this was easily one of the best review/comparison/ use discussion on "bushcraft" axes I've come across on YT. For most people a full felling axe is overkill and impractical and an axe in this bushcraft category will do anything they need, and this choice of examples was spot on to show different end uses as well as price bracket and manufacture type. The analysis of the GB SFA design/use was a nice change from the love it/hate it usually seen on that axe too. Agree with your final two choices as well, I own both of them and will cover just about any job needed doing save for heavy splitting. Well done mate!

@bundufundi

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, appreciate the comment! I tend to try and make short videos these days as nobody seems to watch much of the long ones.

The sharpest and easiest to use is my GB Wildlife Hatchet. I have a small Forest Axe, too, but the hatchet is much easier to use.

Excellent reviews, demonstrations, & selections, thank you.

I have that German axe in 1000g head. Incredibly cheap and effective. £5 but that was 11 years ago. Great video thank you.

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

£5, that's good! They are very good value for money for a European made axe. Thanks for watching.

Good video, i appreciate the compare and contrast of a wide variety of options. Well done!

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, thanks for the comment, much appreciated!

The difference of opinions and definitions in “bushcraft” probably come from the fact that terrain and available natural resources vary widely from one point to another. A guy in the United Kingdom is going to have gear and skills which are completely different from someone who lives say in the rockies of North America, or the jungles of South America. This guy does seem well educated and informed. However, I would recommend someone find an information resource in their area when it comes to bushcraft or survival outdoors. Great video! I have several GB axes, they are awesome for sure!

Good video! I like the multiple tests with multiple axes. I realy liked the change of scenery for every test, it was a nice touch.

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it, thanks for commenting!

Excellent vid. Thank you

Thanks for taking the time to put this together, nice to see some different axes like the Basque one. The Stihl and Husqvarna ones, especially the hatchet size, are very heavy with a thick handle as they're primarily aimed at forestry workers to use for rough and ready limbing work, and more importantly, using the poll for hammering in wedges for felling trees. For the price they're good enough, but I wouldn't say they're user friendly or comfy for fine work or lots of camp style splitting. All the best!

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, thanks for your comment. That makes sense, I think the Stihl is a great option for someone who is willing to do some work on it as the axe head is really good quality and super cheap for one made in Europe. The Husqvarna axe is probably my most used axe as I have had it for years and I love the size and versatility.

@MrMisaKulicka

3 жыл бұрын

@@bundufundi I've only used the Husqvarna hatchet, which has needed work on the edge - still quality kit, just not as refined as the more expensive stuff. It can be overwhelming trying to find the right axe, but like you said at the start of your video no axe will do everything. Hopefully your video helps any new folk, or experienced ones, to think about what's best for them 💪🏻

@MrMisaKulicka

3 жыл бұрын

@Late to the Game thanks for the input. I hope at least one of your 9 kids are able to use punctuation correctly, leaving the pumpkin carving to you 👍🏻

As a Swedish person i find it entertaining hearing people try to say Gränsfors Bruk

@ReasonAboveEverything

2 жыл бұрын

As your eastern neighbour I too find it entertaining.

@elim7228

Жыл бұрын

Not sure how this contributes to the axe discussion, but who am I to judge?

The Small Forest Axe is to me at least more of a hatchet option, which is great. I'm a bigger guy though. Now that I think of it, some people call it a boy's axe, but a man's hatchet is probably just as apt. Cheers.

@bundufundi

3 ай бұрын

I think the large forest axe is closer in size to the Council Tool boys axe but it has very similar proportions to the SFA. Both very good options, the SFA is more portable though. Thanks for your comment.

I have several Gransfor Bruks and vintage USA axes. My favorite are made by Tuatahi.

@bundufundi

4 ай бұрын

Likewise, great company with very high quality products!

Great information

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment!

I have had quite a few. I have let some go, but I love my Kharkiv Viking, Helko Black Forrest, and Gransfors SFA. I really prefer hatchets at this point. For those, I prefer Gransfors Bruk Wildlife hatchet and Outdoor Axe, Helko Black Forest hatchet, H&B, 2Hawks, and Coldsteel tomahawks. They are light and fit inside my pack.

@bundufundi

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a good collection and some great choices. The Kharkiv axes are very good quality items. I have one Coldsteel tomahawk, the trail hawk but would like to try one with a larger blade.

@asmith7876

Жыл бұрын

@@bundufundiTheir Hudson Bay tomahawk is nearly perfect. You might take a look at it.

Look into the council tools woodcraft pack axe. I absolutely love it for a pack axe. Thank you for your content

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks I will do that, I have seen the CT Pack axe on YT but it's not that easy to get in the UK. I have got a Council Tools boys axe that I really like and was also very cheap to buy. Council Tools seem to be a good recommendation.

Very informative, thank you.

I love my Cold Steel Trailhawk if lightweight is important, the Hudson Bay hawk if I need larger. Their Trail Boss would fit this range and is a great bargain. I’ve settled on the Council Tools Camp Carver, 16 inch handle because it’s good for just about anything I need to do. I love that Ukraine model and the Basque. Sadly it seems the Basque is not available and recent reviews are really bad! But I want one!!

Good video very informative

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to comment, much appreciated!

Great video! Just ordered a 2kg basque axe from bushcraft Spain. I have a granfors bruks Scandinavian forest axe, but it’s not very good at splitting and it lacks power in really hard wood like dead standing elm here in Nebraska.

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated! I think the Basque axes are fantastic and totally unique. You won't be disappointed.

The bacho 1000g tomahawk with the 16inch polypropylene handle around £30, accepts the standard tomahawk wooden handles. Excellent cutter with a decent hammer head too.

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

I haven't seen that one but it sounds like a well priced option. Tomahawk handles are good for the field because the slip fit allows for easy replacement.

Tuatahi will always be the king of axes, especially the new camp axe for bushcraft. Autine is a close second my humble opinions

@bundufundi

Жыл бұрын

Yes, the camp axe is fantastic, really incredible quality.

I own studio forestry hatchet.I am not in to bush craft,bought it for camping.I also own a studio forestry shot as love them,cuts mesquite with ease,also own studio folding pocket saw.I think sthil makes best tool for my use.

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment. I agree, Stihl axes represent very good value for money and well worth checking out.

I actually took the leap and bought the Tuatahi camp axe. Remember there prices are in NZ$ so axe head, leather sheath+ shipping $285 usd. Going to do a custom laminate handle

@bundufundi

Жыл бұрын

Very nice, you will definitely not be disappointed. I went with the stock handle which is very nice but could probably do with being slightly longer for the weight of the head so making your own is a good idea. I made my own sheath to reduce the cost. I rate Tuatahi so much I ended up getting the work axe too which is an absolute beast.

@OKBadBoats

Жыл бұрын

@@bundufundi Full 36” or maybe just 32” I’m talking end of axe to top of metal I weighed my double bit 35” and 4.4lb

@bundufundi

Жыл бұрын

@@OKBadBoats For the camp axe I would go between 28" to 32". Although heavy and thick the geometry is still relatively small compared to the competition axes so you can get away with a boys axe size handle I think. The stock handle is only around 23".

Good video. Is it just style or is there another reason for some axes to have the top of the handle protruding an inch or so above the head?

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment! On slip fit, tomahawk style axes like the Rinaldi and the Basque axe, you need some material to prevent the handle from sliding all the way through as they slide in from the top. On wedged handles that slide in from the bottom and are then wedged in place, the wedge is sometimes left proud in order for later adjustment if the handle shrinks. This is not common as normally they are cut flush and a secondary wedge (often steel) added for extra security. On the Ukrainian axe in the video I think it was just for style as both the handle and wedge are proud of the head and no secondary wedge has been added.

Like anything, you get what you pay for!

All small and medium-sized axes are good for bushcraft. I went with council tool, and condor.

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve not come across the condor axes, do you recommend them?

As much as I'd love to by a gransfors small forest axe..I'd have to take it to the garage with a draw knife and rasp and carve prolly 50 percent of the handle thickness off if I'm gonna be using it all the time

@bundufundi

2 жыл бұрын

Yup it seems most of the Swedish axes come with thick handles, at least it gives you the option to shape it to your preference. The cheap Council Tool axes come with fairly thin handles as stock.

@codyrivenburgh7645

2 жыл бұрын

@@bundufundi the "cheap" council tool handles are in my opinion a way more bang for buck axe then a gransfors....u can get a council tool axe for like $50 or so and it will last a life time.... or u can spend 150 to 200 plus on a grnasfors and have to set there for hrs on end carving wood off the handle and testing it till its where I like it........ I myself buy vintage heads and handle them myself so I won't be buying a gransfors any time soon.....but did buy a nice little $50 council tool boys axe as a truck axe that gets beat on chopping down trees outta trails and splitting wood and camp fires and its lasted 2 years so far and have many many years of life left in it......so I see zero need to jump on the gransfors fan boy band wagon

How do you slim down an axe handle near the head, for easier carving by small hands?

@bundufundi

Жыл бұрын

Hi, most folks use a woodworking rasp of some sort to do the bulk removal and then you can use a cabinet scraper or sandpaper to get the finish you want.

How do you find your Robin Wood carving axe? Both generally but mainly for carving? James

@bundufundi

2 жыл бұрын

For the price it is pretty good. The handle was too thick but that is easily fixed. The grind was decent. However, when compared to the Hans Karlson carving axe that I have, you definitely feel the difference between the two, the HK is an absolute joy to use. As a general hatchet the RW is a good option as it does everything you would expect from a hatchet but is also set up for carving.

Hi. What is the brand of your rucksack and where to get it? Thank you!

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

Hello, it is a LK35 Swedish Army Rucksack. They are no longer made but you can get them at army surplus stores: (www.militarymart.co.uk/collections/rucksack) and on eBay.

I got the basque axe but my handle is shorter did you replace the handle with a longer one if you did what size

@bundufundi

2 жыл бұрын

Mine is the 800g version and has the stock handle which is 50cm or just under 20". Being a slip fit you could always make a replacement out of ash, hickory or beech. The originals are beech I believe.

@Jesusiskingamen7

2 жыл бұрын

We’ll they sent me the wrong one then cause I orders the 800 and it’s a hatchet your looks like to 1000 it’s got a 20inch handle

@bundufundi

2 жыл бұрын

@@Jesusiskingamen7 that’s pretty irritating, you got me wondering so I’ve just checked and the total weight with handle is 830g and the handle is 19.5”.

Do you have a link to the Husqvarna Forest Axe? I only find the Forest Axe that looks like the Hultafors.

@bundufundi

Жыл бұрын

Hello, I bought mine from a chainsaw shop years ago but I found this one on line: broadfieldmowers.co.uk/product/husqvarna-wooden-forest-axe

@saschasponholz9253

Жыл бұрын

@@bundufundi thx alot. This is the Hultafors Version. It seems you have an old Axe. Keep it in Honor. It looks really nice 👌

Please give suggestions for buy for cut hard wood

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, any of these axes would work for hard wood as it is more to do with how you grind the edge. If the edge is too fine it will get damaged. The Basque axes were developed to work on Beech (Fagus) so that might be a good option for you.

@isaiahmountford5815

3 жыл бұрын

The basque axe destroys hardwoods, ive found on trees with really hard knots the basque has a tendency to roll with the super thin factory edge, i would recommend slight modifications in those cases

Look a Prandi made in Italy good axe

@sparrowflying864

3 жыл бұрын

Wranglestar says prandis heads fall off. Just going by what he says.

@rayl7225

Жыл бұрын

@@sparrowflying864 I have not used one but the consensus seems to be that the head is good but the handle is not.

Hoffman

The Stihl and Robin Wood are the same. Different handles. Any bushcraft axe should be pack size. It's what the original old timers carried. And seeing has that is what most people try to copy. Hand to armpit length. The GB is the wrong shape blade to be a carver. They should have a curved edge. The second one is a carpenters axe. Rhineland pattern axes make good carvers. That is why Robin Wood buys them in. They are cheap. Dropped forge axes are quick to make. Punched out of heated pieces of steel. Then ground down on a linisher. Axe handles are left to the buyer to shape. And makers have always done that. No one has the same hands. But that has been forgotten, and people complain about. The Basque axe have no polls and if you have never used one, or a trade axe they can be dangerous. So be careful, if you have never used one. Why do people always show full sized logs in so called bushcrafting? You need a splitter for that, even a small one. You should never baton the head of a xe, you will open the eye and the head will come loose.

Noone speaks about the grade of the recycled steel of Gransfors Bruks and their qa has definitely seemed to wane compared to older offerings. Why does anyone insist on paying that much for anonymous steel? Doesn't make sense to me.

@bundufundi

2 ай бұрын

That’s interesting, I wasn’t aware standards had fallen.

In general I find anything that is labelled bushcraft, is over inflated 50% at least price wise!!! With the myth of this Implament can do EVERYTHING!!!!

@bundufundi

3 жыл бұрын

I agree it seems to have become quite a good marketing ploy and you can get good alternatives for a fraction of the price. Also with any tool there will always be a compromise.

But vid bro ! By the way Kharkiv is UA made not Russ.

Opinions are like a-holes, everybody has one😅