O.T. -- Axe choice

[thacket]

Greetings to All,

This forum has been of great help in the past, so I have an off topic question. I know we all love our chainsaws, but we also have occasion to use axes. What brand and style do you use for limbing? What do you use for heavier work? Does it matter a lot?
Any information and opinions appreciated. Thanks.

Best Regards,
John

 

[CMBetz]

I have two -- a Gransfors-Bruks American Fallers Axe and a Snow & Nealy. I use the Gransfors for "clean" applications and the Snow & Nealy for "dirty" ones. Both are handmade. I really dig the Gransfors, simply because the guy who made it stamped his initials in the heel of the head. They are pretty proud of their product, and charge handsomely for it as well.

 

[wmthrower]

Anyone ever used a Gransfors Bruk axe? They look pretty good. Great reputation.

 

[thacket]

Thanks for the responses. I am familiar with the Gransfors-Bruks axes but cannot afford one. Maybe one day. What style head you use on the Snow & Nealy?

John

 

[CMBetz]

3 1/2 lb single-bit.

 

[tony marks]

give fiskars axes a look bud. best i ever owned. sharpest ,with best stay sharp . jmo

 

[John Ellison]

I like to get the heads at flea mkts. and garage sales. Sometimes you can find old ones in good shape.Madsens sells every type and length of replacement handle. I`m short and dont do any heavy chopping so I like a 30" handle 3 1/2 or 4 lb. head for a falling, wedging axe. Also usually keep a double bit cruiser near my skid trail for the odd limb or two.

 

[Wade Huggins]

I dont do much chopping but I do use my axe on a daily basis in the woods driving wedges for felling trees. I ordered mine from madsens. 4pd council fallers axe. Had mine for about four years now no complaints no chipping or fragging and if it weren't for the wild swings of a few of my friends using it to split kindling for a fire I would probably still have the same handle in it. If I was chopping much though I would have to go a pound or so lighter.....Good luck Wade