I've had mine over 10 years too, I bought it before the huge price jump. I purchased it knowing it was to replace large knives as general purpose tools, to me it was never to replace the hatchet or axe so much as it would be an alternative to the heavy bowie knife craze. I find it more like a "bag axe" of the 18th century, cut kindling and game processing. I've never regretted owning the mini Gransfors.
Yeah the chopping a bowie does mediocre this does good. But a large knife has its advantages in shrubby terrain. I would rather have a "lapphuggare" or small machete than a oversize bowie thoug but thats just me.
@@borjesvensson8661 Bowie's are more of a fighting knife and utility second.... or third.. For chopping machete or Leuku kind of knife would be my choice. Branches that is. Thicker stuff and a good hatchet or 3/4 axe will do better.
Great with some opinions on this axe on my wish-list. I have heard them say that the reason for the high price is that it's so small that there is a big chance of having to start over, when forging it. So it takes more time to make these small axes, and it's not really the steel and the wood that is expensive. It's the "heart" :) Great video.
Thanks for taking your time with this review. Very informative! You can solve the belt carrying problem with a Casström axe belt loop. It is made from leather, does not cost much, and looks really nice. Available from Lamnia and elsewhere, I am sure.
I too have a GB Mini Hatchet made by the designer, and stamped LP, its a beautiful tool which fits perfectly in the hand and is a joy to own. Since buying my Mini Hatchet I have added a GB Wildlife Hatchet and Small Forest Axe and they're beautifully made tools. I saw an Old Jimbo video in which he demonstrated what could be achieved with a mini hatchet, and that was a real eye opener.
Very well said practical review. I appreciate it. I have one of these. It was the second I got after the Outdoor axe which I love as well. I really like mine for regular cooking in the house and camp cooking is very very handy as a knife with much more control and safe control. I love it to throw in bag don't even know its there. On the belt its short and light don't even know its there. I got a belt sheath from Treeman Knives in Michigan. I got the tooled one.
These size axes is inspired by small backpack axes that amongst other the sami carried when not using a large chopping knife (lapphuggare), knife in shrubby terrain and axe in the forrests. It's ment to be carried in the backpack as the main use is to chop wood for the campfire to get coffey a few times a day and to cook coffey you anyways need to get into the backpack. I just stick it in the belt or carry by the head with edge forward when walking about. Splitting i do from the side and larger pieces i hold the axe against the side and swing both axe and firewood into the log i am chopping against. Cheers from Sweden.
One thing you overlooked and my favorite use for small quality hatchets like the Gränsfors Bruk mini hatchet/outdoor ax/hand hatchet/hunters ax. I use them for skinning and processing game I prefer a hatchet for skinning because of the way you hold it you can see what your doing and your fingers are out of the way just seems more ergonomic to me. I prefer it to a saw for bone as well it’s faster and doesn’t leave bone shavings. I’ve found that a quality (razor sharp) hatchet can do it all and is my go to tool when out in the wild.
Axes are absolutely underrated for game processing, you’re definitely right. A decent bit that’s thin and very sharp, like a Gransfors, really is an exceptionally versatile cutting tool. The Gransfors axes tend to be ground so thin and have such a low edge angle that for stuff like carving wood, cutting ropes, and other similar stuff, they can actually out-cut most common knives.
This is a sweet little hatchet. (Love mine) But why compare this to the Husqvarna? Compare the Husqvarna to the Wildlife hatchet not the mini. I really like the review where the guy chops some small saplings, makes feather sticks, splits small fire wood, sparks his ferro rod, slices small cherry 🍒 tomatoes, cuts his meal fried slice of Spam, fillets a 🐟 fish, and turns his 🥞 pancakes over in his skillet, with this handy little multitool. I've seen Dave Canterbury field dress a racoon with his axe 🪓 so im sure this will work just as well also. This mini belt hatchet is a fantastic tool if you use it wisely. If you want to cut 4 to 6 inch logs carry a Silky Bigboy (XL teeth) it'll cut thru them in seconds.
You've had that mini hatchet 10 years? It was made by Wetterlings! They cost alot because of demand. The husqvarna axes are made from same steel, same forge. The are made for industry, and the handles on the Husqvarna are far better. Better grain orientation. They just leave the edge for the individual to put the edge they prefer. You can buy 3 for the price of the Gransfors bruks! If you grind the top of the head on the Husqvarna it looks the same has the Gransfors bruks!
Very thourough examination of the mini. I have the Wildlife and the (Small Forest on order) and the larger Husqv and some old American axes. These Scandi axes are superior though. Good video.
Condor scout hatchet is a good cheaper alternative for anyone wanting something cheaper. It will need some grinding on the head to make a shaver but good for the money. Around 50-60 usd.
Thankfully I learned that yes, a hatchet can be too small, without having spent a ton of money to learn that lesson. For me, 12" is the minimum length I find useful in a hatchet.
Too small for what? I love my Mini Belt Hatchet, I’ve had it for nearly 20 years now, and I’ve found it very useful. Mine was $90, bought shortly after the model was originally released, in the early 2000s.
Wouldn't it matter also on how big you are as a person? If you are a 6'10 dude this is probably too small. If you are 5'6 on the other hand probably a good tool?
Unusual that the handle says "Gransfors Bruks" and the head says "Gransfors Bruk;" in 2023 mine has went back to "Bruk" vs "Bruks" on the handle. Anyone know what that was all about from the factory?
Need help.. I have a Scandinavian but no belt axe.. Mini vs wildlife for a sidekick to my Scandi? Esee 6 for the knife.. Weight not issue... Opinions? Thx y'all
I have the mini (or small depending on where you're purchasing the hatchet just look for item number 410 though) and I have the wildlife hatchet. If I could only own just one I would easily choose the mini. I have come across a great deal of hatchets that I have had good quality in the wildlife size. Good luck finding a hatchet the size of the mini with as much quality. And when it comes to price there is a simple reason it costs more: they are harder to make in that smaller size. Either way, I wish you luck in your purchase!
@@joeymaximus8146 Hultafors of Sweden, or as they are also known, Hults Bruk, are awesome and quite a bit less expensive. Look them up, and they are made as well as these. All about marketing and hype.
@faultroy I feel sorry for you. I wish you were better able to make an argument for yourself, but if grade school name calling made you feel good then do please continue. You are very nearly entertaining ☺
@faultroy They don't want to hear my friend. They would be better off with a cheapo and actually use it but most of them have no interest in using them. It's all about image.
