You've channeled you're inner Nutnfancy here, nicely done. Let me try: For 1st kind of cool, they're both great. For 2nd kind of cool, this is a home run for Gransfors Bruk.
So what did i learn: 1. $20 axe is pretty much equal to a $120 axe, the differences definitely don't justify the price gap. 2. you can shave with axes. 3. axes are not very good at chopping huge metal blocks. Thanks wrangler!
I think the Fiskars is a better axe all things concidered. Of course a $150 hatchet will outlast a single $25 hatchet but its alot less likely to outlast six of those $25 hatchets. Also, if you are anything like me, you would baby $150 one and use the hell out of the $25 one so at the end of the day the cheap tool will serve me better.
Hah toilet paper ^^^^ also, yeah, i dont have 120 bucks laying around, and, from what ive heard of fiskars, they dont really tend to break or dull. Even if they do, id be happy to re sharpen them.
I wouldn't really baby the $150 one, just use it intelligently and don't hit metal objects with it repeatedly, especially really dense metals or stone.
@@HENRIKOIVUROVA Actually, Billnäs was it's own company, founded in 1641 and acquired by Fiskars in 1957, though Fiskars owned the majority of Billnäs' shares from 1920 onwards. Billnäs ironworks originated just 10km from where Fiskars ironworks originated from. I don't know when Fiskars actually started producing hatchets/axes. Maybe only after acquiring Billnäs and sold them under the Billnäs brand. Fiskars did produce nails, wires, hoes, knives, pans and pots from the beginning though. And by the mid 19th century they also produced forks, scissors and all kinds of agricultural tools like plows.
You get quite a bit of bang for your buck with a fiskars axe. I've been using them here north of the 60th parallel in Northwest Canada. It's not uncommon for us to be chopping wood in -40 c/f. For those of you wondering the composite handle will not crack in the extreme cold temperatures as seen my videos. Great video wranglerstar!
UPNORTHOF60 i am a Fin and a beast in chopping wood. it Is absolutely the best way of relaxation. you hit and immediately you see the results. ive tried many axes in many weathers but so far the best for chopping are the bigger size Fiskars axes. this hatchet thing i find of no use really, but it might just be my problem. keep up the good work guys!
A long time ago my dad explained to me a way to check a blade for sharpness. He pointed out that the edge is the intersection of two planes, forming a line which has no width. Therefore you can hold the tool up to a light so it's reflecting off of the edge and look for a reflection. A sharp edge won't reflect light, and dull points, being flat surfaces, will reflect light.
I can confirm that this work very well to check for chips and dull spots. Lights up like stars in a dark night. I have not found it useful for judging the level of sharpness though. I deem my tools too dull before I can see any visible damage. Cutting stuff really is the ultimate test.
@neistridlar, I can see where the degrees of sharpness might be more than this simple test can identify. Though I should admit that I usually call an edge dull when it struggles cutting through warm butter. I've yet to develop the patience to get an edge truly sharp. I think I worry too much about getting the "right" angle. Yet another thing my Pop was good at. Happy chopping!
Just based on price and availability, I have a selection of different Fiskars axes and hatchets that serve me quite well. Never thought I'd see the day you even remotely praised a Fiskars. Good to keep it real. Take care.
As a corrosion technologist and a hobby farmer, I love your videos! Please keep making them as you have. I know you're not intending these as "scientific" but believe it or not they are more so than you give them credit for. I love the fact that you observe, preform an experiment in a controlled environment and then record the results. This is valuable information! The unbiased view of the subject matter you are presenting is a nice reprieve from more biased opinions in commercial advertisements.
Small hatchets are maybe the most dangerous hand tool. The arc of flight so easily curves toward the 2nd hand, or knees. I think a bit longer handle is actually safer, especially for youngsters.
As the recipient of some shoddy tools as an inheritance, I have to say what makes them 'heirloom quality' was the knowledge of the man who used them and the memories, not the original list price.
All axes produced at Gränsfors Use are HANDMADE. All chords are removed and the smith can thus spend more time slipping a good ax, resulting in no unnecessary afterworking needed. Post work that is usually done to hide deficiencies in the smith. There is something that separates Gränsfors Bruks axes from industrial axes (Fiskars). At the Gränsfors Bridge, the forging crafts can take its time. 120 $ is cheap for what you get. Samtliga yxor som produceras vid Gränsfors Bruk är handsmidda. Alla ackord är borttagna och smeden kan därigenom lägga mer tid på att smida en bra yxa, vilket resulterar i att inget onödigt efterarbete behövs. Efterarbete som annars vanligtvis görs för att dölja brister i själva smidet. Det är något som skiljer Gränsfors Bruks yxor från industritillverkade yxor ( Fiskars ). På Gränsfors Bruk får smideshantverket ta sin tid.
Out of curiosity i broke my fiskars x7. Took one hour filing away that fiberblastic. You can replace the handle in the field. You rehandle it like you would replace a handle to a stone axe.
The metal on metal was hard to watch, I literally was on the edge of my seat as you dropped it. I have personally wondered this for awhile now, thank you for another great video and. And another big think you for reminding me to turn the notifications on for your channel from the last video. I know it used to be on but didn't realize it was no longer on.
I really don't get people who complains about clickbait, I mean just appreciate this guy's work and be thankful that he even upload these videos for us to watch, we need more youtubers like this so rather than hate on them, just give them support.
Thanks for a fair and honest review of two opposing price axes. Too many people bad mouth an object simply because of the price. You gave them both equal treatment and equal chances. I have the Fiskars axe and can recommend it because it will get the job done. A small sharpening stone will keep it going a long time. I, personally, just can't justify the money for the G.B. axe.
Thank you for the explaination of the titled of your videos, I feel a bit ashamed that I commented about them. I mean if I'm a loyal subscriber I watch your videos anyways so why care about the title. Not a big deal any more.
sharpfrumentarii right lol, I can't believe all the people who, even still, cannot see past a simple title...blows my mind...I'm glad to hear you do not judge upon his title anymore, good for you...I went on a whole rant the last video on the people who still whine and complain about it lol
GPG Studios so you're saying a person's integrity isn't important. To me it's everything. I believe Cody misunderstands what he's doing because I do believe he is a man of integrity. He's got a blind spot.
sharpfrumentarii wrangler star has condredicted himself hes been click baiting for almost a year now and any time he was called on it he made a response video. his responses were "i clickbait because I find it funny" or "I like sturing the pot and laughing at the haters," but yesterday his attitude changed he said it was because his channel was dieing and blamed youtubes new algorithm as his reasons why he started click baiting. so which is the truth is he a victim or does he find click bait and ticking of haters funny because to me it seems he found a scape goat and is turning it around to get sympathy from his viewers by blaming youtubes new algorithm.
I have been considering the Granfors Bruks for years. I've been wanting one. But I have managed to keep my "wants" at bay because I just couldn't justify the cost. My experience with the Fiskars line of tools is exactly as you described in your video. I don't use an axe every day, so a Fiskars is perfectly adequate for what I do. I just cannot see the need to spend $150 for an axe. It's simply not that much better. Bottom line: Fantastic comparison. Thank you.
I'm with you here. Fiskars for lugging around in your car to use and abuse. Maybe not the best quality tool but it'll get the job done for a decent price. I'd use it for light work like camping at ready made camp sites, daytrip fishing/hiking and such. Gränsfors i'd pick for situations when you really need to trust your tool, survival situations, if you use it for a living or if you just love to use excellent quality handtools. For myself i'm using an heirloom Wetterlings axe, about the same size as your small forest axe. My granddad gave it to me when i was 10 years old and big enough to wield it. I carelessly abused it badly in my early years as i didn't know better, finally the edge was completely shot and the handle had came lose. I didn't know how repair it and had no one to ask since my granddad had died years before, so it got abandoned for 20+ years. I would like you to know that thanks to your videos it is now properly restored, razor sharp and hung with a handle handpicked at the factory that once made the axe. Without them this axe would still sit in that shed, slowly fading away. I hope this little story brighten your day and give something back to you.
This video was a long time coming. Thank you Wranglestar for sharing. I almost had to turn away when you dropped that beautiful hatchet on that rail. I can here my father yelling at me in my memory's about tool misuse!
I lived in a cave for a wee while and that Gransfors hand hatchet was may only tool. It can do a lot more than just small kindling. I was cutting through seasoned hardwood three quarters of a foot thick, maybe more with that thing and it can still cut arm hair when your done. What made the difference was rounding off the end of the handle and the lanyard hole and using a leather lanyard. Once you get the technique right its not so tiring.
@@Leksuttaja149 there are thousands and thousands of american made and swedish made axe heads that are 100 plus years old and that work same as ever. When the fiskar's toy breaks, it cannot be re-handled. And yes, their handles can break and have broken. Fiskar's garbage quality pot metal also rolls all day long and they can't heat treat it worth their life without messing up likely dozens of units in a thousand or so. Even a chinese-made harbor freight axe is ironically better than a fiskars, they actually hang them the correct way and they're still cheaper.
@@escapetherace1943 the edge hols up well when you are doing normal tasks. and if you accidentally hit something ya shouldnt you can get the edge back in 5 minutes. also when you have went through 5 wood handles and the fiskars breaks, well you can just warranty yourself a new one.
"We had some physics going on there..." As a Welding Engineer/Metallurgist this was a great video and the best statement from a non engineer I have ever heard! Love you and your videos Cody!
He actually chips the blade of the gransfors bruks at 5:57. if you look closely before and after he uses the punch a pretty noticeable chip in the blade.
I have 2 GFB axes, but I carry a gerber in my truck for everyday (and possible loss) reasons. My gerber came with a sheath and it has a nice little drop point knife in the handle, held inside with a magnet. Pretty nifty. Thanks for the video!
Great ... I wanted get rid of the SFA and keep just the Wildlife hatchet. I failed to sell the SFA because it's just so great. Then I realized I want the Mini/Small hatchet. After watching your videos I also need the Hand hatchet and Outdoor axe. Oh Lord! :-D
My initial reaction was, yeah right, typical RU-vid comment...But yeah, I bet it would! That is a terrific idea! I almost want to buy one just to try that.
I have the 24" Fiskars axe and I love it. I got it for $35 on Amazon a couple years ago and it's been used on my ATV, camping, and around the house a lot. Everyone who uses it comments on how well it works and can't believe the quality for the money. I have looked at Gränsfors Bruk axes for years at sportsman shows and they do have that great "feel" but I can't justify the money when the Fiskar's works so well for a significantly lower cost. Great video, good to hear you came to basically the same conclusion I did.
Nobody did copying. Fiskars' composite axe line has "evolved" from older traditional finnish axe models they stopped producing in 1970 if my brains serve me well.
I've said it before but I'll say it again. I'm a young man on his way to moving out and you're helping me out together a fines little tool set so I don't have to borrow my Dad's tools every time I want to work on something. Thanks!
I already had the Fiskars before seeing this video. It's light and fast, and will seriously mow down anything you put in front of it. While the other is cooler looking, and a potential heirloom, nobody will be dissatisfied with the Fiskars. It's a BEAST! I bought their splitting mall too.... holy cow it's even better than the hatchet!
So I just purchased the small forest axe. It's on backorder. Should get it on a couple months. I think it's big enough for me to go camping with and to split some firewood for my firepit...but I think I want something smaller for cutting kindling and wood for my solo stove wood gasification stove. Would you reccomend the hand hatchet or the mini hatchet? Or save some money and go with Holds Bruk jonaker?
I got one of those fiskars hatchets awhile ago and it actually came with a plastic hanger/sheath that works for me in keeping the edge from being exposed. Not a leather one but plastic that does the job and came with the hatchet when bought.
I think the answer is both. They serve different purposes very well. The Gransfors Bruk is reliable and long lasting, perfect for homestead. I personally use Gerber/Fiskars hatchets out in the field. Why? Weight and quality. Hiking miles out in the woods I prefer the Gerber/Fiskars simply because it is tough, reliable and light. Really just depends on where you are using it, and your budget.
"Swedish steel" is no joke, I do photography for multiple car dealerships and I see the dent repair guy at multiple stores, I asked him how much he would charge to pull a fairly easy looking dent on my car, he asked what kind of vehicle it was; when I told him it was a Saab he said no way. I asked why not and he told me that he's broken his tools trying to fix Saabs in the past.
One advantage if the fiskers/Gerber axe has over the gb, simply is, you can take a hand held grinding wheel and remove some material from the edge to better round the profile and you can also shape the lower area between edge and handle, so you can get a better choke up on the handle/blade. $25US vs. $150US means even if you scrw it up the first attempts, you can still get it right and come out ahead of the game.
The Gransfors Bruk hatchet would be even more heirloom quality if you had paid $400 for it. Imagine how much more warm inside you'd feel had you paid so much more for it.
Hey Wranglerstar, Just had to say Thanks alot! Now I'm strangely infatuated about the quality and workmanship of the one axe I own and now I'm losing sleep trying to decide on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th axes I soon will own!
I never thought I'd ever hear someone quote James May, especially about his "Fizz" sensation. Keep making these great videos. They're oddly relaxing after a hard days work.
7 лет назад
my old fiskars died after about 12 years the handle broke off about 3 inches below the axe head. so safety sally would get rid of it after 10 years
Robert Messman -They have a lifetime warranty, so take it back and get another. Is it a GB? No way!! But you can buy like 6 Fiskars for the price of 1 GB. They both have their place...
You can buy 18 equivalent hatchets at HFT with the composite handles or 11 with hickory.. they take a fine edge and you can be lent to friends without worry....
Because the Fiskars is too soft to chip. You cannot have both. The soft one is better to cut wood across grain, but Fiskars is just a lump of steel, no proper form to take advantage.
@@VasileIuga every single Fiskars I've seen had chips in it. They definitely are not soft. Probably softer than some steels, but they're hard steel anyways.
great conclusion! i have the 14 inch fiskars hatchet for years before buying a grandfors hatchet. I love my grandfors hatchet, take it camping all the time. The fiskars i save for backup or loan out to friends when they go camping. Hard to recommend a grandfors hatchet to my buddies whom only camps once in an oddball season. It is a beautiful axe tho; loved it so much, bought myself the forest axe as well!
HERE IN GERMANY THE FISKARS COSTS BETWEEN 20 AND 35 DOLLARSTHE GRANSFORS BRUKS BETWEEN 75 AND 90 DOLLARSI MUST SAY THAT`S A BIG DIFFERENCE.MANY THINGS ARE MUCH CHEAPER HERE OTHER MORE EXPENCIVE
way give 125dollars for an axt. buy a good american axt for about 50 bux and you go good whit it. i do it also here in germany 50 euro and you get a good axt.
That Swedish axe definitely it's not worth the money.Real price - 40 $ max.And the wooden handle is not an advantage,it rott ,shrinks when dry expands when wet ,not as strong as modern plastic,expensive ,prone to cracks and bends if not stored properly etc.The list is long..Just look good.Fiskars on the other hand have everything you need to do the job done.
I have the exact same fiskars axe and I"ve had it for a few years now. Mine came with a case and we modified it slightly so it fits it better and keeps some oil inside. I rarely use it (though I used it a lot and a tiny bit of plastic was shattered from the front)so that is why we have a bag that oils it up a bit while it is inside.
Fake Axe handle news AND a click-bait title. Have you NO shame?! Love your videos, Cody, but couldn't resist a poke in the ribs!! By the wy, my boy scout axe still serves after 5 decades.
Clickbait is the only way smaller channels can get views. Subscribers don't usually watch all videos, so he needs the "clickbait" titles. At least he's not making the title misleading.
problem is the idea that you treat tools different based on price..go cut 20 nails in half with the Gransfors. Then cut 20 with the Fiskars. Then chose witch one you will cut the next 10000 nails in half with.
I do yard work, occasionally trimming trees and limbs to make extra money. I've always used Fiskars for those jobs, and have never been disappointed. They are top notch tools, and some of my most valuable in my collection. I've missed the head more than once when swinging tired with the long axe, and it never failed on me. Pretty nice insurance policy when you are at a remote spot and don't have the time to go back to town to get another tool.
