Best axes.

[mendiplogs]

Puzzles me Jon. How come with all the woodcutters on here you haven't shifted that bugger yet.

 

Hi pea I may do one day thanks Jon

[Chargie]

Hi there which axes do you reccomend(if so where can I get one) to use for hedgelaying I always use the chainsaw for larger stems, but would like to use an axe for a better finish in comptition but find it very hard to get my cut right need more practise but I mite be using the wrong type of axe( I used a log spliting axe) Thanks Tom

[R Mac]

You probably need a forest axe or a small felling axe, Granfors Bruks are highly recommended but expensive, I have the Hultafors axes linked to below, good value for money and when sharpened can take slices off a sheet of paper, even the big felling axe. The HY20 felling axe is more like a small forest axe. I bought both of mine from FFX Tools

 

Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe

 

Gransfors Bruks Scandanavian Forest Axe

 

Hultafors Felling Axe HY20

 

Hultafors Felling Axe HY10

Edited February 12, 2016 by R Mac

[Haironyourchest]

or a heavy machete?

[tz1_1zt]

My hedge laying is very armature, but I do find an axe is ideal for controlled neat cuts. Rather than a big felling axe I would suggest one of the smaller fiendishly sharp utility axes.

 

My personal favourite is the Hutafors Classic Hunting Axe, designed for every conceivable task that a hunter in the wilderness might need to perform. The head is 850g and the handle 45cm long. You can get a powerful two handed swing on big stuff, but also a controlled one handed cut while bending or clearing branches. It comes sharpened to a mirror edge, so goes through anything.

 

Take a look around our site Forestry Products - Orion Forestry and you'll find it on there.

[Dinosaw]

Blatant plug for Tools for Self Reliance Cymru! We have a large selection of refurbished old bill hooks by the likes of Elwell, Staniforth, Whitehouse etc, Elwell axes. Billhooks cost no more than those horrible, modern Spear & Jackson things with the silver paint. 01873 810675 10.00 to 14.30 not Monday's. Thank you!

[gooseflight]

Double edged billhook. Made for the job:

 

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/BDG5221830M

[arbormonkey]

Gransfors Burks absolute quality nothing comes close in any aspect there's really no compromise on these axes top top top top quality

[dent]

I dont know if anyone on here has tried it but my boss tought me to lat with a side axe

The crancked handle keeps you hands out the way better the head is thin and long and it is the right weight that if can be used for everything so no need to swap from an axe to a billhook

Im by no means professional at this its just what i was taught to use and i found it very easy to use

[tz1_1zt]

Gransfors Burks absolute quality nothing comes close in any aspect there's really no compromise on these axes top top top top quality

 

They are unique in the range of quality axes produced, but other companies make equally good equivalents for less specialist tasks. It's not all rosy at the Gransfors workshop, production is becoming erratic, waiting lists are getting longer and longer. There are new name stamps these days and their work is not considered as good as the previous generation.

 

Much of their reputation is based on work carried out by the now retired craftsmen, and not necessarily based on what is being made today.