Thursday, August 9, 2012

Wetterlings releases new "Universal Woodsman's Axe" for Bushcrafters- Update

Swedish axe company Wetterlings has released a new bushcraft axe called the "Universal Woodsman's Axe." It has a rather unusual configuration in that it has a 1.25 pound hatchet head attached to a 24" axe handle. The head has a shape similar to a Carpenter's Axe, another unusual design feature.

I'm hoping to get my hands on one soon to see how it performs, so keep checking back for an update.

August 9th, 2012 UPDATE- Good news- Garrett Wade Co has offered to send me a Universal Woodsman's Axe for review. As soon as I receive it I will post some first impression pics and begin field testing. Cheers, Jason

(photo care of garrettwade.com)

8 comments:

  1. Good looking axe, looks like a smaller Les Stroud version.
    Way to light for me though. At that weight I would have to swing it like an apeman to split wood in my area.
    Do you know if the poll is hardened for driving nails?
    I think the Les Stroud one will be.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I doubt the poll is hardened on this one. My guess is that it is very light, almost like a hatchet, yet will have the ability to chop and split like a light 3/4 axe.

      Cheers,

      Jason

      Delete
  2. A review on this will be interesting. I'm skeptical on how that 1.25lb head will perform with axes of similar length. I don't see how it can keep up being that light.

    I think the bushman axe Wetterlings is putting out looks more promising than this model.

    Looking forward to your reviews on both axes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, as I mentioned in my reply to Cattledog, they are probably emphasizing portability over brute chopping ability. I haven't received a response back from Wetterlings or Garrett Wade regarding this axe yet, but I'm hoping to get one ASAP and give it a go.

      Cheers,

      Jason

      Delete
  3. Hey Jason
    I hear you on the intended use. It looks like it woud be a great carver too. So many niche axes these days to choose from. If 1.25 is correct looks heavier to me. A good bushcrafter would probably use this skillfully and to their advantage.

    Anyway I have fine tuned my axe group and pretty much have myself covered across the board for all uses except carving which I actually like to do. I'm not good at it but I find it enjoyable.(insert GB Swedish carving axe here) or maybe a Husqy carpenters axe to get started?

    I will probably get the LEs Stroud axe as a collectors piece when it comes out. Currently I have a big knife fascination and just ordered the Ontario Sp48 made in USA. My first big blade.

    Sometimes when I get a new piece of gear I say ok I'm going to review it. Then I get the camera out, find a spot to work, think about what I am going to say,take notes,compare it to something else research the brand and on and on. Then just say fugggettt about it! To much work. A lot of prep, thought,skill etc goes into a review. Multiply that by 10x for someone like you accomplishing all that seemingly full time.
    It's not easy!!! or very rewarding but should be rewarding!
    OK where was I anyway are the leaves starting to change color yet out there?
    PS I don't like the delay in posting by the time it posts I loose interest in the topic. imho
    al

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Al-

      I hear ya man. Reviews are indeed a lot of work.

      Big knives ay? Sounds interesting. I went through a phase like that a few years ago. Ended up liking sharp hatchets and 12" machetes more, but lots of people swear by them. Let me know how it works out for you. Ontario does make great stuff.

      Cheers,

      Jason

      Delete