Wetterlings Backcountry Axe

I am writing this review for those who can not decide between the Backcountry verses the Small Forrest axe.I purchased this axe as well as a Gransfors Bruks Small Forrest axe at the same time. The handle lengths are the same and the blade lengths are very close to the same. The only difference between the backcountry and the GB SFA is the head profile. The Wetterlings has a much steeper wedge shape and therefore is a little heavier in the hand than the Gransfors. This makes the Wetterlings easier to use for splitting while the GB is much easier to use for fine tasks and carving.So the decision for me when choosing one for a trip comes down to what I will be doing. If I know a good chunk of my life is going to be spent splitting firewood, then I will take the Wetterlings. If I have more time to do some more woodcraft, I will take the GB. Again, both are more than capable of doing any of the tasks mentioned.After using both I would have to say that I do gravitate towards the Wetterlings more often. That said, I have not found any physical flaw or construction problem that makes me dislike anything about either of them.Hope this info helps you make your choice. Happy chopping!

Here is a detailed review for those trying to sort out which axe to buy. I considered the reputation and other reviews on Wetterlings in general and then compared these to Gransfors Bruks opinions online and then against price variance.Simply put, I considered this Wetterlings Backcountry Axe likely a better overall value at much more reasonable cost for reputation and positive reviews. Then it showed up at home and I was able to verify this was a fantastic pick.Initial observations:1. Axe head, bit / blade quality / forging - outstanding, slight asymmetry as designed, great hardness and coloration, extremely sharp.2. Handle - Solid simply oiled and well finished left rough sanded with nice strait grain selection. Grippy and comfortable to swing and carry.3. Bit sheath - Only area lacking - simple thin leather bit pocket, riveted not sewn, simple loop around snap tether - does the job but not a lasting component. I didn't have huge expectations here but feel the sheath doesn't match the quality of the axe.6 month review:I have had occasion to use and abuse this axe in the field for the last many months. I am pleased to report that it remains very sharp with simple maintenance and has shown no signs of premature wear. The handle naturally takes on coloration from the environment and picks up pitch and green stain from various branches. Looks great. I wanted a walking carry option and a replacement for the bit sheath so I hand crafted a full leather sheath that surrounds the entire axe head and a dangle strap for belt carry. If you are thinking about this, note that I'm 6'3 and big, so I find no issue with the length of the axe handle hanging from a belt. Think about that if you are of closer to Earth stature.This is a great camping axe and a superb all-rounder. I have used it for light splitting, tons of limbing & hewing, though I have yet to fell a tree with it. The bit shape is very confidence inspiring as so far I haven't found a bad job for this axe. It is has a very effective weight and remains yet light enough to wield one handed for extended periods.My impression is this is a lasting tool of great value that I'd be able to hand down to my son in time. If you are handy with leather, all the better if you can craft a good lasting sheath to protect the axe head and provide yourself some good forest carry options.Highly recommended product, so say I.Parting thoughts:I just came back from 2 weeks traveling in the Nordic region. While there I had occasion to go to a well known outdoor equipment retailer in Stockholm. I did find it interesting that in their own country, the retailer did not stock Wetterlings but instead carried Gransfors Bruks. When I asked the manager about the choice, he stated very simply that Gransfors was an older family brand in Sweden - and that was his only reason. I found that very respectful and reasonable.

Not bad...but not the poor mans' version of the GB small forest axe either. I own other axes by both BG and Wetterlings so I'm aware of the nuances of difference between the two; originally, the only reason I purchased this axe was because the weight and handle length were (reportedly) comparable to the SFA. In terms of weight, either the listing is incorrect, the specs have changed since I bought mine (Jan of this year) or I simply got a (much) heavier than usual piece. I would guess the head on mine is 2lbs, maybe more. All other specs are as stated including handle length and bit length; so I don't think they sent me the "wrong" one. One other thing worth mentioning for those interested in a SFA alternative, the cheeks on this axe are convex rather than the slightly concave design of the SFA. In any case, it is a good axe and the only reason I subtracted a star was due to mild quality control issues with the poll/butt of the head...which I fixed with a file.

No damage to edge from sheath, which I know is a common problem. You can just tell from the second that you lay eyes on this axe that someone truly cared about it when they made it. Such a beautiful tool. The blade was so sharp when I unboxed it, that it shaved the hair right off of my arm! The grain of the wood is almost completely vertical and SUPER tight! I SWEAR it's just as good of quality as a Gransfors Bruks Small Forest. I actually like it a bit better if I'm being honest.My only SMALL gripe is the back of the head is not flat, but that's okay. I'll take care of it.

This axe came highly recommended by pretty much everyone I've seen anywhere. It's lightweight yet sturdy. It's the perfect length and design for a backpacker such as myself. I hook it to my pack and go. It's rugged and I love it. I have chopped down a 2" diameter tree in about 2 minutes with it. It also splits seasoned firewood with ease. It's a little short, so you'll want to kneel while swinging it full force, just so you don't end up chopping your shin in half. Overall, it's really great.

Ever had an axe that you can shave your face with? If not get one of these and you won’t be disappointed. Edge maintenance is fairly easy. Whatever the steel is they use is fairly corrosion resistant.

Great ax, I gave the handle a good soaking with boiled linseed oil, holds a good edge, this ax should last forever...worth the money

Nice axe, good balance, and sharp. I like that it comes with a sheath, as well.