Gransfors Bruks Kubben : my newest tool

[Nematocyst]

I won't hold it until sometime next week. Had to transfer funds before paying for it,
and that won't be complete until tomorrow at least, maybe Monday.
Then, I've got to pay for it, then shipping.

I'm buying it from the same place I bought my small forest axe : Appalachian Outdoors, originally recommended to me by Rod Ferro, and about whom I cannot say enough good things. What a great bunch of folks. I'm paying $1 more than I would on Amazon (including free shipping), but at my request, they sent me a snapshot of their "three best" in stock, let me pic the one I wanted, then sent a close up of it. Love at first sight. They're holding it for me for a couple of days (I'll send a deposit if they need) until funds come through. (Try that on amazon. )

I picked this one because of the nice grain, and it was the darkest of the three with the nicest handle shape. (One was noticeably thicker; interesting variation that would be nice for someone with larger hands.) It's got the head of a wildlife axe but with a 9.5" adze handle. Total weight is around 23 oz.

I'm spending money I don't really have to spend - going out on a limb here for this one - but it's going to play a small but significant part in ... getting my new business up and running during the first half of this year, so I see it as a capital investment (even if a fun one! ).

More pics to come, and of course I'll be discussing in this thread why I'm buying this axe as a little brother for my GB small forest axe (which I adore), and how I'll be using it. I'll post pics of the latter as time goes on. I'll also post links here to stories about the Kubben (which is Swedish for "carving axe").

I'd love to read stories from any who have owned or used one.

Without further ado, here's my new tool. This image is on my desktop.

Can't wait to fondle it, and cut stuff.

[Rod Ferro]

Congrats Nem. That looks awesome. Appalachian Outdoors has very much impressed me as well. Great company to deal with.

[martin_j001]

Very nice, congrats!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Nematocyst]

Thanks, guys.

And Rod, thanks for the AO recommendation.

Here's their page about the Kubben. They've got more.

Here's a video about bowl carving that set me on a path to buy the Kubben.

I wandered off looking at some other carving axes for a while,
but in the end, the one that I wanted to begin with won the competition.

[Sabong1]

Awesome buy Nem! Was amazed at the video. It's good to see that the old way of doing things has not been forgotten.

[Nematocyst]

It's good to see that the old way of doing things has not been forgotten.

So true, Sabong.

It seems that we're finally starting to realize the value of the old ways,
and finding ways to make sure we don't forget and to teach the next generation.

GB is about that, and this forum is helping a LOT with that goal.

[MountainMistWanderer]

Well if you don't like it I'll take it off your hands.

Where the trail ends the journey begins

[Nematocyst]

Here's another video related to this axe, this one by the CEO of GB, Gabriel Brånby.

When I first watched this last night, I hadn't decided to buy this axe yet.
I wanted to, but it was a big step given my financial state (trying to start a new company is expensive when you're starting from poverty).

But when I watched this video, I decided, this is the axe company I want to support.

(Even if Julia of Wetterlings is way, way cuter.)

http://www.dolectures.com/lectures/w...are-important/

[Nematocyst]

Well if you don't like it I'll take it off your hands.

Laughs.

I'll keep you posted, MtMist.

[forte]

What is the main difference between the Mini hatchet and the Kubben-carving axe?

[Nematocyst]

Forte, the Mini has a much smaller head and longer standard hatchet handle.
It's a miniature version of a regular hatchet weighing less than a pound.
They're also MUCH more expensive - $160 now -
due to the challenge of forging such a small head.

The Kubben is made from the head of a Wildlife Hatchet (standard size)
but with a very short handle (actually made for an adze).
It's fine for kindling, but from what I've read, excels at carving.

[Mudman]

Nice! I've saving up for a custom carving axe.

[Nematocyst]

Mudman, I'd like to know more about your preferred design,
and how it will it compare or contrast with a Kubben.
(Same for others reading this thread.)

If it's totally different, it's ok - there are a ton of philosophies about carving axes. GB makes another with 'carving' as part of the title, Swedish carving axe. But it is bigger than I was interested in for several reasons, yet for some, it'd be perfect. So, being a carving axe (ca) novice, I'm curious about how people use them.

[MCKROB]

I'd be putting that little axe to use doing something like this:

[Nematocyst]

^ Will watch this a bit later, McK; looks interesting, and is one I haven't seen yet.

And, I'll get a chance to try that next week, because I just paid for my Kubben.
It'll probably be shipped today, and reach me early next week.

Excited? Me? Why? I mean, it's just a tool. Why would I be excited?