Gransfors Bruks Ray Mears Wilderness Axe

  1 of 59

  Superb axe designed by the master. I have a Small Forest Axe as my main pack axe. But the heavier head and length of the handle gives the Wilderness Axe the edge. If you don't own a GFB axe and are looking for your first, then of the two, this is the one I would choose. I just wish it had been available when I bought the Small Forest Axe! It comes packaged extremely well and there were no marks on the handle, however I do think that some of the blacking to the face of the axe has been rubbed off from storage with other axes. A minor point, but I am quite picky. The 'bit' is bigger and deeper than the SFA and makes splitting a cinch. It was near shaving sharp when unboxed, but I stropped it before use and the edge (as with all GFB axes) took a mirror shine. I'd recommend making a leather axe collar, and sealing any place where the wood and metal meet with beeswax to stop moisture getting in, but even without this, this axe will give you years of service in the toughest environments. I also stained the handle with gun stock oil, as the unfinished (well it's dipped in boiled linseed) looks nicer darkened down in my opinion). As does the leather sheath, just brush in black boot polish to make yours less shiny. Of course you don't need to do any of this, it's a top piece of kit right out of the bag. Thanks Woodlore and Ray Mears. You did it again 9.5 out of 10.  

  Rob Crombie

  2 of 59

  Outstanding product. The Wilderness axe is the perfect compromise between the Small Forest Axe and the Scandinavian Forest Axe. Razor sharp!  

  Hugh Bailey

  3 of 59

  A beautifully crafted axe, not too big, not too small - easy to use even single handed. Perfect for general work in our woods.  

  Brian Peacock

  4 of 59

  Great axe! Not too big, not too small. Took it with on a backpacking trip and it made quick work of branches. It arrived to my house and it was super sharp! I was very impressed. Seems like a solid tool. Very happy with it.  

  Stephen Pappas

  5 of 59

  For its size this axe is an absolute beast! Head weight and handle length work together, allowing the axe to chop with a bare minimum of exertion from the user. Choking up on the handle allows one to handle finer tasks. A must have for the serious bush crafter.  

  Darrell Smith

  6 of 59

  Excellent piece of kit, razor sharp out if the box. Looking forward to giving it some serious use.  

  Nigel

  7 of 59

  I ordered this axe and only had it a week when a buddy borrowed and refused to return it he liked it so much. He placed a Benchmade knife in front of me in trade and said 'I'm keeping the axe' Shortly after, I ordered another for myself then other coworkers began ordering this axe for themselves. Mr. Mears obviously knows that a light axe is more work to use and that a heavy axe is less work to use but harder to carry. With this in mind he found the sweet spot (for a bushcraft axe) when he designed this axe. This axe isn't specific to doing any one thing quite well, it actually does many things well for its size. It is a very handy and well-made axe. Splitting rounds of firewood will take a few more strokes but nonetheless it will get the job done while still being light and maneuverable enough for fine one handed work yet still being easy to carry. This axe fits the bill perfectly between a felling axe and a hatchet. As always the service at Woodlore is top notch and their people were very patient with me when I mistakenly thought my order was lost. (don't panic folks, it takes time to ship items overseas and through customs) these folks are honest and reputable.  

  Nowhereman

  8 of 59

  Great product, great service! Will recommend this company to all of my friends.  

  Kevin R Burroughs

  9 of 59

  Initial impressions, just unwrapped. I was stoked to receive this axe and was anticipating close to perfection. The top of the head on the one side has a chamfer ground along the top edge the other side is not ground. This gives the head a look of being warped to the side. The handle has a small gap top and bottom on the cheek side of the head. The axe has a nice feel to it and I am looking forward to using it. I have the GB SF axe and the Outdoors axe and would say the handle fit and first impression was much better with these GB axes. I may be too nit picky, but with the increased cost of the wilderness axe I did not go wow when I unwrapped the package. The axe head cover is sized very tight and has to be forced on. I will be looking for a replacement. The buying process and shipping was all good. After using the wilderness axe on several winter missions over the last several months I would like to update my review. The chopping capability is excellent for an axe of this weight. Balance and feel are also excellent. Splitting is a big step better than the SFA and an equivalently sized wetterlings large hunter. I would like to change my rating from a 3 to a 4.5. It would be a 5 except for the issues noted on the original review. This axe performs much better than one would think for its weight and length. The head geometry functions better than it looks like it would. This will be my go to axe for everything except light weight backpacking.  

  Herb Butters

  10 of 59

  I considered the purchase of this axe long and hard, since I already own the small forest axe. I can say without a doubt this purchase is worth every penny. The added handle length and head weight give this axe quite a bit more oomph while splitting and chopping wood, without making it too cumbersome for a backpack. The fit and finish are what you expect from Gransfors Bruks. My only complaint is about the shipping of the axe, as my axe arrived with a damaged sheath clearly caused by rough handling by the postal service, other than that, perfect.  

  Jeff