| Author |
Message |
|
Josh MacNeil
Location: Massachusetts, USA Joined: 23 Jul 2008
Posts: 197
|
 Posted: Tue 03 Mar, 2009 11:35 am Post subject: bearded axe |
 |
|
I'm in the market for a handy Viking style bearded axe. I'm torn between the Nordland by A&A and the Hanwei bearded axe. The Hanwei appears to be a bit larger and heavier (and more attractive IMO), while the Nordland is a bit cheaper and appears to be smaller and handier, as well as looking more solidly built. So I'm torn between the beefier more weapon oriented Hanwei, or the compact more utilitarian Nordland. Either one will probably be serving the same purpose as a camp axe and possible costume piece. Does anyone have one (or both) of these peices and can give me some insight? Thanks.
-JM
|
|
   |
 |
|
Mike Arledge
|
| Posted: Tue 03 Mar, 2009 12:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I have owned both, and still own the Nordland. It does not have a hardened edge (although I believe A&A can make one for a higher cost). As far as aesthetics go, that is up to you, but the Hanwei ones suffer from having shrinking shafts, and will come loose without much effort. If you want one for any type of contact, I would be wary of the Hanwei lineup.
Mike J Arledge
The Dude Abides
|
|
 |
|
Marc Blaydoe
Location: Maryland Joined: 29 Sep 2006
Posts: 72
|
| Posted: Tue 03 Mar, 2009 2:26 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I have the Nordland bearded axe and a Hanwei broad axe. I can confirm that the Hanwei broad axe has an issue with loose handles, both for myself and for a friend who also has one. And it is rather heavy, not easy to one-hand. Haven't touched the Hanwei bearded yet myself, but I like the Nordland, it seems to be a very "handy" axe. My one complaint with the Nordland is that they evidently stained the wood AFTER they mounted the axe head, you can see where the stain ends.
Marc Blaydoe
An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Josh MacNeil
Location: Massachusetts, USA Joined: 23 Jul 2008
Posts: 197
|
| Posted: Tue 03 Mar, 2009 7:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
Mike - Out of the two, which would you say had the better head in terms of quality and function? I'm more concerned about the head as hafts can easily be replaced.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christopher Finneman
Location: Sartell Minnesota Joined: 20 Mar 2006
Posts: 159
|
| Posted: Tue 03 Mar, 2009 8:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I'd go with the nordland axe imho.
I bought on here at the shakopee ren fest a yewar or two back and I use it for everything out doors. While its not hardened it does keep a edge fairly good. It chops real nice and feels good while using it to do chores.
Probably the best weapon/tool I own besides my Ontario machete.
Just my two cents
Proudly it stands until the worlds end. The victorious banner of love.
|
|
 |
|
|
Mike Arledge
|
| Posted: Wed 04 Mar, 2009 3:58 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Josh MacNeil wrote: | | Mike - Out of the two, which would you say had the better head in terms of quality and function? I'm more concerned about the head as hafts can easily be replaced. |
I would find out about the cost of having A&A but a hardened edge on it, and go that route, it might cost a bit extra, but it would likely be a friend for life! I wish I had done that, and likely will if I free up the money for another axe. I use my nordland in the yard/garden regularly, the flat makes a great stake hammer.
Mike J Arledge
The Dude Abides
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This is a standard topic