Thoughts on my new Wetterlings 20" Hunters Axe


Widerstand

Widerstand

Scout
Bushclass I
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So my lovely lady ordered me a Wetterlings axe for Christmas and it just now showed up and I'm kind of feeling indifferent on the quality level of it.

Maybe y'all could help me and yet me know if I am being to picky, if this is there standard quality level, keep it? send it back?

I would love some input.

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Looks a little weak to me. That pointy pole seems off a lot. Not much to write home about. The wobble in the business end too seems poor. I don't know for sure though. Just my thoughts.
 
what are we seeing in that second pic?

If I made a crack like that wedging, I probably wouldn't post a pic in my brag thread, but unlikely that I'd re do it. Nor would I sell it without showing or discounting. It can/shold be filled but that is up to you to say it is a deal breaker.

What are your other concerns?
 
I don't know axes and I know that's a sorry excuse. That head looks terrible. Forget about the uneven pole as if that's not bad enough, that blade bevel is jacked.

Or am I seeing things?

I would definitely think about an exchange to say the least.

Cheers
Nick
 
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Hmm... This is a little concerning as I just pulled the trigger and ordered one off BCUSA. Id exchange it at the least.
 
njenkins said:
I don't know axes and I know that's a sorry excuse. That head looks terrible. Forget about the uneven pole as if that's not bad enough, that blade bevel is jacked.

Or am I seeing things?

I would definitely think about an exchange to say the least.

Cheers
Nick
Click to expand...

Garage sale item if I had to put a price on that..... and yea, that would go back in a heart beat. Any hardware store would accept that as a return I would think.
 
Can't see very well if the handle is aligned properly but FWIW, I've had Gransfors axes that were off as well. Other than that, all the other pictures seems fine--just cosmetics. It can be smoothed out if you prefer a cleaner look, most Wetterlings axes are like that (I have 7). Gransfors axes come with a little better finish but is not too far ahead.
 
2 points:

Remember, these are hand forged items. Items not made 100% by machine have certain "imperfections".

From the Wetterlings website:

"Please note that the axes are hand made and eye measured. Therefore minor variations may occur."

The poll is rounded because pounding stakes, etc is not the primary purpose. Using the rounded edge to help separate hide from flesh on a large deer (like a moose or reindeer) is. Very Scandinavian thing to do.

Again, from the website:

"Use the polished poll to skin your kill."

Mario
 
That definitely needs to go back. The mask would hide the wave in the bit, but they should have no problem taking that back with your pics.
 
That do'nt look so good to me either a bit shoddy craftsmanship imo yeah its fixable but you should'nt have to rework something to the degree that you would that one to bring it up to good standard imo,send it back ,it provably just slipped past their final inspections for what ever reason ,do keep us posted on your decision and or theirs. .338winmag
 
I wouldnt keep it. There QC seems to be a little hit and miss, my brother purchased one back in november without issue. Luck of the draw?
 
If you explain the crack at the wedge as a safety concern, I imagine you can get it exchanged pretty easily. As for the rest of it, Wetterlings quality seems to have taken a nose dive of late. That type of grain orientation is normal for them anymore, and the work on the head is pretty typical...not that we like it that way...but typical.

You may find yourself getting something very similar as a replacement.
 
I am on the fence on this one. On one hand I have seen factory made axes from china that look better than that, but as any craftsman will tell you hand made items have defects. I kind of feel like those imperfections are just to much. Let us know what you do.
 
I concur with the rest. Exchange it for another one and maybe you'll have better luck with the second one. All the cosmetic issues are just that and won't affect utility but the crack at the wedge would be most concerning to me over time.
 
mario said:
2 points:

Remember, these are hand forged items. Items not made 100% by machine have certain "imperfections".

From the Wetterlings website:

"Please note that the axes are hand made and eye measured. Therefore minor variations may occur."

The poll is rounded because pounding stakes, etc is not the primary purpose. Using the rounded edge to help separate hide from flesh on a large deer (like a moose or reindeer) is. Very Scandinavian thing to do.

Again, from the website:

"Use the polished poll to skin your kill."

Mario
Click to expand...



The poll is not hardened and may dent/deform if used like a hammer. Other than the cracked wood, that looks just like the 2 I have. They are not polished and shiny beyond the edge.
 
Whiskeyfox said:
Isn't this one the 2nd Wetterlings this week that is subpar?
Click to expand...

Well I had one last week and another popped up on that thread. It figures. I never heard a bad word about them till I bought one!

I heard GB bought them, so the cynic in me wonders if they are lowering the quality to make a clear differentiation between quality & price point in order to up-sell.
 
The Warrior said:
I'm no expert, but I'd send it back. That second photo of it just looks awful.
Click to expand...

I was just on another thread mentioning the quality level of wetterlings and GB axes making them an investment rather than a purchase. I can use this example:

I've been a musician for 20 years. 12 of those years I played regularly with regional bands. After getting started I began knowing what it takes to make a quality guitar. I'm by no means a snob when it comes to my gear, but I know what's right and what isn't. Every price point has its pros/cons. And you should get what you pay for.

I'm not as experienced with the axe as most of the guys on here. I will say though that I consider higher priced items an investment in our love for our hobbies, and not just another purchase. We buy them because we take pride in owning and using a fine tool.

A rifle that shoots one MOA groups is better than I'll ever be able to shoot it but I may own it because it's "what I wanted."

Warrior is right. Send that sucker back. I'm sure they will be happy to fix the problem.
 
I guess I may have left a few things out of the original post.

I was kind of hoping that I was just over reacting to the quality level but I think ill send this back since it was the only thing I got this year for Christmas I guess my anticipation was really high on it and then when it showed up I was disappointed.

I wanted to get some good feedback before saying where I got this from, or rather where my partner got it from, after seeing some threads about subpar Wetterlings I suggested to her that she buy it here from Bushcraftoutfitters even though it was not the cheapest on the internet cause my thoughts were that the money would be going to something I support and there would not be the issue of quality on it.

Jbass0760 said:
Hmm... This is a little concerning as I just pulled the trigger and ordered one off BCUSA. Id exchange it at the least.
Click to expand...

That's where this one came from.

Antig said:
Can't see very well if the handle is aligned properly but FWIW, I've had Gransfors axes that were off as well. Other than that, all the other pictures seems fine--just cosmetics. It can be smoothed out if you prefer a cleaner look, most Wetterlings axes are like that (I have 7). Gransfors axes come with a little better finish but is not too far ahead.
Click to expand...

So you think I have nothing to worry about then?

mario said:
2 points:

Remember, these are hand forged items. Items not made 100% by machine have certain "imperfections".

From the Wetterlings website:

"Please note that the axes are hand made and eye measured. Therefore minor variations may occur."

The poll is rounded because pounding stakes, etc is not the primary purpose. Using the rounded edge to help separate hide from flesh on a large deer (like a moose or reindeer) is. Very Scandinavian thing to do.

Again, from the website:

"Use the polished poll to skin your kill."

Mario
Click to expand...

I understand that but my line of thinking on it was that if its hand made and eye measured it would still be better then this, I build all kinds of things on a daily bases (not axes) and most the time I just 'eye ball it' and things are still straight at least, is that not the case with a handmade tool?

upthecreek said:
I bet it will work just fine
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I'm not doubting it's ability to take an edge and chop things.

Kimber45guy said:
I was just on another thread mentioning the quality level of wetterlings and GB axes making them an investment rather than a purchase. I can use this example:

I've been a musician for 20 years. 12 of those years I played regularly with regional bands. After getting started I began knowing what it takes to make a quality guitar. I'm by no means a snob when it comes to my gear, but I know what's right and what isn't. Every price point has its pros/cons. And you should get what you pay for.

I'm not as experienced with the axe as most of the guys on here. I will say though that I consider higher priced items an investment in our love for our hobbies, and not just another purchase. We buy them because we take pride in owning and using a fine tool.

A rifle that shoots one MOA groups is better than I'll ever be able to shoot it but I may own it because it's "what I wanted."

Warrior is right. Send that sucker back. I'm sure they will be happy to fix the problem.
Click to expand...

I think you are right.
 
upthecreek said:
I bet it will work just fine
Click to expand...

Agreed.

Use it a couple of times and if the head comes loose because of the crack (doubt it will) then send it back.
It amazes me what kind of fit and finish people expect from a $75.00 axe these days.

Nothing personal, man. I'm just tired of seeing these threads on axes and very few people using them. I think if people used them first instead of inspecting them with a fine toothed comb and white gloves that there would be a lot less of these types of posts.
Then we could get to real quality issues after they reveal themselves from actual use and we could all learn something about the axe in question.

If the head comes loose after a few uses or if the edge gets all dinged up or if the head cracks etc. then you've got real issues.
I could see looking it over if you paid a custom price for it but $75.00 for an axe is chump change considering the work that goes into one.
I'm not saying $75.00 is chump change to people these days with the economy in a wreck but when compared to the work involved in making an axe it is very little money. I think wetterlings charges a reasonable price for the quality of axe they put out, it seems I'm in the minority in that case.
Again, it's nothing personal. I have a beef with the thought process not with you, man.
 
Iz said:
Agreed.

Use it a couple of times and if the head comes loose because of the crack (doubt it will) then send it back.
It amazes me what kind of fit and finish people expect from a $75.00 axe these days.

Nothing personal, man. I'm just tired of seeing these threads on axes and very few people using them. I think if people used them first instead of inspecting them with a fine toothed comb and white gloves that there would be a lot less of these types of posts.
Then we could get to real quality issues after they reveal themselves from actual use and we could all learn something about the axe in question.

If the head comes loose after a few uses or if the edge gets all dinged up or if the head cracks etc. then you've got real issues.
I could see looking it over if you paid a custom price for it but $75.00 for an axe is chump change considering the work that goes into one.
I'm not saying $75.00 is chump change to people these days with the economy in a wreck but when compared to the work involved in making an axe it is very little money. I think wetterlings charges a reasonable price for the quality of axe they put out, it seems I'm in the minority in that case.
Again, it's nothing personal. I have a beef with the thought process not with you, man.
Click to expand...

I agree with you on using them, I have a nice little selection of vintage axes that I have restored and used a good amount.

This being my first new axe I wasn't sure if this was normal or not...etc.

Also I didn't want to use it first if everyone things I should just send it back for another one.

As for your comment "It amazes me what kind of fit and finish people expect from a $75.00 axe these days", I guess a big part of this thread for me was just that, seeings how ive never owned a new axe, only old ones, I didn't know if this was there standard quality level or not, and based on what other people have said here it seems like they are often better then this.

I guess I was in the mind set that buying something new from professional axe makers like wetterlings that the quality level would be better cause when I pick out handles and hang heads they look better then this and I am very far from a professional, I'm just a guy that started getting into axes about a year ago due to this forum and watching Skog's videos.
 
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Widerstand said:
I agree with you on using them, I have a nice little selection of vintage axes that I have restored and used a good amount.

This being my first new axe I wasn't sure if this was normal or not...etc.

Also I didn't want to use it first if everyone things I should just send it back for another one.

As for your comment "It amazes me what kind of fit and finish people expect from a $75.00 axe these days", I guess a big part of this thread for me was just that, seeings how ive never owned a new axe, only old ones, I didn't know if this was there standard quality level or not, and based on what other people have said here it seems like they are often better then this.
Click to expand...

I hear ya. It's easy to get the impression after seeing threads around here that an axe in this price range should be spotless. Not your fault at all for coming away with that. If I had never bought a new axe like this and read the threads on here I would think the same thing.
 
upthecreek said:
Isn't that what you bought it for?
Click to expand...

Yes but secondarily I would like something with something with somewhat of a straight grain in the handle and something with out cracks in the eye from the metal wedge.

Are you telling me that I am expecting to much and I should just use it and be happy and re-handle it if need be?
 
Iz said:
Agreed.

Use it a couple of times and if the head comes loose because of the crack (doubt it will) then send it back.
It amazes me what kind of fit and finish people expect from a $75.00 axe these days.

Nothing personal, man. I'm just tired of seeing these threads on axes and very few people using them. I think if people used them first instead of inspecting them with a fine toothed comb and white gloves that there would be a lot less of these types of posts.
Then we could get to real quality issues after they reveal themselves from actual use and we could all learn something about the axe in question.

If the head comes loose after a few uses or if the edge gets all dinged up or if the head cracks etc. then you've got real issues.
I could see looking it over if you paid a custom price for it but $75.00 for an axe is chump change considering the work that goes into one.
I'm not saying $75.00 is chump change to people these days with the economy in a wreck but when compared to the work involved in making an axe it is very little money. I think wetterlings charges a reasonable price for the quality of axe they put out, it seems I'm in the minority in that case.
Again, it's nothing personal. I have a beef with the thought process not with you, man.
Click to expand...

I typed a response almost identical, except mine wasn't worded as diplomatically, so I didn't post it.

I especially agree with the "use it first" part. Unless you buy something as a display piece, it's functionality should be the driving issue.


Thanks Iz.
 
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