Monday, October 20, 2014

Gransfors Bruks Ceramic Axe Sharpening Grinding Stone

The Gransfors Ceramic Axe Grinding Stone (model GB 4034) is a man-made ceramic sharpening stone with two grinding faces: a course side (180 grit) for repairing damage and heavy wear, and a fine side (600 grit) for sharpening. The ceramic composite makes the stone both durable and strong. In contrast to natural sandstone, a ceramic grinding stone can be given a more precise grain size. Its shape is round and flat with a beveled edge to prevent chipping. The fine side is 2/3 of the thickness, as this side is usually used and worn down most. The ceramic axe stone is normally used with water but can be used dry. The weight is 6.7 ounces (190 grams) and the diameter of the Stone itself is about 2 inches (5 cm). The Slipsten Grinding Stone is packaged in a nice-looking black rubberized case with labels for the fine side and the coarse side. See it at OsoGrandeKnives.com

Monday, October 13, 2014

TOPS Knives ECO Hawke Survival Tomahawk Review


The Eco-Hawk by TOPS Knives is a great tool for the improvising bushcrafter. The ECO HAWK is more than a Good Knife, and it's more than a Proper Hawk. The ECO comes as a complete 'Get Outta Dodge Kit'. It's a great knife in the Bush or when in the Urban Jungle... No longer do you have to always carry a full-sized Hawk.
Practice lashing the Eco Hawk to an improvised haft before you have to use it. It takes some practice to get the head secured well enough to actually use it hard. Once you figure out how to lash the head to the haft it's a very versatile tool. 
The TOPS ECO Hawk also does the job as a knife so you can fabricate a haft without too much difficulty. The versatility which this tool presents, gives the user a wide variety of options, with lightweight and convenient carry size being an added extra.  Check it out at www.OsoGrandeKnives.com.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Condor Tool & Knife Scout Hatchet Review

The Scout hatchet by Condor Tool & Knife compares favorably with those of Wetterlings Small Axe and Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet but it is roughly half the cost. The Condor Scout Hatchet performs well as a carving axe. You would be hard pressed to find another comparable product on the market that can do as much as well as this little hatchet does for the price.

As a camping tool, the Condor Scout Hatchet is light weight and a very capable cutting tool in competent hands. The Condor hatchet works great for shelter building and campfire kindling production for wood that is not over 7" in diameter. In regards to the edge, our test model took and held an edge very well.
Due to its size and weight, the Scout Hatchet overlaps the utility of a machete and larger axe in some applications. A machete is a better choice if you are clearing brush or hacking through bushes or thickets. A heavier Camp Axe will offer greater cutting power for larger firewood rounds and larger shelter building logs. For general campsite activities, such as carving and fashioning camp utensils, etc., this axe will overlap with a knife. While the Scout Hatchet will not take the place of the above mentioned cutting tools, its light weight and utility makes it a good option for the weight conscious backpacker.

This little scout hatchet will more than likely become your go to cutting tool for overnight camping trips and day hikes. Learn more about the Scout Hatchet at OsoGrandeKnives.com.