Would Snow and Neally axes generally be considered decent?

http://www.snowandnealley.com/

I know Gransfors are usually touted but these are a little easier on the wallet and I feel the need to move some wood.

I lived near the Snow & Neally shop in Maine. They have been making tools for many many years. Started making them for the lumber industry sometime in the 1800's. Not sure when, but a long time ago.

They have a very good reputation locally and their tools are very good quality.

I have no connection with them.

I would not hesitate to buy anything they manufacture.

Nomad

Snow and Neally make decent tools. Another swedish axemaker is WETTERLING. GB is the measure by all axes, though the other online outdoor and knife forums can find faults with all. Wetts and S&N have teh advanage of a decent product at considerably less cash outlay vs a GB.

As with all tools, read the literature and emphasize safety first.

Thank you.

In my garage hanging on a hook is a $12.00 hatchet, I use it all the time for brush, last time was 2-days ago. It’s like 5-years old. It works great, in my opinion it works just as well as an expensive one. No need to get caught up in a name if all you need is a simple tool.

I carry a Snow & Neally Cruiser model canoe tripping in Canada. Used it to clear down trees from portage trails as well as getting up campfire wood. I've found it stays sharp and handles well; what more can I ask?

I have both the S&N Penobscot axe and the 3.5 lbs Our Best axe.

Of the two, I much prefer the standard head on the 3.5 lbs Our Best Axe. Its head shape seems for suited to both chopping and splitting.

The Hudson Bay head shape on the S&N's leaves the handle exposed to damage if splitting larger logs. In my view it is more suited to chopping and splitting of smaller wood.

The GB axe has a profile similar to the Hudson Bay, but has a "tab" that protruded over the bottom portion of the head - at the handle. This seems like it would protect the handle from damage while splitting larger wood.

Even so, there is something rather ... ah ... attractive to the Hudson bay head's shape. I really like the Penobscot.

The more traditional shape of the Our Best axes - either the 2.5 lb or the 3.5 lb are great ... and after very little sharpening, provides an excellent edge (I cut myself while using a puck stone to sharpen it - VERY sharp).

I highly recommend S&N axes.

With the economy I imagine Snow and Nealy will become more attractive to the pocketbooks of North American buyers. The Hudson's Bay, my personal favourite is @ $50 + shipping. The other happy option is a ready made replacement handle. Try getting one for a GB or Wetterling!

I urge everyone to also buy Mors Kochanski's classic text. The chapter on axe use and safety alone make it worthwhile.