Swiss-style Billhook
Swiss-style Billhook
The Swiss-style billhook (gertel) is a compact, one-handed cutting tool for clearing brush, cutting saplings and small branches, limbing felled wood, peeling bark, and maintaining young growth. Its forward-curved blade puts useful weight behind the cut, while the hooked nose catches slender stems that might slide away from a straight blade. The shape is particularly useful when cutting close to the ground because the hook helps keep the sharpened edge away from soil and stones.
At approximately 17 inches overall, this billhook is easier to control in dense growth than a long machete and can reach into places where loppers are awkward. The broad forged-steel blade also works well for light splitting and rough shaping of green wood. It is a practical tool for gardens, orchards, woodlots, trail maintenance, and general brush clearing.
The stacked leather grip is comfortable and secure, with a metal hand guard and hooked pommel to help prevent slipping during use. The tool is supplied with a working edge, although refining it before extended use will improve cutting performance.
- Forged steel blade
- Stacked leather grip with hand protection
- Approximately 17 inches overall, with a 12cm/5-inch handle
- Approximately 1.37 pounds (620 grams)
- Made in Italy
Item Number: 53640
Manufacturer: SHW Forge
In stock
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- Edge Profile:
- Curved
- Tool Head Weight (grams):
- 620
- Origin:
- Italy
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- JJeremyI recommend this productRated 5 out of 5 stars6 days ago5 Stars
Updated: Delivered on time. Well made, good heft, and sturdy. Sharp out of the box but I did put more stone on the blade halfway through my work. Take the time to refine the edge before your first use and keep a stone w/ you if you'll be out all day.
Good, solid buy so far.
Was this helpful? - DRDylan R.Verified BuyerI recommend this productRated 5 out of 5 stars2 weeks agoGreat for light forestry
Use for limbing, clearing brush around trees, splitting kindling, harvesting corn/amaranth/etc. The main feature is you can cut right next to the earth without dulling the edge. The steel on this one is better than the fiskars equivalent. Far more useful than machete in the pacific northwest.
How well did this tool perform for its intended job?Rated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5Did not perform well Performed extremely wellHow comfortable and easy was this tool to use?Rated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5Uncomfortable Very comfortable / easy to useHow sturdy and well-made does this tool feel?Rated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5Feels flimsy Feels very sturdyWas this helpful?
