Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe 25 Inch, 430

I'd pondered the idea of the GB and Wetterlings axes and hatchets for a few years before being able to afford them. I initially chose the GB over the Wetterlings based on my research, which indicated the more expensive GB axes and hatchets are better finished than the Wetterlings. I never got the chance to handle the Wetterlings in person before purchasing to compare the two side by side. I handled the GB in person before pulling the trigger and decided it was worth the price. They're expensive, yes. But if you're the type who appreciates quality tools, is looking for a lifetime purchase, and subscribes to "buy once, cry once" you'll be more than satisfied with this hatchet. If not, you'll never be happy due to the high price tag. My axe arrived very nicely finished with no mill scale and a nicely sharpened edge. I unsnapped the sheath, gave it a few licks on a strop, and shaved hair off my arm no problem. The wood handle is executed well and the leather sheath is useful and unobtrusive. It feels real nice in the hand and balances well. It's the kind of item that hasn't changed for a hundred years and there's a good reason for that. I'm used to using a longer handled American handled axe and was concerned at the shorter handle on the Scandi version (26" on this bad boy vs. 31" or so on a 'merican style axe) but it works just fine. These guys know a little bit about axes and if the handle needed to be longer I'm sure they would've made this change sometime in the last hundred years or so. I'm fairly tall with long arms and have no issues chopping with this axe. If anything, it's a little handier to stow behind the seat of the truck and/or prop up against a wall since it's a wee bit shorter than a 'merican style axe. I highly recommend this axe. Very rarely is such a simple item so well made and so beautifully executed. Take care of it and your grandchildren will split wood with it.

The size and weight of this axe is perfect for what I use it for. Most men feel that they can use a heavier head when felling a tree, but too much weight leads to inaccuracy and sloppy axemanship. This is a "Scandinavian" forest axe. For use at northern latitudes. If you were in the American Southeast, or the Northeast, or the California redwood forest, you might have very different needs. I live in Alaska and our trees are very similar to those found in Sweden where this fine axe was made. About Gransfors: many fine axes come out of Sweden from Husqvarna, Hults Bruk/Hultafors, etc. But Gransfors makes the very best. Each head is made by a single smith with his or her initials stamped into the head, so you know who made yours. Very nice. The handles are of a proper hickory variety with excellent grain orientation, a well set head, and perfect weight to handle length ratio. This particular example is a "general purpose" axe for me when working in the woods. It is just the right size to fit in my faller's Toolbox, and it is used to clear a path around trees I am going to cut. I wear the GB Small Forest Axe on my belt for pounding wedges, and with these two axes I could do most anything except fall the largest of white spruce and hew them, maybe. I still use a chainsaw for speed, but these axes help me process approximately 7 cords of firewood each summer. Been using their products now for the almost the last decade, and I stand by my statement that they are the best...at least for interior Alaska trees. Another time on Amazon I reviewed a copy of this axe from another company and stated that the only better version was one from Gransfors Bruk. And now I have one to write about too!

This is as great little ax. Perfect to toss in the pack and process on the site. I recently felled three cedar one 1 foot diameter and two larger than 3 foot diameter. Obviously used the chainsaw to fell them but limbing was a breeze with this ax. Cant wait to see how it will do as the weather gets warmer. I've had a void in my kit of a quality small ax and although this is still a two handed ax, it fits the bill nicely. Everyone that has seen me cut with it comments on how quickly I can tear through 6"+ branches of pine and how effortless it looks. To be fair this is an ax you need to have a bit of skill and understanding to use. Even though it is razor sharp out of the box (literally) you'll realize that using the right angle of swing far trumps the power you add to the swing. Straight down swings are average (wood dependent); however, the right angle on the swing and half the power will sink the blade about 2-3 inches. Nice little ax. Definitely wont replace the felling ax but definitely fills the void of a nice all-around ax. If this was the only one I brought to the job and still had the chain saw to fell the larger trees I wouldnt have an issue. And since it is so light and thrives on technique amd not power I can use it as long as the grip in my hands will allow.. easily an all day workhorse.

My wife bought this for my birthday. I have never owned an axe until now, I have used many in my life, so I am aware of the vast differences.. I bought this based on YouTube reviews, and reviews here on Amazon. I could not be more pleased. Of course it's expensive, but it has a twenty year guarantee.It is better to spend more and never have to buy a replacement. I try not to be brand myopic, but some companies are just so consitent, and care so much about their reputation, that they do not deviate from the proven formula, like Victorinox, Fallkniven, and Gransfor Bruks. The handle is ergonomically perfect, the grain is tight, and straight. The head is extremely symmetrical, which is amazing, especially if you watch the video of how they forge it entirely by eye. It came hair-popping sharp out of the box. I took it out and removed a four inch diameter limb hanging over my drive way, the wood was very hard, and took a couple dozen whacks. It was over six feet high, making it kind of awkward, otherwise It would have taken far less. The edge was still sharp enough to shave my arm afterwards. The leather sheath that came with it is very high quality as well, it fits nice and snug to protect the edge, and can even be looped to your belt. A very detailed axe book is also included explaining their mission statement, a list of their smith so you know who made your axe, instructions on use, care, even how to use it safely, and a section on stacking firewood to cure it properly. The book also includes a catalog of their other axes, and how they are best employed. Gransfors Bruks is one of the last bastions of old world craftsmanship, and I am a very proud to be an owner. In my opinion this axe is simply perfect, I highly recommend it. I went to Home Depot today not long after using my new axe, and looked at what they had to offer, the difference is glaringly obvious, and it just reinforced the decision I had made in choosing this particular axe. I am planning to by the American Felling Axe,and the Splitting Maul in the future. I am going to link a a video to axes being made at the one and only GB factory in Sweden so you can see the process for your self [...]If Amazon removes the link search YouTube for "Gransfors Bruks Axe Forge Tour" I also want to thank the smith, Anders Strömstedt, who proudly initialed this fine tool! I also owe a big Thank you to David, at Barracuda Supply & Liquidators for the amazing customer service!

Phenomenal axe but the axe came with a cut on the leather blade cover. I use this for cutting sapplings and brush on the trapping trail. Fells small trees with ease.

Ive been swinging an axe for 15 years, started when i was a boy and ive always had a great passion for it. I told myself that one day i would own the best axe in the world. When my 10 year old EastWing camper started to fail i set out to find my dream axe. I quickly realized i wasn't going to find anything but a generic, machine made axe in a hardware store. Got on the interwebs and researched "best axe in the world" and Gransfors Bruks stood out with the most passionate reviews from enthusiasts. I fell in love the second i opend the box and said "i do" the moment i picked it up. I love everything about this axe; fit, finish, the casting on the head, handle geometry, and the fantastic high carbon steel that easily takes a razor edge and holds up up agaist hard wood! I treated my EastWing with the up most respect and care but it's a root chopper compared to this beauty. Ive had her almost 4 years now, still wont let anyone else swing her... probably never will. In about 10 years ill be buying a Gransfors Bruks axe for my boy, and im sure it will last him his whole life. The handle guard is my first attempt at leather working, i made it the day i got my axe. Quadruple layered the padding on the face of the handle, used suede heavily saturated in lexol. Leather is far more durable, especially if your splitting wood... but you really shouldn't be sinking the blade into a large block of wood in a way that creates contact between the handle and wood block. In a big way it actually helps me focus on my technique. I HIGHLY recommend a guard. Everyone misses, I've put mine to the test once or twice. Added 2 more layers of padding after the first time i missed and hit the guard.

Very high quality tool. Happy with my purchase.

The axe head is well made but did not come sharp and had a bit of rolling on the bottom of the blade. That said it was easy to sharpen and has been holding the edge well afterwards. The handle though, perfect! I am very happy with the handle and the hanging of it! I took one star off because it was received in perfect condition. As far as the edge I'm not sure if this happened during shipping or what? I don't imagine it left the factory like that. The rivets in the sheath might be the cause of the blade rolling on the bottom if it was forced into it during transit. I like the sheath but I will be upgrading it to something else that has less chance of damaging the edge. Also keep in mind there is no warranty when bought through Amazon, I don't think I'll need to use it but I wish I knew this before I ordered. I thought all GB axe's have lifetime warranty but they need to be purchased thru their retailers for the warranty.