This article first came in at over 5,000 words. We had to edit it down a bit. Suffice to say, we could wax poetic about Gränsfors Bruk axes for hours. This highly abbreviated version gives you all the highlights about why Gränsfors Bruk axes are not just any random run of the mill axe. Suffice to say, the hype surrounding their axes is well deserved. If you support handcrafted, environmentally friendly production, and you can afford to pay to support your convictions, then you definitely want a Gränsfors Bruk axe.
Gränsfors Bruk tells us that before 1988 they “…had, like other manufacturers, focused on producing axes as quickly and cheaply as possible, often at the cost of both function and quality. The working environment was poor, the smiths were doing piecework and faults in the forging were concealed through rough grinding, rubbing, polishing and finally painting.” However, in the late 1980s, they changed over to a more traditional, craft-based method. “The restructuring was based on the insight that when you strip out everything that is unnecessary, you often get a more honest, eco-friendly and even attractive product.”
Each axe manufactured by Gränsfors Bruk today is hand forged by a blacksmith with recycled steel, and then stamped with the maker’s initials. Each axe handle is made with dried hickory, rather than the more cost efficient green hickory. Dried hickory won’t shrink and fly off your axe mid-swing as the wood has already shrunk as much as it’s going to.
Each axe also comes with a vegetable tanned leather sheath as opposed to chromium tanned leather. Using vegetable tanned leather might be more costly, but it is another attempt by Gränsfors Bruk to be eco-friendly. Chromium leather is generally not biodegradable.
First up is the Gränsfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet. This traditional camping axe is primarily a general purpose axe, ideal for cutting down large branches or splitting small logs for your campfire. It’s 14” handle allows a more powerful swing. Additionally, it is small enough to throw into your gear, and at only 1.3 lbs, it won’t unnecessarily weigh you down. Gränsfors Bruk tells us, “The slightly rounded poll functions like a ‘priest’ (used to hit fish over the head).”
Gränsfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet Details
- Hand Forged Carbon Steel
- Dried Hickory handle
- Vegetable Tanned Leather Sheath
- 13.5” Overall
- 1.3 lbs
- Made in Sweden
The Gränsfors Bruk Large Splitting Axe is, as the name suggests, for splitting firewood. Forged and ground to a thin concave blade, it quickly and efficiently splits the wood as the broader head pushes it apart. Additionally, the handle has a protective steel collar below the axe head.
Gränsfors Bruk Large Splitting Axe Details
- Hand Forged Carbon Steel Head
- Dried Hickory Handle with Protective Steel Collar
- Vegetable Tanned Leather Sheath
- 27.5” Overall
- 5 lbs
- Made in Sweden
The Gränsfors Bruk Large Carving Axe was designed in collaboration with master craftsman Wille Sundqvist and Onni Linnanheimo and was inspired by historical axe designs. It’s primary function is for woodworking and shaping wood. The axe head has a long, curved double-sided edge. The handle has an uneven surface, which increases friction thereby improving your grip.
Gränsfors Bruk Large Carving Axe Details
- Hand Forged Carbon Steel Head
- Dried Hickory Handle
- Vegetable Tanned Leather Sheath
- 14.5” Overall
- 2.2 lbs
- Made in Sweden
All in all, if you support environmentally friendly practices and quality craftsmanship, you can’t go wrong with Gränsfors Bruk. If you’re interested in these axes, click any link in the article or simply click the button below.
All images courtesy of Smoky Mountain Knife Works – smkw.com.
