Gränsfors Bruks Axes

As some of you know my new gym at Basecamp is cutting, hauling and splitting fire wood. Well I broke my axe handle that I got from the local home improvement store. It was the typical generic axe, I got a new handle for it but after shaving the handle to fit there was a huge gap where it inserts to the head. This would not be safe so I started searching around for other options.

In the Lee Valley catalog they have a few axes that you can order. The largest selection is from Gränsfors Bruks. After reading the history of the company and the quality of the work I was very interested in getting one. Well, when I was in the city the past week I headed over to Lee Valley to have a look at them in person. All I can say is wow, love them. After comparing them to the other axes that Lee Valley has it was an easy choice (and the other brand is not a generic).

Each axe has the initials of the smith that worked on your axe. I love the fact that they treat it as a craft and are proud enough to put their name on their work. My axe was made by Ulrik Nilsson (UN) he is one of the 11 or so smiths that work at Granfors Bruks. They all come with an oiled hickory handle, grain leather sheath and a honed and sharp edge ready to go.

I picked up a Large Splitting Axe as most the time I will be splitting wood. As you can see in the picture unnecessary stoning, grinding, epoxy fixing, painting, and other cosmetics are eliminated. This is by design and is part of there philosophy. The axe has a 3″ face, a 3-1/2 lb head, and a 27-1/4″ handle.

click below to read the rest of the post and see pictures

You will also notice that the splitting axe is smaller than some of the other typical maul/axes that you see in the stores. It is also much sharper than the typical splitting maul/axe that you see and the idea is that it will speed thru the wood and the wedge action will split the wood.

All of the axes come with the Axe Book which contains the history of the company, product details and techniques. They offer the book for free (yup nada, zilch), you can get a free version here which I think is very cool and recommend. You can get the book in the following languages (English, Swedish, German, French, Japanese).

I have yet to use the axe as yesterday I crushed my hand (don’t ask) so will not be working with the chainsaw or axes for a few days as it heals. I’m looking forwarded to getting it into some wood as it has a great balance and feel. I will write a full review once I have used it for a few weeks.

The next axe that I think I would consider would be the Scandinavia forest axe as it would be great to use when working in the trails to limb fallen trees and also help clear areas.

Here is a picture of the staff at Granfors Bruks:

Sure they are not the cheapest option but I’m happy to support people and companies that still make items with care and craft. These are becoming lost arts. I would much rather pay more now for a product that can last 20 years than one that lasts 2 like my old axe. Also it is just cool to buy something from a company founded in 1902.

Tagged as: axe, Basecamp, Gransfors, wood splitting