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.

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!

Ok, I'm writing this for my husband. I got it for him for Christmas and boy did I do good. I was sort of clueless when it came to axes so I started looking at several kinds and brands. I finally settled on this one and I will tell you that it's probably my husband's favorite gift ever and we've been married over 18 years. He keeps it in the house and he even named it. Luke. He has used it several times already and it just slices through things like butter. The handle is so smooth and beautiful. Everything about it is beautiful. The leather sheath, the blade, everything. You can feel that it's high quality. It came with a cool booklet that has a lot of information in it. It is expensive but worth it. You get what you pay for and this is something that will last and last. He wants to put up hooks to hang it in the house! He's so proud of it. So glad I got him this. You can't go wrong. Also, he's 6'1'', 190 lbs and it's not too small for him. He loves the size. Luke completes him! I thought I did, but it turns out the axe is the secret.