Choosing a Gränsfors Bruk axe is more than just a purchase; it’s an investment in a tool that will likely outlast you. Since 1902, this Swedish forge has been the gold standard for hand-forged axes, each stamped with the initials of the smith who made it.
At Nat Ord Artist & Supplier, we are proud to be official Australian resellers of Gränsfors Bruk. Whether you are a dedicated green woodworker or a weekend camper, we can help you find the perfect edge. You can browse our full range at our Chiltern store in North East Victoria to feel the balance in person, or shop our collection online.
1. For Precision & Woodwork: The Large Carving Axe
If your goal is to turn a log into a bowl, spoon, or piece of furniture, the Large Carving Axe is your primary tool.
-
Design: Unlike forest axes, this has a long, curved cutting edge and a thick, hand-forged bevel that allows you to “slice” through wood fibres rather than just chopping them.
-
Why Choose It: It’s arguably the best dedicated carving axe in the world. It provides the control needed for delicate hewing while maintaining enough weight (approx. 1kg) to remove material quickly.
Swedish-made Gränsfors Bruk 475 Carving Axe, showcasing exceptional hand-forging and traditional craftsmanship.
2. For Bushcraft & Backpacking: Wildlife Hatchet vs. Outdoor Axe
These two are the workhorses of the Australian bush, but they serve slightly different purposes.
The Wildlife Hatchet
The Wildlife Hatchet is a traditional scouting axe featuring a 450g head on a 34cm handle.
-
Carving Versatility: While designed for the forest, many artisans choose the Wildlife Hatchet for green woodworking and spoon carving. Its thin blade and manageable weight make it an excellent entry-level carving tool for those who want one axe that can do it all.
415 Wildlife-Hatchet Gransfors Bruk for carving
The Outdoor Axe
Developed with survival expert Lars Fält, the Outdoor Axe is thinner and lighter. It features a steel collar to protect the handle from overstrike, making it a rugged hybrid between a heavy knife and a light hatchet.
3. For Survival & Portability: The Hand Hatchet
The Hand Hatchet (often called the “Kubben”) is essentially the head of the Wildlife Hatchet on a much shorter, 24cm handle.
-
Survival Utility: When space is at a premium, this tool provides the chopping power a knife lacks while remaining extremely packable.
-
Compact Carving: Because the handle is so short, your hand sits very close to the head. This gives you exceptional leverage for detailed carving tasks, making it a favourite for craftspeople who like to work “choked up” on the handle for maximum precision.
413 Hand-Hatchet Gransfors Bruk
4. For Firewood & Home Maintenance: The Splitting Range
Splitting wood requires a different geometry than cutting. Gränsfors Splitting axes feature a concave-ground head that acts as a wedge, forcing the wood fibres apart.
The Large Splitting Axe
This is the ultimate tool for your backyard woodpile. It’s designed to handle medium-to-large logs with ease. The head is heavy, and the handle features a protective steel collar and circular grooves at the grip for maximum safety.
Gränsfors Large Splitting Axe 80cm handle
The Splitting Maul
The Splitting Maul is the heavy hitter of the family. Weighing in at 3.2kg, it features a tempered poll (the back of the head) specifically designed for striking.
-
Pro Tip: This is the only Gränsfors axe intended to be used as a hammer to drive a wedge.
The Splitting Wedge
For those massive, knotty rounds of timber that no axe can bite through, the Splitting Wedge is your saviour. Its twisted design provides extra “bursting” power as it’s driven into the log.
Summary: Which One Should You Choose?
| Activity | Recommended Gränsfors Bruk | Metric Weight (Approx) |
| Spoon & Bowl Carving | Large Carving Axe | 1kg |
| Bushcraft & General Carving | Wildlife Hatchet | 0.6kg |
| Backpacking & Detail Carving | Hand Hatchet | 0.6kg |
| Home Firewood (Standard) | Large Splitting Axe | 2.3kg |
| Heavy-Duty Splitting | Splitting Maul | 3.2kg |
Visit Us in Chiltern or Shop Online
As official resellers, we stock a curated selection of these world-class tools. If you’re in North East Victoria, come visit us at 53 Conness Street, Chiltern. There’s no substitute for holding a Gränsfors Bruk in your hand to feel the quality of the Swedish steel and the ergonomics of the hickory handle.
Sign up to my newsletter to keep up to date with news, workshops and products.
