Gransfors Bruks Splitting Hatchet

  1 of 10

  I wanted to buy a small axe, mainly for preparing fire wood for a log burner but also for a few general tasks. I considered various GB axes but after discussing my requirements with Woodlore decided on the Splitting Hatchet. I am not one for writing reviews, but feel compelled to let others know what a fantastic tool this is. It has performed flawlessly, splitting logs with ease - some much bigger than I expected it to tackle. Some large knots require a little more effort but this axe is an absolute pleasure to use for the intended purpose. The head is a good weight and the slight scoring on the bottom of the handle, which I was initially sceptical about, does provide some extra grip as intended. The handle, which seems rather dry when new, has now had several coats of boiled linseed oil, that I carefully applied with 0000 wire wool, and is now looking and feeling much better for it. The hatchet has quickly become one of my favourite possessions and I look forward to using it for many years to come. Thank you Woodlore for an impeccable service, as always.  

  David Hunt

  2 of 10

  Quality item and great for smaller stuff for kindling.  

  Julian Hamer

  3 of 10

  Have used this axe for splitting logs for my wood burner in my cabin in the garden, perfect tool for the job, completely effortless.....look forward to the job now!!  

  Andrew Smith

  4 of 10

  As is always the case with anything from Gransfors Bruk the head is exceptional. I was expecting the handle to be textured for grip, as shown in the picture, but what I wasn’t expecting was for it to look quite so unfinished and rough to the touch with visible sharp splinters sticking out. Nothing that hasn’t been sorted out with a light rubbing down with some fine sandpaper and quite a few coatings of boiled linseed oil. The handle is now smooth to the touch, but still textured to give a good extra level of grip over a plain smooth handle. What has been a disappointment though has been the quality of the leather sheath, which is half the thickness of what I received with my Small Forest Axe and Wilderness Axe. I would say 2mm if not thinner. For the price paid I would expect something fit for purpose, which I don’t consider this to be. In a strange twist to fate the sheath for the SFA fits well, so I will be looking for a custom sheath for the SFA and will just swap this one out. The head weight to handle length is perfect for single hand use, and the hatchet performs excellent for splitting small-medium size rounds down for the log burner. Overall I would say the functionality and head quality outweigh the negative aspects which I’ve found on this occasion, and I would recommend, but just be aware that the fit and finish is not in the same league as my other forest axes.  

  Phil Mountford

  5 of 10

  Awesome service by Ray Mears team and awesome fire pit hatchet. Small enough for one hand use but splits well above its weight class. This and a folding silky saw is all you need to keep a fire going on the go. A+ craftsmanship.  

  Christopher Keegan

  6 of 10

  The splitting hatchet was my first Gransfors Bruks purchase. It's a cracking bit of kit pun the phrase. I used it splitting some quite large rounds of maple and ash. Instead of using a larger maul this little beauty can do the job in wood that has little or few knots. I purchased it for that type of work plus kindling. Great bit of kit. Be very careful as the splitting axe is really very sharp.  

  David Whitfield

  7 of 10

  Superb quality as expected from Granfors Bruks. The profile of the head makes it bite into the endgrain and split firewood effectively. Splits Australian hardwood with ease. Also great for kindling. Very quick delivery too.  

  Nick Souter

  8 of 10

  Could not rate higher. Excellent product and shipped promptly all the way to New Zealand. Thanks so very much.  

  Ryang

  9 of 10

  First class product. Extremely we'll made. Fit for purpose. Highly recommended.  

  Geoffrey Salt

  10 of 10

  This is the third Gransfors axe I have bought each with their own use. As with the others this is fantastic, both quality and function are exemplary. The head is perfectly weighted and shaped to allow it to carry out its intended function, and it does very well. With little effort it splits wood and can be used for fairly large pieces down to tiny kindling. The ridges cut into the handle are good addition, this is the first axe I have purchased fron Gransfors with these. All in all I would highly recommend both Woodlore and this axe.  

  Adrian Oxley