Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet

  1 of 37

  As the Gränsfors axes are so widely known I don't find it necessary to write much about the general qualities of their products. Some comments state that their axes are pricey, the prices have increased quite a bit over the years, but really, you get very good quality for the money. There is always an option of getting hold of an old quality axe or axe head, if you find one cheap nowadays, and restore it, if you know how, that way you can probably save some money, especially if you don't have much money. Although I live in Sweden and the GB axes are made in Sweden I bought my Wildlife Hatchet from Woodlore as a part of a bigger order. I own four different Gränsfors axes and have tried many of their axe models. Here is my personal opinion on the Wildlife Hatchet. I love Gränsförs axes but the above axe is not my favorite, but by no means I think it is a bad axe, it just doesn't suit me as much as other axes do. The axe has a very 'aggressive' angle between the edge of the axe blade and the shaft, this makes it efficient at chopping tasks, such as taking down small trees or trimming branches for firewood. It is a very poor cleaving axe, because of the shape of the head the axe shaft can easily get chocked and get beating from the piece you are trying to split/ cleave. It's an ok carver. My main issue with the axe is the shaft, I don't like the form of it, how it sits in the hand and how it affects all the aspects of axe work. I very much prefer the shaft of the Hand Hatchet that features exactly the same axe head as the Wildlife Hatchet does. Although the shaft on the Hand Hatchet is much shorter it makes the axe an actual pleasure to use, in my hands, it may be the opposite for someone else! When considering the W.H. as an all-round tool for smaller tasks I would sadly say that the older version of the W.H. was better (Once again; in my hands!). The older version, no longer made, is of the same size as the new W.H. but looks almost exactly as the Small Forest Axe. I own an old W.H. and I find it more versatile and capable of heavier tasks as cleaving than the new W.H., I'd say the older model has better balance and seems safer to use. Those were the reasons why I give the product 4 stars. The Gränsfors axe sheaths are riveted along the axe edge and if you often carry your axe alongside other items in your pack then in a short time the edge of the axe head can chafe on the leather liner in the sheath and start to rub on the metal rivets blunting the axe edge. A sewn sheath, as the one made and sold at Woodlore, would do better in such case. Otherwise the axe I bought from Woodlore is in perfect condition after just two years of use. Those axes can last a few generations if cared for properly.  

  Francis Mazij

  2 of 37

  Great hatchet for carving, arrived razor sharp. Perfectly shaped handle, sits comfortably in the hand. The sheath that comes with this hatchet is also a wonderful quality.  

  Thomas M

  3 of 37

  Great little axe, small enough to fit in my rucksack on days out, and very handy for making walking sticks. It's not too big and not too small. Very pleased with mine. Thanks team.  

  Robert Chatwin

  4 of 37

  Excellent lightweight Hatchet. Great for carving, chopping and splitting. Holds a great edge and I even use it for gutting fish and small game.  

  Ian Hubbard

  5 of 37

  Arrived at our address in France much quicker than expected. Axe was razor sharp on arrival and was put to use straight away. This is a nicely balanced axe and relatively light so can be used for extended periods without being uncomfortable. I use the axe for green woodworking, specifically for making spoons, because of its light weight and balance, I can be very accurate making spoon blanks. The edge hold its sharpness well, after a couple of weeks of daily use, I have only ever had to use a leather strop to bring it back to a razor edge. Thoroughly recommended.  

  Jayne Macdonald

  6 of 37

  Good Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet  

  Anas Hamdi Nofal

  7 of 37

  Have procrastinated for years about buying this hatchet. So glad I finally got one. Beautiful to look at, beautiful to hold, great balance, scary sharp....now I am addicted  

  Barry Johnson

  8 of 37

  This is a lovely little axe for carving, sharpening stakes or lopping off small or medium sized branches. It's going to find a lot of use in my Forest School.  

  Peter Cw

  9 of 37

  A great little hatchet with the expected quality from Gransfors, ideally suited to small jobs around the camp such as preparing kindling, making tent pegs and tarp poles and kitchen tools as well as light carving i.e. spoons, mallets and so on. Very sharp and a great size for one handed light work about the camp. Carries well on the belt, in the hand and on the rucksack. Pricey but good value for money.  

  Kurt Finch

  10 of 37

  A lovely little axe, a perfect weight and handle length for light work - anything up to felling small trees! Fantastic quality as you'd expect from Gransfors Bruks and woodlore together. Can't wait to get out and use it again! Definitely worth the purchase. I was initially unsure about buying such an expensive axe, but now it has arrived I can see why.  

  Adam Evans