Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe 19 Inch, 420

1st, the handle does not come covered in varnish that you need to remove. It's perfect as is, with good grain direction and excellent shaping. The bit was paper-slicing sharp and the cover is very well made. The poll drives wedges easily as well. This is the perfect size to strap to a pack or hang from a belt for removing branches or prepping a campfire. I wouldn't want to take down a mature tree with it, but for light duty or to accompany a chain saw, it's a perfect axe.

My husband loves it! He uses it ALOT worth work. High quality!! Stays sharp a long time!! Would buy again!!

Review of Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe:How often can you say that something so simple of a design (2 parts, really - 4 if you count the bit shim and retainer!) is worth every bit of $100 bill and change? Fast shipment from ImagineGear, and I had it in my hands within the week.Solid, stout, thoughtful design in this axe, and the reviewers are right - it is SHAVING sharp, so be careful with it. The handle is smooth, very nicely contoured, and I can see using this extensively for camping, trail clearing, and general duty around the house. It's small and light enough to be handy, not too big that you won't take it with you, and the bit is sharp enough not to glance off of what you're cutting into - which makes it safer to use. I used it to shave some 2x4's with rough edges, and it can even double as a carpentry axe if you're careful. Fine enough bit angle and weight that you can grasp it right at the poll and use it as a heavy knife. Flexible, and who wants to carry more than one axe in the field?I will say that purchasers should be cautious of a smaller haft on an axe, as a longer axe is safer if you're not wielding one on a regular basis. Keeping it sharp will also be safer, so it cuts in instead of bouncing out.When held in the hand, it exudes quality, and I'm not just saying that because I shelled out a chunk of $$$ for it, either! Quality costs, and I was leery about spending that much on an axe, but when you know it comes with a 20yr warranty and will likely outlive me - that sways the logic. Buy once - cry once, comes to mind, and I'll be enjoying this purchase for some time.

Over the past several years I've heard mention of Gransfors Bruks axes and hatchets from several different writers, always with glowing reviews. Having just recently gotten a high end knife, (a Benchmade Contego) my eyes had really been opened as to what a difference a high quality cutting tool can make.The size of this axe really appealed to me since throwing it into my day pack wouldn't weigh me down too badly. Having had a chance to get out and use it I'm pleased to say it makes the work of cutting and processing wood almost a joy! While I wouldn't want to fell trees with this axe, I could if the need arose. The light weight of this tool along with the razor sharp edge make chopping a pleasure. To say that this axe came sharp would be an understatement. As I carelessly shoved the axe back in it's nicely crafted leather sheath, I sliced the lower portion of the sheath about 3/4 of an inch before I realized what was happening! I'm much more careful now and place the lower portion of the blade in first and then rotate the top portion in for a nice secure fit.I almost want to call this axe a hatchet because of it's compact size, but there is nothing compact about it's performance. I have found one down side to owning this axe. When it comes time to prepare a fire I have a hard time getting it away from my teen aged sons! But then they are more than happy to perform that chore with this sweet little axe. It's old world craftsmanship is plain to see and no doubt one of my sons will one day pass it on to his son.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:Highest quality

I was concerned about the price when I first bought it. I had second thoughts after ordering that I wasted quite a bit of cash on a item I wont use often enough to justify the price. I mean its just and sharpened wedge of metal, right? Wrong! The craftsmanship is impressive. The handle feels great in the hand and the grain is perfectly aligned. I bought it to take camping, but have been using it quite a bit around the yard and it has been great. I can take down trees and bushes much faster than the pull saw that I used to use. It also trims branches and limbs easier than with clippers. The size is perfect. Small and light enough to use one hand like a hatchet. You can choke up on the grip for smaller work. If you need a little more power you can use 2 hands comfortably. The bit digs into wood like a much larger axe, but is so light you do not get tired. It comes extremely sharp out of the box and has kept an edge impressively well. The only downside is now I am looking to buy a GB splitting axe to replace my old one. Also it fits perfect in my 3-day pack. Cant wait to take it camping.