Back to the full Top 10
#10 on this list
Hultafors Ekelund Hunting Axe
Hultafors
A beautiful, balanced hunting axe with enough head mass for real work and a polished poll useful around game.
- Price
- $290
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#1 on this list
Gränsfors Bruk Scandinavian Forest Axe
Gränsfors Bruk
The reference-standard forest axe: excellent balance, thin cutting geometry, strong quality control and enough reach without becoming burdensome.
- Price
- $240
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Hultafors Ekelund Hunting Axe | Gränsfors Bruk Scandinavian Forest Axe |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Hultafors | — |
| Type | Hunting Axe | — |
| Head Material | Swedish Carbon Steel | — |
| Handle | American Hickory | — |
| Craftsmanship | Hand-forged head | — |
| Sheath | Leather included | Leather |
| Head Weight | — | 2.5 lbs (approx.) |
| Overall Length | — | 25 inches |
| Steel | — | High-carbon Swedish steel |
| Handle Material | — | Hickory |
| Origin | — | Sweden |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Hultafors Ekelund Hunting Axe
- Excellent balance and control for precise work
- Hand-forged Swedish steel holds a keen edge
- Polished poll useful for processing game
- High-quality hickory handle for comfort and durability
- Compact enough for carrying, capable enough for real tasks
- Not suited for heavy felling or splitting larger logs
- Premium price point compared to some competitors
- Carbon steel requires regular maintenance to prevent rust
Gränsfors Bruk Scandinavian Forest Axe
- Exceptional hand-forged quality and balance
- Superior edge retention and ease of sharpening
- Thin, effective cutting geometry for felling and limbing
- Durable hickory handle with excellent shock absorption
- Lifetime investment, built to be passed down
- Higher initial cost compared to mass-produced axes
- Requires proper care to maintain edge and handle
- Not ideal for heavy splitting of large, knotty logs
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.