Axes from Granfors Bruks and Svante Djarv from the Country Workshops Store

Until 50 or 100 years ago rural woodworkers commonly used axes for preliminary shaping on a wide variety of items, such as chair parts, kitchen ware (bowls, spoons), farm implements, etc.. Axes were also used by carpenters for trimming shingles, fitting joints, and hewing logs and square beams. If you're interested in traditional woodworking you may find that axe work is not only interesting and challenging; it can be a very efficient way to shape wood. At Country Workshops we have assembled a collection of some of the best axes currently available. If you have questions about the different models, do not hesitate to phone us.

Important Notice: Axes are among the most dangerous hand tools. Improper use can cause serious injury. Before using any axe, be sure to receive proper instruction or training. We also teach axe use in several classes, most notably Carving Bowls and Spoons.

New From Hans Karlsson Klensmide AB

For several years we've been looking for a workshop carving axe that would fill the size gap between our much liked Svante Djarv Baby Axe (SD-10) and the excellent but rather hefty Gransfors Bruks Sloyd Axe (GB-1). On a new letterhead from Hans Karlsson there is a logo showing several HK tools including an axe that looks particularly interesting. We bought one for testing that was included with our most recent shipment of HK tools.

The axe (head with handle) was designed by Wille Sundqvist. Overall length is about 15-inches. Bevels are symmetrical and flat; there no need to touch up the inner bevel. The balance is excellent and it has a lively feel during use. The handle is birch.

H-166	NEW Hans Karlsson sloyd axe	24.5 oz.	4-1/4" blade	$180.00
TV-09	Leather guard for HK sloyd axe			$20.50

SVANTE'S BABY. Our name for this axe is a bit corny, but this tool is quite impressive. When Drew Langsner first saw one of these little axes, which are hand forged by Swedish knife maker Svante Djarv, he thought it must be for children. However, during chairmaking class in Norway, Drew had a chance to try one. He was surprised to learn that this baby axe really packs some punch, and it's extremely easy to control. The secret is the small, but dense head, combined with the nicely balanced handle. The blade is 2-3/4 inches wide; the 12 inch handle is duplicator shaped with a rough surface for getting a good, easy grip. The axe (head and handle) weighs about 13 ounces. For detail spoon carving, light sculptural work, and camping. And this is a perfect first axe for youngsters.

SD-10	Svante's baby carving axe	$128.50
TV-07	Leather guard for Svante's baby carving axe	$20.50

Axe Selection Compared

SD-10	Svante Djarv Baby Axe	13 oz	2-3/4" blade	13" length	$128.50
H-166	NEW Hans Karlsson Sloyd Axe	24 oz	4-1/4" blade	15" length	$180.00
GB-01	Gransfors Bruks Sloyd Axe	36 oz	4-1/2" blade	15-3/4" length	$180.00
GB-04	Gransfors Small Forest Axe	24 oz	3-1/4" blade	19-1/4" length	$120.00

GRANSFORS BRUKS AXES

Gransfors Bruks axes are produced in a small Swedish axe factory, originally set up in 1910 in the Nordanstig rural district of Halsingland. Each axe is individually forged (and initialed with a hot stamp) by a master smith, then hardened and tempered to hold a keen edge. All Gransfors axes have a hickory handle, and are supplied with a leather guard. A complimentary copy of The Axe Book comes with each axe.

CARVING AXE. This contemporary version of a traditional Swedish carving axe was designed by Wille Sundqvist -- master craftsman, teacher and author of Swedish Carving Techniques. The head is 36 ounces, with a 4-1/2" blade fitted to a 15" hickory handle. An excellent tool for hewing bowls and other larger projects, including architectural work. A leather guard comes with the sloyd axe. The Axe Book is included.

SMALL FOREST AXE. This is the perfect single bit axe for light limbing in the woods, camping, splitting smallish firewood, and for cutting through cross fibers in large logs while splitting out chair parts. With a touched up inner bevel (see the Shop Tip) it's surprisingly good for hewing. The 24-ounce head is 3-1/4" wide, and is fitted to a 19" handle. At this size and weight the Woods Axe can be used single or double handed. With a hickory handle, leather guard and The Axe Book.

GB-01	Carving Axe	$180.00*
GB-04	Small Forest Axe	$120.00

* Granfors Bruks axes come with a leather guard and a copy of The Axe Book.

SHOP TIP

Axes from Gransfors Bruks come with slightly convex bevels. This is fine for camping, firewood and woods use. But axes for shop work and hewing are more efficient when they have a truly flat inner bevel. (If you are right handed, the inner bevel is on the left.) Flattening the inner bevel will improve hewing action by giving the edge more controlled bite.

To flatten the bevel, clamp the axe on a workbench with the inner bevel facing upwards. Use a coarse (220 or 325 grit) diamond stone, rubbing along the length of the bevel. (Do not work perpendicular to the edge.) Begin honing the center -- the highest area -- of the bevel. Stay at a consistent angle. When the full width of the bevel is flat, hone with 600 and 1200 grit diamonds. Do not create a micro-bevel on the inner face.

Note: It's not necessary to flatten the bevels on the Svante Djarv and Hans Karlsson axes. They are made that way and are ready to use when purchased.

How To Order
Tools can be purchased three ways: Order by phone (Office hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Eastern Time) using your Visa/MasterCard for payment; order by mail, by clicking on Order Form (you can print the Order Form on your computer's printer, but we do not yet offer on-line ordering); direct purchase at our store and showroom.

Order Form

Country Workshops Home Page

E-mail:
Drew Langsner
Phone:
828-656-2280 (Daily, 9-6 Eastern time)