The Gränsfors Bruk Broad Axe 1900 is an axe based on a traditional Swedish pattern, normally associated with hewing large timbers in log and frame building. Also works well for chopping logs in instances where a heavier axe is required.
Broad Axes vary greatly depending on the shape of the head and edge and the angle of the handle, and Gränsfors produce 9 variants of this axe, combining various angles and grinds. We stock three of the most popular variant combinations (please select from the drop down box above):
- Double-Sided Ground with Straight Handle
- Double-Sided Ground with Right-Angled Handle
- Right-Ground with Right-Angled Handle
As a rule, the Broad Axe is ground on both sides of the edge (knife grind). The double-sided Broad Axe is often used for making joints, but also for all sorts of timber and plank hewing. The axe is also available ground only on one side (scissor grind). On a scissor-ground axe, the side of the head that does not have a ground bevel face is generally flat and on the right-hand side of the edge. The left-hand side of the edge is the ground side. The flat side of the axe is more ‘aggressive’ and is used when the log has to be really smooth, for example when planing structural timbers. The other side is used when the log is to have a slight wave pattern and thus does not need to be as smooth.
The Broad Axe handle is attached straight as standard, with the blade parallel to the handle. With an angled handle, the handle and your hands remain at a distance from the timber, thereby minimising the risk of personal injury. With an angled handle, the handle and your hands remain at a distance from the timber, thereby minimising the risk of personal injury. To determine whether the axe is right- or left-angled, hold the axe with the head up and the handle down, with the poll facing you. If the edge leans to the right, the axe is right-angled and if it leans to the left it is left-angled.
Specifications:
- Head Weight: 3lbs
- Cutting Edge: 180mm (7") curved
- Handle: American hickory, 510mm (20") long (without a swell knob)
About Gränsfors Bruk:
For more than 100 years, Gränsfors Bruk AB has built a business upon handcrafted axes and axe expertise, with a focus on quality and environmental responsibility. When it comes to the quality and feel of the axes, this is reflected in the experience and skill of the individual craftsman. Each axe is signed with the smith’s initials as a guarantee of quality.
The company is located in the Swedish village of Gränsfors in northern Hälsingland. The forge sits at the heart of the village and you can hear the rhythmic pounding as you approach, a sound we always take pleasure from when we visit!
We are lucky to be one of the few retailers of Gränsfors Bruk axes in the UK, which has been based on a long standing relationship between our small family business and their forge. We like to think that our close ties to the forge and the alignment in ethos between our two companies make us a knowledgeable, premium purveyor of their world class tools. If you have any questions at all in any product in the Gränsfors range - please reach out to our friendly team and we'll be more than happy to help.
