PLEASE READ: we have placed our order for the new small and medium carving axes from Gransfors, in all grind variations. We have been advised these will be dispatched last week of November, so we hope to receive them by early December. If you would like to pre order an axe, please email enquiries@woodsmith.co.uk
The Small Carving Axe by Gransfors Bruk is new for 2025 and is designed for woodworking and carving tasks where precision and control are especially important. Its smaller size makes it ideal for those who have just started carving, or likewise for experienced carvers who prefer a lighter, more nimble tool, especially carving smaller pieces or work requiring a lot of detail.
This model is based on the renowned Large Carving Axe, originally developed in collaboration with master craftsmen Wille Sundqvist and Onni Linnanheimo. Inspired by traditional carving axes, this version has been scaled down to roughly 80% of the original size.
We were lucky enough at Woodsmith to be provided with prototypes of these axes for testing in early 2025 and have absolutely adored using them. The Small Carving Axe, in particular, offers something really unique that we haven’t yet seen in the carving axe market. Despite its light weight, the balance and proportions make it feel remarkably powerful - a superb choice for spoon carving and fine shaping work.
The axe has a relatively long, curved cutting edge and comes standard with a double-sided grind. It can also be ordered with an asymmetric carving grind for right-handed or left-handed use, where the edge is ground on one side to allow for finer control and closer work.
Product details:
- Weight: head is approx 550g; total weight approx 620g
- Length incl handle: 28.5cm / 11 inches
- Handle material: Hickory. Please note: the photos shown feature the walnut handle from the first limited release. All future production models will feature hickory handles. We will update photos as soon as we have the axes in stock.
- Each axe is delivered with a veg tanned leather sheath
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.
