Gransfor Bruks mini hatchet

[TNman]

Here is another long time cutlery companion and favorite. It goes in my hunting kit every time unless I’m just hunting squirrels in the back holler. Bought it new about 20 years ago for $75... I think they are >$150 now if you can find one. Only one smith forges these minis in the GB facility; this particular one was forged by Lennart Pettersson, thus the ‘LP’ stamped on the head. The grooves in the hickory handle are my addition. Do any of y’all have one of these? It is a little jewel imo.

[ESquared]

Beautiful! Love the sheath, too. Thanks for sharing. I have no clue about any of this type of hardware, but it's obviously "the don't make 'em like this any more" pieces.

[clovishound]

The US distributor for Gransfors Bruks is right here in beautiful Summerville SC.

They are really cool tools.

[PT7]

I haven't had an axe for a number of years now, mainly since our camping days ended, and I also quit cutting up firewood. Have looked at them from time-to-time, and lately even checked out the Siberian hand-forged axes at the company I just ordered the Yakut/Evenki knife from. But those traditional axes are quite spendy.

Anyway, that's not the first tool you've shown, TNman, where you have cut grooves into the wood handles. They really look nice, add a lot to that good-looking wood; definitely from what I see at a craftsman level. How did you cut those in, with what tool(s)? Then sanding and restaining? Interested in the good work you've done to your wood. Thanks.
PT7

…. Only one smith forges these minis in the GB facility; this particular one was forged by Lennart Pettersson, thus the ‘LP’ stamped on the head. The grooves in the hickory handle are my addition. Do any of y’all have one of these? It is a little jewel imo.

[TNman]

PT7... I use a rat tail wood rasp to get them about as deep as I want then use a chain saw file for the final smoothing. Then I will take some wiping stain and rub into the fresh grooves and finally seal everything with several coats Johnson paste wax. I feel the grooves help make the handle a little less slippery in wet or bloody conditions; having a sharp tool slip while in use could be disastrous. I’m not afraid to modify a tool for my personal use. The traditional forged steel tools made in Northern Europe/Scandinavia are really nice imo.

[PT7]

Now I'll have my next "research project" from your grooves note, TNman...thanks! One is to check out the tool you used --- that's a newbie to me. Then to keep on reading about traditional forged tools. Agreed. Those made in Northern Europe & Scandinavia are rich in craftsmanship and tradition. Again, both the functionality and look of the handle grooves you've made is good work.

I think the same about Slavic hand-forged/hand-made cutting tools. I'll not add more of that info to your thread in order not to not "steal it." So I think I'll go back to the selection of axes I looked at on the Yakut/Evenki knife web site, and will post a new thread. Just to show what hand-forged axe I'd put in my future bucket list. I've look at it for a long time now, but from the wallet's position, could only do the knife at this time. Someday maybe the new axe will happen.....Fun-fun.

PT7... I use a rat tail wood rasp to get them about as deep as I want then use a chain saw file for the final smoothing. Then I will take some wiping stain and rub into the fresh grooves and finally seal everything with several coats Johnson paste wax. I feel the grooves help make the handle a little less slippery in wet or bloody conditions; having a sharp tool slip while in use could be disastrous. I’m not afraid to modify a tool for my personal use. The traditional forged steel tools made in Northern Europe/Scandinavia are really nice imo.

[daytime dave]

I have two Gransfor Bruks axes. I love them. I have never seen this one. It's a perfect size for a pack. Thanks for sharing it and making me look for one.

[PT7]

Can you do pics, descripts & uses of your axes, Dave?

I have two Gransfor Bruks axes. I love them. I have never seen this one. It's a perfect size for a pack. Thanks for sharing it and making me look for one.

[Catherine]

Beautiful!

I believe that our Bob Ward's store still sells this good brand. My husband looked at one last Christmas but I do not remember which one he was looking at.

I like fixed blade knives, axes and hatchets very much!

Cate

[Mags]

.
...she says the day before Halloween ...

Beautiful! ... I like fixed blade knives, axes and hatchets very much!
Cate

[ruhler]

A little forum archeology but hope you dont mind.
I have two Gränsfors Hatches, its really good axes, craftmanship as good as it gets.
one bigger called " big forest axe" made by initials UN= Ulrik Nilsson it weigh about 2.4lbs and has a total length of 25inches. Havent used it yet really often only have a smaller axe with me.

smaller outdoor hatchet made by MM= Mattias Mattson. it weighs about 1.1lbs and has a total length of 14inches. Have it in my hunting backpack, use it for fixing some small firewood when outdoors but mostly cutting branches to get a clear view from huntingtower.

IMG_20191020_182250.jpg

[Ernie]

I have looked at these for a couple years but they are costly for as little as I would use one. Now that I see them again I suppose I will have to take another look. I do have a weakness for good tools.

[RanchRoper]

Those are real nice. Might axe for one from Santa...

[Mags]

.
that really chops me up.

....Might axe for one from Santa...

[Cofisher]

Sharp wit is appreciated...this?

[Mags]

.
sure. makes for good kindle.

Sharp wit is appreciated...this?

[JEBar]

Amazon has them .... they are listed as PECO 33027-PE Gransfors Bruk Mini Hatchet ===> https://www.amazon.com/PECO-33027-PE-Gr ... 314&sr=8-7 <=== I do like the grooves you carved into yours