Wetterlings Scandinavian Forest Axe

EASE OF USE:

This is a very capable axe, and in the hands of someone who is comfortable and confident using it, there is little it cannot do. The blade shape is perfect for a variety of tasks, from chopping to splitting, and it comes with such a razor sharp edge, you can even make feather sticks with it.

FEATURES:

The 26-inch handle has incredibly consistent grain structure, and in exactly the right direction. The head is not actually held on with a metal pin, as the above picture shows, and is instead perfectly welded in with a chemical bonding agent. The leather sheath is very easy to remove and put back on, and is very low profile, maintaining the relatively small size of this axe.

CONSTRUCTION AND DURABILITY:

This axe is made with extremely high standards. As far as classic axe designs go, you can't get any better than a Wetterlings or a Gransfors-Bruks, and I chose the Wetterlings because they seem to have the most in-house manufacturing operation that I could find. I have put this axe through the wringer, both with use and with one accidental overstrike, and it really shows almost no sign of use aside from some patina on the handle. I have no doubt that this will last a lifetime.

CONDITIONS:

I have used this axe in many different locations, and on many different species of tree, and in no way has it backed down from any task. I regularly split gnarled and straight-grain oak with it, and also use it on similar woods to create chips for tinder.

I have used it on pine, both seasoned and fresh, and even with hard to chop woods like these, the small axe gets it done. You just have to be determined, and smart about your swings. I've been judiciously using this axe for about 6 months now.

I have also brought this on some light backpacking/camping trips, despite the obvious added weight, because in the end, if you end up needing it, it will serve you well. And it's just so damn fun to use.

BOTTOM LINE:

This is a beautifully crafted tool, and every time I use it, I am happy that I purchased it. I have done very little alteration to it, aside from treating the handle with many coats of boiled linseed oil, because in the end, this axe needs no improvement. I am convinced that this is the perfect axe.