Production
Combining the talents of the smiths at Gränsfors Bruk and designer Hans Erik Persson, Gränsfors Bruk went back to sometimes long-forgotten knowledge to develop a range of axes that are perfect for the small-scale uses of today. The core focus has been on producing axes with sound green credentials, avoiding any unnecessary consumption of natural resources.
All the axes produced by Gränsfors Bruk are forged by hand. Any piecework arrangements have been scrapped so that the smiths can put more time into forging a good axe, removing the need for the excessive post-production work that other manufacturers might use to conceal faults in their forging. This is something that sets Gränsfors Bruk’s axes apart from axes made on an industrial scale. At Gränsfors Bruk, the forging is allowed to take its time.
The axe heads need no grinding, honing or polishing, except on the cutting edge itself, and they certainly do not require painting or varnishing. Instead of using environmentally hazardous epoxy adhesive, the handles are now attached with a traditional wooden wedge, which is better not only for nature but also for the working environment. The sheath supplied with Gränsfors Bruk’s axes is made from vegetable-tanned leather.
Axe production at Gränsfors Bruk is based on five fundamental theses:
- An axe is only as good as the accumulated skills of the people who forge, grind and attach the handle to the axe.All our axes are made by human hand. And all these people deserve great respect and recognition for their professional expertise. Our company would be nothing without them.
- Smarter production requires fewer natural resources and imbues a product with better quality and a longer life. A longer product life in turn decreases the overall consumption of natural resources and reduces waste.
- Every unnecessary step in axe production should be stripped out. Unnecessary grinding, polishing, painting and use of epoxy adhesive for the handle has been eliminated. This makes for a better working environment, lower energy consumption and less of an impact on nature.
- We have unlimited responsibility for Total Quality. Working conditions, product quality and concern for nature are just some factors determining Total Quality. Others include humanity, ethics and beauty.
- Sound knowledge of a product increases its value and life. The axe user therefore needs information – The Axe Book is one source, courses and Gränsfors Axe Museum are others.
