Forest Axes

When to use a forest axe

A forest axe is used for forest work where cutting across the wood fibres is required. Typical uses include felling trees, limbing and working with smaller logs. The different forest axes are designed to suit specific functions, and many models have been developed in collaboration with specialists and professionals such as forest workers, hunters, fishermen, hikers and survival experts.

Characteristics of a Forest Axe

Forest axes are made to be used in the forest, for everything from felling large trees to limbing small logs. The distinguishing feature of a forest axe is a long, rounded edge combined with a flat, elongated axe head.

Which Forest Axe Should I Choose?

The choice of forest axe depends on how and where the axe will be used, as well as the balance you need between portability, power and control.

For lightweight hiking and camping

For those who prioritise low weight and easy carrying, smaller forest axes and hatchets are well suited. The Gränsfors Small Hatchet is the lightest axe in the range and is designed for hiking and outdoor use where every kilo counts. Despite its size, it is suitable for limbing and splitting firewood and can, in many situations, be used as a knife for lighter tasks.

The Gränsfors Hand Hatchet and Wildlife Hatchet are practical scouting and camping axes that fit easily in a rucksack. The two axes share the same axe head, with the main difference being the length of the handle. The Hand Hatchet, with its shorter handle, is especially easy to carry and takes up very little space, making it well suited for forest walks, scouting and keeping in a car. The Wildlife Hatchet, with its longer handle, provides more power for tasks such as felling small trees, cutting branches and splitting small logs.

If you need a versatile axe for a wide range of outdoor tasks, the Gränsfors Outdoor Axe offers a balance between weight and power. Its longer handle and elongated head make it suitable for felling and limbing, while the protective steel collar allows for lighter splitting work.

For specialised outdoor and hunting use

For specialised use, there are forest axes designed with a specific purpose in mind. The Gränsfors Hunter’s Axe is made for hunters and features a rounded flay poll for skinning, while still being suitable for chopping wood and meat.

For increased power in the forest

When more chopping power is required but portability is still important, the Gränsfors Small Forest Axe provides increased power compared to smaller hatchets while remaining compact enough to carry in a rucksack.

For professional forestry work

For more demanding forest work, the Gränsfors Scandinavian Forest Axe is suited to felling larger trees and limbing, with its longer handle providing increased cutting power.

For professional forestry work and felling very large trees, the Gränsfors American Felling Axe offers maximum power. Its heavy head, long handle and broad edge make it suitable for traditional forest work where strength and reach are essential.