CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS 
In today’s world of mass-production, it’s nice to know that Gransfors isn’t in a rush when it comes to producing any of their axes or hatchets. The Small Forest Axe is a piece of functional art that uses environmentally responsible materials and building processes to provide a tool that can be relied on for years.

EASE OF USE
Being void of any modern synthetic materials, the Gransfors Small Forest Axe is heavier than what you may be used to being made of forged steel and hickory. It’s also unbalanced; the head being a wee heavy to aid in its effectiveness. But this didn’t dampen my experience with this hatchet. I adjusted to it within a few swings. Some people might be a little put off when they first pick it up.

EASE OF TRANSPORT/CARRY
Not only does Gransfors give you a sheath with a band that can snap around your belt loop or pack, they also give you a hole near the bottom of the handle so you can run a lanyard through it. There are no bells or whistles here, no crazy technical/tactical ways of carrying it—it’s a down and dirty, true grit tool.

STEEL QUALITY/EDGE RETENTION
In the four years I’ve owned the Gransfors Small Forest Axe, I’ve sharpened it once—using the Lansky Puck—because that’s all it needed. Gransfors does a great job sourcing, heat-treating, and grinding their steel. If you read up on their production process on their website, you soon find that they’re trying to obtain perfection with their axe and hatchet heads.

DURABILITY
Like anything made from the “old world” and by hand, you can expect nothing but the best from this Small Forest Axe. I have no question that it will perform any task I put at it.