Grnsfors Bruks Small Splitting Hatchet, 2 lb., 2 1/4" Face, 19" Hickory Handle, Brown / Black

Well made. Worth the money because it will last forever. You can tell it is hand made, the handle has a nice feel and grip. The axe head is sharp. Splits wood easily. Not as heavy as it looks. The handle is not too long if you are used to a hatchet. Not going to fell large trees quickly! That is what a chainsaw is for, but this will split those large logs.Update 11-26-10: The axe head gets rusty while storing it, I recommend using some kind of oil like WD40. Only the unfinished black part does, not the blade. Still no problems, might have to sharpen it soon.Update 10-13-2015: The axe has not had trouble with rust over the years, just the first season, then the rust stopped. It is quite a piece of art, and does get use for starting campfires.

I was looking for a hatchet to split kindling, and was trying to decide on a size. Decided to go with this one because I really don't need a chopping hatchet, but rather just a splitting hatchet. It feels heavier then it is due to the longer handle but there is plenty of control for fine splitting. I like the extra grip they milled into the end of the handle similar to the splitting maul. It's also CRAZY sharp right out of the box. I'm honestly looking for excuses to take this thing out. It's such a great tool. Now that I've got the maul and hatchet, I'm saving up to get a couple Gransfors wedges. These guys know their way around steel.

Bought this to keep around for campfires and when a hatchet is needed for a quick job. Really impressed with the feel of the hatchet and the ability to split wood.Some of my observations:I managed to split firewood two handed with one stroke.Handle is rough on the bottom, I believe it is done intentionally to provide a gripping surface.Highly recommend if you want a quality hatchet.

Excellent hatchet. Pretty sharp from manufacture.Reviews have commented that the handle is rough. That is to reduce slipping from you hand.I would buy again if I had to, but if taken care of properly it will last a lifetime.

Have a several GB axes through the years and can definitely see a degrade in quality control. My example is still a fine enough axe to keep but I had to do some work on the poll (was not lined and cut properly) and the handle, I know won't last long. The grain lined up good but half of it was heart wood, had chips and run outs. GB's idea to roughen the lower part of the handle only made the poor handle quality more apparent. The axe head itself was well forged though and geometry made splitting medium size logs a breeze considering this axe is under 20". I'm "happy" with it because it serves my needs and plan to re handle it anyways but if you will be dissappointed if you are paying this price for the Gransfors hype. Like many other tools, they simply are not made like they used to.One thing to note, Fiskar Norden lines, never seen one with bad handle and quality on their wood. Why can't GB do the same charge twice the price?

This is my first big purchase in the hatchet and axe world. I must say this thing came shaving sharp and the quality is very nice!I don't regret this purchase and will be back for more! Can't wait to run this thru wood.

This replaced a hatchet/hammer with a short handle and is worth every penny. The head is heavier and wider and splits 9-12 inch logs with on strike. The handle is longer and roughed at the grip. I keep it inside to ensure the head will not rust and would suggest oiling it regularly if it is stored outside in the elements. Highly recommended for the woodsman who cuts more than a coord of wood per season.

Amazing quality. Very effective. More than I need for splitting smaller pieces of wood for grill but it makes me feel good. If you are new to axes, as I am, be sure to read about choosing the right kind for your task. Please do use goggles and face protection because chips fly away at very high speed.