Gransfors Bruk Large Splitting Axe Collar Guard Model 442 - 5 pounds

Retired and living in northern Michigan I decided I would take a personal role in providing my firewood needs. Did a bit a research, talked with some experienced folks in the area and decided to purchase the Gransfors splitting axe. I could not be happier! It has excellent balance and, after getting use to it, easily splits the wood I require. Highly recommend it.

Bought this for a friend who grew up in the mountains worked as a lumberjack and was successful in many competitions. Also a fireman. he said this acts breaks many of the old standard “rules“ for greatness, but is the best splitting ax he’s ever owned or seen!

Several years ago I had a high efficiency wood burning insert installed in my living room to offset the Minnesota winter (and heating bills). With frugality in mind, I split my own wood instead of purchasing a cord to a cord and a half per season. To do the job, I chose the Large Splitting Axe from Gransfors Bruks and have been delighted every time out. I have owned the tool for 3 seasons now and have spent nearly 9 weeks of comprising of after work and weekends restocking the 11 wood racks in my back yard. If you are looking for a tool that will stand up to the abuse, is well balanced and provides explosive splitting power, the Large Splitting Axe must be considered. I own 3 tools from Gransfors and the quality is exemplary; straight hickory shafts, precise forging and supreme sharpness. After each use, I do wipe them down with a bit of oil as I store them in my basement and they are a high carbon steel. This is a heirloom quality piece and will be appreciated by future generations.

My husband was so excited to get this as a present. It’s easy to handle. I have swung this a few times and I absolutely love it.

I've been using various-what I know realize as-cheap axes for years, often believing some of them were really great. I apparently had no clue. This axe is the perfect size and weight (my first impression was it was too small, don't be fooled!) for continuous splitting with little fatigue. You'll need a splitting maul, of course, to initially split the round (anything over about a 10 inch diameter, I'd say). Once the round's been split in half this axe makes quick, easy and comfortable work of the rest. I love this axe so much, it lives in my room instead of with the other tools. Well worth the investment, and the Axe book that comes along with it is really cool, too. I can't wait to invest in a GB splitting maul and felling axe, next.Thank you Gransfors Bruks for making a quality tool, rare these days.

Light, quick and explosive. Ergonomically superior. Craftsmanship is top notch. If you're serious about your wood splitting, buy this splitting ax. You won't be disappointed. If I could say there is one con I was concerned about before using it, it would be the way wood grain ran on the handle. I was worried that it would split and break like some of the other buyers' handles. I split wood for 2.5 hrs straight with zero issues. Holds an edge very well.

What a quality piece of craftsmanship! This is the best axe i could possible ever buy. I couldnt ask for anything better. The selling company was a pleasure to deal with as well. You will not be disappointed!I had to add some info to this review.I have several GBA products and they are all great pieces. The one product i do not have is there Splitting Maul.Last week I was planning on doing some serious wood splitting to get ready for winter. On my way i stopped at the hardware and picked up a cheap $35 maul and i also brought along my GBA splitting axe. Alli can say is that the Maul went back and my GBA cut through eveything that day! It's amazing what the difference is between true qualiuty and crap!

Mine came with a mix of heartwood and sapwood. At the price point, this was a bit disappointing. In addition, the handle is shorter than it should be. I know that there is a 31" model, however I do prefer a handle with a bit of curve. If the handle was 29" those extra two inches would make it a safer and more effective ax.It splits wood fairly effectively, but I still find I have to go to the sledge and wedge fairly frequently.updated - the more I use it the more I like it. I still think this would be a better product with a longer handle - with a bit of a curve. Also, I don't know if it is a completely an urban legend about mixing heart and sapwood, but it does look awkward. The grain was excellent though.