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

You can not find an axe with better value for money! The quality is impeccable! Weight and handle is just right. Splits wood like hot knife through butter. Price is on the higher side, but oh it's worth every penny. It's a joy to go gather firewood now. Love it

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.

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.

I had always wanted a quality splitting axe. Now I have one. My only issue is the fact that you really must keep it lightly oiled when not in use; because, it starts to rust. I highly recommend this splitting axe.

Quality of handle not up to their usual standards. It was split and the fibers were curled. Had to wet, plane and sand it for weeks before the handle was smooth enough to be usable. Thsi one should not have made it out of production for sale. 3 stars for previous purchases being wonderful.

Purchased in the fall and have used it to split firewood for six months. Cleaves cleanly and is well balanced. Expensive but worth it for the quality and the expected longevity of the product. Initials on the axe head are JL, so props to Jasper Lindstrom - he made a quality product.

Hands down the best maul/axe possible. The edge is razor sharp and just eats through cords of red oak rounds I have sawed. I can even use one choked up hand and a light swing to split many rounds. The metal collar guard is essential to protecting this tool from mis-hits and knotty wood. I've had a few jolting hits that would have destroyed an unprotected handle or busted through a rubber collar. I have used this for months and have yet to place a new edge on it - take care of your equipment and it will pay you back. Keep it clean and out of the dirt. An all around amazing piece of real craftsmanship and made by people who appreciate their trade. Worth the price - A real heritage tool.

I've chopped wood off and on for about 40 years. For the past 25 years, I've used bargain axes with what I thought was average success. This axe changed my tune in a hurry. At $158, I had reservations when I first ordered it. Not anymore! All of the praise I've read on the web about this product is true. If you have more than cord of wood to chop, this axe is worth every penny. I was most impressed when it had no trouble reducing a cord of green wood into perfect pieces for next winter's fuel. My expectations were fairly high, and I frankly didn't expect this axe to deliver the goods. But this axe truly excelled. It's a wonderful product.