Hultafors vs Hults Bruk: Are They the Same Axe?
Confusion reigns when shopping for Swedish steel. We break down the relationship between Hultafors and Hults Bruk, compare their product lines, and help you decide if you should pay the premium for the “Heritage” badge.
Introduction: The Identity Crisis
If you have been browsing forums or online stores looking for a high-quality bushcraft axe, you have undoubtedly run into a confusing dilemma. You see an axe labeled Hults Bruk selling for $160, and then you see a startlingly similar axe labeled Hultafors selling for $90. They both say “Made in Sweden.” They both look like they were forged by the same hands.
Here is the spoiler alert that sets the stage for this entire comparison: They are made in the same forge.
Hults Bruk is a historic forge in Åby, Sweden, established in 1697. The Hultafors Group, a massive Swedish tool conglomerate, purchased the Hults Bruk forge in 1992. Today, the names refer more to branding strategies and finish levels rather than separate rival companies. However, for the consumer, the difference in price, finish, and availability is very real.
In this comprehensive Hultafors vs Hults Bruk comparison, we will dissect the differences between the “Premium” line (often branded as Hults Bruk in the US) and the “Standard” or “Agdor” line (often branded as Hultafors). We will see if the extra polish is worth the price, or if the cheaper workhorse is the smarter buy.
Quick Comparison: Premium vs. Standard
To make this comparison useful, we must distinguish between the Premium/Heritage Line (usually sold as Hults Bruk in the US) and the Standard/Utility Line (usually sold as Hultafors or Agdor). Here is the breakdown.
| Feature | Hults Bruk (Premium Line) | Hultafors (Standard/Agdor Line) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Collectors, Bushcraft Enthusiasts | Foresters, Construction, Utility |
| Head Finish | Polished, Clear Lacquer, Sharp | Rough “Brut de Forge”, Painted/Sandblasted |
| Handle Material | Selected American Hickory | Standard American Hickory |
| Handle Finish | Linseed Oil (Smooth) | Industrial Varnish (Often rougher) |
| Sheath | Premium Leather Mask | Basic Leather or None |
| Price | High ($150 – $200+) | Moderate ($70 – $110) |
| Warranty | Lifetime (on head) | Lifetime (on head) |
The History: One Forge, Two Names
Understanding the history clarifies why these two brands coexist. Hults Bruk (which translates to “Hult’s Works”) is arguably the oldest axe manufacturer in the world, operating continuously since the late 17th century. They have been making the legendary “Agdor” line for over a century.
When Hultafors Group bought them, they decided to tier their products.
- In Europe: You will mostly see the brand Hultafors. They sell both the “Premium” axes (like the Ekelund Hunting Axe) and the “Standard” axes (like the Hultafors HY 10) under the Hultafors name.
- In the USA: The marketing strategy is different. The importer often pushes the Hults Bruk name for the high-end, polished, “bushcraft-ready” axes to compete with Gransfors Bruk. Meanwhile, the Hultafors branded axes are often sold as industrial tools at a lower price point.
This creates a massive opportunity for the savvy buyer. If you don’t care about a polished head or a fancy leather sheath, you can buy a Hultafors Agdor and get the exact same hand-forged Swedish steel for significantly less money.
Deep Dive: Fit and Finish
The Hults Bruk (Premium) Experience
When you buy a premium Hults Bruk (like the Aneby, Almike, or Kisa), you are paying for labor. The smiths spend extra time grinding the head to remove forging marks. The edge is honed to a razor sharpness that can shave hair right out of the box. The handle is hand-selected for grain orientation, sanded to a velvety smoothness, and soaked in linseed oil.
It feels like an heirloom. It is ready for the woods immediately. This level of finish is designed to compete directly with Gransfors Bruk (see our Hultafors Hatchet review for more on this comparison).
The Hultafors (Standard) Experience
The standard Hultafors axes (often marked with “HB” on the head but sold in Hultafors packaging) are rougher. You will see scale on the cheeks. The edge will be sharp but “utility sharp,” not “shaving sharp.” It might have a secondary bevel that needs a bit of file work to perfect.
The handle is the biggest difference. On standard models, the hickory is often coated in a thick lacquer or varnish. This is great for sitting on a hardware store shelf, but in the hand, it can feel slick and cause blisters. Many users sand this off and apply their own oil.
Hults Bruk Aneby Hatchet
The Premium Choice.
Polished, sharp, and beautiful. Comes with a high-quality leather sheath.
Performance: Is the Steel Different?
This is the most common question: “Is Hults Bruk steel better than Hultafors steel?”
No. It is identical.
Both product lines use Swedish axe steel (typically C55 or similar high-carbon alloy) forged in the same facility in Åby. They are hardened to 58-59 HRC. This is harder than many American axes (like Estwing) and significantly harder than cheap hardware store axes.
The performance difference comes down to geometry and edge profile.
The Premium Hults Bruk line usually features a thinner, convex grind optimized for cutting and slicing.
The Standard Hultafors line often features a slightly thicker “Scandi” or flat grind with a secondary bevel, which is more durable for chopping roots or dirty wood but less efficient for fine carving.
If you are looking for pure splitting power, neither of these is the optimal choice. For that, you want a dedicated splitter like the Fiskars X27 or X25 which uses modern wedge geometry to pop wood apart.
Pros & Cons: Which Line to Choose?
✅ Buy Hults Bruk (Premium) IF:
- You want perfection out of the box: No sanding, no sharpening required.
- You value aesthetics: The polished head and oiled handle are beautiful.
- You need a good sheath: The leather masks are high quality and secure.
- It’s a gift: The presentation is far superior.
❌ Cons of Hults Bruk (Premium):
- Price: You pay a 40-60% premium for finish work you could do yourself.
- Fear of Use: It’s so pretty you might hesitate to abuse it.
✅ Buy Hultafors (Standard) IF:
- You want value: Best price-to-performance ratio in the axe world.
- You are handy: You enjoy sanding a handle or sharpening an edge.
- It’s a work tool: You don’t mind scratches, dings, or rough use.
- Budget is key: Save money for other gear.
❌ Cons of Hultafors (Standard):
- The Handle Varnish: Almost universally disliked; requires removal.
- Rough Edge: Needs work to be “bushcraft ready.”
- Poor Sheath: Often comes with a cheap leather cup or nothing at all.
Hultafors H 009 SV Hatchet
The Value King.
The same steel as the premium line, but with a rustic finish and a price tag that is hard to beat.
Alternatives to Swedish Steel
Before you drop $100+ on a Swedish axe, consider if you actually need one. While Hults Bruk represents heritage, modern technology has caught up.
1. The Modern Composite Option
If you want a tool that requires zero maintenance, look at Fiskars. A Fiskars X7 Hatchet costs a fraction of a Hultafors, is lighter, and is waterproof. For splitting firewood, a Super Splitting Axe will outperform any traditional axe due to its advanced head geometry.
2. The Indestructible Option
If you tend to break wooden handles, get an Estwing. The Estwing vs Fiskars debate is legendary, but Estwing’s solid steel construction makes it the most durable option on the market, even if it transmits more shock to your hand.
3. The Lightweight Option
For backpackers who count ounces, the Fiskars X11 vs X7 comparison might be more relevant. A Hults Bruk hatchet is relatively heavy (steel and wood) compared to hollow composite handles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hultafors axes made in China?
Generally, no. The wooden-handled axes are forged in Sweden at the Hults Bruk forge. However, Hultafors Group does sell some other utility tools (like wrecking bars or tape measures) that may be manufactured elsewhere. Always check the specific model, but the axes discussed here are Swedish.
Can I re-handle a Hultafors axe with a Hults Bruk handle?
Yes. Since the heads often come from identical molds, the eye sizes are usually standard. A replacement handle for a Hults Bruk Aneby will typically fit a Hultafors Classic Hunting Axe of the same weight class, though some minor fitting/sanding is always required with axe handles.
Do I need to sand the handle of a Hultafors axe?
If you buy the “Standard” or “Agdor” line, yes, it is highly recommended. The factory varnish is slippery when wet and can cause blisters. Sanding it down to bare wood and applying boiled linseed oil will vastly improve the grip and feel.
Is Hults Bruk better than Gransfors Bruk?
This is the great debate. Gransfors Bruk generally has slightly tighter quality control and a higher resale value. Hults Bruk (Premium) offers 95% of the quality for usually 80% of the price. Both are exceptional tools.
Final Verdict: The Smart Money is on…
The battle between Hultafors vs Hults Bruk is really a battle between your wallet and your desire for luxury.
If you want a project—something you can make your own by sanding the handle, forcing a patina, and sharpening the edge—buy the Standard Hultafors (Agdor). It is the best value in the axe world, period. You get legendary Swedish steel for the price of a mass-produced tool.
If you want a tool that is perfect the moment you open the box—something beautiful enough to display but tough enough to use—buy the Premium Hults Bruk line. The fit and finish are superb, and the leather sheath alone is often worth the upgrade cost.
Ready to Choose Your Heritage Tool?
Don’t settle for cheap steel. Get the forge that has been running since 1697.
