Gransfors Bruk vs Hults Bruk: The Battle of Swedish Steel
Two forges, one country, centuries of history. We dive deep into the nuance, finish, and performance of the world’s finest axes to decide which one belongs in your kit.
Introduction: A Tale of Two Forges
In the world of bushcraft and forestry, there is a distinct line drawn in the sawdust. On one side, you have the modern, composite-handled utility tools like those we’ve compared in our Fiskars vs Estwing analysis. On the other side, you have the “soul” of the woods: traditional, hand-forged Swedish axes with hickory handles and carbon steel heads.
If you have decided to invest in a heritage tool, you have likely narrowed it down to the two heavyweights: Gransfors Bruk (GB) and Hults Bruk (HB). Both are forged in Sweden. Both are revered for their quality. And both cost significantly more than a hardware store hatchet.
But is Gransfors Bruk really worth the premium price tag over Hults Bruk? Or is Hults Bruk the sleeping giant that offers better value? In this comparison, we strip away the marketing romance and look at the steel, the grind, and the handle quality to help you decide.
Quick Comparison: At A Glance
Before we inspect the grain orientation and edge geometry, here is the high-level breakdown of these two legendary brands.
| Feature | Gransfors Bruk | Hults Bruk (Premium Line) |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 1902 | 1697 (Oldest in the world) |
| Signature Style | Polished, Razor Sharp, “Perfect” | Rugged, Brut de Forge, Utilitarian |
| Head Finish | Smooth, Initials Stamped | Rougher Forged Finish, Clear Lacquer |
| Handle Quality | Grade A+ Hickory, Soaked in Oil | Grade A Hickory, Linseed Oiled |
| Out-of-Box Sharpness | Shaving Sharp (Consistently) | Sharp, but may need stropping |
| Price Point | High ($$$$) | Moderate to High ($$ – $$$) |
| Availability | Often Out of Stock | Generally Available |
History and Pedigree
Hults Bruk: The Ancient Master
It is impossible to discuss Hults Bruk without mentioning that they have been forging steel since 1697. That isn’t a typo. They have been making axes for over 300 years. Located in the Hulta Valley, they are part of the Hultafors Group today. If you are confused about the branding, check out our guide on Hultafors vs Hults Bruk to understand why the same axe might have different labels in Europe versus the USA.
Gransfors Bruk: The Perfectionist
Founded in 1902, Gransfors is the “younger” company, but they are responsible for the modern axe renaissance. In the late 20th century, when chainsaws made axes obsolete, Gransfors pivoted. They stopped grinding off the forging marks and focused on artisanal quality. They introduced the concept of the smith stamping their initials on the head—a guarantee of personal responsibility. This move single-handedly saved the premium axe market.
Deep Dive: Fit, Finish, and Quality Control
This is where the extra money for a Gransfors Bruk usually goes. While both axes will split wood and fell trees, the tactile experience differs.
The Gransfors Standard
When you unbox a Gransfors Bruk—whether it’s the Small Forest Axe or a splitting maul—it is typically flawless. The head is aligned perfectly with the handle. The grind is symmetrical. The edge is sharp enough to shave arm hair without stropping. The handle is sanded smooth but retains enough texture for grip, and it’s soaked (not just dipped) in linseed oil.
The Hults Bruk Reality
Hults Bruk’s premium line (like the Aneby, Kisa, or Almike) is excellent, but slightly more industrial. You might find a bit of rough forging scale left on the head. The handle might have a slightly thicker varnish or be a bit rougher to the touch compared to the velvety feel of a GB. Occasionally, the edge grind might be slightly uneven, requiring a few minutes with a puck stone to perfect.
Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe
The Bushcraft Gold Standard.
19-inch handle, 2lb head. Perfect for packing, limbing, and camp chores.
Steel Performance and Heat Treatment
Both forges use high-carbon Swedish steel, typically 55-57 HRC. This is the sweet spot: hard enough to hold an edge, but soft enough to be filed in the field without chipping easily.
Gransfors Bruk axes tend to have a slightly thinner bit profile. This makes them bite deeper into wood, which is fantastic for chopping and felling. However, thinner edges are more fragile. If you hit a knot or a frozen log incorrectly, you risk rolling the edge.
Hults Bruk often leaves a slightly meatier cheek behind the edge. This adds durability. For users who are harder on their tools—or who might accidentally strike the ground—the Hults Bruk is often more forgiving. If you need a tool specifically for splitting rather than chopping, you might also consider looking at dedicated splitters like the Fiskars X27 or X25 for pure efficiency, or the Estwing Fireside Friend for indestructible durability.
Handles: The Hickory Factor
The soul of an axe is its handle. Both companies use American Hickory, which is the best wood for shock absorption.
- Gransfors Bruk: Known for strict grain orientation (vertical grain reduces the chance of snapping). Their handles are slim, ergonomic, and feel “fast” in the hand. They use a wooden wedge with a steel staple to secure the head.
- Hults Bruk: Their handles are slightly thicker. For people with large hands, a Hults Bruk might actually feel better. However, quality control on grain orientation is slightly looser than Gransfors. You might get a perfect handle, or you might get one with some runout.
If you prefer synthetic handles because you live in a very wet climate, skip both of these and read our review on the Hultafors Hatchet (Standard) or the Fiskars X7.
Head-to-Head Models
To make this fair, we have to compare apples to apples.
1. The Bushcraft Showdown
Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe vs. Hults Bruk Aneby
The Small Forest Axe (SFA) is legendary. It fits inside a backpack. The Hults Bruk Aneby is the direct competitor. The Aneby has a slightly heavier head and a stouter handle. If you want to do fine carving, the SFA wins. If you want to split kindling and chop thicker logs, the Aneby’s extra weight helps.
2. The Hatchet Battle
Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet vs. Hults Bruk Almike
The Wildlife hatchet is light, nimble, and razor sharp. The Almike is very similar but often $30-$50 cheaper. For 90% of campers, the Almike performs identically to the Wildlife Hatchet. However, the Wildlife Hatchet holds its resale value better.
Hults Bruk Aneby Hatchet
The Robust Alternative.
20-inch handle, slightly heavier head than the GB. A workhorse for the camp.
Pros and Cons
Summary of the trade-offs between these two Swedish giants.
✅ Gransfors Bruk Pros
- Perfection: Flawless fit and finish almost every time.
- Sharpness: Scarily sharp out of the box.
- Resale Value: Retains value like a Rolex.
- Ergonomics: Slim, perfectly shaped handles.
- Warranty: 20-year guarantee.
❌ Gransfors Bruk Cons
- Price: Very expensive.
- Availability: Often sold out for months.
- Theft Magnet: Too nice to leave around a public campsite.
✅ Hults Bruk Pros
- History: Oldest axe maker in the world.
- Value: 20-30% cheaper than GB for 95% of the performance.
- Durability: Slightly thicker edges are more forgiving.
- Availability: Easier to find in stock.
❌ Hults Bruk Cons
- QC Variance: Occasional handle grain runout or rough finish.
- Sharpness: Usually requires a quick strop upon arrival.
- Finish: Rougher forging marks (though some prefer this).
Are They Too Expensive?
Let’s be real—spending $150+ on an axe is a luxury. If you just need to split wood, you don’t need hand-forged Swedish steel.
- For pure splitting efficiency: A Fiskars Super Splitting Axe will outperform both GB and HB in splitting firewood, simply due to modern geometry and coating.
- For budget bushcraft: A Standard Hultafors Hatchet (non-premium) costs a fraction of the price and is made in the same factory as the premium Hults Bruk.
- For lighter tasks: Compare the Fiskars X11 vs X7 for ultra-light packing options that don’t rust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Gransfors Bruk axes so expensive?
You are paying for skilled labor. One smith forges the axe from start to finish. They hand-grind, hand-sharpen, and hand-haft the tool. The rejection rate is high to ensure quality, which drives up the cost.
Is Hults Bruk the same as Hultafors?
Yes and no. Hultafors Group owns the Hults Bruk forge. In the US market, “Hults Bruk” is branded as their premium line. In Europe, they are often branded as Hultafors Premium. They are made in the same place.
Can I use the poll (back) of the axe to hammer tent stakes?
You can use it for wooden or plastic stakes. Do NOT use it to hammer steel wedges or rocks. The eye of these axes is not hardened to withstand metal-on-metal impact and can deform, ruining the axe.
Do these axes come with a sheath?
Yes, both Gransfors Bruk and the premium line of Hults Bruk come with high-quality vegetable-tanned leather sheaths (masks) to protect the edge.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing between Gransfors Bruk vs Hults Bruk is like choosing between a Porsche and a Mercedes. Both are exceptional engineering, but the vibe is different.
Buy the Gransfors Bruk IF: You are a perfectionist. You want a tool that arrives flawless, holds its value forever, and feels like an extension of your arm. You appreciate the “story” of the specific smith who made it.
Buy the Hults Bruk IF: You want a high-performance heritage tool but want to save $40-$50. You don’t mind a slightly rougher finish or running a strop over the edge when it arrives. You want a tool that feels rugged and ready for work, not a museum piece.
Our Recommendation
For most users, the Hults Bruk offers better value. For collectors and enthusiasts, Gransfors is the only choice.
