Hultafors Hatchet Review: The Best Kept Secret in Bushcraft
Is it possible to get genuine, hand-forged Swedish steel without paying the “heritage tax”? We put the Hultafors Hatchet to the test to see if this budget-friendly workhorse can compete with its premium siblings.
Introduction
In the world of outdoor tools, there is a certain romance attached to the phrase “Made in Sweden.” It conjures images of dense boreal forests, bearded blacksmiths, and steel that sings when you strike it. However, that romance usually comes with a steep price tag—often upwards of $150 for brands like Gransfors Bruk.
Enter the Hultafors Hatchet (specifically the H 009 SV or the “Classic” line). For decades, this tool has been the insider’s choice—a way to get the exact same steel from the exact same historic forge at a fraction of the cost. But is there a catch? Is the fit and finish compromised? Does it hold an edge like the expensive models?
In this comprehensive Hultafors Hatchet review, we are going to strip away the varnish (literally and figuratively) to see if this tool is the ultimate budget bushcraft companion. We will compare it against modern composites like the Fiskars X7 and discuss where it fits in the hierarchy of Swedish axes.
Hultafors H 009 SV Hatchet
Hand-forged Swedish quality at a working man’s price.
Features a 1.9lb head, American Hickory handle, and centuries of heritage.
The “Hultafors” Identity Crisis
Before we swing the axe, we need to clear up some confusion. You might see similar axes sold under the names “Hultafors,” “Hults Bruk,” or “Agdor.”
Here is the secret: They are all made in the same place. The Hults Bruk forge in Sweden, established in 1697, is owned by the Hultafors Group. In the US market, the premium line is often branded as “Hults Bruk” (polished heads, leather masks). The “Standard” line is often branded as “Hultafors” (rougher finish, sometimes no sheath). For a deep dive into this branding maze, check out our article on Hultafors vs Hults Bruk.
The hatchet we are reviewing today is the standard Hultafors model—the one that prioritizes function over wall-hanging aesthetics.
Design and Build Quality
The Head: Swedish Carbon Steel
The heart of this tool is the head. It is hand-forged from Swedish carbon steel. Unlike drop-forged hardware store axes, the Hultafors is hammered into shape. This process aligns the grain structure of the steel, making it incredibly tough.
The head typically weighs around 800g (1.75 lbs) to 900g (2 lbs). It features a “Turpentine” pattern or a variation of the Yankee pattern, depending on the exact SKU. The bit (cutting edge) is hardened to 58-59 HRC, which is hard enough to hold a razor edge but soft enough to file in the field.
Note on Finish: On the standard Hultafors models, you will see a “brut de forge” finish—rough, dark scale left on the cheeks. This isn’t a flaw; it’s a cost-saving measure that adds rustic character and corrosion resistance.
The Handle: American Hickory
The handle is made from American Hickory, the gold standard for impact tools. However, this is where the budget price shows. unlike the premium lines, the Hultafors standard handles are often coated in a thick, somewhat slick varnish rather than linseed oil. While this protects the wood during shipping, it can cause blisters during heavy use.
Many users treat the Hultafors as a “project axe.” They sand off the factory varnish and apply boiled linseed oil themselves. If you aren’t willing to do this maintenance, you might prefer the zero-maintenance composite handle of a Fiskars X11 or X7.
Performance Review: In the Woods
I took the Hultafors Hatchet out for a weekend of camp chores. Here is how it performed across three critical categories.
1. Chopping and Felling
Despite its compact size (usually 15 to 20 inches depending on the model), the Hultafors bites deep. The convex grind is excellent—it throws chips efficiently without getting stuck. I used it to fell a standing dead birch (approx. 6 inches diameter). The weight of the head does the work for you.
Compared to a lighter hatchet, the Hultafors feels substantial. It has the mass to punch above its weight class, feeling more like a small forest axe than a belt hatchet.
2. Splitting Kindling
This is where head geometry matters. The Hultafors has a relatively thick cheek profile compared to specialized carving axes. This makes it a decent splitter for camp-sized wood.
It pops apart straight-grained pine and oak easily. However, for massive rounds or knotty wood, it lacks the wedge shape and mass of a dedicated splitter like the Estwing Fireside Friend or the larger Fiskars X25. For standard campfire prep, though, it is perfect.
3. Fine Work (Bushcraft)
Can you feather stick with it? Absolutely. The steel takes a frighteningly sharp edge. Out of the box, it was “utility sharp” (could cut paper roughly), but after five minutes with a puck stone and strop, it was shaving hair.
Because the handle allows you to choke up right behind the head, you have a high degree of control for carving tent stakes or notches. It balances well, though it is slightly heavier than some might prefer for delicate spoon carving.
Comparison: Hultafors vs. The Competition
How does it stack up against other market leaders?
| Feature | Hultafors Hatchet (Standard) | Fiskars X7 Hatchet | Gransfors Bruk Wildlife |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Forged Steel / Hickory | Carbon Steel / FiberComp | Forged Steel / Premium Hickory |
| Maintenance | High (Oil, rust prevention) | Low (Weatherproof) | Medium (Oil) |
| Feel | Traditional, Warm | Modern, Light, Hollow | Perfect Balance, Smooth |
| Price | $$ (Best Value) | $ (Budget) | $$$$ (Premium) |
| Best For | General Bushcraft / Camp | Backpacking / Hiking | Carving / Heritage |
Hultafors vs. Fiskars
This is the classic “Wood vs. Plastic” debate. If you check our Fiskars vs Estwing comparison, you know we love modern tools for their durability. However, the Hultafors has a soul. It feels better in the hand during winter (wood is warmer than plastic) and can be repaired in the field. If the handle breaks, you carve a new one. If a Fiskars handle breaks, the tool is garbage.
Hultafors vs. Heavier Splitters
Don’t buy the Hultafors if your main goal is splitting cords of wood for winter heating. It is a trekking tool, not a maul. For heavy work, look at the Fiskars X27 or Super Splitting Axe.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Steel Quality: Genuine Swedish high-carbon steel (same as $200 axes).
- Value: Incredible price-to-performance ratio.
- Handle: Replaceable American Hickory.
- Versatility: capable of felling, splitting, and carving.
- Aesthetics: Beautiful, rustic forged finish.
❌ Cons
- Finish: Handle varnish often needs sanding; head can be rough.
- Sheath: Standard models often come with a cheap leather cup rather than a full mask.
- Weight: Slightly heavier than composite alternatives.
- Maintenance: Requires oiling and care to prevent rust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hultafors Hatchet come sharp?
It comes with a “working edge.” It will chop wood fine out of the box, but it is rarely shaving-sharp like a Gransfors Bruk. We recommend spending 10 minutes with a sharpening stone to unlock its full potential.
What is the difference between Hultafors and Hults Bruk?
They are produced in the same forge. “Hultafors” is typically the branding for the European market or the standard industrial line, while “Hults Bruk” is often the premium heritage branding for the US market. The steel is identical.
How do I maintain the hickory handle?
If your handle has a shiny varnish, sand it off with 120-grit sandpaper. Apply several coats of boiled linseed oil over a week. This prevents blisters and keeps the wood flexible and rot-resistant.
Is this hatchet good for throwing?
While you can throw it, we don’t recommend it. The hardened poll and hickory handle are designed for working wood, not the high-impact stress of throwing. For throwing, get a cheaper, purpose-built axe.
Can I use the back (poll) as a hammer?
You can use it for plastic tent stakes or wood. Do not use it on hardened steel (like metal wedges) or rocks. The eye of the axe is not hardened for that type of impact and can deform.
Final Verdict
The Hultafors Hatchet is, without a doubt, the best value proposition in the world of traditional bushcraft tools. You are getting the Rolls Royce engine (the Hults Bruk forged head) in a Chevrolet body (a standard finish and handle).
If you want a wall-hanger that looks perfect out of the box, spend the extra $100 for a premium model. But if you want a tool to use, abuse, modify, and rely on for decades, the Hultafors is the smart money choice. It is a tool that begs to be used, and with a little bit of love (sanding and oiling), it will serve you just as well as any premium Swedish axe.
