The splitting axe is relatively large and heavy. It is a little longer than
the Scandinavian Forest Axe and, at approximately 2.5kg (which is the weight
of my example), considerably heavier (my Forest Axe weighs about 1.3kg). The
origin of the axe head, Gransfors Bruk, is clearly shown, along with the
maker's initials. The Ray Mears Bushcraft logo is on the handle. The profile
of the head is different from that of a cutting axe. The poll is wider and the
cheeks are clearly concave. The axe also has a metal collar around its
shoulder. I found the splitting power surprising. I was soon able to proceed
with splitting a pile of knotty laburnum rounds from an old and damaged tree,
a task which had been beyond my capabilities with the Forest Axe. Although I
managed this I discovered that I had to concentrate on ensuring that the
blade was properly aligned with the plane of my swing. It is a little more
difficult to judge than with a cutting axe because the poll tends to obscure
the head from view during that swing. I had thought that I could judge this
from the back face of the poll, but actually that is not quite at right angles
to the plane of the head. So I learnt to look at the bit and ensure that my
grip was correctly positioned before starting work. Having split a tree from
my garden I moved on to using the axe with large and rather dry rounds from a
grand fir. These were almost as large as the chopping block, which came from
the base of another and much bigger laburnum. This took more effort and
determination, but split well. It was a task that had previously been
completely beyond me. I also tried it splitting relatively long portions of
birch, going in from the side and using one hand on the axe handle and the
other on one end of the birch stem. The technique for this is clearly
explained in the DVD set of Series Two of Ray Mears Bushcraft Survival, on the
second disc. It worked very well for this and at last allowed me to start
drying stems of birch that had been languishing for some time. The oils in the
bark of birch protect the wood from easy drying, so splitting it is especially
important for seasoning. I noticed that the bit needed a little sharpening,
and that after this it was easier to get correct alignment for the initial
penetration of the bark. In summary, the axe is an excellent tool for
splitting, probably better suited to the needs of a base camp or home than for
camping on the move.

I have a Gransfors small forest axe and also the wildlife hatchet, but wanted something with a little more splitting power for larger logs at home. Well'� I certainly found it, this maul is a serious splitter. It's a lot of mass to swing after using a small forest axe, but the weight of the axe does all the work here. The usual Gransfors quality of course and well worth the price. The metal collar is useful to prevent damage to the handle. I also appreciate having one that carries the Ray Mears Logo.

A very nice and well made Splitting axe. It is very nice to handle and is extremely efficient. A pleasure to use.

This Gränsfors Bruks Axe is Excellent. The quality is superb. I have found it very easy to split our logs as a novice. Not only it is a quality tool but the company ethos of being responsible for the total, to take less/waste less fits with my respect for our natural resources. Also, the professional finish even down to the stamping of the initials of the smith who made it, and a twenty year guarantee.

I have purchased numerous things over the years from this site and always have received good service, the axe is perfect, you can tell quality when you use it, can be used one handed. I have a lot of rubbish wood with high sapp content and is a mare to split, full of knots this makes easy splitting, pay the extra and feel the difference.

This axe is a joy to use, certainly in comparison to the very much cheaper splitting axe I bought from Amazon last year. It's beautifully balanced and thus easy to handle, and spectacularly sharp. I felled and bucked three dead trees, and then split the logs in no time at all and with much less effort than it usually takes me. Highly recommended.

My son Jamie requested this as a birthday present, we tested it on some logs immediately and found it to be perfect for the job.
Jamie went on a Scandinavian holiday with Ray Mears and was informed about the quality of Gransfors Bruks hand forged axes.
He already has several others in the set.
Regards Richard Webb.

Fantastic piece of kit, not too heavy and splits the logs with ease. Great service from Woodlore.

Splitting wood has never been such a pleasure ... Not only is this axe a work of art, its weight and balance is perfect. The addition of a metal collar which protects the handle near the axe head ensures longevity. Splitting wood is almost effortless regardless of your height, build and strength. Highly recommend to anyone! "Splits wood like a demon!"

I've split over 3 cubic meters of logs in two weeks and the axe is still sharp. The weight of the axe head, the extra shield of metal below the head, and the length of the all wood handle make this the perfect axe for log splitting. I would highly recommend it.

I can't believe I didn't buy this axe sooner! It's worth every penny. Fantastic quality and splits 300mm dia oak rounds so easily. I've been using it one handed too for splitting kindling. 10/10.

Firstly, the service was fantastic. Axe was generally well packaged but I might suggest that some bubble wrap would also be helpful over such a distance. As expected the axe is very well made; far superior to anything I can buy in New Zealand. Due to the wedge shape of the head it splits rounds of up to 200 mm with one strike. Larger rounds need to be split from the edge first to reduce diameter. Handle is comfortable to hold providing a firm grip. The book that came with the axe provided useful information on use and care of the axe as well as the 20 year guarantee. Axe is highly recommend as is the Woodlore store. Thanks!

This is a phenomenal splitting axe. I have been splitting huge rounds with relative ease, and every time I step back in amazement. Cannot fault it.

I have never even used an axe before but the weight and balance of this tool makes it so easy. A sense of relaxation and almost instant gratification - plus a bit of a workout - makes splitting logs for our Arctic cabin fire so satisfying.

As good as it gets. Beautifully crafted, perfectly balanced and as sharp as an, erm, axe. You'll never regret getting one.

Superb axe, I've used it for several hours now and am very impressed with its strength and chopping ability. I will only ever buy Gransfors in the future, they are the best axes I've ever used.

Had this for over two years now - it is fantastic. It's much lighter, yet more gives powerful splitting than the cheap screwfix maul it replaced. Despite the abuse I've given it, the axe head is still perfectly solidly attached, and it's a beautiful object in its own right. Get the Gransfors sharpening stone and keep it sharp!

I bought this axe to replace my two plumb axes we have in our woodheap.
Results go both ways, but mostly good. The axe is well balanced, comes nice and sharp and splits very well. The axe gets a good workout in Australian jarrah, so it gets put through its paces!
I found the handle to be about 3 to 5 inches too short for me, but that's personal preference. The cutting edge is too short for the size of some of the rounds we cut, but another point of personal preference.
The leather sheath it comes with lasted all of 15 minutes before it had a nice slice in it while putting it back on the axe. It was going on the shelf in the shed anyway so not too worried.
All in all a fine tool that is easy to use (once I got used to it), light enough for the wife to use and still splits reasonably well. Worth the money spent!

Excellent service. I ordered the axe on Sunday and it was delivered Tuesday. The axe itself is very well crafted, comfortable to hold and definitely fit for purpose.

Awesome product!!! Fast delivery and unbelievable axe!
Tried it today and was so impressed I couldn't stop chopping with it!

With my old history of previous coppicing experience, I was itching to get a "proper" axe. We have no central heating, just the woodburner, and with the offer of two trees to use up (both felled because of illness) we were struggling to cut it up using our cheap brand axes so I promised myself a proper one. Much research later, I knew Woodlore were very fairly priced. I was secretly hoping this would be the case! However, Gransfors have always had that supreme reputation and together with Ray Mears' endorsement I knew it would be money well spent. Wow, what a difference! After years of struggling with substandard axes, Gransfors are the elite. The craftsmanship of every aspect of the tool is incredible, the whole axe is superbly balanced and it truly is a work of art. We took the axe out on the first dry day and used it on whole rounds of Pine and Chestnut. The axe was true to its name and cut through the wood like a knife to butter. My husband was amazed at the ease on which he could use the axe effectively. This is money well spent and we know we have an axe that will last us many, many years if not always. The customer service of the Woodlore team was 100% and they strived to give us the best advice possible. Thank you, I am so happy to have a "proper" axe! You can't beat a Gransfor axe and you can 100% trust Ray's endorsement of this product.