Hatchets and axes: the main differences and full care details

The small wildlife hatchet and outdoor axe made by Gränsfors are the perfect practical companions when you’re out in the forest. They weigh next to nothing and don’t take up much space in your backpack. They are handy for splitting smaller pieces of wood, cutting branches and twigs from trunks or for carving things like skewers for your Cervelat sausages. They don’t suit bigger jobs, though. They’re easier to carry with you but take more effort to use – they have a short handle that doesn’t give them much leverage.

The forest axe is your practical bushcraft all-round tool. Forest axes are slightly sturdier and heavier than the small camping axes and can take on almost any task. They can be used one- or two-handed and are ideal for splitting wood and carving.

Axes or larger hatchets are heavier and sturdier than the other hatchets. They are used for felling trees or splitting thicker tree trunks. The forest axe also has a longer handle. For larger logs, Richu often uses a wedge he makes himself out of wood. This technique involves hammering the wedge into the log with a bushcraft maul for more effective splitting. 

Splitting axes are more robust tools for tougher jobs. They are heavy and ideal for splitting a lot of wood in double-quick time. But their weight means they aren’t really suitable for carrying in a backpack for long distances. However, if you’ve got lots of wood to split or want to build something larger, you need this tool with you.

It is important to stress that these outdoor tools need careful handling to avoid accidents. You need a firm and secure standing position. Other people should remain at a safe distance to protect themselves from flying pieces of wood.