Gransfors Bruk Model 1900 Broad Axe

Broad axes are designed to meet the needs of builders who create straight, square timbers from logs. You’re probably most familiar with traditional right-hand and left-hand axes, which are made to be used on their respective sides of the log. Gränsfors Bruk’s range of broad axes should meet the needs of any woodworker hewing logs.

The 1900 Broad Axe has a 3 lb head with 7″ wide edge. The 20″ textured hickory handle allows short, controlled swings for accurate work. All models come with a leather sheath.

Head & Handle Angle

Gränsfors Bruk offers three head-handle broad axe configurations. On Straight Broad Axes, the handle is aligned with the head. This is the setup on most axes of all types. On Right-bent Broad Axes, the head is bent and twisted at the forge so that the handle leans to the right from the head as seen by the user. On Left-bent Broad Axes, the head is bent and twisted at the forge so that the handle leans to the left from the head as seen by the user. All three axes use the same handle. The angle is achieved through the shape of the head and handle eye.

Bevel

Gränsfors Bruk also offers three bevel configurations. Double Bevel Axes are ground and sharpened evenly on both sides. This “knife sharpened” edge is the standard setup for most axes in the world.

Single Bevel Axes are ground and sharpened with one beveled side and one flat side. The flat side is usually positioned against the timber when hewing to create a flat surface. If the axe is used with the beveled side against the wood, it generally creates a scalloped or wavy surface. Gränsfors Bruk refers to this configuration as “scissor sharpening”. We prefer “chisel sharpening” because it’s a better analog for how the tool works.

On Right Bevel Axes, the primary bevel is on the right hand side of the axe head. On Left Bevel Axes, the primary bevel is on the left hand side of the axe head. (We are describing the bevel as seen by the user holding the axe as it would be used.) On both left and right bevel axes, the opposite side from the primary bevel is basically flat.

Standard Configurations