Description

Hultafors Ekelund Small Felling Axe – Hand-Forged at Hults Bruk

The Ekelund Small Felling Axe is a premium Swedish forestry axe designed for users who want the capable cutting performance of the Qvarfot axe head in a shorter, more portable format. Hand-forged at the historic Hults Bruk forge in Sweden, it combines an 850 g axe head with a 500 mm American hickory handle for an effective balance of mobility, control and striking power.

The shorter handle makes the Ekelund easier to carry through woodland, transport in a vehicle or secure to outdoor equipment than a full-length felling axe. It is well suited to small-scale forestry, delimbing, processing firewood, splitting and general woodland maintenance where a compact yet powerful working axe is preferred.

The axe head is forged from high-quality Swedish recycled steel, sharpened, polished and supplied ready for use. Its convex-ground edge is designed for demanding chopping and splitting work, while the included Swedish-made leather sheath protects the edge during transport and storage.

Premium Swedish Craftsmanship

Each Ekelund axe is hand-forged at Hults Bruk, where axes have been produced since 1697. The forge combines traditional axe-making knowledge with carefully controlled modern production to create durable working tools designed for long service life.

The hand-forged steel head is paired with an American hickory handle treated with linseed oil. Subtle variations in the forged surface and natural wood grain give each axe its own individual character.

Key Features

• Premium compact felling and forestry axe
• Hand-forged at Hults Bruk in Sweden
• Forging tradition dating back to 1697
• Uses the same general axe-head design as the Qvarfot Felling Axe
• Shorter 500 mm handle for improved portability and control
• Made from high-quality Swedish recycled steel
• Steel with a carbon footprint approximately one-fifth of the global average
• Convex-ground cutting edge
• Edge sharpened, polished and ready to use
• Curved American hickory handle
• Handle treated with linseed oil
• Suitable for felling, delimbing, splitting and wood processing
• Swedish-made leather axe sheath included
• Full lifetime warranty on the axe head

Compact Alternative to the Qvarfot

The Ekelund uses the same head type as the Qvarfot Felling Axe but is fitted with a shorter 500 mm handle. This reduces the overall length and makes the axe easier to carry and manoeuvre in dense woodland or confined working areas.

The shorter handle also gives the user greater control during close-range cutting and delimbing while the 850 g head retains enough mass for efficient chopping and splitting.

Designed for Small-Scale Forestry

The Ekelund is suitable for a wide variety of woodland and property-maintenance tasks, including:

• Felling smaller trees
• Removing branches from felled timber
• Processing and sectioning wood
• Splitting smaller logs
• Preparing firewood and kindling
• Clearing woodland and maintaining paths
• Farm, property and campsite work
• General outdoor woodworking

Convex-Ground Edge

The axe head features a traditional convex grind that provides strong support behind the cutting edge. This geometry is well suited to felling, delimbing and splitting because it combines cutting efficiency with durability under repeated impact.

The edge is carefully sharpened and polished before delivery, allowing the axe to be used immediately. Correct maintenance and sharpening will help preserve the original geometry and long-term cutting performance.

American Hickory Handle

The curved handle is made from American hickory, a hardwood valued for its strength, elasticity and natural shock-absorbing properties. These characteristics make it particularly suitable for premium axes and striking tools.

The wood is treated with linseed oil to help protect it from moisture and drying while preserving the natural texture of the handle. Periodic application of suitable linseed oil can help maintain the handle over many years of use.

Swedish Recycled Steel

The Ekelund axe head is made from high-quality Swedish recycled steel. According to the manufacturer, the steel has a carbon footprint approximately one-fifth of the global average.

This allows the axe to combine traditional Swedish forging with a more responsible material choice without compromising the strength and performance expected from a premium working axe.

Swedish Leather Sheath

A fitted leather sheath is included to protect the sharpened edge during transport and storage. The sheath is made in Sweden from certified Swedish leather and helps prevent accidental contact with the blade while protecting nearby equipment.

Always fit the sheath when the axe is not in use.

Name and Heritage

The axe is named after Gunnar Ekelund, a former owner of Hults Bruk who played an important role in modernising axe production at the forge between approximately 1870 and 1875.

His decision to produce axes using more modern methods and at a larger scale helped shape the development of Hults Bruk as an internationally recognised axe manufacturer.

Technical Specifications

Why Choose the Ekelund Small Felling Axe?

The Ekelund is a strong choice for users who need more capability than a compact hatchet but do not want the length of a full-size felling axe. Its shorter handle improves portability and control, while the 850 g head provides enough mass for efficient forestry and firewood work.

The combination of hand-forged Swedish steel, American hickory and a convex-ground edge makes it suitable for regular practical use rather than occasional display. It is designed to be maintained, sharpened and used for many years.

For woodland owners, hunters, outdoor professionals and traditional tool enthusiasts, the Ekelund offers a versatile middle ground between a forest axe and a full-length felling axe.

Brand and Production Information

The Ekelund is currently offered within the Hultafors premium axe range and is hand-forged at the historic Hults Bruk forge in Sweden.

Product branding and packaging may be updated as the premium axe range transitions to the Hults Bruk brand. The axe design, manufacturing forge and historical production heritage remain associated with Hults Bruk.

Care and Maintenance

• Clean and dry the axe head after every use.
• Apply a thin layer of protective oil to exposed steel before extended storage.
• Inspect the cutting edge regularly for chips, burrs or deformation.
• Sharpen the edge while preserving the original convex grind.
• Do not use a high-speed grinder unless you can prevent the steel from overheating.
• Apply boiled linseed oil to the handle when the wood begins to feel dry.
• Inspect the handle regularly for cracks, splitting or looseness.
• Do not use the axe if the head is loose on the handle.
• Allow a wet leather sheath to dry naturally at room temperature.
• Do not store the axe for prolonged periods inside a damp sheath.
• Do not store the axe next to heaters or in excessively dry rooms.
• Fit the sheath whenever the axe is transported or stored.

Safety Information

• The Ekelund axe has an extremely sharp cutting edge.
• Inspect the axe head, handle and sheath before every use.
• Do not use the axe if the handle is cracked, split or loose.
• Maintain a clear safety area around and above the user.
• Keep people, animals and equipment outside the complete swing path.
• Use the axe only on a stable wooden chopping surface.
• Never chop directly against stone, soil, concrete or metal.
• Wear suitable eye protection, gloves and protective footwear.
• Use controlled swings appropriate to the size of the material.
• Never strike the axe poll or neck with another tool.
• Do not use the axe as a sledgehammer.
• Follow applicable forestry and felling safety procedures.
• Keep the axe out of reach of children.
• Always fit the sheath during transport and storage.

FAQ

Glossary

• Felling Axe: Axe designed primarily for cutting down trees and processing timber.
• Delimbing: Removing branches from a felled tree.
• Convex Grind: Curved edge profile with strong material support behind the cutting edge.
• Hand-Forged: Process in which heated steel is shaped under repeated mechanical force.
• Recycled Steel: Steel produced using recovered metal as part of the raw material input.
• Hickory: Dense, resilient hardwood traditionally used for premium axe handles.
• Linseed Oil: Natural drying oil used to protect and maintain wooden handles.
• Axe Head Weight: Weight of the forged steel head without the handle or sheath.
• Hults Bruk: Historic Swedish axe forge established in 1697.

Lifetime Warranty

Hultafors Group provides a full lifetime warranty on the axe head for eligible premium axes. For this warranty, the lifetime of the product is defined as 50 years from the date of purchase.

The warranty applies according to the manufacturer’s complete terms and conditions. Damage caused by misuse, incorrect maintenance, improper sharpening, unauthorised modification or normal wear may not be covered.

View the Hultafors Premium Axes lifetime warranty terms

Manufacturer & GPSR Information

Manufacturer:
Hultafors Group AB
Box 38
517 21 Bollebygd
Sweden

Manufacturing Forge:
Hults Bruk
Sweden

Customer Support:
Available through authorised dealers or through the manufacturer’s contact page:
https://hultafors.com/en-eu/pages/contact