Description

Hultafors Dvardala Hunting & Forest Axe – Hand-Forged at Hults Bruk

The Dvardala Hunting & Forest Axe is a premium Swedish axe developed for hunting, bushcraft, camp work and versatile use in the forest. Hand-forged at the historic Hults Bruk forge in Sweden, it combines the capable head design of the Åby Forest Axe with a shorter 440 mm handle that is easier to carry and more manageable when working close to the body.

The Dvardala is designed for outdoor situations where one axe may need to handle several different tasks. Its semi-straight cutting edge, broad Scandinavian grind and pronounced hand notch provide excellent control for carving, shelter construction and other precision work. At the same time, the thicker cheeks of the axe head give it enough splitting capability for preparing firewood around camp.

With a nominal 700 g axe head, 450 mm overall length and total weight of approximately 960 g, the Dvardala offers a practical balance between portability, precision and chopping power. It is compact enough to carry in a backpack, yet capable enough for demanding hunting and forest use.

Premium Swedish Craftsmanship

Each Dvardala axe is hand-forged at Hults Bruk according to axe-making traditions that date back to 1697. The axe head is made from Swedish carbon dioxide-neutral axe steel and is individually shaped, ground, sharpened and polished by experienced craftspeople.

The semi-straight cutting edge is supplied razor sharp and ready for use. The hand-forged finish also gives every axe subtle individual characteristics that reflect the traditional production process.

Key Features

• Premium hunting and forest axe
• Hand-forged at Hults Bruk in Sweden
• Swedish axe-making tradition dating back to 1697
• Made from Swedish carbon dioxide-neutral axe steel
• Semi-straight cutting edge with Scandinavian premium grind
• Polished, razor sharp and ready to use
• Pronounced hand notch for close and controlled grip
• Thicker axe-head cheeks for effective splitting
• Compact 440 mm American hickory handle
• Curved, narrow handle with pronounced end knob
• Handle treated with linseed oil
• Axe head secured with wooden wedge and steel ring wedge
• Vegetable-tanned Swedish full-grain leather sheath included
• Suitable for hunting, camp work, carving and light forestry
• Full lifetime warranty on the axe head

Designed for Hunting and Forest Life

The Dvardala combines characteristics from several traditional axe types, making it suitable for a broad range of outdoor tasks. It can be used for precise woodworking around camp, processing firewood, clearing light vegetation and supporting practical hunting activities in the field.

Typical applications include:

• Building shelters and camp structures
• Carving stakes, poles and wooden utensils
• Preparing fire stands and camp equipment
• Splitting smaller logs and firewood
• Preparing kindling
• Clearing branches, paths and fire lines
• General hunting and forestry tasks
• Processing game where legally permitted and appropriate

Compact Version of the Åby Axe Concept

The Dvardala uses the same general head type as the Hultafors Åby Forest Axe but is fitted with a shorter 440 mm handle. This makes the axe easier to carry in a backpack and more convenient in dense woodland, confined camp areas and situations where the user needs to work close to the body.

The shorter handle also improves control during carving and detailed cutting while retaining sufficient length for light chopping and splitting work.

Semi-Straight Scandinavian Grind

The axe has a semi-straight edge with relatively flat sides and a broad Scandinavian grind. This geometry allows the blade to rest firmly against the workpiece when cutting or shaping along a piece of wood.

The edge retains enough curvature for light forestry work, including removing small branches, clearing a path and cutting suitable vegetation. This combination gives the Dvardala greater versatility than a purely straight-edged carving axe.

Pronounced Hand Notch for Maximum Control

A well-proportioned hand notch beneath the axe head allows the user to grip around the head and position the hand close to the cutting edge. This provides excellent control during carving, shaping and other precision tasks.

When greater striking power is required, the axe can be held farther back on the handle to take advantage of its leverage and head weight.

Effective Firewood Splitting

The axe head is slightly thicker through the cheeks, helping it separate wood fibres during splitting. This gives the Dvardala useful firewood-processing capability despite its relatively compact dimensions.

It is well suited to splitting smaller logs, preparing kindling and processing campfire wood, while remaining manageable enough for detailed woodworking.

American Hickory Handle

The curved, narrow handle is made from American hickory and treated with linseed oil. Hickory is valued for its strength, flexibility and ability to absorb impact, making it a traditional choice for premium axe handles.

A pronounced end knob helps prevent the axe from slipping from the hand during use. The axe head is secured using both a wooden wedge and a steel ring wedge for a strong and durable mechanical connection.

Swedish Full-Grain Leather Sheath

The included sheath is made in Sweden from vegetable-tanned full-grain leather sourced from Swedish cattle. The material is selected for durability and is produced with consideration for animal welfare and environmental responsibility.

Vegetable tanning preserves the leather’s natural appearance and allows it to develop an individual patina over time. With proper care, the sheath will age attractively while continuing to protect the sharpened axe edge.

Name and Heritage

The axe is named after Dvardala, an old name for the forest area immediately north of Hults Bruk. This is where the Kolmården Forest begins, and from Borgar mountain in Dvardala there is a broad view over an area known for hunting both wild game and wild boar.

The name reflects the axe’s intended role as a dependable companion for hunters and outdoor users working in the forests surrounding the historic forge.

Technical Specifications

Why Choose the Dvardala Axe?

The Dvardala is designed for users who need one compact axe capable of handling a wide range of forest tasks. Its shorter handle makes it easier to carry than the Åby Forest Axe and provides excellent control during work close to the body.

At the same time, its 700 g head, broad grind and thicker cheeks give it considerably more chopping and splitting capability than a small hatchet. This makes it particularly suitable for hunters, bushcraft users, forest workers and outdoor enthusiasts who value versatility over specialisation.

The combination of Swedish steel, hand forging, American hickory and Swedish full-grain leather places the Dvardala firmly within the premium class of traditional outdoor tools.

Brand and Production Information

The Dvardala 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 location and traditional forging 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, rolling or other damage.
• Sharpen the edge while preserving the original Scandinavian grind.
• Do not use a high-speed grinder, as excessive heat may damage the steel temper.
• Apply boiled linseed oil to the handle when the wood begins to feel dry.
• Inspect the handle for cracks, splits or looseness before use.
• Do not use the axe if the head is loose on the handle.
• Keep the leather sheath clean and allow it to dry naturally if wet.
• Do not dry the sheath directly on a heater or near an open flame.
• Condition the leather periodically with a suitable leather-care product.
• Do not store the axe for prolonged periods inside a damp sheath.
• Fit the sheath whenever the axe is transported or stored.

Safety Information

• The Dvardala axe has an extremely sharp cutting edge.
• Inspect the axe head, handle, wedges and sheath before every use.
• Do not use the axe if the handle is damaged or the head is loose.
• Ensure there is sufficient clear space around and above the user before swinging.
• 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 strokes appropriate to the material and task.
• Exercise particular care when holding the axe close to the head for precision work.
• Do not use the axe poll as a hammer unless the intended task is specifically approved by the manufacturer.
• Follow applicable hunting, forestry and game-processing regulations.
• Keep the axe out of reach of children.
• Always fit the sheath during transport and storage.

FAQ

Glossary

• Hand-Forged: Process in which heated steel is shaped under repeated mechanical force rather than simply cast or stamped.
• Scandinavian Grind: Distinct bevel geometry designed to provide controlled cutting and effective woodworking performance.
• Semi-Straight Edge: Cutting edge that is relatively straight but retains enough curvature for chopping and branch work.
• Hand Notch: Recess beneath the axe head that allows the user to grip close to the blade for improved control.
• Cheeks: Sides of the axe head behind the cutting edge that influence splitting performance.
• Hickory: Dense, resilient hardwood traditionally used for premium axe and striking-tool handles.
• Linseed Oil: Natural drying oil used to protect and maintain wooden handles.
• Full-Grain Leather: High-quality leather retaining the complete natural grain surface.
• Vegetable Tanning: Traditional leather-tanning process using plant-based tannins.
• Ring Wedge: Steel wedge driven into the top of an axe handle to reinforce the attachment of the head.
• 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, 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