Almike Hatchet Review and Field Test - Pros & Cons - Hults Bruk 1 Year Checkup

Here I review and field test the Hults Bruk Almike hatchet. After using it for 1 year, it is now time for a checkup, and my honest assessment of its capabilities.
The Swedish made Almike is a dandy little axe. With its all-purpose grind, it excels at splitting kindling -- but how will it do in a complete field test? Chopping, splitting, driving stakes, and hewing a log. We cover it all by the fireside, right here at the West Fork Homestead.
At the end of the video, I'll tell you TWO THINGS I didn't like about the Almike, and what I did to fix them!
#hultsbruk #axes #Almike
imaginegear.com/hults-bruk/al...
www.hultsbruk1697.se/
Guitar outro by Kevin Miller - AKA West Fork Woodsman.
We sure thank you for watching our video. If you enjoyed this, please help by liking, commenting, and subscribing to our channel. We enjoy sharing our adventures, and love to hear from you.
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Until next time, peace, health, and happy trails!
West Fork
Our website: www.americanbroomshop.com

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Thank you so much, friends, for stopping by for this video. If you enjoy this type of stuff, please support the West Fork Woodsman channel by giving us a "like" and hitting the SUBSCRIBE button. There is still so much to discover in nature, and it gives us great pleasure to share. Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/westforkwoodsman/ God's blessings to you all. Until next time, peace, health and happy trails! -West Fork

[@tippin.turtle]

Thats the best backdrop to a video i've seen in awhile

[@thomasgronek6469]

great video, thank you. I enjoyed the video very much , especially the nature scene ending. The edge grind and blade road is always a trade-off, as you demonstrated; although a convex edge isn't great for chopping, it is far superior to scandi style when it's used to split wood. I just bought a Marples for $17, if it doesn't meet my needs, I'll be getting the Almike.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Thanks for watching. I've been enjoying the Almike on a daily basis for splitting kindling in the shop. The turpentine head isn't my favorite, but it can bust knots better than anything -- and the extra handle length is a nice advantage. Cheers!

[@shanesworkshop922]

Hello my friend! I really enjoyed this video. I haven’t had the pleasure of owning a Hults Bruk yet but I’ve always admired them. Good to hear your take on the pros and cons. Most of the reviews I’ve seen seem to be way too positive if you know what I mean. This thing is definitely a splitting machine. Thanks for sharing and I’d love to see you demonstrate your carving techniques in a video sometime. Take care and have a great week!

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Howdy Shane. I think I should keep this hatchet for splitting. It does so well at it. I'm more of a whittler than a carver. When my bum elbow heals up, I hope to film some campfire carving, from standing tree to the dinner platter! 🔪

[@WestForkWoodsman]

I enjoy carving with my HB Wildlife Hatchets.

[@Otis010707]

I bought the Husqvarna Camping Axe after watching this video (simply rebranded but the same axe in reality). Thank you for the advice!

[@tonyhaltmar5982]

Really liked this video! Pushed me right over, going to pick one up. Thank you, for taking the time.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Thanks for watching, Tony. I recently found more splitting hatchets than I can use. Still I can't part with this Almike! It is the best kindling buster I have. Hey, let me know how nice your handle is. I was shocked at the quality of hickory! 👍👍

[@kurts64]

Very good review, and awesome music and outro shots!

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Thank you for watching, my friend! Come again, any time.

[@kriskabin]

This is the best review I've seen on the Almike, Thx.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Much appreciated, Kenwood. Thanks for stopping by.

[@richardclegg5853]

Picked one up this afternoon, (I always check reviews AFTER I buy something, a little backwards!) Beautiful looking tool and looking forward to see how she works, great review

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Congrats Richard. Great little axe. How did your hickory handle look? Where do they find good wood like that?

[@richardclegg5853]

@@WestForkWoodsman definitely not an expert, but the is just beautiful, I've finally had an opportunity to use the tool, goes thru like butter, looking forward towards many years of woodwork with this hatchet

[@redpepper876]

i just ordered one, ive been wanting to try this brand for awhile nice video friend

[@bushcraftitaly]

Hello WFW! Really nice to discover and watch your channel. Thank you for this review I was just looking into a proper hatchet to get. Looking forward for your next one! Cheers

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Welcome! Looking forward to watching some of your adventures!

[@chadm.7371]

Hey, thanks for the video! I was thinking about this axe for a minute and was to sure about it. I think I'll get this to throw into my own kit. Cheers!

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Great little hatchet. You will really enjoy it!

[@mtscott]

Great review. Love the Labrador lounging on the patio - just like mine does 😁

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Thank you Michael Scott. If you're going to own good axes, you may as well have the best dogs in the world, too. Happy trails!

[@rssin23]

Very well explained.

[@PINEPUPPY]

Nice video on a hatchet that appears to be of heirloom quality. Craftsmanship appears to be a fading ingredient in today's world. Thanks for the good info and demo West Fork.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Thanks for stopping by, Pinepuppy. Yes indeed, it's heirloom quality. But I'll probably take it with me when I go! 😎

[@MatthewC137]

I bought the same hatchet 3.5 years ago and love it. Of course I agree with you about that hideous warning that was laser etched into the handle. What an exercise in soullessness that was. Hopefully Hults Bruk will put that garbage on a little piece of paper in the future. I have no problem at all with the stampings in the metal.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Thanks for watching Matthew C. If the handle wood wasn't so pretty, i probably wouldn't have noticed. One of the nicest pcs. of hickory and a dang good hatchet!

[@mr.fisher3973]

Greetings- I just purchased the Aneby from Ben’s Backwoods and I can’t say enough good things about it. Easily the finest axe I’ve ever owned. Hope you enjoy your purchase. God bless and take care.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Congrats, @GoFeesh 85. That is a sweet axe. I'd like to get my hands on one to check it out someday. Be safe, and happy trails to you!

[@wolferogers3047]

Thank You for taking the time to make the video & review! Definitely agree, the Almike is an all around camp hatchet, and described that way on the website. The Husqvarna version is even called the camping axe. Personally have the husky, great all arounder that may call for some tuning. Suppose it could be modified to make it better at carving if you don’t need a multi purpose hatchet and searching for a budget option.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Glad you enjoyed, WR. Great little hatchet. It's found a home next to my shop stove. Great for busting up tough kindling wood. I've grown to appreciate the turpentine pattern for this purpose. Happy trails!

[@davidleasure9138]

Nice fair review with your pros and cons about the hatchet. Thinning the blade seems to be a trade off. It is a good all around hatchet that just does better at some tasks. Thanks for your review and sharing

[@DrJohn493]

The Almike is one of three small Hults Bruk axes (Akka and Aneby are the other two) I've been using for the past 5 or so years and satisfied with each one. Nice review!

[@GetUpTheMountains]

Good to know. I've got the Almike and lately the Akka has been on my radar.

[@redcanoe14]

Greetings!...I had the bushcraft 'Classic' HB Axe a few years ago and that was extremely well put together, I had the chance to sell that and my GB Small Forest Axe for a good dollar so I let them go...LOL! I have to say you have a beautiful property, particularly with that creek flowing through it. Thanks for a great video. Best Wishes, WS

[@steveb8001]

Great video.

[@solitudeinthewild82]

This small buddy is a real deal one! Nice hachet!

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Yes, this hatchet is small - but dynamite comes in small packages! 😎

[@user-nw2si7hu3u]

Great review you clearly know your axe business :) you seem like you have a great life out there

[@NGMonocrom]

That 2nd issue, sadly common as dirt nowadays with a lot of hatchets from different companies. Thankfully, never heard of a single head snapping at the logo and flying back towards the user. So, that's good. I mean, if it were to happen; a great warranty isn't going to help much when it comes to hospital bills. Thankfully, a company with their reputation, I'm sure they made sure to test for that not becoming an issue.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Well, I forgive them! The extra length on the handle makes it a formidable kindling axe. The small cutting edge has enough weight behind it for busting through knotty wood. Became my favorite splitting hatchet fast! Thanks for watching!

[@Rooster1964]

Great review. I think I’m going to get one. BTW new subscriber.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Thank you Rooster, my friend. If you decide to get one, let me know in the comments if your handle is as pretty as this one. In don't know where they get the hickory, but it sure is pretty! Happy trails!

[@stephan384]

I own and have handled most of the major brand axes. Hult Bruks/Hultafors and Gransfors are stellar. But if you wish to customize or just refinish a little, Husqvarna (Hult Bruks made..?) are awesome value. Fatter handles gives you room to shape, and the blade comes a little straighter. Refinished one camping hatchet (Almike version) for me, had to buy more for friends, and ended up fitting that 1pd head to an 18''' handle.. A killer! Their carpenter axe could also fit your carving need, very usefully for me around the house.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

An 18" handle would turn it into a beast! I've seen those Husqvarna/Hults axes, and they are a great option!

[@WoodsmanHobo777]

I have the more affordable Husqvarna version and I love it, I hope to be able to get the Almike some day. Great video

[@LPKJFHIS]

What a wonderful video you made. Thanks for the great review and for putting yourself out there. You’re a very enjoyable person to listen to! Also, is that your playing at the end? If so you’re a very good guitarist.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Thanks LPK that means a lot. Glad you enjoyed the review. Yup I played the guitar near the end there. Just a few chords, and the scenery makes it sound better than it is! Stay tuned. I'm cooking up ideas for some new videos! Welcome to West Fork

[@xray5niner1]

Fantastic video and review. I have that same hatchet and it is certainly legit. You are right, that silly warning label had to come off immediately. 😆

[@Miquel_Such]

Nice content! just subscribed :D

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Welcome Miquel! I will be be enjoying the rest of your nice videos.

[@RAGINGcajunAsian]

Thanks for the video West Fork, great in depth review and exactly the kind of content I was looking for related to this hatchet. I have to ask, would you recommend this tool for a fairly inexperienced camper? I'm looking for something to split logs and make kindling, and the quality of this product is really enticing.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

I love the Almike's long handle for splitting kindling and small logs. A lot of accidents happen with short handled axes in the hands of new campers. The 16" Almike is almost an axe. Take it slow, and make each swing deliberate. Proficiency come with time. Good luck!

[@larrybean379]

Appreciate your video for its content. I received my Almike from REI today. I purchased the Kiska during last yrs REI sale. Sounds like you need a carpenter's axe. Which the almike is not.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

That HB Kisa is a real beaut! Similar to the GB Scandi Axe. While I didn't have good luck carving with the Almike, there are some vids on YT that show it as a carver. I really like carving with my GB Wildlife Hatchet. If I ever find a used carpenter's axe, that would be fun to have! I bought the Almike for a daily splitter, and am very pleased. It is definitely up to the task. Thanks for watching!

[@cossack8779]

cool vid, cool person

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

That looks like a high quality Hatchet Kevin. Making an ax handle out of anything but Hickory just isn’t right, but that one looks good, too bad you had to sand the Lawyer’s warning off of it but ain’t that the way of the Litigious World we live in today that some nimrod would try to Sue an ax maker for injuring themselves with a sharp tool. SMH. Have a blessed weekend. Don

[@WestForkWoodsman]

You know it. Blessings your way, too. Keep the videos coming!

[@ChrisUong.English]

Nice shirt

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@1984serega]

Mine came not at 16 but at 15 inches. Do you like it better than GB Wildlife hatchet?

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Great hatchet for splitting my kindling every day. I love it. The turpentine shape really busts through knots and tough kindling wood. The grind is pretty steep, so not as versatile as my GB. I use my older wildlife hatchet a lot for roughing out my wood carvings. The handle shape sticks in the hand, and the grind really bites the wood. The wildlife hatchet is my favorite all-around pack axe. I should do another video on it, now that I have employed it in my wood carving hobby.

[@1984serega]

@@WestForkWoodsman Great, thank you for your insights. Does your Almike measure 15 or 16 inches? And I understood if you had to choose one hatchet, it would still be GB wildlife.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

Yeah, I went and measured the Almike. 15" long, exactly. The length feels perfect for kindling.

[@johnmutton799]

you can buy 3 husqvarna hatchet for price of hultafors! same hatchet from same forge! and have better grain orientation on the handles. you can sharpen the edge yourself with whatever angle you want. or buy a hultafors.

[@sigmundjahn3122]

Why is it that so many handforged axe and hatchet heads are not 100 percent centered. I mean, often the edge is somewhat off center line.

[@WestForkWoodsman]

I have seen that, as well. I like to look through and pick out the good ones at the forestry supply shop in person when possible. Tough to find quality replacement handles, too!

[@PuReBlOoD3478]

👍#67