Hultafors Classic Hunters Axe - Review by Dave Canterbury

Product Review on the Hultafors Classic Hunters Axe by Dave Canterbury at The Pathfinder School in Ohio. www.selfrelianceoutfitters.co...

[@jamesmurphy8014]

Great demonstration of the axe. I was going to get an axe and this reinforces my desion to get the Hult. Thanks for the video.

[@spencerdodds2207]

Thanks Dave,helped me make my choose.Got my Hunters yesterday although it was sharp I spent a few minutes getting razor sharp,wow what a great tool!

[@andrewburgess633]

great vid as usual thanks- like all the small carving biz with the axe- gonna check out the hultafors

[@Schweini_1983]

Legend right there. I'll be picking this up for my canoe trips up here in Canada. Thanks!

[@andremeloche20]

Great video as always! Recently bought a gransfors because of your other videos, and your canteen kit... got a picture of your kit at 14110 feet atop pikes peak here in Colorado, tried to send it to your Facebook but couldn't figure out how lol. Anyways, keep up the awesome work and Good bless you and your family!

[@Cosmic_Ordering]

And at least someone who knows using the axe , and I have learned something today. What a wonderfull review. !! : thumbsup :

[@deanoboland]

Great work on video Dave

[@davidleasure9138]

Awesome ax review and skill review

[@daltonvickers7977]

I like that axe. It looks like what I have been looking for, Thanks for the review

[@Randompersonontheinternet2.0]

Me2

[@RobbieCaptMilkboneBaxter]

Same maker Husqvarna has making their axe for them I believe. Very good quality :-)

[@douglasmcintyre3297]

Seems like a good, well made tool for certain tasks. A tool like that seems fine for dropping 4-8" standing deadwood or narrower greenwood, for making shelter components, wooden tools, processing wood around the campfire etc,if you live near there in southeast Ohio. But up here in BC a small, light-headed high carbon steel axe head that is guaranteed to rust almost immediately if you don't oil it after each use simply won't get the job done on our typically large fir, pine or spruce trees. At least not without taking forever to do so. I typically carry a quality 28-30" heavy-headed combination felling/splitting axe with a head made of stainless steel, a few hardwood wedges and a long Swede or bow saw for bucking the material into rounds. (Of course a quality chain saw is the best tool for larger felling and bucking jobs.) As an aside, there's a great old adage about harvesting and processing firewood. While working the wood it warms you four times: Once while you're felling and bucking it; Again while you're loading it onto a truck, boat or other conveyance A third time as you split it; and The fourth time as you burn it in a stove or around the fire.. Pretty damn good for an old dead tree!

[@TheFerret2020]

i got one of these it is an old friend had it years nice vid sir ty grans and hult are sister company's btw

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

Had that very same axe but found the 850 gramme head a little too heavy for my needs so now got the lighter 500 gramme Trekkers hatchet, very good axes at half the price of a Gransfors, cheers for the vid Dave, atb, Paul.

[@44szaman]

Hi Dave! I make to try stick Hultafors axe Your inspirereited! Thank You!

[@EmbunSurvival]

Nice riview. You explain it very clear n detail. I Will buy one of them.

[@Thetinebroken]

I really like this video.....and how you are showing off by doing all this using your left hand!

[@gavinsmith9900]

Thetinebroken Dave is left handed

[@J.T.Stillwell3]

I have the classics mini. Great little axe.

[@ianjarrett2724]

Hi Dave, Great ax, great video and great Bushman skills. I have decided to 'pull the trigger' on this ax after evaluating its purchase for some time. Did you know that Hultafors is the most purchased ax by Swedes themselves? I figure they know a thing or too about the outdoors.

[@usawcraig1]

Self Reliance... I own this awesome axe. As a hunters axe should I get another axe if it is primarily gonna be used for bushcraft and to process wood for cooking/ water purification/ a camp axe?

[@glennward6092]

Thanks for your time and effort you put into these Videos Dave ! There very helpful when making purchases

[@jimhovencamp4487]

I bought this axe, and it is a great tool. Handle hanging was OK, but not as good as I expected and I was disappointed to find the handle finished with a urethane or varnish of some kind. It took some time to strip the finish and get a good linseed oil finish applied. It is now a fantastic axe. I just wish these manufacturers would stop applying a finish to the handles.

[@ThereIsNoGodOnlyUs]

Jim Hovencamp a lot of axe manufacturers do that to protect the wood from oils and dirt from the hands of people picking them up in stores. It's a way to insure that the handle remains pristine. It should be apparent that you remove the urethane before using an axe.

[@judgemental8934]

Just purchased a Hultafors trekking axe and fully appreciate the demonstration and the skill involved. Thanks for the ideas, please could you tell me what type of fire steel you were using, looks like a substantial piece that produces a very good spark.

[@gilbertopadilla3611]

judge mental: were you able to find the classic hunting axe? all I see is the trekking axe on Amazon

[@7wildernessSpecialist]

Amazon is for posers lol

[@buckshot21000]

Looking to upgrade my axe/hatchet I use for spoon and bowl carving. Would you say this would be a good axe for a wood carving kit for spoon and bowl making? Or would you go with the gransfors bruks small forest axe. Any others suggestions will be helpful.

[@joemugly]

Bradley Fisher I carve spoons and bowls and have this axe and my opinion is: no, this is not a good axe to add to your spoon carving kit. The Gransfors really isn’t, either. I’ve carved spoons with them both and, although they can carve spoons, they don’t carve spoons well. The Husqvarna Carpenters axe is 1/3 the price and carves lightyears better than either mentioned. Or get smaller hatchet for spoon carving. Those work better than any small axe. Cheers

[@thecalmcharismatic]

Great vid big bro! I winder whats the difference between the hults-bruk and the one you showed here tho? I dont see any difference besides the name. Stamp, mask and axe all seem identical

[@glennward6092]

Thanks Dave

[@douglasbolton3154]

So I get the axe method make it your go to tool when having to do multiple tasks , spare the knife spoil the axe thanks again for the consult on back woods tooling

[@bazyrkyrsbunker5842]

Great video but you never gave your final conclusion in regard to the comparison between the Hultafors Bruks and the Gransfors Bruks and Wetterlings offerings. Is the Hultafors more like the Wetterlings or the Gransfors (which tends to have more refined finishing)?

[@miles12814]

+BAZYRKYRS BUNKER It does feel weird to have him not recap at the end, but he said at the beginning it's the same quality as those axes. I think he did his testing and reached that conclusion before making the video.

[@sprungjitsu8465]

Great one to watch

[@runlevelzer0]

The only thing more impressive than the product was the skill of the hands that wielded it. Thank you Mr Canterbury.

[@44szaman]

Ten filmik był dla mnie inspiracją no i zrobiłem podobny. Pozdrawiam ciepło! Dziękuję!

[@crissignori7482]

Real men know how to use a real tool in the bush .... Nice work !

[@ALSAFINA11]

Great!

[@anthonyvisconte7977]

Self Reliance Outfitters doesnt carry Hultafors correct?

[@BisDatQuiCitoDat]

Hey there! Either one of the makers you talked about have a great line-up of axes. Good swedish steel and good craftmanship behind the products.They also have hundreds of years of "know how" behind these axes. This particular ax is called: Classic Hunter Axe, and that is because of the rounded back that allows you to easily "hit" down the skin of an elk, bear, deer or a reindeer without damaging the skin in the process. Good review, thank you so much Dave!

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

I'we had mine for over 20 years.great axe,the leather is still going strong too.

[@Levidanielz]

Ever have replaced the handle? Bought one a year ago along with a spare

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

No it's like new,and I have used it alot......

[@6brettes]

nice little review i notice that the bushcrafting world is going mad for these axes!!! their price is still mid range more affordable than others but steadily creeping up!! if you want a nice axe for a fraction of the price from same manufacturers go to the swedish army surplus sites the axe shaft is usually dyed green but axe head size shape the same for only £7 not £77!!! nice axe skills there like the notching and lantern holder notch!! yes yer right the mask is best design on the mkt just needs a wee lil bit of linseed oiling upon arrivals the shaft! maybe a bit of bright color on hammer ends i like to see a sliver of bright something in case it gets dropped or flung outa yer hands in the long grass i notice that the crickets were joining in with yer commentary on this one!! nice lil bit of woodland you got there?

[@stonedape3285]

Looks like a bood axe keep it up dave Btw can you review the husqvarna 13 inch wooden handle hatchet

[@fostersstubbyasmr9557]

I found the sheath was amazing but I prefer the granfors as an axe especially as you get to the heavier axes. But the price difference is dramatic ( certainly here in Aussieland)

[@southernbushcraftandsurviv1843]

Theshortguy84 another Aussie. How much did you pay? Wh Want to know if I got a good deal

[@fostersstubbyasmr9557]

Southern Bushcraft and survival for a new grantors expect 300-350 for heavier heads, but if your lucky as I was and have any skill with metal work you can pick up a good one secondhand for $20-$40

[@southernbushcraftandsurviv1843]

Theshortguy84 I got this axe and a martiini lumberjack for $170

[@fostersstubbyasmr9557]

Southern Bushcraft and survival nice work!

[@savagex466-qt1io]

I have this axe its awsome. Do you notice how the hults hunters axe like the bit is more of a curved shape then the gransforsburks small forest axe ? You know what I mean ? The gransforburks is more stright shaped the edge. How do they preform deferently do to the geaomotry of the bit ?

[@DepthWave]

Straight bit tends to not split as easily, but splits more evenly (straighter). Straight bit is usually better for carpentry style cuts and soft coniferous wood. I prefer curved bit most of the time. Straight bit tends to get stuck worse because you can't rock it loose as easily.

[@DepthWave]

also, all things being equal, curved bit will penetrate deeper

[@savagex466-qt1io]

Thanks so much for the info ! Ya I have to get the Hultafors hunters axe again my fav axe by far was thinking of trying the gransfors small forest axe but the hults is a lil more heavy and ya it has the curve in the edge im surprised more axe companys or designs dont have the curve do you know why friend ? thanks so much for the reply truely am gratefull !

[@DepthWave]

For cleaner limbing and carving cuts, as well as cutting soft, green wood, a straighter bit can be nice. A straight bit also tends to yield cleaner splits. I imagine that the curved bits become less common because they are primarily for max cutting performance, and a chainsaw is the most efficient tool if you are simply looking to do a lot of cutting

[@robertbalasko7243]

Hey there Dave, wich one would you choose between hultafors hunting, gransfors small forest and wetterling outdoor axe. I want buy one of them, but hard pick one. Thanx!🤘

[@joemugly]

Robert Balasko hey, don’t know if Dave will answer so I thought I’d throw out my two cents. I own the Hultsfors Hunter Axe (the one featured) and have used the Gransfors small forest axe. I haven’t used the Wetterlings as you mentioned so I thought I’d substitute it with the Husqvarna Carpenters Axe. Chopping cross grain- 1.Gransfors 2. Hultafors 3. Husqvarna Splitting- 1. Hultafors 2. Gransfors 3. Husqvarna Carving/crafting- 1. Husqvarna 2. Gransfors 3. Hultafors Ergonomics- 1. Hultafors 2. Gransfors 3. Husqvarna Price- 1. Husqvarna $59.85 2. Hultafors $139 3. Gransfors $189 (On amazon today) I love using all 3 and they all work just fine and I’d be happy with anyone of them, but if I were in a pinch and could only choose one for survival (and cost wasn’t a factor) I’d take the Gransfors, no question. However, if you like to restore and do your own work, I’d suggest finding the Plumb National with a Hudson Bay style head. If hung properly on a decent handle and sharpened to the same level as the Swedish axes are, it beats them all, hands down, in every category. Hope that helps

[@robertbalasko7243]

@@joemugly thank you. These days i got interested in the hultafors aby axe.., will see. Thanx again!🤘

[@joemugly]

Robert Balasko the Aby is a lovely tool. The bit is similar to the Husqvarna I mentioned earlier. Definitely built with a focus on crafting. It’s one of many I’ve been drooling over for some time. If you do purchase it let me know how you like it. I’d love to hear your review👍

[@robertbalasko7243]

@@joemugly do you have a facebook or something?

[@robertbalasko7243]

@@joemugly just bought the Aby axe and it's fantastic! Spliting wood, carving..., it feels just perfect for everything. Small enough, bur hard as a rock!🤘

[@nathanr280]

That was my first high end axe that I've ever purchased but i really didn't like it for several reasons: 1. This model is a very stout model and has a large thick handle and i don't think there would be many that would have big enough hands for the handle. 2. The edge grind wasn't even at all when i first bought it and literally the first time i used it it rolled over quite a bit. 3. The weight of it is not balanced and you have so much momentum from the handle in the swing that you have to stop it every time and that takes a lot of energy. 4. Whenever i tried chopping with it it kept glancing off and almost hit me(it has hit me before and its probably because of the edge grind. I have resharpened it and tried thinning the handle, its still not perfect but much better than before. I got the Gransfors bruks small forest and it chops like a dream compared to the HB classic hunter originally did, but since i tried re profiling the edge it now chops pretty comparable to the GB. If you get this axe it might take some work to get it the way you want, it also took me a lot of time and some money to get the sharpening equipment and things i needed to make this axe better.

[@FENIX0916-]

1697!!!!!😮😮😮😮😮😮😮 that's amazing

[@44szaman]

HI! Your film inspiration for me. Pozdrawiam!

[@Owieczkin]

Zaraz pan Dawid wpadnie do Dziadka na kanał i się okaże, że on się musi poduczyć ;x. Pozdrawiam

[@harryrichards7767]

Price tag?

[@verysurvival]

there is one on Amazon right now for 80 bucks.

[@jean-jacquesmichener4235]

nice

[@justicar5]

Husqvarna axes are also made by Hults bruks, finish isn't as good, but nothing a sharpening stone and some sand paper can't fix.

[@RedStag86]

Isn't Muller out of Austria older? 1675

[@bhatcher69]

Isn't this a hunting axe where the poll is rounded and used for skinning?

[@selfrelianceskills-outdoor5833]

can use as only survival tool!

[@sonfoku73]

IS THIS A QUESTION OR A STATEMENT U IDIOT!

[@selfrelianceskills-outdoor5833]

is a statement,and ...yes I am not the mother tongue.

[@sonfoku73]

Ok sorry i just cant tell sometimes

[@lexshifflett757]

Axe is ur old trusty best friend.

[@frankcastillo4634]

Timber pro uk 70$ with shipping

[@captainamer71]

Frank Castillo cheapest I found shipped to USA $93.00 no where else even close.

[@captainamer71]

Frank Castillo cheapest I found shipped to USA $93.00 no where else even close. would of got this from Dave but he does not have these on his website.

[@dextermorgan5397]

Hul-Ta-Force is how id say it in american :D im not sweedish tho just norwegian

[@billandrews]

What is the purpose of carrying an axe when you can use a pruning saw or buck saw for cutting, and a good Mora for working wood? A Hatchet is easier to to split fire-wood than a hammer and wedge. but unless you are felling a wide tree, I don't see the use of an axe. So why have one?

[@Undedproduction]

Because it does the work of the knife, saw, and hatchet in one piece.

[@michaelisbell5098]

I just purchased one of these axes and it has quite possibly the worst handle I have ever seen on an ax the grain is dang near sideways.. I'm not sure whether I'm going to return it and try another one or find a different brand.. At the price you would think they would pay a little more attention to detail... Very disappointed in this choice

[@savagex466-qt1io]

O Really ? I had a "dent" in my head and i got a free one without sending it back there the best to deal with man, i even asked for heartwood dark color and iv bought a couple for family they are awsome the classic modles like this one here i fight or slightly more higher quality then the trekking kind this type of a axe would chip less over a gransforburks but mybie gransforburks can slice better cuz it thinner head / profile that sucks you got a bad handle exchange it :) sometimes we get a newbie at a shop lol

[@johnmutton799]

ALL THOSE MAKES OF AXES ARE THE SAME COMPANY

[@RendColt]

john Mutton so is Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini. Not the same thing tho

[@sumanngon]

Wonder why people use axe for knife works and uses knife for axe works!!!!!

[@dougspizman6751]

I can hear it...the sound of that steel they use. N the look of the head. I dont like that kind of steel. No axe on planet earth compares to grandfors bruk. Period. People can make rationalizations about price n availablilty n the person using it etc. I would venture to say they never used a grandfors bruk in that case.

[@desertfoxxx98]

The Swedish buy hultafors more than any other axe they know a thing or two about the outdoors and axes if they purchase hultafors more I'll join them. The gransfors is over priced for the same quality as the hultafors and considering that hultafors is the oldest axe maker in the world that's still going strong that clearly say something. Stop being a fan boy gransfors is a good axe but if hultafors is cheaper and more likely the same quality people are going with the hultafors.

[@dougspizman6751]

@@desertfoxxx98 i think u just wanna argue or defend something. If u used both u would know all axes arent created equal. N nothing compares 2 a granfors. In quality or capability.

[@desertfoxxx98]

@@dougspizman6751 no I'm not here just to argue with you I'm here to tell you that you're very narrow minded people like you are very annoying to me. Gransfors are great axes, but you can not deny that hultafors is a older more established maker, more sweds buy hultafors than gransfors this does not mean that gransfors is shit neither does it mean hultafors is the best, its just people like you who think that because you use the gransfors bruks every other axe is garbage its called being a snob (or you want to justify your purchase) if you like the gransfors good on you it's your choice but DON'T shit on others because they didn't buy a gransfors or agree with you on the subject. I personally prefer hultafors but that doesn't give me the authority to say that other axes are shit and people who disagree with me are wrong, just because I like hultafors.

[@dougspizman6751]

@@desertfoxxx98 i think ur paranoid, angry, n triggered. Read my comments again. My only argument was that granfors was better. I was originally responding 2 people saying it wasnt. People like u annoy me. N again, if u have used both u would know this 2 b true. The cost aside.

[@desertfoxxx98]

@@dougspizman6751 I'm not arguing with you anymore if you can't see reason that's your problem hopefully some day you will look back at this moment and realise how immature you were.