The Almike [All Purpose Hatchet]

I bought this as a sample of what Hults Bruk can do in order to compare to my Gransfor Bruk small forest axe. Obviously this one is smaller, but Hults Bruk axes seem to be more readily available in the States. Quality is comparable and prices between similar models seem to be lower on average than GB axes. Unfortunately, I've yet to use this hatchet, but so far I'd give it a strong recommend to anyone interested in a high quality axe. A few additional notes: fit and finish are great. Good fit between the head and handle; no serious or worrisome gaps. The handle is smooth and has a comfortable shape. Edge comes sharp and is fairly even on both sides. Exactly what I'd expect from something in this price range.

I've owned this hatchet for one month and bought it to do some light splitting for backyard fires and for yard maintenance.The wood I split is roughly 5 to 8ish inch rounds of cured maple. While the hatchet does its job, it takes a fair number of strikes to fully split them. This isn't the fault of the hatchet however; it isn't a dedicated splitting axe.I do use this bad boy though to clean up fallen branches in the yard. It cuts through limb joints with little effort and it's so, so satisfying to cleave them with ease.One aspect I particularly admire about this hatchet is the quality of the steel. Even with many strikes against hardwood, the edge retains sharpness, which is the reason I didn't simply buy a cheap hatchet at a bigbox store. But, for full disclosure, I do hone it between uses with just few strokes on a ceramic rod.The finishing of the axe is fine. The edge is centered with the head. The grind line is, however, slightly ununiform at the termination of one end of each side. I'm not terribly bothered by it though. It's the wabi‐sabi of something made by hand.The handle manufacturing is fine as well. There aren't any gaps in the seating of the handle to the head. The wood grain is respectable. It doesn't have the tightest or loosest grain I've seen in hickory (which I use in many projects) but it's solid and functional. And, finally the grain is straight. All in all, I'm pleased with my purchase.

I bought the Hults Bruk Almike last month for a lightweight, light duty hatchet that would fit in my pack and this one fits all of these needs. Cuts great. It is super sharp, so watch yourself! I like the cover. No snaps!

Super sharp out of the box and feels real nice in hand and in swing. Haven’t used it in the field proper yet, but did find a few things to chop and whittle in the back yard, preformed well. As you may already know Hults Bruk reputation at this point precedes itself, so feel confident about the investment. Came with some lame government warning printed on, I lightly scraped that thing off, I don’t need no stinking warning on my hatchet!