Is the Hults Bruk splitting axe the worst money can buy? Compared to the Tasmanian hello werk, Husky splitting axe and a vintage Kelly works double bit
I have one of those axes also and I’m not a fan. I burn about 5-6 cord a year and do most by hand. It’s a quality tool, but not good for what I’m splitting. Mostly oak, cherry, ash and maple. I agree with another post about wood in Scandinavia and norhern Europe. They are burning a lot of birch and other softer woods up there. Also, I read Norwegian Wood by Lars Mytting (a great read for anyone interested in firewood, axes, woodstoves, etc.). In that book he talked about and showed photos of different ways they split wood. One of which is splitting long, thinner pieces of wood (like 2-3 feet in length) on the ground. They then store them in bundles and cut to shorter lengths just before burning. In the one photo he showed a picture of this kind of bundle with this style splitting axe. And I can see it being useful for that style of firewood processing. Pg. 77 of the book actually.
@@urbanlumberjack I am in upstate New York and our wood stove runs from the end of October- mid April. I say that because I spend a lot of time trying to figure out how I can process wood more efficiently. And it’s also an obsession. I have the Husqvarna large splitting axe and like I said it doesn’t work for me. I still use it and eventually when the handle breaks, I will hang it on a longer handle, maybe 32”. I find it a little short. Luckily I have a shed full of axes and tools. Right now I am really liking my old Collins Legitimus Connecticut pattern that I re-handled. I just put a new edge on yesterday and it is nice! Did a number on some black walnut. Great videos by the way 👍
I've been upping the quality of my axe collection, but I used that Husky splitting axe for years! For a cheapo 30$ department store axe, love that thing. If your balling on a budget, or just getting started, great place to start
It can be done! I have another video on here splitting over 30 inch red oak rounds. But when you switch over a more suitable axe for hard woods the difference is immediately visible. I bet you got quite the workout going through that oak. I estimate that it took me roughly double the swings with the HB versus my other splitting axes. I do enjoy the axe, although in my opinion HB should re characterize the axe as a traditional general purpose axe. I believe more people would be happier with it that way.
I believe that’s correct. They wouldn’t need anything stronger than that to pop through softwoods like grow in Scandinavia. I believe this profile was made a splitting axe by hults bruk and was more of an all purpose axe historically
Good discussion. I like this stuff. Don’t take anyones word for anything you can test yourself. But in big stuff that axe, as you said, is not the one you’re going to find yourself using.
LOL, thanks for the video man. Nice firewood haul to come across (Red Oak). Anything will split the small chunks you were splitting. The comparison is in the large rounds 16in+ ~ compare the axes / mauls on large whole rounds to see which gets stuck / struggles the most. Splitting those small chunks does nothing for comparing efficiency. I always, appreciate having multiple axes & mauls on hand. Certain pieces need the heavy hitter maul to pop open, or fit through knots -- The other axes great for fine tuning the smaller chunks into the smaller size diameter you need specific for your fireplace (saves your back & body switching to lighter axe for smaller pieces).
The oak burns really hot, it’s great. Lots of work but worth it. I’ve tried the HB out on some 25+ inch rounds and it doesn’t do the job. Too thin and not enough surface area on the bit to make up for it. Wish I could return it, this is actually one axe I might sell because I’m sick of looking at it! Lol
Good video. Its not unusable and can split wood. If it was all i had and a pile of wood to split i could get it done. Once you get into really tough, twisted wood then differences become more obvious. I aproach it though from s proffesional perspective, small annoyances add up over time, 10% less effective, 20% more sticky etc and over the course of a day it can cost you a lot of effort and money. When you compare it to other dedicated splitting designs and not felling axes it looks really silly. Apreciate the discussion, the one handed one might have more use. I used to own the bigger maul, but the middle size is a big failure imo
Just a thought, maybe they used it to split logs laid flat so coming in on the side. Splitting long lengths for building. Probably splitting smaller stuff too, birch and the like, not big rounds.
@@chunk3322 yeah seen a video from finland where they do that with meter lengths. I do a lot of that too recently with all the nice ash and i dont think the light swedish splitters would be that great even for that. The swedish maul used to be quite good for it
What helko werk (or any other brand) hatchet/axe would you recommended for splitting quarter logs to make kindle? I'm using old ones from my grandfather but i'm looking for a new one but can't decide. Kind regards
I like a miners axe or house axe to split rounds into kindling. The extra weight and short handle help a lot. But they’re not useful for much else. Any axe out there under 24 inches with a thicker bit (25 degrees or more) would get the job done nicely. I’ve been using the council tool pack axe alot for kindling. It’s kind of expensive but is very versatile. Thanks for watching and good luck!
the axe looks damn cool and nice. however i can understand if its not seen as great due to the wedge being right at the tip instead of all through front of the head. its from somewhere where a certain type of wood was used and metal may have been slim too, so its effient for its use and perpose but not for other areas compared to other axes. from my view it looks to work well for most easy split woods. ben uses a hell of a lot of different axes a lot of the time, it may just be that he's used to feeling the smallest of problems/characteristics in these axes. a brill lil discussion about it and id love to see what buckin bill has to say about it too. good work
For sure, it is a very well forged axe. Probably meant for Pine. Spruce her for that grow up in Scandinavia like you said. I just wish they would advertise it as a splitting ax for those woods, instead of general purpose splitting! I can definitely split hardwoods with it, but if they made a Nordic splitter like Helko Werk, that would be awesome and much more functional!
I have the smaller splitting axe thinking it would be the most versatile axe. But I do not find it to be more effective that any 15"+ hatchet that I have. Maybe it is the way I use them.
I agree. It’s a decent looking axe and has a thick profile considering its size. But I question whether anyone needs a small size dedicated splitting axe.
I have no problem with US steel, in fact the last I heard we know quite a bit about manufacturing and production. I'll buy American. Thanks for the video
@@urbanlumberjack it would definitely make a better mortise axe, especially in hard woods. I’m sure it would split pine without issue. I know the Finnish used their billnas style axes in the way I mentioned, that was one of the reasons for such a long collar/socket.
It is for splitting smaller diameter, straight wood. Since it is not so heavy it is easier to swong all day long. But it does not excel as a large axe. For large diameter I use a large felling axe. The axes also responds different to different splitting techniques. But I do not also like using this type. Correct there about steel. And steel was precious. Frozen spruce wood is also to consider.
i have the husqvarna splitting maul and the fiskars maul i like the husqvarna way better for me personallly the fiskars 36 inch handle is to long and i dont like way it feels when it hits plus i like the wood handle alot better.i also have the husqvarna s2800 splitting axe and it works great.i live in pennsylvania and split mostly cherry oak maple and some pine
I agree with your approach and analysis approach. I have a Husqvarna branded splitting axe/maul in that Hults pattern. Used it for literally decades. Have Red Oak as you have, Ash, Maple, Cherry, pretty much all hardwoods. It's been excellent and will bust open wood my other axes bounce off of. For me a 4lbs plumb is my good general use axe , that Husqvarna is better in frozen Ash & Cherry, and Maple in the winter. I use the other axes on wood like beech. But everyone is different, why there are so many brands and patterns. Would like to see you go from rounds to split with the analysis :)
I have this axe and find your comments rather interesting. I think the comments about splitting 'softer' European woods 'on the money'. I also have a German Helko 1Kg (2.25 Lbs) on a similar length handle. My conclusion is that the German pattern axe (which is a lot more 'bulbous' pattern) is a far superior splitter. I also have a 3Lb (1.5Kg) Gransfors Bruks splitter with an overstrike collar and an Oschenkopf 2.75Lb 1.25Kg axe, both with a 'wedge' pattern that put it in the shade and will EASILY split large, tough, even knotted rounds of even the toughest hardwoods. The HB 2LB (0.9Kg) splitter is effective on Pine, Larch and Poplar, but you are wasting your time and energy on anything big and hard. That said, it is a good trekking axe in softwood forests. From dead standing pine or larch, or splitting fallen bows of Birch, it is very portable and perfectly adequate to get a decent fire 🔥 going. I find keeping the bit fairly sharp (which splitters normally dont need) helps. But, in Northern Birch/Pine forests it would be more than capable of limbing and splitting branches small enough to get a decent camp fire going. You make some very well considered comments and demonstrate great axe technique and knowledge. Over this side of the pond we have a lot of Ash. That burns 🔥 very well at camp or in a woodburner. It also makes good tool handles. But, if im at home or lodge in Scotland splitting bigger pieces, the 1Kg German Helko splitter shades it easily for serious splitting...but, wouldnt be any use as a cutter or limber. Horses for courses. Great video! Regards Ian
I know, right? The hipsters won’t let me into their coffee shop now… i’m just after the fax, and refuse to be misled with slick marketing! knowledge is power.
@@urbanlumberjack thing is, an axe is a tool. It's a metal wedge on a handle, it isn't rocket science, nor do they split better. I like that you recommend council tools, they're good and the last american made ones left
I bought one of these. Definitely worst axe. Handle broke after a few days due to a fault in the handle. Then Hultafors refused the warranty due to "wear and tear"! Avoid at all costs!
Maybe it's not a bad axe. Perhaps it just doesn't suit your needs and wants. To label something as the worst that money can buy is a pretty extreme thing to do when I can assure you I own many that are far worse. It feels a bit like you are just filling videos with negativity and complaints. I suppose the way that axe isn't for you this channel just isn't for me. To each his own I guess
Just to be clear this is a response video to another that titled it that way. You need to understand that this is a very substandard profile for splitting, and is extremely expensive. I try to help people determine where to spend their money and get good value. When a company sells a product at a premium and it doesn’t deliver negativity is warranted. I call a spade a spade but give credit where it’s due.
Mike c you are the coolest. Way to put it to him for making a vid abt his opinion. Maybe u should make some vids Mike and show us your splitting skills. I want a 20 min live feed of your fat ass splitting a pile of wood while listening to one of your gay Ted talks which I’m sure u believe all that crap. We will be waiting for vid or shut your mouth bitch. Ps Ben Scott is an axe genius btw.
@@urbanlumberjack Awesome for $40 Ill pick one up and beat the fu*k outofit on your reccomendation, Thanks. Hope its Guns - Goats and Good-times down there Bruh...
![[ไฮไลต์] ฟุตบอลชาย ฝรั่งเศส vs อเมริกา รอบแบ่งกลุ่ม | โอลิมปิก 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/oZ9aSS0NEEg/mqdefault.jpg)
I have one of those axes also and I’m not a fan. I burn about 5-6 cord a year and do most by hand. It’s a quality tool, but not good for what I’m splitting. Mostly oak, cherry, ash and maple.
I agree with another post about wood in Scandinavia and norhern Europe. They are burning a lot of birch and other softer woods up there.
Also, I read Norwegian Wood by Lars Mytting (a great read for anyone interested in firewood, axes, woodstoves, etc.). In that book he talked about and showed photos of different ways they split wood. One of which is splitting long, thinner pieces of wood (like 2-3 feet in length) on the ground. They then store them in bundles and cut to shorter lengths just before burning. In the one photo he showed a picture of this kind of bundle with this style splitting axe. And I can see it being useful for that style of firewood processing. Pg. 77 of the book actually.
Fascinating thanks for the information! I find that in Georgia where I am the axe doesn’t do much good either.
@@urbanlumberjack I am in upstate New York and our wood stove runs from the end of October- mid April.
I say that because I spend a lot of time trying to figure out how I can process wood more efficiently. And it’s also an obsession.
I have the Husqvarna large splitting axe and like I said it doesn’t work for me. I still use it and eventually when the handle breaks, I will hang it on a longer handle, maybe 32”. I find it a little short.
Luckily I have a shed full of axes and tools. Right now I am really liking my old Collins Legitimus Connecticut pattern that I re-handled. I just put a new edge on yesterday and it is nice! Did a number on some black walnut.
Great videos by the way 👍
I've been upping the quality of my axe collection, but I used that Husky splitting axe for years! For a cheapo 30$ department store axe, love that thing. If your balling on a budget, or just getting started, great place to start
For sure it’s a great axe. I still use it, always does the job!
I have had a few axes in my time. My favorite for splitting it my Tasm Helk Werk. I just love the heavy weight.
I have the husqvarna version by Hults, split a whole holzhausen of oak last weekend, no issues
It can be done! I have another video on here splitting over 30 inch red oak rounds. But when you switch over a more suitable axe for hard woods the difference is immediately visible.
I bet you got quite the workout going through that oak. I estimate that it took me roughly double the swings with the HB versus my other splitting axes.
I do enjoy the axe, although in my opinion HB should re characterize the axe as a traditional general purpose axe. I believe more people would be happier with it that way.
The Nordic and Scandinavian patients were developed in areas of Northern Europe that see a lot of straight pine and fir trees
I believe that’s correct. They wouldn’t need anything stronger than that to pop through softwoods like grow in Scandinavia. I believe this profile was made a splitting axe by hults bruk and was more of an all purpose axe historically
Good discussion. I like this stuff. Don’t take anyones word for anything you can test yourself. But in big stuff that axe, as you said, is not the one you’re going to find yourself using.
LOL, thanks for the video man. Nice firewood haul to come across (Red Oak).
Anything will split the small chunks you were splitting.
The comparison is in the large rounds 16in+
~ compare the axes / mauls on large whole rounds to see which gets stuck / struggles the most. Splitting those small chunks does nothing for comparing efficiency.
I always, appreciate having multiple axes & mauls on hand. Certain pieces need the heavy hitter maul to pop open, or fit through knots -- The other axes great for fine tuning the smaller chunks into the smaller size diameter you need specific for your fireplace (saves your back & body switching to lighter axe for smaller pieces).
The oak burns really hot, it’s great. Lots of work but worth it. I’ve tried the HB out on some 25+ inch rounds and it doesn’t do the job. Too thin and not enough surface area on the bit to make up for it.
Wish I could return it, this is actually one axe I might sell because I’m sick of looking at it! Lol
Good video. Its not unusable and can split wood. If it was all i had and a pile of wood to split i could get it done. Once you get into really tough, twisted wood then differences become more obvious. I aproach it though from s proffesional perspective, small annoyances add up over time, 10% less effective, 20% more sticky etc and over the course of a day it can cost you a lot of effort and money. When you compare it to other dedicated splitting designs and not felling axes it looks really silly.
Apreciate the discussion, the one handed one might have more use. I used to own the bigger maul, but the middle size is a big failure imo
Just a thought, maybe they used it to split logs laid flat so coming in on the side. Splitting long lengths for building. Probably splitting smaller stuff too, birch and the like, not big rounds.
@@chunk3322 yeah seen a video from finland where they do that with meter lengths. I do a lot of that too recently with all the nice ash and i dont think the light swedish splitters would be that great even for that. The swedish maul used to be quite good for it
2:22 Whatever that thing is, it's freaking adorable.
Haha thank you! It’s one of our Nigerian dwarf goats
This was great man i love the design but like you said it has its limitations
It really is a great design. Nicely shaped. I think somebody up north would enjoy it
What helko werk (or any other brand) hatchet/axe would you recommended for splitting quarter logs to make kindle? I'm using old ones from my grandfather but i'm looking for a new one but can't decide. Kind regards
I like a miners axe or house axe to split rounds into kindling. The extra weight and short handle help a lot. But they’re not useful for much else.
Any axe out there under 24 inches with a thicker bit (25 degrees or more) would get the job done nicely. I’ve been using the council tool pack axe alot for kindling. It’s kind of expensive but is very versatile.
Thanks for watching and good luck!
8:33 broski almost cuts his fingers off.
the axe looks damn cool and nice. however i can understand if its not seen as great due to the wedge being right at the tip instead of all through front of the head. its from somewhere where a certain type of wood was used and metal may have been slim too, so its effient for its use and perpose but not for other areas compared to other axes. from my view it looks to work well for most easy split woods. ben uses a hell of a lot of different axes a lot of the time, it may just be that he's used to feeling the smallest of problems/characteristics in these axes. a brill lil discussion about it and id love to see what buckin bill has to say about it too. good work
For sure, it is a very well forged axe. Probably meant for Pine. Spruce her for that grow up in Scandinavia like you said. I just wish they would advertise it as a splitting ax for those woods, instead of general purpose splitting! I can definitely split hardwoods with it, but if they made a Nordic splitter like Helko Werk, that would be awesome and much more functional!
I have the smaller splitting axe thinking it would be the most versatile axe. But I do not find it to be more effective that any 15"+ hatchet that I have. Maybe it is the way I use them.
I agree. It’s a decent looking axe and has a thick profile considering its size. But I question whether anyone needs a small size dedicated splitting axe.
They all work just fine
Good philosophy to have
10:45 to skip to adorable goats
I have no problem with US steel, in fact the last I heard we know quite a bit about manufacturing and production. I'll buy American. Thanks for the video
Thanks for watching! For sure. US steel is good stuff, and reliably high quality too.
Say, who has a great recommendation for lumberjack boots/shoes?
The tripod is awesome! Was using it tonight! I should look into the footwear
Your goats are adorable
Thank you! They’re a lot of fun. They LOVE chewing on wood chips so are always nearby when I’m working!
I think it was designed to split long logs. Similar to a froe. The bit is skinny enough to use as a pry bar.
That could be! I’ve thought about turning it into a mortising axe, anything but a splitter 😂
@@urbanlumberjack it would definitely make a better mortise axe, especially in hard woods. I’m sure it would split pine without issue. I know the Finnish used their billnas style axes in the way I mentioned, that was one of the reasons for such a long collar/socket.
everything you split. split. it did its job?
It is for splitting smaller diameter, straight wood. Since it is not so heavy it is easier to swong all day long. But it does not excel as a large axe. For large diameter I use a large felling axe. The axes also responds different to different splitting techniques. But I do not also like using this type. Correct there about steel. And steel was precious. Frozen spruce wood is also to consider.
It is not their old pattern. Think it is more modern. Old Swedish axes does look more like large felling axes
i have the husqvarna splitting maul and the fiskars maul i like the husqvarna way better for me personallly the fiskars 36 inch handle is to long and i dont like way it feels when it hits plus i like the wood handle alot better.i also have the husqvarna s2800 splitting axe and it works great.i live in pennsylvania and split mostly cherry oak maple and some pine
I’ve heard good things about that husky maul. Thanks for the input
The pattern looks similar to the copper axe that otzi the iceman had
I can see it for sure. A very basic pattern, unbelievable to think we have tools from that long ago.
Can you chop with it since it’s not a good splitting axe ?
It may chop ok. It’s a very short bit so probably won’t chop well. I also thought about turning it into a mortising axe but that’s lots of grinding.
@@urbanlumberjack that’s a good idea too
If you try chopping with it let me know please
I agree with your approach and analysis approach. I have a Husqvarna branded splitting axe/maul in that Hults pattern. Used it for literally decades. Have Red Oak as you have, Ash, Maple, Cherry, pretty much all hardwoods. It's been excellent and will bust open wood my other axes bounce off of. For me a 4lbs plumb is my good general use axe , that Husqvarna is better in frozen Ash & Cherry, and Maple in the winter. I use the other axes on wood like beech. But everyone is different, why there are so many brands and patterns. Would like to see you go from rounds to split with the analysis :)
Thanks for sharing your experience! I heard it said this week that “the shoe that pinches one fits another,” and I like that saying a lot.
I have two different splitting mauls,, both about 3'5kgs made by Bellota, (Spanish made) you don't need anything more,,-at 59$ each
Very true, we are often able to do more with less.
I make spoons and spatulas with my splits.
Great stuff!
for cutting ice maybe
It would probably be great for that! I’ve thought about making it into a mortising axe but the bit is a bit short.
I have this axe and find your comments rather interesting. I think the comments about splitting 'softer' European woods 'on the money'. I also have a German Helko 1Kg (2.25 Lbs) on a similar length handle. My conclusion is that the German pattern axe (which is a lot more 'bulbous' pattern) is a far superior splitter. I also have a 3Lb (1.5Kg) Gransfors Bruks splitter with an overstrike collar and an Oschenkopf 2.75Lb 1.25Kg axe, both with a 'wedge' pattern that put it in the shade and will EASILY split large, tough, even knotted rounds of even the toughest hardwoods. The HB 2LB (0.9Kg) splitter is effective on Pine, Larch and Poplar, but you are wasting your time and energy on anything big and hard. That said, it is a good trekking axe in softwood forests. From dead standing pine or larch, or splitting fallen bows of Birch, it is very portable and perfectly adequate to get a decent fire 🔥 going. I find keeping the bit fairly sharp (which splitters normally dont need) helps. But, in Northern Birch/Pine forests it would be more than capable of limbing and splitting branches small enough to get a decent camp fire going. You make some very well considered comments and demonstrate great axe technique and knowledge. Over this side of the pond we have a lot of Ash. That burns 🔥 very well at camp or in a woodburner. It also makes good tool handles. But, if im at home or lodge in Scotland splitting bigger pieces, the 1Kg German Helko splitter shades it easily for serious splitting...but, wouldnt be any use as a cutter or limber. Horses for courses. Great video! Regards Ian
Thanks for sharing your experience, good summary of those axes!
@@urbanlumberjack Thx.
This guy talked for 20 minutes about splitting axes, but didn't split any really huge chunks of logs
You can see that elsewhere on my channel this one’s about this axe
nooo, you can't just diss the hipster overpriced axe beloved by youtubers who are trying to sell me shit, nooo!!
good review
I know, right? The hipsters won’t let me into their coffee shop now… i’m just after the fax, and refuse to be misled with slick marketing! knowledge is power.
@@urbanlumberjack thing is, an axe is a tool. It's a metal wedge on a handle, it isn't rocket science, nor do they split better. I like that you recommend council tools, they're good and the last american made ones left
I bought one of these. Definitely worst axe. Handle broke after a few days due to a fault in the handle. Then Hultafors refused the warranty due to "wear and tear"! Avoid at all costs!
That’s not good to hear. Warranty respect says a lot about a company
@@urbanlumberjack yes it's basically a light duties axe sold as a heavy duty. I got a Fiskars XL now and it's fantastic ♥️
@krisross1326 that’s the perfect way to describe it
Maybe it's not a bad axe. Perhaps it just doesn't suit your needs and wants. To label something as the worst that money can buy is a pretty extreme thing to do when I can assure you I own many that are far worse. It feels a bit like you are just filling videos with negativity and complaints. I suppose the way that axe isn't for you this channel just isn't for me. To each his own I guess
Just to be clear this is a response video to another that titled it that way. You need to understand that this is a very substandard profile for splitting, and is extremely expensive. I try to help people determine where to spend their money and get good value.
When a company sells a product at a premium and it doesn’t deliver negativity is warranted. I call a spade a spade but give credit where it’s due.
Mike c you are the coolest. Way to put it to him for making a vid abt his opinion. Maybe u should make some vids Mike and show us your splitting skills. I want a 20 min live feed of your fat ass splitting a pile of wood while listening to one of your gay Ted talks which I’m sure u believe all that crap. We will be waiting for vid or shut your mouth bitch. Ps Ben Scott is an axe genius btw.
The Urban Lumberjack uses a $40 dollar husky Splitter, Shiver Me Timbers...
Haha it’s heresy, I know. But I’ve got probably 10 or 11 cord of wood on that husky and it’s still kicking.
@@urbanlumberjack Awesome for $40 Ill pick one up and beat the fu*k outofit on your reccomendation, Thanks. Hope its Guns - Goats and Good-times down there Bruh...