Gränsfors Bruks axes
Gränsfors Bruks axes
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE GRÄNSFORS BRUKS AXES
Steel heating by induction in the Gränsfors Bruks forge.
Which steel does Gränsfors Bruks use?
The C55 Steel used, which is alloyed with silicon, manganese and vanadium according to the company's own mixing ratios, comes from Ovako Smedjebacken in five different raw cross-sections. At the start of the forging process, the steel is heated to around 1200 No load speed and shaped red-hot under an original Arboga forging hammer from the 1920s. In addition to the correct positioning of the steel under the forging hammer, experience and good judgement play a major role here. This is how an axe head is created step by step under the hands of the blacksmith. Finishing is done by hand with a hammer on the anvil. The finished handmade head is then sharpened according to its function and the blade is then hardened at 800 °C. The head is tempered at 1954 °C for tempering. For tempering, the head is placed in a warm oven at 195 °C for one hour. This process reduces the tension built up in the steel during forging and hardness and is an important step in the manufacturing process. The cutting edge of the axe now has a hardness of 57 HRC and is tested for cracks or insufficient hardness using an impact test. If the axe head passes this test, it is polished and then oiled.
What tasks does Gränsfors Bruk produce axes for?
The axe models are categorised into four application areas according to their respective use: forestry axes, splitting axes, carpentry tools/log house construction and double axes. A Forest hatchets axes is a handy yet robust axe. The axe is suitable for delimbing smaller trunks or collecting firewood. A forestry axe is suitable for felling small and medium-sized trees and for subsequent delimbing. The Gränsfors Bruk felling axe has the traditional American Shape and, as the name suggests, is suitable for felling larger trees. When splitting wood, a distinction is made between a hatchet, axe and hammer. The splitting hammer has a significantly heavier head than a cleaver or splitting axe. Its so-called "neck" with thick side cheeks is used to drive in a splitting wedge. Traditional axes with a single or double bevel are available for shaping and hewing logs and beams, as well as chisels and Carpenter's hatchets for the Production of wooden joints. Double axes were originally used as felling axes, but today they are mostly used in a modified shape as so-called throwing axes.
Stemming and wedging of the axe handle with a hydraulic press.
What wood are the axe handles made of?
Gränsfors Bruks produces the handles in its own factory and makes the handles itself. Hickory is the perfect wood for this as it has Lengthy, parallel fibres. The wood is dried slowly before milling to prevent the handles from drying further and coming loose after assembly. To protect against moisture, the handle is soaked in hot linseed oil and treated with beeswax. For axe models that are subject to heavy use, an additional metal handle guard is fitted to protect the handle in the event of failure.
What is the best way to care for my Gränsfors Bruk axe?
All axes come with a leather sheath to protect the sharp cutting edge from damage during transport. The cutting edge and case should be dry when fitting to prevent rust. A little oil on the axe head from time to time provides lasting protection. Store your axe in a dry place. However, the axe handle should not be allowed to dry out, otherwise it may detach from the head. The head of axes and hatchets is not suitable for driving in splitting wedges; this should only be done with the striking face of a hammer (splitting hammer, not splitting axe). Regularly check that the handle is firmly seated (you can obtain a replacement handle from DICTUM if necessary), regularly sharpen and resharpen the cutting edge or use the DICTUM sharpening service.
Where can I find axe forging courses?
Gränsfors Bruk regularly organises forging courses in Sweden. If you don't want to travel quite so far but are still interested in blacksmithing courses for axe forging, you are sure to find something suitable under "Workshops" in the "Metalworking" section. DICTUM regularly organises blacksmithing courses and other courses on various craft topics.
