Until 50 or 100 years ago rural woodworkers commonly used axes for preliminary shaping on a wide variety of items, such as chair parts, kitchen ware (bowls, spoons), farm implements, etc.. Axes were also used by carpenters for trimming shingles, fitting joints, and hewing logs and square beams. If you're interested in traditional woodworking you may find that axe work is not only interesting and challenging; it can be a very efficient way to shape wood. At Country Workshops we have assembled a collection of some of the best axes currently available. If you have questions about the different models, do not hesitate to phone us.

SVANTE'S BABY. Our name for this axe is a bit corny, but this tool is quite impressive. When Drew Langsner first saw one of these little axes, which are hand forged by Swedish knife maker Svante Djarv, he thought it must be for children. However, during chairmaking class in Norway, Drew had a chance to try one. He was surprised to learn that this baby axe really packs some punch, and it's extremely easy to control. The secret is the small, but dense head, combined with the nicely balanced handle. The blade is 2-3/4 inches wide; the 12 inch handle is duplicator shaped with a rough surface for getting a good, easy grip. The axe (head and handle) weighs about 13 ounces. For detail spoon carving, light sculptural work, and camping. And this is a perfect first axe for youngsters.

VIKING AXE. A hand-forged Swedish reproduction by Stefan Ronnqvist of a unique Viking axe dated from the 10th century. The downwards angled eye requires the axis of the handle to dramatically bend in line with the center of gravity of the axe head. The result is unusually good balance and control when the axe is wielded in any direction. A wonderful tool for hewing spoons and other light work. This axe is featured in Wille Sundqvist's book Swedish Carving Techniques.
The Viking Axe head weighs about 21 ounces, with a 5-inch blade. We no longer offer the Viking axe fitted with a handle.

SLOYD AXE. (Bottom in photo at leftt) A new axe pattern developed by Wille Sundqvist, master craftsman, teacher and author of Swedish Carving Techniques. The Sloyd Axe fills a need for a well-balanced shop axe that weighs considerably more than our Viking Axe. The head is 35 ounces, with a 5-inch blade helved to a 15-inch hickory handle. An excellent tool for hewing bowls, chair parts and other larger projects, including architectural work. A leather guard comes with the Sloyd Axe. Forged by Gransfors Bruks in Sweden.

SPOON-CARVER'S AXE. (NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE) (Top in photo at left) A small axe that is quite wonderful to use for roughing out spoon blanks and other light work. Supplied with a hickory handle and a leather guard. The head is 24 ounces. From Gransfors Bruks, Sweden.

SWEDISH BROAD AXE. (Bottom in photo at right) We now offer three versions of a Swedish broad axe, typical of those used for log house work ca. 1900. GB-03 has a symmetrically beveled edge, and is intended for corner notching and hewing lateral grooves between logs. GB-05 is a right-handed broad axe, with a single bevel on the right side of the head, and with the eye angled so that the handle is also to the right. GB-06 is the left handed version. Note: Unlike American broad axes, these Swedish axes have a bulge on both sides of the handle eye. They are not dead flat from the cutting edge to eye on the flat on the non-beveled side of the blade. The head weighs 4 pounds 2 ounces, with 7 1/2-inch blade. A leather blade guard is included.

WOODS AXE. (Top in above photo)This is the perfect single bit axe for light limbing in the woods and for cutting through cross fibers in large logs while splitting out chair parts. The handle is 19-inches long. With a hickory handle and leather guard.

How To Order
Tools can be purchased three ways: Order by phone (Office hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Eastern Time) using your Visa/MasterCard for payment; order by mail, by clicking on Order Form (you can print the Order Form on your computer's printer, but we do not yet offer on-line ordering); direct purchase at our store and showroom.

Order Form

Country Workshops Home Page

E-mail:
Drew Langsner
Phone:
828-656-2280 (M-F, 9-6 Eastern time)