The KISA from Hults Bruk | a compact Swedish felling axe

I was introduced to Hults Bruk at Outdoor Retailer 2021 by an impressive display of hand forged axes. The history of this Swedish company dates back as far as 1697. Almost 80 years prior to the founding of America. Still located just north of the Swedish city of Norrkoping, they know a thing or two about forging steel. The location was settled on due to its advantageous spot at the edge of a forest and next to an active stream. A stream that powered the original water driven hammers for the forge. Fortunately for me, they were willing to let me try one out at home. Settling on a 26″ felling axe, the 2lb Kisa was my go-to axe for the summer.

I needed an axe that was more than a one-trick-pony. The 26″ Kisa is large enough to fell small and medium sized trees. But also compact enough to lash to a backpack for a hike. As well as throw it in our FJ Cruiser for Overland adventures. It’s always nice to have a wood cutting tool while traveling off the beaten path. Sometimes you’ll come across a fallen tree that blocks the trail. Limbing it and cutting it into a manageable size for removal is key. And the Kisa can do just that. But where I used it most was processing firewood for campfires.

Solid Swedish Steel & American Hickory

The solid American Hickory shaft is milled and adapted perfectly for its specific use. At 26″ and 2.85 pounds overall, the Kisa can perform smaller tasks as well. I often find myself choking-up on the shaft and utilizing the Kisa like a hatchet while processing kindling. Full swings for chopping, bucking or splitting are easily accomplished with this mid sized axe. In the 1930s Hults Bruk developed more effective ways to hand forge a blade edge. It’s these pre-war breakthroughs that are evident in today’s axe product line.

“Our axes are carefully handcrafted with a skill that is taught only through experience and time. Hults Bruk blacksmiths work in pairs shaping the raw steel in a deft merging of force, timing, and perfect cooperation.” ~hultsbruk1697.se

Hults Bruk KISA splittiing demo:

The Kisa features:

• The axe head is hand forged at the historic Hults Bruk, a forge that has been in operation since 1697.
• Each axe is made from high-quality Swedish axe steel, expertly tempered to hold a very sharp edge even after repeated sharpening.
• Blackened, hand-finished, razor-sharp with a polished edge.
• Curved American hickory handle, sanded, protected with linseed oil and engraved with the HB logo.
• Each axe comes with a premium leather sheath, shipped with a storage box and detailed user’s manual.
• $179.00 US

For the price, the Kisa is an heirloom product made with old world craftsmanship built on three plus centuries of knowledge. Each solid steel axe head is hand forged in the original location founded in 1697. Hults Bruk offers a full line of premium axes and hatchets. Additionally, the Agdor line of axes follows the traditional North American axe patterns at a more affordable price point. $114 Agdor Yankee pictured below. Finally, an American Hickory shaft is fitted and accompanied by a leather sheath made by Axe and Awl Leatherworks in Waynesville, N.C.

Take a look at the Hults Bruk website for more information and the full line of felling products.

Agdor 26″ Yankee Features:

• The axe head is hand forged at the historic Hults Bruk, a forge that has been in operation since 1697.
• Each axe is made from high-quality Swedish axe steel, expertly tempered to hold a very sharp edge even after repeated sharpening.
• Painted iconic Agdor blue, sharpened ready to use.
• Curved American hickory handle protected with linseed oil.
• Each axe comes with an American leather sheath and a detailed user’s manual.
• $114