First Impressions - The Husqvarna Forest Axe

The Husqvarna Forest axe is handforged in Sweden using Swedish axe steel. It features a 26" handle carved from American Hickory. The head is a single bit and the total weight is around 3 lbs. It also comes with a leather sheath to protect the blade. I found my axe at a local Husqvarna dealer. The fit and finish wasn't perfect on these axes, but I chose the best of the 3 in stock. The handle was rough, and the blade still had grind marks on it. I took the axe to the waterstone and put a good edge on it.

After getting the edge shaped I oiled the handle and head and let it hang for a week or so. I tested it on some smaller oak trees in the backyard and it took them down nicely. It had kept its edge pretty well so I just cleaned it and hung it back up.

There's a lot of pesky red cedar trees here on the property and I decided today would be a good day to try the axe out on one right next to the house. The previous owner had already removed the lower limbs so I could access the trunk easily.

The axe bit into the cedar very easily. Its edge is shaped more as a slicer than a splitter. Before long there were loads of wood chips flying everywhere. Don't forget to wear your safety glasses. I shaped the tree in the direction I wanted it to fall and soon it was slightly leaning that way.

I moved to the other side of the tree and with one swing the tree was ready to fall. I backed away and it landed right where I wanted it to. Now it was time to start taking off the limbs. On some smaller limbs it was nice seeing the axe cut through in one swing.

Before long all the limbs were removed and I had a large brush pile. It was getting pretty warm so I decided I would use the saw tomorrow to cut up the main trunk of the tree. You can definitely tell fall is on the way here in Oklahoma, and I'm looking forward to some cooler weather.

The edge held up pretty well but I may take it back to the waterstone for a bit of touchup when I have a few other tools to sharpen. I'm fairly impressed with the axe overall. If the handle was a bit thinner and the fit and finish a bit better, I would give it 5/5 stars. My first impression would probably be 4/5 stars considering the price paid. You can find this axe online for around $60 or at a Husqvarna dealer for a similar price.

Do you have any cedar trees on your property? Have you used this Husqvarna axe or one like it? Let me know and please upvote if you enjoyed reading!