Centuries-old Swedish Craftsmanship with Hand Forging, Hand Grinding, Hand Finishing
Mequon, Wis. (January 2025) – Since 1697, Hults Bruk axes have been hand made in Norrkoping, Sweden, by professional blacksmiths. This January, the brand is introducing Spika (pronounced “speak a”), a multi-purpose axe with a 17.5″ handle and total weight of 2.1 lbs. In addition, for the first time, Hults Bruk has designed and produced a collection of six essential accessories for its entire line of axes.
Hults Bruk axes are recognized for their strong Swedish steel, solid American hickory handles and heads that are hand-finished for a razor-sharp edge and stamped with the HB logo.
The new Spika boasts a unique hybrid design with a shorter handle and multi-purpose head – a combination that makes the axe more portable and versatile. Spika can be used for precision work like carving and whittling, as well as campsite and bushcraft tasks like chopping, splitting, delimbing and trail maintenance.
“We crafted Spika for the outdoor enthusiast who appreciates meaningful innovation that’s rooted in legendary craftsmanship. And, because it’s so versatile, we believe it will become one of those indispensable tools that you’ll be glad is in your pack,” says Christopher Berg, vice president of international brands, Hultafors Group North America.
Spika Head – The Spika head is 1.5 lbs. and its cutting edge is approximately 3.125″. (Since all Hults Bruk axes are hand forged, there can be slight length variations from axe to axe.)
Spika Head Features – A hand notch in the head provides a solid grip for work close to the body and allows users to steer the axe with maximum control. The axe has a semi-straight edge with a flat and wide grind so it can rest firmly against whatever is being worked on. In addition, the edge has a slight curve so Spika can be used for light forestry work, such as clearing a path. The head is also a bit thicker over the cheeks, giving it good splitting capabilities. Finally, Spika has a hardened butt that can be used to pound non-steel items like tent stakes.
Spika Handle – The multi-purpose axe has a narrow handle with a curve at the tail that delivers more force and a pronounced end knob that creates a more secure grip.
Spika has an MSRP of $199 and is available at Hults Bruk dealers.
New Swedish Leather Accessories
To accompany the Spika axe, as well as its entire line of axes, Hults Bruk has created a line of six premium accessories. The accessories are made in Sweden from vegetable-tanned, full-grain leather that ensures durability and an attractive appearance that holds up over time. Each item is marked with the HB logo.
“Having the right gear and accessories elevates any outdoor experience,” adds Berg. “We wanted to meet that need and deliver the level of quality and craftsmanship Hults Bruk is known for.”
Pictured: The new Spika axe from Hults Bruk, along with a collection of four new leather accessories – the axe sling, axe holster, overstrike guard and belt. A grinding stone and spare handle are also available. The sheath is included with every Hults Bruk axe.
Axe Sling (#840796), MSRP $49 – This leather accessory allows users to keep their hands free while hiking, trekking or camping. The sling attaches to an anchor hole at the end of the axe handle and an anchor hole in the sheath. The sling ranges in width from one to two inches. The wider shoulder section helps distribute the weight, making the sling more comfortable.
Axe Holster (#840795), MSRP $29 – The holster attaches to the belt, keeping the axe close and ready to use. (Always have the axe sheath on when carrying the axe in the holster.)
Overstrike Guard, 4.75″ (#840793), MSRP $27 – A leather strike guard protects the handle closest to the axe head in the event of an overstrike. The guard (also known as a handle protector or an axe collar) is secured using leather cords.
Leather Belt, 37” (#840797) or 45“ (#840798), MSRP $54 and $59, respectively – The belt matches the premium Hults Bruk axe sheath and essential accessories. It is 1.5″ wide and has a sturdy buckle with an antique brass finish. To shorten the belt, simply unscrew and adjust the buckle.
Pictured: Hults Bruk grinding stone with leather case.
Grinding Stone with Leather Case (#840623), MSRP $44 – The leather case provides a secure grip point to help prevent cutting injuries, as well as protect the grinding stone. The rough side of the stone has a grain size of 180 and the fine side is 600.
Spare Handle (#842034), MSRP $39 – The 17.5″ replacement handle for Spika is crafted from Alabama hickory that’s known for its exceptional durability and strength.
Legendary Hults Bruk Craftsmanship
Hults Bruk axes are created at a Swedish factory nestled outside the town of Norrkoping. The site was originally chosen in the late 1600s due to its location at the edge of a forest and near a stream. At that time, the stream was essential since it was used to turn a water wheel to produce power.
To this day, Hults Bruk continues to hand forge its axe heads at the historic Hults Bruk, a forge that has been in operation for 328 years.
- Each axe is made from high-quality Swedish steel and is expertly tempered to hold an extremely sharp edge, even after repeated sharpening.
- Once forged, the axes are blackened and hand-finished to be razor-sharp with a polished edge.
- The axe handles are made from American hickory that’s sanded, protected with linseed oil and engraved with the HB logo.
- Each Hults Bruk axe comes with a premium leather sheath, storage box and detailed user manual.
Background
Hults Bruk is part of the Hultafors Group NA portfolio of premium professional brands. Hultafors Group NA is part of Hultafors Group, a global company based in Göteborg, Sweden, that offers superior brands designed and manufactured specifically for tradespeople.
In addition to Hults Bruk, the Hultafors Group brands include, W.steps, SCANGRIP, Johnson Level, CLC Work Gear, Hultafors Tools, Martinez Tools, Snickers Workwear, Solid Gear Footwear and Hellberg Safety.
For more information, visit hultsbruk1697.se.
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