Hults Bruk vs Hultafors Axes – Differences Explained
Okay, Hults Bruk and Hultafors, what the hell is the difference?
Hults Bruk was bought by The Hultafors group in 1992 and manufactures axes for both brands. The Hults Bruk brand is sold in the US, while Hultafors is international. 8 identical premium axes are sold by both brands under different names. However, the standard axe lines vary a lot.
Standard axes exist under both Hultafors and Hults Bruk lines, but the US Hults Bruk standard axes transitioned to the Agdor brand in 2021.
This article focuses more on the different axe lines – I have another article that compares the hands-on differences between premium and standard axes in more detail.
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Hults Bruk & Hultafors Premium Axes
The Hults Bruk and Hultafors premium axe lines are identical in every way (except name).
What makes it complicated is the axes have unique names under each brand (despite being identical). So you might see reviews and videos using different names to talk about the same axe.
The premium lines are primarily light-felling axes and hatchets. They use the versatile Swedish turpentine pattern head that is suited to both mid-size chopping and detailed work. The shape of the head allows the user to choke up on the handle for fine control and they are very popular with bushcraft enthusiasts.
The thin blade profile is nimble and can chop deep, but has a shorter cutting edge than typical American and European designs. Even the larger models are only meant for mid-size trees.
Hults Bruk and Hultafors Premium Axes
| Hults Bruks | Hultafors | Type | Head | Handle |
| Jonaker | Ågelsjön | Mini-hatchet | 1lb | 9.5″ |
| Almike | Hultan | Hatchet | 1lb | 15″ |
| Aneby | Ekelund | Small felling | 2lb | 20″ |
| Akka | Aby | Felling Axe | 1.5lb | 24″ |
| Kisa | Qvarfot | Felling Axe | 2lb | 26″ |
| Motala | Wetterhal | Double Bit | 3.75lb | 30″ |
| Sarek | Hult Splitting | Splitting | 3.5lb | 30″ |
| Tibro | Stalberg | Carpenters | 1.75lb | 20″ |
Note: The previous line of Hultafors axes was branded Hultafors Classic. This was a somewhat recent change, and some “Classic” products are still on the market.
Hults Bruk and Hultafors Standard Axes
Hultafors and Hults Bruk offer a standard line of more affordable axes. This sets them apart from the other high-end Swedish axe maker (Gransfors Bruks).
The standard axes still use high-quality steel and hickory but spend less time on hand finishing to reduce the cost. They use simpler, more wedge-shaped American Yankee pattern heads. They are quick hand-ground for an edge that is usable but not super sharp and have fatter handles.
The best thing about the standard line is that they have much larger axes (up to 4 lbs). This pattern is a good “universal” design that’s well suited as a work axe.
Hultafors axes are more affordable (cheaper than the US models) but don’t come with extras like a sheath. They might take a little tuning to perfect but in my opinion, are one of the best value axes on the market.
Hultafors offers an impressive line-up of (at least) axe 14 models, while the Hults Bruk line was limited to 7.
As of July 2021, Hults Bruk has transitioned its standard axe line to the iconic Agdor brand (more on the Agdor axes below).You can still find Hults Bruk standard axes (sometimes on sale), but they won’t last long.
Hults Bruk vs Hultafors Standard Axe Models
The full offering of Hultsfors standard axes is a little unclear. The standard axes don’t have names (just product codes), so retailers often improvise names. I’ve also seen models for sale that are not listed on the official Hultafors website.
| Hults Bruk | Hultafors | Head | Handle |
| Tarnaby | H006 | 1.25lb | 15″ |
| – | H008 | 1.75lb | 17.75″ |
| Salen | – | 1.75lb | 20″ |
| – | H009 | 2lb | 20″ |
| Torneo | HY10-0,8 | 1.75lb | 26″ |
| – | HY10-0,9 | 2lb | 26″ |
| Kalix | HY10-1,2 | 2.75lb | 28″ |
| Atran | HY10-1,5 | 3.5lb | 32″ |
| – | HY10-1,75 | 4lb | 31″ |
| Bjork | Splitting Axe RA | 3.5lb | 30″ |
| Gran | Splitting Axe SV | 2lb | 20″ |
| – | 5lb Splitting Axe | 5lb | 30″ |
| – | SY 21-0,8 SV Carpenter | 1.75lb | 20″ |
| – | SY 21-0,8 RA Carpenter | 1.75lb | 20″ |
Agdor Axes Extend the Standard Line
Agdor is a classic Hults Bruk brand. It started showing up in North America in the ’50s and continued to compete with the declining North American axe makers ever since.
The Agdor axe line offers a range of good quality axes with heavier heads than the premium line. This makes them better suited as a general work axe for larger North American trees. They have American pattern heads that are capable of both felling and splitting.
Agdor axes internationally (everywhere except the US)
Agdor has been around internationally for years and is basically an extension of the standard axe line. If you look closely, the whole Hultafors standard axe lines are actually co-branded Agdor. It’s printed on the head, but nobody (not even Hultafors) refers to them like that.
They have the same level of finish overall but can be distinguished by the painted blue head.
The difference is they focus on unique non-yankee heads (Montreal and Tasmanian patterns), which are associated more with Canada and Australia. This line seems to constantly be shifting, but they have a mix of axes ranging from 2.5 – 5lbs.
Update: I am starting to see more and more Agdor models show up in Canada, many with Yankee heads. I think they might be starting to phase out the standard Hultafors line and “replacing” them with blue Agdors all together (like in the US).
A 3.5lb and 5lb Montreal pattern also exists, as well as a 4.5lb Tasmanian pattern. Although It wouldn’t surprise me if US models start showing up in other places as well.
Agdor Axes in the USA
In the US, the Agdor line has fully replaced the old standard axe line and offers 7 axes.
A popular Adgor axe is the 28”, 2.5lb Montreal pattern boys axe. It’s been available for years and is a great versatile all-around work axe. Surprisingly in the last couple of years, it has also gained a lot of attention as a big throwing axe.
What makes the US Agdor axes unique is they come with an American-made leather sheath. They are handcrafted by Axe and Awl Leatherworks in Waynesville, N.C.Otherwise, they still have a “standard” level of finish.
A nice touch (that I love) for the larger axes is that they use 28″-32” handles, and didn’t just slap on a 36” handle like most companies. 32″ is so much handier than the big old 36″.
US Agdor models vs existing standard axes
| Standard Equivalent | Agdor (US) | Type | Head | Handle |
| The Tarnaby | Yankee 15 | Hatchet | 1lb | 15″ |
| The Gran | Splitting 20 | Small splitter | 2lb | 20″ |
| HY10-0,9 SV | Yankee 26 | Small felling | 2lb | 26″ |
| HY 10-1,2 SV | Yankee 28 | Felling Axe | 2.75lb | 28″ |
| – | Montreal 28 | Felling Axe | 2.5lb | 28” |
| HY 10-1,5 SV | Yankee 32 | Felling Axe | 3.5lb | 32″ |
| – | Montreal 32 | Felling axe | 3.5lb | 32″ |
More axes made by Hults Bruk
The Arvika 5-Star
This is a brand of one. A big 4.5 lb axe, inspired by racing axes. This axe is intentionally designed to be modified by the end user. This is a great axe for big North American timber.
Husqvarna Axes (maybe not Anymore)
UPDATE: As of 2022, it seems Husqvarna has been moving at least some of its axe production out of Sweden. I have seen an example of a splitter with a tag that claimed “Made in Italy” (likely Prandi).
While I can’t confirm if this impacts all models or all regions, it is something to be aware of – but they still do specify “Hand Forged”.
Husqvarna is another Swedish tool company, that had contracted Hults Bruk to manufacture their wood-handled axes. They have gathered quite a reputation as being a great axe for the money.
While they look similar to the more expensive Swedish axes, some cost-cutting has certainly happened. The leather sheaths (while a great inclusion for the price) are small and not welted. The handles are fat and blades are very roughly sharpened – my forest axe came with a 2” flat spot in the middle of the bit that needed sharpening.
The nice thing is the corners that are cut are things the owner can tune themselves. It’s easy to sharpen a blade, thin, or paint a handle. They do not come painted, I did that a few years ago.
Please comment below If I missed something or if you have any questions. I do my best to respond to everyone.
About the author:
About the author:
Jim Bell | Site Creator
I’m just a guy who likes axes. I got tired of only finding crap websites, so I set out to build a better one myself.
I’m also on Instagram: @axeandtool
Hi Jim,
This is a very interesting article – and it kept me from purchasing an Agdor hatchet, which I now realize is identical to a Hultafors hatchet I already own. Thanks for that! My comment concerns your statement that Husqvarna’s traditional axes are all made by Hults Bruk. As fas as I know, they have two camping/trekking hatchets in their program at the moment. The larger one is identical with the Hultafors Premium Hultan hatchet. I had both at home and found no difference except for the bevel. The smaller one, however, is identical with the German Bison 1879 Trekking Beil (hatchet): https://smile.amazon.de/-/en/Bison-Hatchet-Trekking-Natural/dp/B07YGGX3HX/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1OCMCND655C40&keywords=bison+trekkingbeil&qid=1663086184&sprefix=Bison+trekki%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-5 .
In fact, my Husqvarna came with a tag attached, stating ”Made in Germany”.
Anyway, keep up the good work!
Greetings from Northern Finland,
Jörn
Thanks for the great insight Jörn – I will update this article (and a couple others). I also recently saw pictures of a Husqvarna splitting axe that had a tag stating “made in Italy”.
I think they have likely started using other vendors to cut costs. But it also could be a regional thing – I’ve never seen the small Husqvarna axe that matches the Bison here in Canada – so it’s likely specific to Europe.
Really appreciate your input, I want this site to be as accurate as possible.
Hi Jim
Nice article, informative. My question: I ordered 2 Hults Bruk Jonaker Hatchets for gifts and the DHL tracking thread starts in Sialkot Pakistan! The supplier is Knife World. Do you see a Pakistan connection here?
Cheers…..Bill
I’m not familiar with knife World but I’ll be honest – Pakistan is a bit of a red flag. It could be a totally legit location of a third-party supplier’s warehouse, but there is also a history of knockoff metal work from that area. Take a look at them when they come in – if they feel right, they probably are. Sorry I can’t be more help – hope the best for you.
Hello Jim!
Thanks for your article this is probably the best clarification I have found on the entire web for this comparison! I do have a couple of questions to add as well.
Would you recommend the Agdor line over the standard Hultafors line? I have no preference in how they look comparatively. Just curious if you or anyone thought that one was better than the other.
Another question is that since I am from Canada and would be working on processing decently large trees would you recommend a 28″ or a 32″ felling axe or am I just splitting hairs at that point?
Appreciate your time,
Nathan
I would go 32″ over 28″ – it’s the perfect size for a work axe. Standard Hultafors or Agdor really are identical – even though the monrtreal/yankee head shapes are different, the blade profiles are very similar. The montreal has a little bit wider blade, so it’s a tad stickier when doing light splitting tasks – but they are both great for chopping.
So I would decide the length/weight you want and pick which ever one meets it. I flip back and forth constantly between the two. And you will need to do the same level of tuning on both – bare minimum get an axe file.
Unfortunately, in Canada neither comes with a sheath by default – but still great axes.
Saludos desde Mexico, gracias por la informacion y las aclaraciones.