Along the winding road between Gnarp and Bergsjö, one encounters lakes, fertile valleys, and towering mountains. It’s the epitome of Swedish countryside, reminiscent of the rural landscapes often envisioned when picturing Sweden, complete with solitary barns, horses, cows, and sheep. As you continue, a humble sign appears, marking the entrance to Gränsfors Bruk, where about thirty employees manufacture traditional axes sold worldwide, from South Africa to New York. These axes, known as the Gränsfors Bruk axes, are equally appreciated by big-city people longing for their next adventure as well as hunters and rural residents.

The secret behind their success is as simple as how a skilled baker produces a truly good bread: using high-quality ingredients and allowing enough time for the dough to rise.

Gränsfors Bruk’s axes are made from Swedish steel and hand-forged by skilled smiths with high precision, minimizing the need for post-processing. Each axe is crafted at a deliberate pace until it reaches its full potential. When the smith is satisfied with their work, their initials are stamped into the axe head – a seal of craftsmanship and quality.

To clarify and document their manufacturing process and philosophy, a ten-minute mini-documentary was created. The documentary delves into the question: what makes a great axe? It includes interviews with the CEO, owner, and smiths of the company.

The documentary, published on YouTube, has so far attracted over 540,000 views.