The axe. An iconic tool for survival and productivity. A tool that not only functions as a lifeline in the wilderness, but at home, can serve as a window into that wilderness and an inspiration for people to reconnect with their hands, craft, and nature. An invaluable tool for felling, splitting, hunting, and making shelters. A well-chosen axe remains the primary tool some experts suggest you carry into the wilderness.
For over 130 years Wetterlings has been forging a unique line of quality axes crafted to outlast even the toughest outdoor lifestyle.
Two hours north of Stockholm, stands Wetterlings Sweedish Axe Works. In the serene Swedish countryside Wetterlings Axe Works has been hand forging a full line of axes since 1880, making it the oldest axe forger in Sweden. Approximately 100 years ago, Wetterlings manufactured 400 different styles of axes. Today they offer 18 styles, all of which are available through North American Distributor Sport Hansa LLC.
Intrigued by the history and heritage of the Wetterlings story, our team reached out to learn more about the brand and their products. Sport Hansa LLC responded and sent our team the Wetterlings Backcountry Hatchet for review. In putting the Backcountry Hatchet through the paces, our team learned that Wetterlings not only pays homage to the craft of forging, but respects generations of axe forging knowledge in making a hatchet that will become a generational piece for the outdoors family.
On Design and Performance…
Each Wetterlings’ axe is individually forged by hand resulting in an axe completely unique and made to last a lifetime.
The unique quality of each Wetterlings axe finds its beginning in a hand forging process guided by the human eye and generations of forging knowledge and experience no computer can match.
In the case of the Backcountry Hatchet, the result is a 1.5-pound head made of Swedish carbon alloy steel combined with 16 inches of American hickory making for the perfect balance and heritage styling and modern functionality.
The blade materials allow Wetterlings hatchets to be honed to an extremely sharp and durable edge that will outlast the edge on similar axes. Unlike drop forged axe heads, the Wetterlings blades are left virtually untouched after the sharpening process. This results in a ruggedly beautiful character unmatched by a simple $30 hatchet from your local hardware store.
When crafting an axe designed to last a lifetime, the wood handle has to have the same properties as the steel; it must be strong, tough, and remarkably durable. Whether crafting the spokes of wagon wheels to cross an unexplored nation or serve as the backbone of tools to build a nation, hickory has answered the call whenever durability and strength aren’t negotiable. Almost since their founding, Wetterlings has been importing Alabama hickory to serve as the handle for their full line of axe’s. Like the hand forging of the steel head, Wetterlings also lathes the handles for the Backcountry Hatchet and all their products.
And whether you’re packing the Backcountry Hatchet along on your next hunting or camping trip, Wetterlings includes a leather sheath to prevent your backpack from looking like you’ve carried a wolverine into camp.
Bottom Line…
William Foster once said, “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” This is the path that Wetterlings has pursued for over 130 years. The Backcountry Hatchet will not only outlast your adventures, but refuse to let you down in the midst of those adventures serving you in the best possible way for years to come.
Manufactured by Wetterlings of Sweeden, the Backcountry Hatchet is available for approximately $114 from Sport Hansa LLC. The Backcountry Hatchet features a 1.5lb head and 16” American Hickory handle.
*Gumption Gear Review received the Wetterlings Backcountry Hatchet from Sport Hansa LLC at no cost and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The items featured are provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.