I looked into this when buying my axe and I believe I can go some way towards explaining the difference in cost
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Hultafors have a couple of different ranges of axe
The Long Chopping Axe is part of the Agdor range and the Trekking axe posted is part of the Classic range.
The classic range are according to marketing/advertising material generally more refined and, to be honest, I believe them when they say that. However, I also don't personally feel my Agdor axe is bad quality at all and I hadn't seen any bad reviews of the Adgor axes. I
They state the Classic is hand forged, but my Agdor also says hand forged on the head, so I'm not sure of the difference here... Maybe they just take more care with the Classic Range?
can somebody explain the difference in the two types of 'hand forged'?
The real quality differences with the Agdor and the Classic range?
Casstrom explain it like this:
Classic
"Pure craftsmanship from Hults Bruk since 1697! These axes are crafted by hand at one of the oldest axe making companies still around. It takes many blows with a hammer to produce the axe’s final shape. This method is costly, but it increases the density of the steel, thereby also improving the axe’s durability compared to those produced with fewer blows. There are very few manufacturers left in the world with craftsmen who still command this technique. Forged from top quality Swedish axe steel with carefully attached handles that are made from selected oiled prime hickory heartwood. Each head has been carefully heat treated to obtain an optimal hardness of 58-59 HRC. The edge has been ground by hand and goes through several stages of honing and stroping to obtain a shaving sharp edge. These axes all comes with a leather sheath. Used correctly these axes will last for generations."
Agdor
"This functional line of axes with an emphasis on the use of top quality materials to achieve a highly functional and durable tools. These axes are made at Hults Bruk in Sweden. Forged from top quality Swedish axe steel with carefully attached handles that are made from selected oiled prime hickory. These axes are of high qulity, however not quite as refined as the Hultafors Classic range and ground with a simpler grind ideal for chopping and splitting. These axes are very good value for money."
[edit]Wait, I think I see the key word... fewer blows? Also simpler grind?[/edit]
