Kalthoff Small Carver Axe

How a Kalthoff Axe Is Made

We make our axes in a very specific way, based on research, long experience, and a commitment to what truly improves the function and durability of the tool.

Thorough research and testing

Every axe begins with a purpose. I start by carving prototypes in wood, then forge them in steel. I use the axe extensively, and professional carvers test it continuously. From there I create new versions, each slightly different from the last, adjusting every detail until the axe becomes exactly what I envisioned.

I produce small batches in collaboration with carefully selected suppliers. We focus only on what genuinely enhances performance and longevity. Everything is made in Sweden. Together, we are Kalthoff Axes.

First-grade Swedish steel

Our axes are made from a chrome–molybdenum–vanadium steel produced in Smedjebacken, at a Swedish mill renowned for its quality. When tested against several selected steels, this one clearly outperformed the others.

Each alloy plays a role. The modest carbon level provides the ideal hardness without making the steel brittle. Molybdenum improves hardenability, increases wear resistance, and reduces brittleness. Vanadium helps refine the grain structure during forging.

The combination gives us the perfect balance of hardness, toughness, and robustness. The result is an edge that bites well, stays sharp a long time, and withstands heavy use.

Precision forging

We die forge the axe heads to create a dense, homogeneous structure without pores or cracks. This traditional method uses two tool halves that form the shape of the axe. A large hammer presses the glowing steel into the cavity, and the blacksmith works the metal from tool to tool until the shape is precise.

This process gives us excellent control over temperature and allows us to use our preferred alloy without compromise. We can work with a top-grade steel instead of a lower-alloyed alternative.

Forging the axe in a single heat also improves hardening performance, as the steel does not lose carbon through repeated reheating.

Special heat treatment

Hardening is the most important step in axe making. Our heat-treating method is carefully developed to ensure that the edge takes and holds an extremely fine edge for a long time, while the axe head remains strong enough to handle heavy use.

This method requires more time and cost, but the results are absolutely worth it. In our testing—done in dry pine knots at a 27-degree edge angle—the edge lasts significantly longer than standard treatments.

Strong and flexible ash

We use Swedish native wood both for its exceptional properties and to honour the long history of Swedish axe culture. Our aim is to source materials as close as possible, rather than “crossing the stream to fetch water.”

Ash is our preferred handle wood. It is hard and tough enough to withstand a bad strike, yet elastic enough to flex and absorb vibration, protecting the hands. Ash has traditionally been used for axe handles in southern Sweden. Ours grows in northern Skåne and has a bright sapwood and deep brown heartwood with a beautiful, visible grain.

Fitting and securing the handle

Our handles are first turned, then hand-shaved and finished with raw linseed oil.

The fitting is done with great care. Both the handle and the wood wedge are prepared furniture-dry, ensuring maximum contraction. The wedge is glued for security. We do not use a steel wedge, as it does not improve durability or performance and only makes re-handling more difficult.

Vegetable-tanned leather

Our sheaths are made from premium hides that are a by-product of local meat production in Uppland. The leather is vegetable-tanned using only bark and water.

Lifetime guarantee

We are proud to make axes that will last for generations when properly cared for. Both the materials and the craftsmanship come with a lifetime guarantee.

Axe head weight: 550 gram / 1.2 pound

Handle: 300 mm / 12 inch long

Edge: Long and curved 100 mm / 3.9 inch

Bevel: 30-32 degree slight concave

Blade: 130 mm / 5.1 inch long with carving cavity

Neck: 55 mm / 2.2 inch long

Steel: Swedish steel. Alloyed with carbon, molybdenum, chrome, and vanadium

Forging: Die forged in hammer press

Heat treatment, edge: Kalthoff slow hardening to 58 HRC

Steel finish: Rust proof oil

Wood: Swedish ash, elm or maple.

Grain alignment: Straight grain, standing growth rings with +/- 25% variation

Wood moisture: Axe assembled with handle and wedge furniture dry at 8–10% moisture level

Handle finish: Raw linseed oil

Sheath: Leather sheath included. Made from vegetable tanned cow hides, bordeaux shade