Kalthoff Small Carving Axe 01

The small carver is a specialty axe and a precision tool. It is useful in a variety of carving jobs, from removing lots of material to fine cutting surfaces. It works well for beginner and senior carvers. Developed in cooperation with renowned carver Beth Moen.

The 550 gram axe head is easy to swing. The edge comes ready to use and will hold a sharp edge for a long time. The 30-32 degree angle works well for both soft and hard wood. Hardened to 58 Rockwell, it has good edge retention and is still easy to sharpen.

The axe is balanced just below the axe head, which makes every gram work to your advantage. When you do precision work, the axe feels lighter because your grip point is the same as the balance point. When you need to remove lots of material and need more power, you grip closer to the end knob so the entire weight is working for you.

Forged in Sweden from Swedish steel. Handle from Swedish ash.

A cavity allows the hand to carve from the center of the edge when holding close, which increases fine cutting precision. Holding closer to the end knob empowers each strike to remove bigger chunks of wood.

The long curved edge easily carves into the wood. The flat bevel makes the sharp edge catch the fibers without bouncing off or sucking into the wood.

The handle curve aligns well with the edge line from every grip point. Oval handle profile allows for good direction and stabile grip. The generous end knob protects the axe from sliding out of hands when chopping hard.

The ash is hard and tough for not breaking from a bad hit, and flexy to pick up some of the vibrations to protect the hands from the strike.

Julia learned to forge at Gränsfors Bruk , then moved to Wetterlings- first as an interim manager and then as CEO. Now running her own company, she appreciates every step of the manufacturing process and stays true to her values, maintaining the highest standards.  

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, grown in Skåne
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