Disclaimer: Hults Bruk sent this product to us for free for a review. That does not affect our opinion about the product. In this article, we list both what we like and dislike. Read more about this here.
What is the Hults Bruk Dvardala Hunting & Forest Axe For?
If you spend any time in the woods, whether you’re tracking game, setting up camp, or just moving through dense brush, you know how much the right axe matters. Not too heavy, not too light. Balanced enough to carve, tough enough to chop, and small enough to actually carry without thinking twice about it.
That’s exactly the kind of tool Hults Bruk had in mind when they created the Dvardala Hunting & Forest Axe (previously called the Spika). Built at a Swedish forge that’s been running since 1697, this is an axe with serious history behind it.
The head is hand-forged from premium Swedish steel, the handle is curved American hickory, and the whole package weighs in at just 2.2 lbs. It’s light enough for all-day carry, small enough to fit in a pack, and capable enough to earn its place on any serious outing.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Dvardala worth adding to your outdoor setup.
Hults Bruk Forest Axe Overview
Hults Bruk Dvardala Axe
Key Features
- Hand-forged head at Hults Bruk, a forge with over 325 years of history dating back to 1697.
- 1.5 lb. head crafted from premium Swedish steel, specifically engineered for exceptional strength and edge retention.
- Semi-straight edge with a flat, wide grind.
- Versatile enough for chopping, carving, and splitting.
- Hardened and tempered to 54–56 HRC on the Rockwell scale for long-lasting sharpness even after repeated sharpening.
- 17.5″ curved American hickory handle, sanded, linseed oil treated, and engraved with the Hults Bruk logo.
- CO₂-neutral steel production that’s fully recyclable.
- Each head stamped with the traditional Hults Bruk mark.
Summary
The Dvardala Hunting & Forest Axe is one of those tools that genuinely earns its place in your pack. It’s compact and light enough for hunters and hikers who count every ounce, but built with enough substance to handle real work in the field. The hand-forged Swedish steel head holds an edge impressively well, and the curved hickory handle gives you natural control whether you’re making fine carving cuts or swinging through light timber.
What really sets it apart is the heritage behind it; this isn’t a mass-produced tool, it’s a hand-finished axe made the same careful way Hults Bruk has been doing it for centuries. If you’re looking for a compact forest axe that balances craftsmanship with genuine versatility, the Dvardala is hard to beat.
What’s In the Box?
- Dvardala Hunting & Forest Axe
- Vegetable tanned full-grain leather sheath
- Storage box
- Detailed user manual
My Review of the Dvardala (Spika)
The first thing I noticed when I got my hands on the Dvardala was just how well-crafted the head and blade are. We actually live near the Hults Bruk forge in Sweden, so we had the unique experience of driving out to meet the blacksmith himself. He handed us the axe in person, which made the whole thing feel pretty special.
Along with the axe, we received a sheath, a leather belt holder, and an over strike guard. I’ll be honest, the belt holder has become one of my favorite parts of the whole package; I’ve used it way more than I thought I would.
At 17.5 inches, the Dvardala sits at a really sweet spot in terms of length. It rides comfortably on your belt without getting in the way, but it’s still long enough to do real work like chopping logs, processing firewood, even felling smaller trees if you needed to. I’m only 5’4″, and it never once felt awkward or cumbersome, even when I was crouching around the fire making traditional Swedish kolbullar.
I already had some wood pre-split, so I put the Dvardala to work making kindling and feather sticks to get the fire going. The blade is seriously sharp, it sliced clean through paper better than most store-bought knives I’ve used. For feather sticking, it was exceptional. The head weight gives you enough momentum on the downstroke, but it’s still light enough to stay precise and controlled with each cut. That balance is harder to find than you’d think.
I’m genuinely excited to use this axe more to prep wood for carving. That wide, flat grind feels like it was made for that kind of detail work.
One thing worth mentioning for anyone thinking about pack carry, the Dvardala fits surprisingly well in a backpack. It slipped right into my old 30-liter pack without any issue, so if you’re running anything 35 liters or larger you’ll have no trouble at all.
I recommend getting the over strike guard. I hadn’t swung a full axe in a while, and it showed. I caught the guard a few times while chopping, which left some marks on the leather, but that’s exactly what it’s there for. A little wear on the guard beats a split handle any day. The sheath that comes with the axe is equally essential for safe carrying and storage. The belt loop holder is a nice bonus, though not strictly necessary if you already have your own carry setup for a small axe.
Taken as a complete kit, the Dvardala impressed me more than I expected. For a compact axe, the power and control you get out of it is remarkable and the versatility of the head design makes it one of the more well-rounded outdoor tools I’ve had the chance to use.
Who is the Dvardala For?
Buy This If You:
- Spend time outdoors hunting, hiking, or bushcrafting and want a compact axe that can handle a variety of tasks.
- Value genuine craftsmanship and want a tool with real heritage behind it, not something mass-produced.
- Are looking for an axe light enough to carry on your belt all day without it getting in the way.
- Love carving and want an axe with a grind that’s suited for detail work like spoons and camp tools.
- Want something that will last decades with basic maintenance, this is a buy-it-for-life kind of tool.
- Are a collector or enthusiast who appreciates Swedish forging tradition and premium materials.
Don’t Buy This If You:
- Need a heavy-duty splitting axe for processing large volumes of firewood; this isn’t built for that.
- Are a casual camper who only uses an axe a couple of times a year and just needs something cheap and functional.
- Prefer a longer handle for big overhead swings and serious timber work.
- Are on a tight budget, the Dvardala is a premium axe with a premium price tag to match.
Other Hults Bruk Axes Worth Considering
If the adverbial has you interested in what Hults Bruk has to offer, you’re in luck, they make several other outstanding axes worth looking at. Here are a few that are available in the US market (click to view on Amazon).
If you want to go even lighter and more compact than the Dvardala, the Almike is fantastic option. With a 1 lb. head and a 16″ handle, it’s the kind of hatchet you barely notice on your belt until you need it. Great for solo day hikes, fishing trips, or anyone who wants the bare minimum weight without sacrificing that signature Hults Bruk quality.
Where the Dvardala is built for versatility, the Kisa is purpose-built for taking down trees. If you’re doing more serious forest work or need an axe that can handle felling on a regular basis, the Kisa steps up nicely. It’s a natural next axe for someone who loves the Dvardala but needs more power in their kit.
Hults Bruk Tibro Carpenter Axe
The Tibro is a fascinating option for anyone who does woodworking or timber framing alongside their outdoor pursuits. The 1.75 lb. head and 20″ handle give you more reach and weight for hewing and shaping wood with control. If carving and woodcraft are your thing, this one deserves a close look.
Hults Bruk Motala Double Bit Axe
The Motala is in a completely different league. It’s a serious, heavy-duty workhorse with a 3.75 lb. double bit head on a full 30″ handle. This is for people who mean business when it comes to splitting and felling. It’s not an everyday carry axe by any stretch, but if you need raw power and want it backed by that same Hults Bruk craftsmanship, the Motala delivers.
