Introducing The Graybear Outdoor Axe
There’s certain things in life that just make you smile or things that are just plain satisfying. And this Axe is definitely one of them. Well made, hand forged, straight grained, sharp edge- there’s not too much better when it comes to the simple brilliance of a tool that has been in the hands of pioneers, adventurers, explorers, warriors and workers for thousands of years.
The Graybear Outdoor Axe is a brilliantly practical, all-around axe- compact enough to fit in a pack, but weighty enough to be utilised two-handed for larger jobs. In other words- the perfect size. Makes light work of bigger jobs like limbing and even felling- but brilliant around camp for splitting kindling and carving too.
With a 750g head, and a 500mm long handle, the axe is perfectly designed for any expedition or adventure. Hand forged and stamped with the famous ‘Marbles’ motif in South America to exacting standards, the fit, hang and profile of the blade provide an impressively capable tool.
The axe is then hand-finished, sharpened and polished here in Australia in my workshop. The handle is truly unique- every handle leaves the workshop completely individual- no two the same. Using a centuries-old finishing technique famous in Japanese carpentry called Yakisugi (specifically with Cypress) or in the west more commonly known as Shou Sugi Ban, the timber is burnt or rather charred carefully to burnish the wood, leaving a smooth, but very durable finish- ready for years of use. Perfecting the technique in the 18th Century the technique protects timber from insect damage and remarkably against fire damage. Neither problems commonly affect an axe handle- but gee it looks good. And as mentioned- no two handles leave the workshop the same- totally unique and one of a kind.
Rubbed in a final pass with a home-brewed beeswax and linseed oil treatment, the axe is ready for anything. Or maybe even for admiring, hung on the wall. Or both. Your call. They’re honestly that beautiful you could buy two. One for using and definitely one for pointing at and telling your friends about.
The handmade leather sheath is minimal and snug- riveted for a secure fit. I make these one by one- making sure they fit perfectly- Hand stamped with the Graybear logo too… for authenticity. Dyed and finished with beeswax, it will last as long as the axe.
These tools will last a lifetime- hand them onto the next generation with love and appreciation…