Few people have as many uses for firewood as Gustav Ovland. In his unique home—partly a converted starch factory in Åhus, located in southern Sweden—you’ll find everything from the classic open fireplace in the living room to an old cast iron oven, an outdoor bathtub, an outdoor kitchen, and a large fire pit on the patio— all of them wood-fired using logs he splits himself.
So when Hultafors launched its new splitting axe Kvillinge, it was only natural to let Gustav put it to the test. With his practical experience and passion for functional, genuine tools, he is the right person to evaluate both design and performance.
Gustav – craftsman, problem solver, and inspirer
Gustav has quite literally built his life from the ground up. With roots in the Swedish countryside and experience as both an entrepreneur and self-taught carpenter, he’s always had a natural feel for materials, tools, and the value of practical work. His ability to find solutions where others see problems, and his deep love for craftsmanship, shine through in his renovation of the old starch factory in Åhus, now a warm, distinctive, and thoughtfully designed home.
Early axe memories
Gustav’s first memory of using an axe goes back to his childhood in the countryside. Surrounded by forests, horses, and open space, he developed an early respect for nature and the tools that make life easier. On one occasion, his parents arranged a wilderness camp for him. There, he built his own shelter using only a knife and an axe, with materials gathered straight from the forest.
“That became a fond memory,” Gustav says. And perhaps that’s where his interest in tools and craftsmanship truly began.
Wood splitting – From chore to enjoyment
For Gustav, splitting wood is more than just a daily task. It’s a practical necessity—but also a meaningful ritual.
“For me, there are really two phases,” he explains. “The first splitting, when the wood is chopped and left to dry, is mostly just a job that needs to be done. But when I’m splitting wood for today’s use—for the fire, to heat the stove, or for cooking in the outdoor kitchen—that’s pure enjoyment. It feels like the starting shot for something good. What am I putting on the grill? What sides go with it? It builds anticipation.”
Finding the right axe for the job
Over the years, Gustav has come to understand how different axes serve different purposes. He remembers the early days, trying to split logs with a carpenter’s axe—until he finally got his hands on a proper splitting axe.
“At some point in the beginning, I was chopping wood with a carpenter’s axe,” he says with a smile. “Then I discovered what a difference a real splitting axe makes.”
It’s a realization many come to—the right tool doesn’t just make the job easier, it also makes it safer and more enjoyable.
“It takes time to learn to let the axe do the work. But that’s what you want to aim for.”
Technique and patience – letting the axe do the work
Splitting wood is a skill that requires both patience and the right technique. According to Gustav, the best advice for beginners is simple: trust the tool.
“It takes time to learn to let the axe do the work. But that’s what you want to aim for.”
It’s about getting into the rhythm, reading the grain of the wood, and using your body efficiently. Over time, it becomes second nature—and the process becomes both effective and satisfying.
Choosing a splitting axe
When it comes to choosing a splitting axe, Gustav is clear about what matters most.
“The weight is important—it should help do the work for you,” he says. “And you don’t want an axe that gets stuck in the wood all the time —that’s the most annoying thing.”
A well-balanced and sharp axe makes all the difference. “Splitting with a dull axe is like slicing a tomato with a blunt knife—there’s nothing more frustrating.”
First impressions of the new Hultafors splitting axe
When Gustav tried out the new Hultafors splitting axe, he noticed the difference right away.
“The wider head made it split the wood much more effectively,” he says. “It was also a bit heavier than my old axe, which made it even more efficient. I was really happy with my previous axe, so it was surprising and fun to use something that was actually better.”
Here, tradition meets innovation—Swedish craftsmanship combined with modern materials and design. The result? A tool built for tough work, that also turns the job into an enjoyable experience.
“If you buy something that, with care, can be passed down to the next generation—that’s real value.”
Craftsmanship, quality, and sustainability – choosing tools for life
For Gustav, buying well-made, reliable tools is a no-brainer. He sees it as a long-term investment—both financially and from a sustainability point of view.
“We live in a throwaway culture, and that’s just wrong in every way,” he says. “When I built my first house, I learned that it’s actually cheaper in the long run to invest in quality. If you buy something that, with care, can be passed down to the next generation—that’s real value.”
It’s about showing respect—for the craft, the materials, and the makers. “Beyond saving money by buying something that lasts, I want to honor the craftsmanship. The knowledge and skill that go into a quality product are worth supporting. I’d rather wait until I can afford the right tool than settle for something cheaper that won’t last.”
The axe as companion and symbol
Gustav’s story is a reminder that an axe is more than just a tool. It’s a symbol of craftsmanship, tradition, and sustainable living. The best tools, after all, are the ones that stay with you for life—and maybe even get passed on.
With the new Hultafors splitting axe, you don’t just get a high-performance tool—you get a trusted companion, ready for daily use in any weather or situation. It’s the result of over 300 years of Swedish craftsmanship from Hults Bruk in Åby, developed in close collaboration with skilled users like Gustav.
Ready to experience the difference? Discover the new Hultafors splitting axe at your local dealer or find it here.
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