Sweden’s Hult Bruks Spika is a great all-purpose camping axe.

Most outdoorsmen use axes and hatchets—axes for chopping trees and splitting firewood, hatchets for lighter work. Axes were normally too big to carry backpacking, so we always settled on using a hatchet and made do. Some of us would cut the handle down of an axe to make it more manageable. Now, with the help of the internet, we’re able to see what other outdoorsmen use. The Spika from Hults Bruk of Sweden is the perfect size to handle most all axe chores and still be manageable to carry.

Spika Specs

Model: Spika all-purpose axe
Company: Hults Bruk
Edge length: 3”
Head & edge material: Forged carbon steel
Handle: Hickory
Overall weight: 2 lbs. 5/32 oz.
Overall length: 17.5”
Sheath: Leather edge cover w/strap-on thong
Country of origin: Sweden
MSRP: $206

Light-Duty Cutting

I just had to do a paper slice because the Spika felt wicked sharp. It was challenging to get started but the Spika sliced the 20-pound bond paper like a champ. I choked up on the head and used push cuts. The first slice included a piece of my fingernail. Wow, this is a sharp axe! It was loud while slicing, that is, the sound of paper being cut.

Single-walled cardboard slicing was next. It was easier than the paper to hold and move my fingers out of the way. The Spika was surprisingly easy to control as there is a forged-out finger notch to aid in choking up on the head for finer work. The axe made the cardboard curl up, which makes great fire starter. Again, I used the push cut. I was slowly getting used to this mid-sized axe. I still had to account for the longer handle.

Medium-Duty Cutting

It was time to do some whittling on pine. The Spika was very controllable on the depth of the cut. The super sharp edge rendered some very nice, smooth curlicues. I did notice a sharp ridge on the choil area that needed to be softened if you are using bare hands. A few passes on a Kraton wheel made it easier on my index finger.

Chopping

With camping season kicking off, I had some red cedar slabs that needed splitting. The Spika split one in one chop. I kept on splitting till I had a nice pile of kindling. I did a few more firesticks to add to the pile. This is a handy axe for sure. You just have to find the sweet spot on the handle for splitting and keep your fingers out of the way.

Near the bottom of the woodpile, I saw some seasoned hackberry chunks. It was time to try a little chopping—deep whacks for the Spika. It was accurate on the placement of the chops. (I really wanted to go after a standing tree but the neighbor didn’t go for that idea.)

Sharpness Test

I went back to 20-pound bond paper for slicing and the Spika didn’t disappoint, slicing the paper cleanly. That’s very impressive for an axe.

The Spika has a polished cutting edge, a smaller hammer head, and a leather sheath on the base model. Hults Bruk offers belts, an axe holder and sharpening stones. The company carries all things axe related—a very complete lineup.

Final Cut

The Spika needs softening where your finger rides when you choke up on the axe head. The SPIKA is a must have for backwoods camping. Its size makes it easy to carry. It’s top of the line in terms of axes, without a doubt.

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