Hults Bruk Adgor (Large) Montreal Pattern Axe Review

Overview

Many people are familiar with the Hults Bruk brand. They are the oldest and largest Swedish axe manufacturer still in existence. However, most people are still unfamiliar with their Agdor Montreal Pattern Axe. Largely due to the fact that it is only available in North America and even then it is hard to source.

The axe used in the review I found over at Big Bear Tools in BC. They are one of Canada’s largest Hultafors dealers. Shipping was a respectable $12. Definitely a place worth checking out.

For this review I will be comparing the new production Hults Bruk Adgor Large Montreal Pattern Axe with a vintage Hults Bruk Montreal Pattern axe from around 1960/1970.

The Sheath

The HB Montreal Pattern doesn’t come with a sheath. It’s part of the reason they can keep the price point so low. Essentially you save about $25.  With the price coming in at $78 CAD.

Realistically an axe like this would likely come with a fairly cheap sheath. Much like the Husqvarna axes.  Personally, I’d rather save the money and make my own sheath.

 

Length

The handle is shorter than advertised. It’s actually 31.5″ and that’s with the head hung high in typical Hults Bruk style.  Which is just fine with me. I find thirty two inches is too long for many tasks. Preferring my full size heads be on 28″ handles instead.

Of course, this all comes down to personal preference.

The Head

When compared to the vintage Hults Bruk axe head the profiles are absolutely identical. As seen below. So similar that I would guess they are still using the same dies from the 1960’s. Both the notch and tapered poll line up perfectly when overlaid.

 

Bit Profile

Just like the head, the bit profile is also identical. If the vintage Hults Bruk axe was hung you probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference from this view. The hollow sweep of the bit, the taper, the edge bevel, even the poll taper as mentioned above are the same.

The only difference is the eye size. The new HB eye is about 1/8″ longer and wider.

The Montreal pattern bit profile is exceptionally thin with plenty of blade space. Although possibly too thin to work well as a general use axe but time will tell. I’m sure with the weight it will still make for a competent splitting axe.

Hardness

I really wanted to compare the hardness of the new production HB axe to the Vintage HB  axe as well.  Often these modern, painted and lower priced axes get a bad reputation for soft steel.

With a sharp single cut file, I took about a dozen firm strokes across the bevel of each axe.  Both were quite hard.  With the vintage axe being only slightly harder.  Just as you’d expect from Swedish steel.

The Handle

I was actually surprised by the handle. Usually, budget line axes have quite thick handles and a lower grade of hickory. This one actually isn’t too bad. The shoulder and transition are very thick but with a full size axe you hardly ever choke up that far anyway. While the main part of the handle is thin enough to be acceptable straight from the factory. If you wanted it wouldn’t take much to thin out the handle slightly.

Even the grain orientation is 100% perfect with very little run out. As seen below.

My only complaint is the finishing were the handle transitions into the eye. It’s only cosmetic but that could have easily been cleaned up at the factory when the rest of the handle was finished. As it stands it looks like it came straight off the copy lathe.

Palm Swell

The palm swell reminds me of the old Maine style.  It’s not overly defined but still has a nice shape, is comfortable to hold and functions well.  Compared to the Gransfors  Bruks style palm swell on top.

Conclusion

You’ve probably guessed by now that I really like this axe. It’s by no means as well made or highly finished as their premium line but for the price point I would say it’s exceptional.

The edge comes ready to go. Same with the handle. The bit is smooth with no sloppy grind marks and a symmetrical bevel. Even the small details are there like the tapered poll and a properly thinned bit.

If you’ve been wanting a vintage pattern like this, but haven’t been able to find one, I’m sure this new production model would easily fill the role. Get a little dirt on it, wear off the sticker and you’d never know the difference.