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Well, granted that my company is Helko North America, I suppose my opinion would have a slight bias. So, take from this what you will.
But, I feel the Hinterland Hatchet compares quite well to the Gransfors Bruks. They are both made the same way. Both are handmade, which in the modern axe industry, that translates to open-die dropforging. Our Traditional Line axes are made by open-die dropforging, where one of Helko's master-smiths holds the hot steel with tongs as a drophammer falls repeatedly onto it, giving the smith full control of the shape and design of the head. The steel is a German C45 High Grade Carbon steel, and holds and edge exceptionally well. Rockwell hardness is within 53-56 HRC, which when combined with proper tempering, cooling, and heating, is a perfect balance between edge retention and hardness. Our handles are handmade in Switzerland, from American Hickory that is sustainably sourced and certified from the Forest Stewardship Council. The handle is coated with boiled linseed oil. The axe is hung with a wooden wedge, as well as an additional circular steel ring wedge. Personally, I feel that a steel ring wedge is superior to a flat bar wedge (personal opinion).
Also, it would come with a USA handmade vegetable tanned leather sheath, and a bottle of Axe-Guard (metal protector). The hatchet is 15 inches in length, and the head weight is 1-1/4 lbs. The blade itself has the Helko crown log hammered into the steel, which is only done once the smith who makes it agrees that it meets their standards.
So, that's a little information on our Hinterland Hatchet. I'm not one to say whether I think it's better or worse than a Gransfors. I think they are both finely made pieces that demonstrate both Germany and Sweden's manufacturing brilliance and ability.
Here's a photo of it at the bottom:
If I am not happy with the handle (im picky and I use my tools) how does exchanging go?
