Review Karesuandokniven Metsämies

  

- "L" and "XL", everything is relative

"Know by many names" as the saying goes. This applies not least to small axes. They can be called "hatchet", "belt axe" or "tomahawk" depending on the type and background, and in Swedish we sometimes talk about forest axe or hiking axes. Regardless of what they are called, it is all about axes with a format discreet enough to easily carry with you.

This interpretation of such an ax comes from the Swedish Karesuandokniven and is called Metsämies.

Karesuandokniven Metsämies L 

Karesuandokniven is a small company that is found far north in Sweden, north of the Arctic Circle in fact.* The small community, in addition to its beautiful nature where it is located by the Torne river, is known for its knives. But they also have fairly exclusive axes in their range. It is one of the latter or rather two of them that I intend to review here. Metsämies, as they are called, is Finnish for "forest man" by the way.

First, I can start by saying that an ax this small is always a compromise between how efficiently it handles tasks such as chopping wood and how easy it should be to carry around. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that bigger axes split better but are heavier to handle and take up more space.

In this series of axes that also includes cousins in the form of pure hunting axes, the Karesuandokniven focus on portability. It's about axes that are light and flexible, but still, strive to be as efficient as possible given those postulations.

Metsämies L, a small but very good forest axe

Twitter version: The Metsämies from Karesuandokniven, the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast. All according to the motto "the best tool is the one you have at hand".

Ax head

Metsämies L has a blackened ax head that measures 12 cm in height and is 2.5 cm thick at most. The length of the edge is 80 mm. Those measurements give a total weight of the ax of 529 g. It is not a big ax as I said. Big brother called XL is slightly larger with a total weight of 650 g. In addition to the slightly increased weight, the shafts have also been slightly extended. Then, as the names suggest, there is an even smaller relative for those who really want something small.

Metsämies are available in three different sizes, here is a comparison between L and XL. You can tell which one is used the most

Both have received a decorative etching on the side of the ax head. The ax is blackened in order to provide extra corrosion resistance, which is one of Metsätmie's main advantages. The material is Chinese steel, 5Cr15MoV** which is sometimes considered a "high carbon" stainless steel. However, it should not be confused with "carbon steel". If the steel had been found in a folding knife, I would have said that it would have been far too simple for the task. But when we are talking axes, the rules of the game change and completely different requirements are placed on the material. For example, the edge-holding capability is not as prioritized as impact strength and toughness.

Yes, it is stainless. I left it in a lake for a while and picked it up without drying it afterward to test that claim

Axes with stainless steel heads are not that common on the market, I understand. Sure, the material has some disadvantages compared to other steels in this application, but in return, you get an ax that is very resistant to corrosion. A characteristic that is especially nice in for example Scandinavian climate or other places where it might be snow or rain. Especially if the ax is used for hunting and thus also used for meat and bones. Rust and hygiene do not go together very well, while blood has a tendency to corrode steel.

If I have to object to something that applies to both axes, it is that the factory edges could be better, especially on the smaller of the two. Big brother XL was sharper although neither was extremely sharp. It might be worth noting that from axes this small I would expect more of a cutting edge than from a splitting axe for example.

Sometimes in Nordic tradition, people even use their ax as a cutting tool. These factory edges were not quite there. 

Metsämies works great for splitting wood although admittedly these pieces didn't offer much resistance apart from a peg or two

...and it's also good for making splinters

The advantage of a not-quite-perfect edge was that I then got the chance to see how easy the ax was to sharpen and how the steel behaves after a new edge is created. As expected, it was fairly easy to grind. And to combine a couple of tests, also Spyderco's Triangle Sharpmaker was used for the purpose. It gives an edge of 40 degrees, 20° per side.

That the steel is not extremely durable matters less in this application. This is not an ax for splitting cubic meters of wood. Having said that, there has been a lot of chopping anyway. And of course, it must be admitted that one feels the limitations that the format provides. Initially, I didn't really know what to expect as my previous experiences with axes are about tools in completely different dimensions. But with technique and a little forethought, these axes can accomplish quite a lot. But it must be said right away that if you intend to cut down small trees and the like, you should choose the XL version of the two. The extra centimeters of shaft length and the heavier ax head make a difference. 

But the Metsämies family is just as flexible as I hoped for. They are excellent to have with you when you are out in the great outdoors. Now it is mainly the smaller of the two that I used for the reason that when I want even more flexibility or rather capacity, this ax is supplemented with a folding saw. Then you basically have a portable sawmill in your backpack. Most things can be processed with that combination, especially if you add a knife. After all, axes are also excellent for all kinds of other tasks, such as knocking down tent pegs if necessary or using them as improvised hammers and more. There, a saw is not enough.

Shaft

The handle is next to the stainless material in the head the most unique thing about this ax and definitely the most exclusive as it is genuine craftsmanship. The length is 23 cm on model L and 26 cm on the XL version. In other words, extra-large must be set in relation to which category of ax it is.

The material of the hand-carved shaft is red beech*** and it is finished with an end button made of moose stag. A very nice combination, although I actually think the dark-stained Masur birch handles on the hunting axes from the Karesuandokniven are even more attractive. But it's a matter of taste, of course.

The handle of the Metsämie is hand-carved in red beech and ends with a moose stag button

In addition to being nice to look at, the pattern on the handle serves a function. It contributes to increased friction and thus provides a better grip on the axe. This is especially true if your hands are wet or just a little stiff because they are cold, or if you are working with gloves on. Otherwise, the handle has a distinct rear end which helps to prevent the ax from slipping out of the hand.

But here it was perhaps a bit too much of a good thing. Someone commented on one of my photos on Instagram and wondered if the pattern wasn't causing a "hotspot bonanza". It's not really that bad, but a couple of the edges were a bit sharp, it must be admitted. But it is very quickly remedied with a piece of sandpaper. In addition, you get an ax that fits your hand. If you work with gloves on, it is of course a non-problem. 

Pretty much immediately I modified the handle slightly by sanding the ridges on the pattern and the end result turned out really well

The handle is comfortable and widens toward the end

Something that is extremely important for a good axe, especially a small one, is the balance between the weight and the length of the shaft. Here, Karsuandokniven has succeeded very well with that detail. This of course applies when you hold the furthest part of the shaft to actually get the most power from the ax as well as when you move your hand forward and use the advantages of the small format.

Once the ax is used, it behaves pretty much as it looks. It IS a small ax, so if you know that large trees are to be felled or large amounts of firewood chopped, I recommend that you supplement the Metsämies with a folding saw as mentioned earlier. In this case, the larger of the two axes must be chosen. The extra weight makes a difference, but above all, the three-centimeter extra shaft length is worth its weight, if not in gold, then in any case in well-cut beech. It gives a swing with more authority. It's strange how much extra power those few centimeters give.

A small ax like this is perfect for use as a cutting tool if you grip the shaft at the head

The first time I used Metstämies L I was not completely thrilled. The light weight coupled with not being sharp enough meant that it didn't bite into the wood like I expected. Rather, it almost wanted to bounce in harder materials. In that case, it was fairly dry, slow-growing birch that was found in knife-throwing boards that were to be chopped up. However, it is not the kindest material, but still typical of what an ax can be used for. Especially if a fire is to be created, which was the purpose in this case.

But what a difference it made when it was sharpened! After that, I carried and used the axes on and off throughout the spring, summer, and autumn. 

Sheath

All hunting and forest axes from Karesuandokniven come with well-stitched leather sheaths equipped with loops that allow you to carry them on your belt. The loop is quite big and handles belts up to 55 mm wide. 

Metsämies can be bought as a set and then fire steel and diamond stone are included. The entire set can then be carried in a case made of heavy leather

The ax is held in place in the sheath with two strong push buttons. It has worked perfectly during the test period and the ax has not once dropped or fallen out, even if you crawl a bit or force bushes. The axes' relatively short handles also make them easy to carry. In terms of weight and length, they are comparable to a larger knife.

When carrying a backpack, the ax has to sit there because the straps steal the space on the belt

The sheath for the smaller ax is special as it also has holders for the rest of the set. Also included are a double-sided diamond sharpener and a fire steel. The diamond sharpener is nice to have with you as you can touch up both ax and knife edges in the field. The double sides mean extended life. One side is provided with a notch that facilitates the sharpening of fish hooks. The fact that the sharpener is diamond coated ensures that you can also handle the usually harder steel found in, for example, many modern folding knives.

The fire steel is solid with a reindeer horn handle. Both the steel and the sharpener are fitted with small cords made of reindeer skin. It may not be a completely necessary detail but are an example of things that make the set more personal. It becomes, together with other materials and manufacturing methods, an expression of the Karesuandokniven's roots.  

Conclusion

In principle, it can be said that there are two ways how to equip yourself best if you want to process wood in different forms when you are engaged in outdoor activities. Either you choose a very large knife a la Bowie or the largest Sami-Leukku available. The other option which is perhaps more common in Scandinavian tradition**** is a combination consisting of a knife and an axe.

That's where Metsämies comes into the picture. The tradition of carrying an ax in the belt is ancient, not least because it has also historically happened that it was a throwing ax found there. These days, it's other qualities that attract.

I appreciate Metsämies on a couple of different levels. Initially, because it was pretty. I didn't have much to go on other than pictures. But later because it meets the expectations I had. That it would be light, flexible, and thus very useful for the type of outdoor life I do. It is often said that the best tool is the one you have with you. It certainly applies in this case! An ax easy to carry is also one that is at hand when needed.

An excellent combination, the Karesuandokniven Metsämies L and Galten hunting knife

These axes are quite unique as they combine craftsmanship with modern materials in the form of a stainless head. The material, "high carbon", should not be confused with "carbon steel", which is something completely different. The advantage is that if, as here, you manage to get the material impact-resistant/tough enough, you get a more corrosion-resistant axe.

To add some flair to the axe, the handle has been given a hand-cut pattern. A pattern that is perhaps taken a step too far, but it is easy to fix yourself.

Metsämies forest axes are the perfect gift for hunters and outdoorsmen

Karesuanodkniven also offers all Metsämies axes regardless of size as a set, which can be seen in the pictures. Then exclusive fire steel is included with a nice handle made of reindeer antler with a strop of reindeer skin to give it some local flavor. A double-sided diamond sharpener is also included. It's a very effective way to both sharpen your ax and knife out in the woods. The set is then completed with a belt sheath that holds all three items. In passing, the fire steel can be said to work very well.

A comment about price cannot be avoided. The ax alone (L/XL) costs SEK 1895/1995 and the set SEK 2695/2795 on Karesuandokniven's website at the time of writing. It is quite substantial for an ax but in return, you get a premium product made in Sweden. The quality is expressed both in how it is made and in the choice of materials. Small variations in appearance occur, of course, as these are partly handmade axes. However, that is a big part of the charm in my opinion.

That and the fact that the Karesuandokniven in Metsämies takes inspiration from and manages a legacy by making a type of axes that has a very long tradition appeals to me. It also makes them excellent gifts for all friends, acquaintances, and relatives with a passion for the outdoors. 

Specification:

Length Overall: 265/280 mm (L / XL)
Edge Length:  80/90mm

Steel: 5Cr15MoV
Weight: 529g/650 without sheath (weighed by me, XL said to be 690g)
Shaft: Wood, Red Beech with butt cap of moose antler
Sheath: Leather

Produced by Karesuandokniven, made in Sweden


/ J 

* Something that earned them the title "the world's northernmost knife manufacturer" until I, unfortunately, had to point out that Norwegian Knivsmed Strömeng AS is another 300 kilometers due north.

** There I know that Karesuandokniven also considers alternatives but that the availability of ax heads made of stainless steel is not extensive.

*** A small detail error has nestled into the presentation text on Karesuandokniven's website. It says "/../ and types of wood taken from the forests around here". As a southerner, I'm pretty sure beech doesn't grow that far north. The natural distribution stretches as high as the Småland border in this country. In addition, they are grown further north, but we do not go much further than Uppland. And that is a long way from the Arctic circle.

**** But not only because it is also the same combination that was advocated by the American Georg Washington Sears. He is the man behind expressions like "bushcraft" and "wilderness survival" among others.