One of the first woodworking tools ever created was the axe. And, for tens of thousands of years, stone, copper, bronze, iron and steel axes have felled trees, cut beams and even put decorative carvings on woodwork.
One of the companies still making awesome axes is Gränsfors Bruk. This Swedish firm has been making these tools since 1902 out of high-quality steel and flexible yet tough hickory handles. Based on classic models, they offer sizes from small hatchets to large double-bitted models.
If you are looking to get your hands on a quality axe, this may be a good site to check out.
I bought one of their hatchets a couple of years ago when I was in Sweden. It is a fantastic tool, worth every penny.
Ian