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Before getting into the review, I want to explain why I chose this particular model over another that was more suitable for my needs. If you read the other reviews, you probably saw the critical ones mostly dealt with the axe head breaking (no bueno). While comparing the relevant reviews, I noticed they all had something in common: the Husqvarna logo was stamped onto the head forward of the shaft. Most of those reviewers believed the stamp created a weak point in the metal, which I agreed with, and caused the head to snap. The original model I wanted, the  Husqvarna 576926301 13" Wooden HatchetHusqvarna 576926301 13" Wooden Hatchet , had the same problem. After reviewing the product pictures and consulting a Husqvarna rep, I confirmed that this model, the Husqvarna 19" Wooden Splitting Axe, had the logo stamped behind the shaft. This model does indeed split wood better than the first model I wanted, but it is also larger and heavier. However, the axe head is still looking great after a week of heavy use so I feel good about my choice. If the head breaks off, I will definitely update the review.With that out of the way, let's get into what I think about this axe (and not the significant negatives of other models).**The Good**1. Wood-Splitting Ability: I've never had an axe with the head shaped specifically for splitting small pieces of wood, so I was very impressed with its performance. The week that I have had the axe so far included a few days of heavy use around the yard and a 3 day winter backpacking trip where it truly made the difference between a cold time and big fires that lasted all night long. After the very first trip, I have already decided the increased performance over a smaller hand axe is worth the extra pound and change of weight.2. Good Shaft (all innuendo is unintentional,skip to #3 if it becomes too much): It's not hard to find a great shaft that is still affordable. However, I was still pleased with the stock one provided by Husqvarna. It's pretty smooth and feels natural in the hand, without feeling like it has been sanded into oblivion. The shape lets you choke up close to the head and slide to a better grip as you swing. The wedge at the top of the head was cut pretty flush with the shaft and looks way better than when I do it myself. I'm also liking the "Husqvarna" in big letters on one side. But I'm not a fan of the other side, which I will explain in "The Bad" section.3. Stylish and Functional Sheath: I knew from the product decision that it came with a leather sheath, but was not able to see any pictures before purchasing the axe (I included one so you can judge for yourself if it's nice). I bought this expecting to replace the sheath as soon as I could measure the head, but this might be the first "stock" sheath I actually like.4. Looks Good and Feels Good: I'm the kind of person that chooses form over function every time, but I always at least look a little for something that does both. This axe definitely checks both boxes. So far, it has worked out great and still looks pretty good for something as simple as an axe. One advantage this model has over smaller axes is actually its size. When your buddies finish chopping and bury their dinky little hand axes in the base, you can casually walk over and slam this bad boy right next to them. Then you give them a manly stare and nothing really needs to be said, but they just know your "axe" is bigger. You can't really put a price on that.**The Bad**1. The "Safety" Notice: As stated previously, I only like one side of the shaft. The reason is that the reverse side has a diagram warning you against hitting the back of the axe head with another object (see attached picture). It's inked on there pretty well and I haven't been able to fade it even a little. It's not a huge deal since I know I'll have to replace the shaft eventually, but come on. Really?2. Cheap Loop: The bottom of the shaft has a loop that makes it easy to hang the axe. I'm not really sure what the intent was. It seems too rugged just for attaching the product information tags, but too thin for its expected use. After a little over a week, I've already noticed it fraying a little bit. I wished they used a stronger material for this; maybe the sheath ate up all of Husqvarna's leather stash.3. Bad Logo Placement (on other models): I know I said I wouldn't talk about the negatives of other models, but Hasqvarna's poor logo placement is still bugging me a little. After experiencing the performance of a proper splitting axe, I would still pick this model over the 13" version if given the choice again. But that issue and the lack of customer support experienced by other reviewers almost made me go with a competing brand. Even with all of the features I like about this axe, of which there are plenty, the only reason I went with this model is because it does not share the problems plaguing the others (so far).All in all, I am very pleased with my choice so far. I was worried about the increased size and weight for winter backpacking (my main intended use), but haven't noticed a huge difference. The increased performance of the wood splitting specific head is enough that I use it at home for smaller logs, even though I have a much larger axe that will chop anything. If Husqvarna gets their act together and starts stamping their logo in a better place, I'm sure customer confidence will return for the other models. But for now, I only recommend this one specifically.

This is a quality axe overall, and I would probably give it 5 stars for value if the head were finished just a little better or if it were about $20 cheaper. Mine was unevenly ground, and had a very sloppy sharpening job which wouldn't be a big deal for me as I expect some touch up on any new axes save Gransfors. My concern is that the edge - which should be completely bright, was not in some places, indicating that the heat treat may have been affected by the excessive heat of the sloppy sharpening job. I fixed the edge with just a little effort, but I'm concerned that those particular spots on the blade have been ruined. We'll see. If it holds up, then this is a very good value axe.I would also note that the head on the axe I received is not finished quite as well as the axe pictured. Again, not a big deal as the pictured axe is finished as one would expect directly from Hulks Bruk and this one is in a slightly more raw state, i.e. only ground bright right at the cutting edge. Expected since it's a bit cheaper than the Hulks branded one.I would give it 5 stars for the handle and the hang. It's a great hickory handle and the head is hung expertly. As far as functional usage for this 26" axe, it's in the same general category as the Gransfors Scandinavian Forest axe on the expensive end and the 24 or 25" Council Tool Hudson Bay 2-pounder with the sport utility finish. It's probably a better value than the Gransfors (granted, not as well finished) and not as good of a value as the Council, but you would probably be happy with any 3 of those listed and for slightly different reasons. This axe is just a tad beefier than the Gransfors in the handle and the cheeks, but this is still a slim-cheeked axe. It's "multipurpose" but really is a "forest axe" in that it's a great size for packing in the woods. It's a fantastic limbing axe but as a splitter, shouldn't be expected to take on big rounds, only as a camp splitter. It's great at felling smaller trees, particularly softwoods or softer hardwoods like poplar. Overall, a great bushcrafting, camp, or limbing axe, provided the heat treat on my blade holds up.

This is a great axe, rather, I should say this has become a great axe AFTER I rested the wood handle with tung oil. The blade stays sharp and the shape of the handle is comfortable in my hands. Chopped down some trees and no blisters!

For splitting, this axe is awesome, but you'll probably need a splitting maul as well to break up big rounds.