Added October 2, 2017 to Arvika 5 Star, Pre 1988
Hults Bruk Arvika 5 Star Pre 1988
So it appears that I have happened upon a real gem at a yard sale in Northeastern Connecticut, USA. I saw the axe almost from the road, it was one of three, and as the CT pattern is my favorite pattern, I thought I was in for a treat.
As I walked up I came to realize that the owner spray painted all his tools to prevent rust. This axe was no different and it was hard to make out too much, but I could see enough to know it looked swedish, which baffled me because I had never heard of a swedish Connie.
So after a little wire wheeling, it appears to be a Hults Bruk Arvika Five Star axe.
My questions are many, but the main one is, what exactly is this axe? What was it intended for? What pattern is it, what is its age, what was its intended market, really any info at all would be appreciated.
I wonder how it came to be in Connecticut?
Interestingly enough, if the gentleman who I bought it from was its first owner, I don’t think it’s been used. It certainly shows age, but the spray paint wasn’t blemished, clearly indicating it has not been used since painting, the bit looks like it has a factory bevel, and all the other edges are sharp and ding-free.
52 Comments
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JamesOctober 2, 2017 at 4:19 pm
Nice find, thanks for sharing! Originally its own forge in Sweden, Arvika created the 5-Star Racing axe for use on Australian hardwood. The racing pattern was also popular for lumberjack sports like the standing block chop. In the early 1960s, Arvika ceased production and Hults Bruk purchased the brand and 5-Star pattern. Hults Bruk continued selling the Arvika 5-Star in select markets, including Canada.
The maker’s mark is a cold stamp used before 1988, so this axe could have been made sometime between 1960 and 1988. I don’t have an exact date for the Arvika stamp with the stars on the poll. But I’m guessing this one is closer to 1960-70s.
Michael FoxOctober 3, 2017 at 4:12 pm
I like this one
kellyOctober 4, 2017 at 2:59 am
My favourite.
RichOctober 4, 2017 at 7:26 am
Thanks James!
Colin McGowanOctober 5, 2017 at 4:05 pm
I wish! I have a 3.5 lbs HB felling axe that I hafted with some no name hickory handle. It never felt right, so I cut it off! I’m waiting to get myself an actual HB handle to put this baby back into service. I’m very lucky to have one.
ChadOctober 3, 2017 at 3:19 pm
Might be the angles, doesn’t quite look like a Connie to me but what a find! Great looking axe!
Gary DixonOctober 3, 2017 at 3:31 pm
love to use this axe
kelly tupickOctober 3, 2017 at 3:41 pm
What a great find, you just never know what you may find at yard sales.
ParkerOctober 3, 2017 at 3:46 pm
Love the red on the axe handle
Kevin M LiddleOctober 3, 2017 at 3:50 pm
A well used tool.
ChuckOctober 3, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Awesome!
SamOctober 3, 2017 at 3:54 pm
when I think of “axe” this is what pops into my head
DanielOctober 3, 2017 at 3:56 pm
Nice find! Looks a fantastic axe, like the shape very much. Pure logging axe style IMO
Jesse ValdiviaOctober 3, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Very nice. Good tool to have.
KillingerOctober 3, 2017 at 4:13 pm
Love this axe!
Steve burtOctober 3, 2017 at 4:19 pm
Quality axe shows that hb had been making great axes for decades
Pat MigliozziOctober 3, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Nice simple pattern that performs well.
Jim LipscombOctober 3, 2017 at 4:38 pm
Nice sleuthing! I’m going to have to take a second look at my grandpa’s racing axe after seeing this.
Stephen HemingwayOctober 3, 2017 at 4:47 pm
This beautiful axe!
Michael PetersaenOctober 3, 2017 at 5:02 pm
Great picture of an axe!
HectorOctober 3, 2017 at 6:27 pm
Getting some work done
JeffOctober 3, 2017 at 6:39 pm
What a beauty!
James BigjohnOctober 3, 2017 at 7:01 pm
This looks like it can handle the work put it…love it.
clint hamiltonOctober 3, 2017 at 7:26 pm
great pic
JonOctober 3, 2017 at 8:06 pm
Good looking axe! Looks like it’s aged well.
Jared PickeringOctober 3, 2017 at 8:31 pm
Dang, that’s nice.
Eric draycottOctober 3, 2017 at 9:23 pm
Such a great shape!
JamesOctober 3, 2017 at 11:02 pm
Looks great,yard sales are the best!
Scott ThompsonOctober 3, 2017 at 11:49 pm
beautiful!
Jakob von AndrianOctober 4, 2017 at 1:09 am
Wow! Awesome axe, im so jealous. I look for good backyard axe finds all the time, haven’t had luck yet…
NickOctober 4, 2017 at 5:04 am
Beautiful bit of kit. A real classic.
Russell StullOctober 4, 2017 at 6:06 am
Nice find. Beautiful axe.
RichOctober 4, 2017 at 7:21 am
Hey thanks everyone for the support! When I get the axe all cleaned up, I’ll add another pic!
Jennifer ArthursOctober 4, 2017 at 8:30 am
Dad was a lumberjack and got me using a hatchet at a young age. When I got a bit older he moved me on to an axe so similar to this one. Seeing this brings back memories.
NormanOctober 4, 2017 at 8:48 am
A real wood eating monster in the flesh. Use it well my friend.
Shawn AndersonOctober 4, 2017 at 8:50 am
Awesome axe!
Todd HollenOctober 4, 2017 at 9:03 am
Classic Axe, nice find!
chadOctober 4, 2017 at 1:31 pm
great looking axes, would love a set of these
Blake S.October 4, 2017 at 6:21 pm
I like this one
DavidOctober 4, 2017 at 6:46 pm
Nice pic!
AmberOctober 4, 2017 at 9:16 pm
Nice!!!!!
AmberOctober 4, 2017 at 9:17 pm
Nice!!!!!!
HBfanOctober 4, 2017 at 11:41 pm
It’s a beaut!
KayOctober 5, 2017 at 12:19 am
A fine axt to use and a must have for real men.
JuddOctober 5, 2017 at 3:22 pm
Beautiful axe!
Robert J BumcrotOctober 5, 2017 at 5:31 pm
Great look axe!
Steven LeibleOctober 5, 2017 at 8:34 pm
Great find
JonOctober 5, 2017 at 9:07 pm
Good eye, Sir
Mitchell SpillerOctober 6, 2017 at 5:13 am
Gorgeous!
Lee ShaverOctober 6, 2017 at 9:04 am
That is a gem for sure!
Colby OwenOctober 12, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Seen a few Arvikas, but never one with the 5 Star stamp in such nice condition!
David GendronNovember 17, 2017 at 4:21 pm
Got that one from a trip to BC it is in really good condition other than the edge that need work!! Same era I guess than the OP’s axe!