"http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/i...OD&ProdID=5504"
HA! That's the hardware store just around the corner from where I grew up! It's one of the premier woodworking stores in the world.
I have a Gransfors Bruks hatchet that I bought there, and I was going to make the same brand recommendation. Highland Hardware carries nearly the whole line, and I've handled all of them in the store (because they are totally lovely to touch and heft). The battle axes and large throwing axes look like phenomenal tools, and as the owner of another GB product, I can attest to the quality. The company has only 6 or 8 blacksmiths, and the one who makes your axe stamps his initials on the butt. There's a lifetime guarantee, and the individual who's initials are on it replaces it out of his pocket.
Highland Hardware's prices are a bit high, and with some looking you could probably find a better price. That said, it's an old-school, locally-owned, specialty hardware store in a world being fast over-run with Home Depots, and needs your financial support in the same way that independent gun stores do to survive.
Go for the Gransfors Bruks! You won't regret it!
-Josh
