Most times brand hype and increased $ is just promotional sales success. Believe me I have been ripped off many time for the hottest new edge out there. There is real and true value in my only Granfors Bruks purchase last year-the Hunter ax made by KS. It surely is a total delight to use and worth twice the price to me now, for serious use. I second the comments of EM re absolute amazement every time I use it. It is an absolute jewel of supremely functional and classic beauty. Wish I could afford and needed some of the other axes they make.
I did just ask for the book that shows their tomahawks. Uh oh, very pricey-- but I would give them my hard money again without question for a product I could use that they make.