Italian, no doubt. As for the South American connection, interesting stuff for the history buffs that I wasn't aware of until a few years ago:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Brazilians#Beginning_of_Italian_settlement_in_Brazil .
Kevin, I think you identified the pattern. I've seen such small variations from manufacturer to manufacturer every now and then.
Most of them are just your run of the mill axes. Not bad, but not excellent either. Most of them come fairly blunt (as in: a spoon), metal isn't that hard, but can hold an edge fairly decent. I would compare them to hardware store axes from around here, but with a higher price. They come with a lackered haft.
FWIW: I have two hatchets from them (
https://www.a-prandi.it/en/staticca...splitting/p/3-024-hatchet-putignano-bent-type and
https://www.a-prandi.it/en/staticca...tting-and-splitting/p/3-022-hatchet-sila-type - both heads slip-fit) and, while not sharp out-of-the box, they have excellent geometry. You sharpen one up in a few minutes and it's ready for work, no re-profiling needed.
The handles were raw, nothing applied on. Because they delayed my order (due to the handle maker), they even threw in two free handles, which was appreciated. They were very nice to deal with.
I think they use 1045 steel. I can't say anything from personal experience, as I haven't used mine yet (both are < 1lb, 300 grams to be more precise, for pruning, so not sure how relevant that would be), but from all the reviews of their bigger axes the heat treat should be right on point.
Hardware store stuff usually is made in China, not always, but most of the time :|. I'd pick one of these over Chinese-made stuff any day.
Thank you all for helping and sharing
