american style axes better than

[machinest]

whats wrong with american made axes, they cut better than the exotic models made in whereverland, americans came from over their in the early century, if those designs were better the american styles would have never been made.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

I guess what's wrong is that there aren't many American made axes anymore.
Most are Chinacorp axes with cheap cast heads. Even Snow & Neally, I hear, has gone to importing heads, and just finishes and hafts them here.

Don't know if Council are still actually made here.

Collins are made in Mexico.

So, if you want a real forged axe, it means looking for a European import.

 

[PhotonSD]

Hey don't rule out older American made. Just keep an eye out while at Thrift Stores and at Garage Sales. You may need to work off some rust and apply new Hickory but that is part of the fun. Good Luck.

 

[sidecutter]

go to flea markets to find old axes. usually some broke down, wore out, old geezers ( like me ) there sell good stuff. might find a knife or two there also.

 

[DWK2]

The Council axes are still made here. Haven't tested any so I can't comment on quality.

As I understand it, some American style axes were developed to deal with hardwoods in the American East. Out West here, we have a mix of hard and softwoods. For many of the western pines, the European style axes (eg, Gransfors) work great. However, I wouldn't mind having a few classic quality American axes too.

DancesWithKnives

 

[nifrand]

Afew of my humble users.first pic, from left,Plumb,Norlund, Collins
2nd pic,axes Collins,Keen Kutter,Fulton.
I've used the Norlund hatchets through the years and they seem to be my favorites.Although I like the plumbs almost as well.Most of these are40+ years old,and have great steel.

 

[GWashington1732]

Estwing axes are still made in the US. I have the leather handled hatchet and it's the best I've ever used.

 

[DWK2]

I really like the looks of my Estwing leather-handled hatchet and the contour of the grip is comfortable for me. However, the steel does not seem to hold an edge as long as my Gransfors blades and it feels softer when sharpening. Not a big issue if you don't mind re-touching the edge a bit more often.

On wilderness river trips I sometimes bring the large, metal-handled Estwing because the Gransfors rust more quickly in a river environment.

DancesWithKnives