Another Council Tool- Boy’s Axe

[bearthedog]

A few weeks ago I posted my dilemma with the 17” Council Tool Hudson Bay 1.75lb axe. When another one was sent to me it took about 3 good whacks to see that the head was also coming loose on that one. I finally went straight to Council with my issues and they responded phenomenally. They sent me out a UPS paid postage label and said they would cover any costs I have accumulated. They did mention that it happens sometimes with their Hudson Bay patterns. I also mentioned that I should have gone with the Boy’s Axe in the first place. They assured me they would find out what was going on with the HB axes. I was dealing with their operations manager for most of it. When I returned from a trip I got a hand written card from the VP and a very long email addressing my axe problem. Wow, I was blown away. As if that wasn’t enough yesterday a package arrives from Council Tool. Inside was a brand new Boy’s Axe and a card from the VP of Council Tool. I was shocked, still am.

I got a chance to go into the backyard and chop into the same stump that worked my HB axe loose. The Boy’s Axe felt amazing in the hand with perfect grain orientation and head alignment.

Overall I am super impressed with the way Council Tool has treated the average customer like me. This says a lot about them as a company.

Last weekend Mudman showed me his 3lb Jersey Axe by Council Tool and it looked and felt pretty good. I can’t wait to really put them both through their paces.

One question for other CT Boy’s Axe owners: Is this normal?

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Looks fairly typical from what I can see. The finish on their standard axes isn't anything to write home about per se, but when you consider that they're trying to offer an alternative to Mexican/Chinese-made hardware store axes it makes sense. If I had to guess I'd say it's gonna' be fine.

 

[bearthedog]

Looks fairly typical from what I can see. The finish on their standard axes isn't anything to write home about per se, but when you consider that they're trying to offer an alternative to Mexican/Chinese-made hardware store axes it makes sense. If I had to guess I'd say it's gonna' be fine.

So far I have been using it to break up old stumps that have termites. No issues at all. By now my other HB would have been off the handle.

-RB

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Yeah I think that the extra head/handle surface contact really makes a huge difference. :thumbup:

 

[sutured]

It's really good to hear that Council is treating you so well. Seems like that's a rare thing from any company these days. I swore off buying new axes when I discovered how cheaply I can find premium vintage heads, but I might buy a high-end Council just to show my support. I think it's nothing short of amazing to find a company that treats customers that well.

 

[bearthedog]

It's really good to hear that Council is treating you so well. Seems like that's a rare thing from any company these days. I swore off buying new axes when I discovered how cheaply I can find premium vintage heads, but I might buy a high-end Council just to show my support. I think it's nothing short of amazing to find a company that treats customers that well.

It is rare, but come to think of it-I have only experienced this type of support from American companies like KABAR, ESEE, TOPS, and Council Tool.

-RB

 

[Mistwalker]

Cool, good to see they are treating you well. After having to chop through a downed tree earlier today (high winds the last couple of days due to Sandy) just to get home I have decided I need to put an axe in the truck again. I like my hawks and the hawk did fine considering the 3 inch cutting surface, but a small ax would have had me on my way quicker. I looked at a couple of axes at a local hardware store earlier and really wasn't thrilled about what I saw. Half of the had the grained turned wrong and some were already cracked around the head. I really like the idea of having a US made axe again, so I think maybe I'll give the Council boys axe a go.

 

[bearthedog]

Cool, good to see they are treating you well. After having to chop through a downed tree earlier today (high winds the last couple of days due to Sandy) just to get home I have decided I need to put an axe in the truck again. I like my hawks and the hawk did fine considering the 3 inch cutting surface, but a small ax would have had me on my way quicker. I looked at a couple of axes at a local hardware store earlier and really wasn't thrilled about what I saw. Half of the had the grained turned wrong and some were already cracked around the head. I really like the idea of having a US made axe again, so I think maybe I'll give the Council boys axe a go.

Brian,
I can't find a bad thing about CT Boy's Axe. Lots of great videos on them from some very honorable people.
I think our boss, Steven did a review on Council Tool a while back. They looked good.

I think they are like $25.
-RB

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

They also have it in a US Forestry Service version.

 

[readyme]

I love my Council Boys Axe as well...and yes, the top of mine looks just like yours. Not very pretty, but I guess that's what you get for $30.
The only thing I changed was take the red paint off...now it at least looks much better.

What is the difference with the US Forest Service version?

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

HERE's the US Forestry Service version.

2.25 lb. Dayton axe head outfitted with a 28" Premium Grade A curved hickory handle. Popularly referred to as a "boy's" axe. A "mid" sized tool. Dayton pattern originated from the Dayton, Ohio, area. This version is made to the USFS Standard 5100-9D for NSN# 511-000-293-2339.
* Forged tool steel head. Made in USA.
* Hand sharpened, tapered bit for cutting and light splitting.

* ANSI Standards call for bit hardness of Rc 54-58, at least ½ inch back from the cutting edge. Council Tool internal standards call for tempered bit hardness of Rc 48-55 and we target 1-1/4 inches from the cutting edge. The poll and eye walls are not hardened and remain in the as forged condition.

* Heat coated with black enamel and cutting edge in clear lacquer to deter rust.

* 28" curved Grade A American hickory handle. Eye section is dried to below 10% moisture content to minimize shrinkage and help prevent loosening.

* Axe head is hydraulically seated onto handle and secured with a plastic wedge and epoxy per the spec.

*The interior detail of the eye is tapered and allows for a strong mechanical bond. Approximately 1/2" of overall length of the handle is removed during assembly.

 

[daizee]

got me looking at their site again.
I love the look of their jersey, double-bit, and broad hatchet.
Just imagine if they offered those three in boys-axe sizes too...
Essentially 2/3 size for each of those.
A 2.3lb jersey on a 28", a 2.3lb cruiser on a 28", and a 1.8lb broad hatchet on a 18-20" straght haft...
*swoon*

 

[Coloradoman24]

First time posting or replying just bought the council jersey with the cheek cut outs handle was nice shipped fast but I would not recommend if you are looking for a perfect jersey head I also have a council tool jersey made for another company I like this one much better

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Council jersey made for another company...it's not a Peavey is it?

 

[Coloradoman24]

No. I have no clue unmarked so I should say I think it is a council tools axe from about ten years ago pick it up from my work after they bought it from a hardware store it is one of my most fav axes to use and we have 30 of them where I work and the quality shape and size match the one I bought from them last week just with out the cut outs on the cheeks only diff rents from what I remember is about a 50 dollar difference from when we bought these ones for my work. But from my understanding council made axes from meny other company's and no names for years until not very long ago and I think this might be one of them because the no name jersey from the hardware store is as nice as my true temper Kelly perfect jersey well as good or better then the three jersey true temper Kelly perfect I have.