Best Made / Base Camp X Axes

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That is so sweet...
 
I've been shopping for an ax for a very long time and I'm glad I stumbled on this thread. I put in an order for a Hudson Bay today and can't wait to get up to the mountains and see what it can do.
 
I also don't like paint or shellac on handles. Using axes without gloves, anything but bare wood tears up my hands.

Of the two (Best Made vs BCX), I like the BMCs. I only wish it (amer felling axe) was made with a shorter handle. I don't like Snow & Neallys aand since most BCX are essentially S&Ns...I wouldn't buy BCx. At least BMC is made in the USa.
 
I will say I have used the BMC Black Donald now for a few weeks. In particular I took it out on a saturday and did some pretty heavy chopping (I posted pics on a thread I think called a good day in the woods) and actually tried to get the paint to come off, hurt my hands, slip, etc. I thought this would be no problem, but I couldn't make it happen. Couple times I chopped like a mad man until I couldn't go anymore. Handle never slipped, never hurt, never twisted, etc.

I was skeptical of the paint when I first got it, but with the epoxy like coating it seems to have on it I think makes all the difference. Of course I am no Sherwin Williams, so maybe it is just paint, but it seems to have a coating. Perhaps Nick can elaborate for us.

Overall though it performed very well with me trying to beat it.

Hope this helps. If not, sorry.
 
Operator1975 said:
I will say I have used the BMC Black Donald now for a few weeks. In particular I took it out on a saturday and did some pretty heavy chopping (I posted pics on a thread I think called a good day in the woods) and actually tried to get the paint to come off, hurt my hands, slip, etc. I thought this would be no problem, but I couldn't make it happen. Couple times I chopped like a mad man until I couldn't go anymore. Handle never slipped, never hurt, never twisted, etc.

I was skeptical of the paint when I first got it, but with the epoxy like coating it seems to have on it I think makes all the difference. Of course I am no Sherwin Williams, so maybe it is just paint, but it seems to have a coating. Perhaps Nick can elaborate for us.

Overall though it performed very well with me trying to beat it.

Hope this helps. If not, sorry.
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All painted surfaces on BMC axes get a final coat of Behlen's Water White spar varnish. Unpainted surfaces get a coat of BLO. Unpainted axes only get BLO. We used to use poly, but the Behlen's gives a better, and tougher, finish.
 
I'm ordered from Best Made Company twice.
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Highest quality and finish!

Axe, ordered from Base Camp X not arrived yet (2.5 months), no answer, no any communication...
 
Sidehill Gouger said:
Wow axes for the price of a good chainsaw! I'm really impressed----not.
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I'm not sure what "good" chainsaw costs 150 bucks. Even a "good" used chainsaw runs more than that. These are new axes that your comparing to.

ETA: I assumed pricing on the "unfinished" models from best made, as pictured directly above. If that's not what you're referring to, I apologize for making an ass...umption! :D
 
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where can i find the unfinished axe?

i see it now, the first axe on the site.
the other axes are the same with differnt names?

thanks for your reply

buzz
 
markv,

The axes are all the same. The 'unfinished' axes get a coat of linseed oil, the named axes are painted. But everything else is the same.

Nick
 
I was looking at axes priced at $300 to $400 on those websites. For what it is worth, I'm on my 4th cord of firewood this winter so I have a little experience in that area. Been heating with wood for around 30+ years
 
Sidehill Gouger said:
I was looking at axes priced at $300 to $400 on those websites. For what it is worth, I'm on my 4th cord of firewood this winter so I have a little experience in that area. Been heating with wood for around 30+ years
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So, what does that have to do with anything?
 
Not sure I understand your question either but I've been cutting firewood with axes and chainsaws for a long time. Started when I was about 8 or 9 years old and it has never been a hobby for me.
 
I wanted to add something that I haven't noticed yet in this thread. I can't speak for all of Best Made's axes but the Unfinished Hudson Bay is produced by Council Tool and is very close in its design to the Council Tool Velvicut Hudson Bay. The only difference is the Best Made version features a 26" handle instead of the 24" handle of the Council Tool's Hudson Bay.

Price-wise, they are about the same if you take shipping into account. I almost ended up getting the Council Tool axe until I did a total price analysis and realized I'd rather have a slightly longer handle if I'm going to pay the same price either way.

So... Council Tool makes good stuff and therefore the Best Made Unfinished Hudson Bay is good by virtue of its manufacture. It was packed nicely and customer service was good, so ultimately I am happy with the choice I made.

As for whether you're better off with a Gransfors or Wetterlings, I cannot say. But I do know the Velvicut finish is nice and I prefer it to a forged finish.
 
Sidehill Gouger said:
Not sure I understand your question either but I've been cutting firewood with axes and chainsaws for a long time. Started when I was about 8 or 9 years old and it has never been a hobby for me.
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So again, whats your point? I respect the fact you have been cutting wood for 30+ years. So have I. Lot of people have. Not sure how that relates to whatever point you are trying to make.
 
Operator1975 said:
So again, whats your point? I respect the fact you have been cutting wood for 30+ years. So have I. Lot of people have. Not sure how that relates to whatever point you are trying to make.
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I think he is saying he finds it weird how some people will pay 400 bucks for an axe that will probably not see much use, if at all.

On a side note, I understand what the company is saying about the magic in an axe, I love them, as do many here, but not sure why you need to buy one with paint on the handle to get this feeling. I really can't see where this leap is coming from.
 
Liam Ryan said:
I think he is saying he finds it weird how some people will pay 400 bucks for an axe that will probably not see much use, if at all.
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Do not count other people's money, if someone buys it, then it is allowed to be.
There is much more expensive axes, and queue on them-the years

So to my question, no one experienced with deception in Base Camp X/Graeme Cameron?
I can not get an answer from him about my lost order ...
 
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