BMC - The Black Donald. And so it begins.

Liam Ryan said:
An overpriced hipster axe? Can't wait.:rolleyes:
This video made me want to laugh and cry at how much bullcrap artists spew to give purpose to what they do.
[youtube]VFRuMA4YCEM[/youtube]

"As for a similar ‘premium axe’ I’ll say, quality-wise, Best Made exists in the same echelon as those you mentioned (I’ve used Snow & Nealley axes before, although not Gransfors Bruks) As for the higher price point, the added cost comes from the design and attention given to finishing the helves (handles). As this is done by hand, along with the construction of custom shipping cases, these axes demand a higher price point. How much is too much is a question left to those considering purchasing one"

"Our customer base is generally not interested in grind angles on the bits or in hardness testing. They are interested in becoming part of a company that tells a story about a product, gains their trust by actually acknowledging them, offering a unique experience through the purchase and in the end delivers an outstanding quality axe. We are not interested in being technical here — we are interested in providing motivation to think about good citizenship. We are interested in sharing our “Inspiration” and watching how it builds a “Tribe” of people — people with a common thread.… and guess what… that thread is not the axe."

The above comments are from an interesting article's comments section. These guys are laughing all the way to the bank!:barf:
http://www.jeffsextonwrites.com/2010/01/better-web-marketing-for-best-made-axe/
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I used to have a similar view about Best Made based largely on the article you linked to and I was particularly put off by that quote you included. That article, however, is almost a couple of years old and I think that quote is from an individual that is no longer with the company. Best Made is now open about their source and they seem willing to answer any technical questions.
 
Very nice looking axe and review...Thanks for taking the time !
 
I agree that there are many products out there I'd have purchased if they'd put some effort into explaining the detail and manufacturing process. I don't know how many high end products I've passed up because of the 'don't know' factor, but it's many, and the few times I've invested without doing my research (TAD's 250 dollar Special Service Sweater for example) I have been sorely disappointed. Kabar even has a detailed step-by-step process on their website and they are a mass manufacturer. I'm not saying the product is bad, I'm just saying that I agree, if you're going to rank yourself among the best, give us the materials to back it up/prove it. All the hudson bay patterned hatchets in the back are se-e-xy!
 
PayetteRucker said:
I agree that there are many products out there I'd have purchased if they'd put some effort into explaining the detail and manufacturing process. I don't know how many high end products I've passed up because of the 'don't know' factor, but it's many, and the few times I've invested without doing my research (TAD's 250 dollar Special Service Sweater for example) I have been sorely disappointed. Kabar even has a detailed step-by-step process on their website and they are a mass manufacturer. I'm not saying the product is bad, I'm just saying that I agree, if you're going to rank yourself among the best, give us the materials to back it up/prove it. All the hudson bay patterned hatchets in the back are se-e-xy!
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You make a good point!
Nowadays we have to rely on independent testers to get any specs or details about certain products and a lot of times it is sketchy at best.
I don't understand why. When I sell on Ebay I sure as heck measure and describe in detail.
I routinely go into the local hardware stores and check for new axes and tools, sadly many are not up to snuff.
I wish Council tools had a retail presence in my area, then I could handle check out their tools for myself.
When I camera or electronics shop I am inundated with details and specs from all sources.
 
This comment has nothing to do with the axe quality and is in no way meant to insult the op.
By "Tribe" of people he means drink my Kool-Aid. Good citizenship...wtf?!?!? When anyone starts to talk about "becoming part of the (insert brand here) family or "buying experience," that's just another way of saying, "we are trying hard to justify you over-paying for this item." And "we are interested in providing motivation to think..." can translate to "we are interested in making money because we need to eat and we are good and making axe handles, but smoke way too much dope to know how to market our axes to the right demographic." The really hilarious thing is, that video would only appeal to tofu-eating hipsters who wouldn't dream of chopping down a tree. Buy the axe not the story. That wood better be organic!
 
Summed up my thought perfectly racegunner.
Here is a lumberjack that would be glad to own one though.
hipster-beard-pbr.jpg

Love how the guy in the video went out of his way to dress the part, what a cute hat.
You really didn't need to pay 250 bucks for the mystique and mystery of the axe, you can get it for free whenever you pick up any axe.
 
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Guys, I really can't argue with your comments about the video, and I tend to agree with you. But it kinda seems like your jacking up Operator's thread, which is about the axe itself and giving the actual product a fair shake.

That's my thought anyway.
 
Liam Ryan said:
I think it would be nice to see how it compares to an unpainted one.
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From page 2 by Operator:
"And the handle, I liked the painted handle - grip wise it was better than the Flint Edge. The paint has a tacky epoxy coating on it which allows for good grip. How long that will last is of course something I will have to follow up on."

I'm guessing that as long as your hands are comfortable and you can maintain grip, chopping performance would be the same.

Operator, have you had a chance to sharpen it up??
 
I will be sharpening it tomorrow. It will take some time. I went out today and hit up 6 antique shops, and came across some real beauties. I might post some pics if I get time. After sharpening the BMC axe, I will take it out and see what it can do. I have no doubts it will perform better, which will be good.

I guess my comment about how this particular line of axes might not be for everyone, which is fine, and to leave it politely alone, must of been "overseen" by some. Oh well you will have that. As I said, lesson learned by me.
 
To expect people to not comment on the axe or the company selling them is asking too much IMHO. You post to a forum you will get all kinds of comments. Good and bad. That's what makes it interesting friendly debate.
 
I think he made that stipulation mainly because there have been several threads where feelings about the company have been discussed in great length, whereas no one else has made a thread actually trying out one of their products. Thus, I think Operator is justified in his request. You may not be able to avoid it entirely (like you said, it IS a public forum after all!) but it at least cuts down on the rehashing a bit. :):thumbup:

I don't feel the need to buy from the company, but think it's nice getting to see one of the painted axes actually being used.
 
Good review, thanks! Don't think their line is for me, but I really appreciate a real review on what they are selling. Thanks again!
 
Sorry Operator, I didn't think about hijacking your post. I wasn't bashing the axe at all, just stunned at the crazy marketing. I do appreciate good design and comfort so if the premium price buys a better handle, at the minimum, I may be the sucker for that. In a nutshell; I loved my Audi. I was not interested in becoming part of the brand family.
I do appreciate you using your money to buy the axe and post your comments.
 
As a representative for Best Made Co. I've been purposefully silent on this thread, we really want this to be a real true-to-form review without our interference. We welcome all of Operator's comments, and are discussing what we can do to improve edge sharpness on the axes we sell. We're now looking into how we can go one step further and get our bits 'Operator sharp.' (In fact I just got a new shipment of Diapaste in the mail today.) Just as a note, the edge that comes on the axe is the same edge Council offers.

FortyTwoBlades is correct that there are several other threads that deal extensively with feelings about Best Made, to which I've also posted. Do a search on BF and you're sure to find them.

If anyone has any questions about specs or anything else, feel free to message me directly on this forum. If I don't know the answer right away, I'll find out.

Thanks again Operator, we appreciate your thoughtful review and your suggestions are noted and in discussions.

Cheers,
Nick
 
operator, some folks have nothing better to do...
there is nothing wrong with getting behind an american small buisness. i personally think that BMC is alright...
whether folks agree with their marketing or not, it dosent make them a bad company. at least they are doing something...
and yes, there is a bit of nostalgia with an old world tool such as an axe...so why is it wrong to use that? i for one love and enjoy the process and thought behind an axe. BMC simply is trying to market the NOSTALGIA of the axe. what is wrong with that?
enough is enough!!! i am personally tired of the BS here attacking operator and BMC just because some folks don't like their marketing.
operator, get that thing 'operator sharp', then give us a full report...
 
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