Council bay boys axe vs CS trail boss

V

Vanguard.223

Joined
Sep 5, 2012
Messages
142
Hey guys, I've been lurking on the sub forum for a while and I'm finally breaking down and want to order an affordable axe! I've narrowed it down to these two options as they both fit the bill of sub $40 boys axes. If y'all could give any input or advice about these two it would be greatly appreciated!

Oh, and the axe would mainly be used for medium chopping to acquire logs wood for the fire before and during hunting season, and maybe some light splitting.

Thanks!
 
More reviews can be found on the CT Boys axe than the CS Trail Boss. I imagine the steel on both would be pretty similar.
For processing I'd go with the one with the longer handle.
For packing, I'd go with the shorter handle.

I'd probably go with the CT Boys axe. I don't own either, but the CT Trail boss has very little poll and is pretty off balance (no counter weight to the blade). At least from the ones I have put my hands on.
 
I cant really say anything on the cold steel other then the bad reviews I have seen. I own two council tool axes and so far have been great. They are still made in America too! Also, their customer service is very hard to beat.
 
I'd go with the made in USA Council boys axe anyday... they are made with good ole' american steel ;)
 
Where is the trail boss made?

I've never used a trail boss, but to me there is absolutely no question - Council hands down. You can see that the Council has a far superior geometry just by looking at them.
 
M3mphis said:
Where is the trail boss made?

I've never used a trail boss, but to me there is absolutely no question - Council hands down. You can see that the Council has a far superior geometry just by looking at them.
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Made in China according to one source I just found.

Dang, I didn't realize that you can order a CT boy's axe on Amazon for $26. That's a bargain.
 
I saw a review were the CS Trail axe bit cracked after a few swings. I seen many other poor reviews. Made in China...It's a POS.
Many great reviews of the CT boys axe. But it's your money, you can prove them all wrong if you want to...

Tom
 
Wow, the CT boys axe is very popular and liked! Good enough for me. Council tool it is! Thanks for the good info guys. Any other axes in this price range I should consider?
 
Vanguard.223 said:
Wow, the CT boys axe is very popular and liked! Good enough for me. Council tool it is! Thanks for the good info guys. Any other axes in this price range I should consider?
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Vintage pieces from ebay, flea markets, etc.
 
Double Ott said:
I saw a review were the CS Trail axe bit cracked after a few swings. I seen many other poor reviews. Made in China...It's a POS...
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I bought a Trail Boss before I knew better, then sent it to Peter Vido for him to check out, and he came to the same conclusion as Double Ott.
 
M3mphis said:
Made in China according to one source I just found.

Dang, I didn't realize that you can order a CT boy's axe on Amazon for $26. That's a bargain.
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There's a place right outside of zootown that sells them for $21.95. I also got a CT HB with the 18" handle for around 18 bucks! They even had a HB Velvicut, but I forgot how much it was. I do remember it being pretty nice though.
They carry quite a few CT products.
 
I've owned a Council boy's axe for a while now and haven't used it a ton, but cut down several small trees with it shortly after it arrived and have been pretty impressed. With a little bit extra work it would make a really nice axe, as it comes it's a bit rough but works really good with a nice sharpening.
 
Awesomely thanks for the replies! I think I'll go ahead and pull the trigger on it as my first axe (though I have two hatchets)
 
M3mphis said:
You must have agreed with the "thumbs down" assessment then?????
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Yep. The head design of the Trail Boss could be so much better, IMHO. Give it cheeks with a high centerline, and a poll that counterbalances the rest of the head, and get rid of that pointy "wing" at the toe. My preference would be to have it less like a Hudson Bay and more like a classic American boy's axe. A Jersey pattern boy's axe, for example, would make it much more attractive. Or how about a Maine wedge boy's axe?
 
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