Council Fire Axe returned (and now replaced)

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Today I received and returned a new 6lb. Council Flathead Fire Axe. The axe head itself was really nice, good high centerline (convex cheeks) and reasonably sharp and well-shaped right from the factory.

And the handle was well-slimmed and had the feel of a vintage handle, but it was horribly warped. It had a comfortable swell. I could have put it work straight-away without mods if only the handle had been minimally usable. I think it would have been a fantastic splitter.

 

With a good handle I think this axe would outperform any of the big name splitting mauls at a lower price. Plus it would chop like a SOB!

 

I might be getting another in a few weeks. I've been contacted by a dealer.

 

An update on this axe. I sent that warped axe back for a refund. Then I ordered a new one from Whiskey River. It arrived today. It has the features I liked in the warped-haft axe and came with a nice straight haft. Kudos to Whiskey River for stepping up and placing an order for these based on a client's need.



Now to the axe. The head is great. The haft isn't quite as slim as the last one but it ain't bad and it's straight! Overall length is 35-3/4". Axe head measures 8-1/2" x 4-3/4".







Stamp on the front side reads 'USA 18'. Backside has the standard Council Tools logo.




It has the convex cheeks of a classic American axe, something I've very fond of. The bit/cheek geometry is really very good. I don't know of another maker currently producing axes with this geometry.




The profile is excellent, pretty much right to the FS axe gauge.


The edge needs only a light filing and honing to be a very good chopper and splitter. For it's intended purpose, fire axe/demolition, it is ready to roll from the factory.



I'm pleased with it. I plan to lightly file and hone the edge and give it a go as a chopper. But what I really wanted to test it at is as a splitter. I suspect it will blow away most if not all available splitting mauls on all but the biggest hardest pieces.

My recollection is that Councils standard line axes (not Velvicut - 5160) are made of 1060. If someone knows otherwise please correct me. This is a fine steel for a utility axe. On the lower end of 'high' carbon but with great toughness, adequate hardenability (to high 50's RC - I don't know the RC hardness of this axe but I think Council aims for low 50's) and it forges relatively easily to keep these affordable.

 

Images are acting goofy tonight. Stand by.

Edit: Fixed

 

Looks like Whiskey River received a box of 4 of these from Council and shipped one of them on to me in the box from Council. If I were Brandon I would have taken this opportunity to grab the pick of the litter for myself. If there was one better than this then he did very well. The haft is good solid hickory with good grain, 11 gr/inch and maybe 20° off vertical.