Council Tool Velvicut

J

jmh76

Joined
Mar 27, 2012
Messages
101
I just got my Council Tool Velvicut 4# Dayton. I could not find much info and reviews on them but I pulled trigger anyway. It is a nice looking axe. The handle is super, perfect grain. It is very thin by todays standards just like the should be, and the fit of the handle to eye is perfect. Although I am not use to a longer handle. I usually like them around 32". Unfortunately, it is not sharp. I got to work on that. I am not going to be able to use her till this weekend. So, My question is how many of you guys have one of these and what are your using impressions?
 
Wow, not sharp? I just ordered a velvicut hudson bay,
They have a warning in the ad that cautions that these
are extremely sharp. I guess I better out my files and
stones. For what I paid for it, it better have at least a
decent edge.
 
I put mine to work against a Kelly Perfect Michigan, it was a draw.





Hope like and enjoy yours, Tom
 
Yes...The Hudson Bay came nice and sharp also. They both came very nice in form, fit and finish.



I've been playing with the idea of getting the Boys axe.

Tom
 
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I know Council updated their sharpening procedure in the past year. It's actually much better than it was when the Velvis were first introduced. But there's still room for improvement.
 
I generally do not like buying new axes, Older the Violin the sweeter the music, thing. I am not saying it will not cut (trying this am) but just not as sharp as I like a quality tool. I believe all quality tools should come shaving sharp. The second thing I feel, after the handle, is how sharp it is. If its not scary sharp, it leaves a little bad taste in my mouth. How many times have you told a buddy about your new purchase and had to say "it was not sharp"? I know exactly how to get them dull, use em'. Otherwise this axe is darn near perfect.
 
Since this thread has several people posting who own them, can I ask what you guys think of the heat treat? Previously they had the hardness listed as 50-54 HRC (which IMO was too low), but recently (I think around the time the boy's axe was added to the line) it was upped to 52-56 HRC. Still a somewhat large range for a premium axe, but still an improvement. Personally, I don't think 5160 comes into it's own until 55-56 HRC.. below that, the edge retention just isn't as good as it could be. 5160 is a high quality steel, already intrinsically tough, and does very well in the mid 50s - so I don't see any reason to keep it soft. Not doing the steel justice that way.

So what are your guys' thoughts and personal experience? Does it hold an edge well? Can it go from chopping to making feathersticks or shaving paper without need for stropping? My GBs and vintage US axes can, so I'm using that as an indication of a proper HT and proper balance point of hardness/edge retention vs toughness
 
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