Council Velvicut vs. S&N Penobscot - Recommendation?

[High_Noon]

Deleted

 

[High_Noon]

I don't think the new owners are reluctant to mention what RC their axes are, or what steel. My guess is they're either marketing their items to the overwhelming majority of folks that don't know/don't care about what that stuff means, or they are underestimating how important it is to "our crowd." Possibly both. That doesn't necessarily mean that they aren't good. That being said, I don't have personal experience with them other than dry-handling and that doesn't tell me anything about the steel.

Good point.

 

[scouter27]

Scouter 27: I checked out the Council standard HB axe, but like you, I prefer a slightly longer handle, I guess I could rehang it with a longer handle, but it's lookin' like the Council Velvicut 2# Premium HB might be the axe for me. I am looking for a quality axe to bridge the gap between my S&N Forest axe and my Hults Bruk hatchet.

The Council can be had with a 28" handle. That's the one I have

http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=20HB28

 

[BG_Farmer]

That's a pretty significant difference in carbon content, I would expect the 4140 is pretty soft, down near 50. I'm surprised that the USFS was that high, that seems like it would be kind of above and beyond.

Looks like hardness for 4140 tops out at Rc59, and will be less when tempered, but also keep in mind that it is an alloyed steel, so it may need the temper drawn less than for a purely carbon steel with the same carbon content. I think it might be pretty good. For some reason I thought council used 1045 for normal production.

5160 is really good. I would pay a premium if council used it on normal looking axe, not the velvicut. Not amish, but I try to shun vanity . Incidentally, it is Good to hear S&N is in honest hands these days.

I'm looking at the fss boys axe or the long handled HB for my son this Xmas if I don't run across a really good old one to fix up. They both seem to be decent US made products, so I'll feel good about buying them. With the boys axe at 2 1/4 and the HB at 2#, either should be handy, and I would think roughly equal in tasks that size axe is suited to.

 

[High_Noon]

scouter27: Yes, I saw the Council 28" HB, but my S&N Forest axe has a 28" handle and I am looking for something to bridge the gap between my Hults Bruk hatchetand my S&N.

I am having second thoughts now. I have never been a big fan of the Hudson Bay pattern... Perhaps I'll modify an old Collins Boy's axe I have and "tune" it to my liking. I will keep looking.