Council Vs Barco Michigan Double Bit

S

Squashfan

Joined
Jun 6, 2012
Messages
1,670
I am interested in a Michigan Double bit axe. I have always liked the look of a double bit. Probably came from reading Gene Stratton Porter's Freckles when I was young. I have the opportunity to handle both the Council and Barco. But I also wanted the opinion of the forumites.

Thanks in advance,
Squashfan
 
I haven't handled either, but if I had to choose, I'd go with the Barco. My opinion is based on the review of the Barco as read on woodtrekker (a blog by a member here named Ross), and by my assessment of some photos I've seen of Council db's. However, as previously mentioned, I have no first hand experience with either tool.
 
Just got a new Council single bit Jersey - this was the upgraded one. I wasn't real impressed with the finish - its pretty rough - a lot. The sides of the eye are uneven. All that being said, I spent an hour out in the shop with a file and sandpaper and it takes a nice edge and did a great job on the woodpile. Cut quite a bit of wood and the edge stayed with me all afternoon.
 
I am slightly leaning toward the Barco. It is supposed to have a slightly longer bit. 4 and 3/4" for the Barco vs 4 and 1/2" for Council. The Council bit measurement may not be correct, as I am taking it from SMKW website. (Mods, if this is deal spotting, I will remove it.)
 
Squashfan said:
I am slightly leaning toward the Barco. It is supposed to have a slightly longer bit. 4 and 3/4" for the Barco vs 4 and 1/2" for Council. The Council bit measurement may not be correct, as I am taking it from SMKW website. (Mods, if this is deal spotting, I will remove it.)
Click to expand...

I use council tools all year round they are a bit rough and need some work to get the way you like that being said I have never used a council or barco double bit but would like to see what you buy and if you like it
 
Three weeks ago I bought the Kelly Michigan Cruiser two pack from Barco. I bought the two pack as it was like getting a second cruiser for $20. The only stamp on them was "wear saftey Glasses" . Printed with the Barco name on the other side of the head. One was nice. The other one had a terrible finish on the head and poor grain alignment on the handle. I got rid of the poor one.

A friend also bought the Barco cruiser, at the same time, he said the head came loose after using it the first time. He was not impressed. I haven't used mine yet.

Tom
EDIT:
I forgot to mention that the bits have a crudely ground edge on them. They will need some time on a slack belt to get them in decent condition.
 
Last edited:
Double Ott said:
Three weeks ago I bought the Kelly Michigan Cruiser two pack from Barco. I bought the two pack as it was like getting a second cruiser for $20. The only stamp on them was "wear saftey Glasses" . Printed with the Barco name on the other side of the head. One was nice. The other one had a terrible finish on the head and poor grain alignment on the handle. I got rid of the poor one.

A friend also bought the Barco cruiser, at the same time, he said the head came loose after using it the first time. He was not impressed. I haven't used mine yet.

Tom
EDIT:
I forgot to mention that the bits have a crudely ground edge on them. They will need some time on a slack belt to get them in decent condition.
Click to expand...

I just had to put a new edge on Marble's machete. It was ground just not all down to a fine edge. I did this with a file. Do you think I could sharpen the Barco with a file?
 
Yes I could use a file and a puck to clean her up. Before I got the belt grinder that was all I had to use. But, I've have good results using a belt grinder with a little slack in the belt. Using progressively finer grits, I'll get a polished, sharp convex edge.

I also use the belt grinder to put an edge on my machetes also, works slick.

Tom
 
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