Double Bit Axe suggestions

JM2

JM2

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Mar 11, 2013
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I want a double bit axe. Michigan pattern I believe will best suit my needs, and they are more commonly available still. It is going to be a user, and a cherished and respected tool. Im going to use it for felling, limbing, and for various carpentry projects that might require an axe.

I want something that isnt made in china, but im open to non usa made items if its of good quality. I want an axe that will hold up through the years. Traditional style and quality. I havent dont a whole lot of research. I did come across this though, and if its of the quality they claim, then it would suit my needs I believe. It also is reasonably priced. Made in USA.

http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=352MC

or

http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=35-2MR

Only difference is the ghost cut. Either would have the head polished.

Is this a good quality? Any known issues? And any other suggestions? I'd prefer not to spend 200.00+ on an axe, so i'd say 150 or less.
 
Yes, Council Tool axes are great! I have found two old heads and brought them both back to life. Their steel seems great...I did a bunch of splitting the other day with one and it stayed sharp even when finished. Both of the heads I've used are that way. The CTs come a little rough around the edges, but sanding and oiling the handle, and sharpening the bits properly (they come a little dull), and you have a great axe. If you can, find a place that carries them so you can pick the best of the bunch as far as grain and head alignment.
 
You should be able to get a good vintage double bit axe head off the popular auction site for less than $20 shipped. Then buy a handle and put them together.
 
I have watched some really nice vintage heads on ebay. I dont want any pitting, so i have to be real careful. I've not seen a lot that go for the 20.00 range. Most of the ones that are in that kind of condition would go for 30-40, then 10 for a helve, its more than the cost of a new council off amazon.

New or old doesnt really matter to me, if the new one is made good, it will someday be old too.

Some of the reviews on amazon lead me to believe the new council tool axes are shoddy or hit or miss. I want it to hold a good edge. Cleaning up the handle and head some doesnt sway me. I've rarely bought anything that was sharp out of the box.
 
I guess I don't have a specific answer for you because I don't think there are a lot of options available. I was thinking though, if you're going to polish it, in either case, it seems like pitting shouldn't matter. And I don't think pitting will have any real impact on use anyway. I also think you might be in for a surprise when your brand new axe shows up with a relatively rough surface, and of course it will likely have paint on it. If you just don't want a project, and I can understand that feeling, I think the Council Tool will serve you just fine. I can't really imagine the hit and miss nature of their tools considering the heavily industrialized processes they use. I can picture the hit and miss nature of the handles but even then, not really. I also know that Snow & Nealley makes a DB and there has been talk going on for a while about them bringing manufacturing back to the US. To my knowledge that has pretty much happened in full and you may be able to get a US made DB from them. I for one would be interested to see how it turns out, but I'd ask to be certain you were getting a USA stamped head prior to ordering. Dunno what the difference will be but at least you have another option.

It's not easy, particularly on ebay, but there are a number of guys here who regularly find very nice old axes for very little coin. If you're thinking, yeah I don't have time to dredge every junk shop in the state, I can fully understand and that's how I feel too, particularly after having done it with little to no success. I would still say however, with some time and patience, you can land a better tool using ebay at a good price.

Matter of fact, just real quick I went to ebay, perfectly serviceable looking vintage DB with 25 minutes and a single $4.00 bid. No pitting either BTW.
 
I will give S&N a look.

I am patient, been looking and pondering a few months. A few pits would be okay, but not horrible pitting, I had one of those okay. Im not going to polish it mirror bright, just enough to make it cut well. I did my single bit craftsman to 600 grip paper, and then with scotchbrite and it shined up pretty good.

I dont mind a project, I figure a new axe or a used wont be to my liking either one.
 
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I own seven Council Tool Axes. A cherished family heirloom is a very old Council Tool double bit axe my grandfather owned. One of my cousins owns it and it is still in good shape and is used once in awhile.

My grandfather was born in 1878 and purchased the axe from his brother for $1. That was a very long time ago. Council Tool has been in business for 129 years. They also make a tremendous amount of axes for the U.S. Govt's military and forestry service. Buy these tools. THEY HAVE SERVED MY FAMILY NICELY FOR NEARLY 100 YEARS.

These axes will take a razor edge and hold that razor edge.

You'll be satisfied with Council Tool Axes.
 
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i still havent picked up a good axe, but its coming.
 
I still have not taken the plunge for a chopping axe. Bought a good chainsaw though, so its a little on the back burner.
 
JM2 said:
I still have not taken the plunge for a chopping axe. Bought a good chainsaw though, so its a little on the back burner.
Click to expand...

Axe and some wedges are handy when you're using a saw and the bar pinches in a cut or otherwise gets stuck.
 
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