First axe

Council Tool is a good axe. I looking at one from the Velvicut line also
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Reasonable choice, hope you enjoy it. While I think the standard and particularly the FSS CTs are more than adequate and solid bargains
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I found a pretty good deal on a Council Velvicut 'Bad Boy's Axe' and its now on its way home.

I went with a new axe mostly because ill be able to pass it down one day, and partly because there will be no steel already missing from previous use.
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The Council Tools axes are classic designs with nice slim handles. They are made in The USA. But for 140 dollars or whatever, you could probably persuade a proper smith to forge you one. And, I dont want to get boring about this, but there is no metallurgical advantage to using 5160 steel if you are only going to harden it to 53-54HRC. The 1060-steel normal line up will perform the same and once you've sanded off the paint you'll have a perfectly nice looking tool.

Or, for 20 bucks you can get a top quality vintage head with a properly hardened bit. There are loads of threads and videos out there about how to replace a handle -- it's arguably the best way of making an axe your own, if you're thinking about passing it down to your kids. (short of getting a custom made head)

So, if you really want to spend $140 why not check around see if you can find a custom maker who will make you something unique. Or if you just want a decent USA made modern axe, get the basic line CT. Or if you want the most performance for the money, get a vintage axe and make it your own.
 
Joshie nailed it. Vintage axes are for sure the way to go, or even a custom hand forged quality made in the USA piece. If I had 140 to put towards axes, I'd buy 7 antique ones and fix them up if need be.
 
I think you made a good choice...a premium USA-made axe that will last many lifetimes. Nothing wrong with that at all! Post up some pics and get out and use it!
 
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