Had an interesting phone conversation with US axe maker Council Tool yesterday

coloradowildman

coloradowildman

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Oct 28, 2009
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Hi friends, I had a very interesting phone conversation with Council Tool (the last major US maker of working axes) and thought I'd share it with others who are into axes for bushcraft, trekking, canoeing, homesteading, etc. I originally posted this on the Bushcraft USA Axe and Edged Tools forum but thought you guys might be interested in this as well.

I spoke with the sister of the president of the company by chance and she really wanted to know more about what we in the bushcraft and outdoor community want out of an axe and also seemed interested in possibly competing with Wetterlings, Snow & Nealley and Gransfors.

She asked what type of axes and handle lengths are popular and also what price range seems to sell the best.

She said they were in the process of coming out with a 125th Anniversary axe that would be comparable to a Gransfors, which includes a harder alloy steel, special sharpening, and hand finished.

They are also offering their premium 3.5 lb Jersey Axe with a 32" handle by request right now. Supposedly the Jersey axe pattern is considered by many axe experts to be the best overall axe as it both chops and splits well (can anyone else chime in on this?). I'm guessing this axe would be comparable to the Wetterlings American Felling axe. Here's a pic of one with the longer 36" handle from a British forum (scroll down towards the bottom) http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42918

Apparently they want to hear from us, so if you're interested in pushing them into making something along the lines of an American Wetterling axe or just want to make general suggestions about what you'd like to see them produce then email kpierce@counciltool.com

PS- I am in no way connected to Council, just hoping that we can eventually have a US alternative to the Wetterlings and Gransfors (even though I love them as well!)
 
Be interesting to see that anniversary axe.....Thanks for the info....
 
I'd like to see a hand axe, like the Wetterlings SAW20C/H, and a small belt hatchet.

Those are the two sizes I use most.


One thing I've never seen done right by any manufacturer is the Nessmuk hatchet.
 
This would be great to have a real US-made GOOD axe, now that S&N is out of the game with their made in China axes.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
This would be great to have a real US-made GOOD axe, now that S&N is out of the game with their made in China axes.
Click to expand...

Snow&Neally are made in China now? Dam that sucks! I was on a crew that installed some ductwork in their shop in Bangor back in the 80's when they were still forging stuff right there. Got a tour of the shop and the process, pretty cool stuff. I'm sad to hear this news........
 
Double bit cedar axe. Similar to the old Marbles #15 camp axe. 1.75-2lb head 27-28" Helve would be real nice or a Nessmuk double bit.
 
No I didn't.

But I remember it was maybe 3-4 years ago that S&N stopped selling their tools directly, I have a feeling that it was around that time.
 
The 36" handled Jersey Axe looks like a winner to this vector.

i dropped them a note of encouragement, spiced with some humble ideas.

vec
 
Hey all, my name is Tim and I work at Council Tool. I saw all the comments posted here as well as all the e-mails that have been sent. Thank you all for your ideas and support. I will do my best to try to keep everyone up to date on the current progress on this special axe. If any of you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
 
Thanks for asking for advice! It's the surest way to give customers what they want! :thumbup:

I'd like to see a well-done rendition of a Maine-pattern axe, but I'm a little biased. :D
 
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