HELP: Council Hudson Bay vs. Velvicut/Best Made version?

R

readyme

Joined
Oct 4, 2004
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First off, I am new to axes. I am looking at getting my first "nice" axe, so I am here to learn. If this has been answered elsewhere, please post me a link.

I like the Council Tool Hudson Bay axe design. They offer a "standard" version with a 1.75# head for about $50. They also produce a Velvicut version that is about $130. And Best Made uses a Velvicut head on their longer version going for about $135.
As long as I have the facts right, can somebody please explain "what you get" for the extra $80-85? I can appreciate the fine detail and finish work of the Velvicut/Best Made, but there has to be something more for more than twice the price of the "standard".

Thank you for any help you can offer.
 
Its on the Concil website, isnt it? Also, there was a review of the BMC Hudson Bay on these forums - look it over - you wont be disappointed.
 
The other key is that the Velvicut line is forged with 5160 steel. The standard line is unnamed "carbon steel" as far as I know.

I believe that the bit is ground more finely and sharper on the velvicut line.
 
Readyme, I've tested and reviewed all three versions, and the main difference is that standard Council Hudson Bay uses an aluminum wedge over the standard wooden wedge and metal pin, which from my experience (and from others on the forums that already bought this axe), is vastly inferior in keeping the head on tight. I've made it known to Council several times that their aluminum wedge has major issues on the standard Hudson Bay, but to date, nothing has been done about it.

For a first axe, grab a Fiskars X15 23.5" Chopping Axe

I'm testing one right now and the performance is astounding. It outchopped my 2.25lb Wetterlings Made Husqvarna Multi-Purpose Axe, outsplit it and even makes great feather sticks. $30 shipped on Amazon! Once you sharpen these a couple of times the harder steel gets exposed and it will hold an edge for a long time. Made in Finland too.

Get one of these, learn proper axe safety and technique, then move onto traditional axes as time and money allow. I consider the Council "standard" line more of an axe for intermediate to advanced axe users who can rehandle and profile the edge themselves to get the axe to perform as it should. The Fiskars comes knife sharp right out of the box and ready to chop.
 
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I am guessing the Fiskars X15 is best used on your knees due to the short handle? My only experiences are with 12" hatchets and 36" axes.
 
I can use the X15 standing as long as I use an extra wide stance. The 1" shorter Council Velvicut is just a little too short for me to want to try this.
 
Snow and Nealley has them in hatchet and 3/4 length.
I think Estwing has a camp axe in Hudson Bay style. Steel handle though.
If length of helve is bothering you, you might need to re-handle one. I don't think I've ever seen one longer than the 3/4 or Boy's axe.
I found an old Collins HB head and whittled down a full-size handle for it. It's nice and light, and hasn't blown up in my face.
 
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