looking to pick up a pack axe, trying to decide between

[cityofthesouth]

velvicut hudson 19". my concern was the head coming dislodged prematurely, like a few hammers and sledges ive used. thanks.

I suppose it's fair to say that the quality of wooden handle fitting can be something of a crap shoot today, but I'll bet you'll be good. CT seems to make an effort to suck less, which may explain why they are one of very few quality hand tool makers left in the US. As far as the wedge goes though, every axe shipped out with a metal wedge looks just like that. Splitting the wood is inevitable with metal wedges, but judging solely by the swelling around that wedge, it looks TIGHT!

 

[rxavage]

its is definitely tight, lol. i will get some photos up of actual use soon. thanks guys.

 

[jonnyt16]

What is the actual total length of it? I've heard those new Velvicuts always come out an inch or two short of their advertised length. Thanks.

 

[RoosterMod]

What is the actual total length of it? I've heard those new Velvicuts always come out an inch or two short of their advertised length. Thanks.

A lot of handles start out as "stock lengths", and depending on the hang, the overall length after trimming is sometimes less... it is a bigger difference with the Hudson Bays since the overall height of the eye is very short compared to a standard Boys Axe...so the Hudson Bays end up shorter, but they still list the original stock length of the handle, and even mention that in the description on the website...

Peace, Rooster

 

[DarthTaco123]

Just some cracking from the dried hickory being displaced by the metal wedge, I usually try to avoid them when possible (and if needed, I'll cross wedge with a wooden wedge). The head on a Hudson Bay pattern axe (as people tell it) stands a slightly higher chance of becoming dislodged easier due to the short eye and wide bit but I personally wouldn't worry a whole lot.