Made in the USA: Council Tool's Velvicut "Boutique Axe" (article link)

It's an appropriate term! I've borrowed the phrase myself on several occasions. :)
 
It must be nice to get grain lines straight up and down like that. Mine are about 40°. I need to post some pics and a very brief review soon. I like mine quite a bit; it's a good little axe.
 
Boutique axe my ass.

EDIT. I just dont like the term LOL. (Keep it in line, OP)
 
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Just out of curiosity, what's your reasoning on that point? I'd love to hear more about your opinion. :)

I find it appropriate as, while such attention to detail was a practical necessity in the past, in today's world the vast majority of Americans don't need anything more than crappy hardware store axes to get the job done. The resurgence of popularity for the axe largely stem, in my opinion, not from the logging or other related industries, but rather from hobby farmers, homesteaders, and folks seeking to use the axe for recreational woods use. These axes are generally carried by smaller outfits, and the companies have given the axes the "spa treatment" before sending them out the door. Under the circumstances, the term "boutique axe" makes sense to me as a term representing a premium item made for a small section of the population that wants the best production axe money can buy.

My opinion of the term might change based on your argument, though, as I very much respect your knowledge in the world of axes.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Just out of curiosity, what's your reasoning on that point? I'd love to hear more about your opinion. :)

I find it appropriate as, while such attention to detail was a practical necessity in the past, in today's world the vast majority of Americans don't need anything more than crappy hardware store axes to get the job done. The resurgence of popularity for the axe largely stem, in my opinion, not from the logging or other related industries, but rather from hobby farmers, homesteaders, and folks seeking to use the axe for recreational woods use. These axes are generally carried by smaller outfits, and the companies have given the axes the "spa treatment" before sending them out the door. Under the circumstances, the term "boutique axe" makes sense to me as a term representing a premium item made for a small section of the population that wants the best production axe money can buy.

My opinion of the term might change based on your argument, though, as I very much respect your knowledge in the world of axes.
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It does, and you are correct. Its my "why are axes going mainstream and cool when they should all be mine rant"

I couldnt agree with you more. As time keeps going, things evolve, it would be foolish to think that the axe and its aura will not evolve as well. At the same time, the two words, boutique and axe dont go together at all - not at all. UG!
 
Operator1975 said:
It does, and you are correct. Its my "why are axes going mainstream and cool when they should all be mine rant"

I couldnt agree with you more. As time keeps going, things evolve, it would be foolish to think that the axe and its aura will not evolve as well. At the same time, the two words, boutique and axe dont go together at all - not at all. UG!
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I hear you there! I think there's only a small handful of us that still have a legitimate use for a high-end axe. And those of us that do are usually so picky that only an antique will do. :D I'd like to get my hands on a Best Made unfinished Hudson Bay at some point though. I'd rather buy direct from Council, but I like the longer handle on the Best Made. :p

I really appreciate the way that Council grinds the heads to a smooth finish. Forged finishes look nice, but the ground finish will increase performance in my opinion.
 
bearhunter said:
ahh, man...!

im sorry...:(

but, how did you know? do you subscribe???
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Come again Bear? EDIT- Sorry Bear, wasn't understanding the post at first (it's early!). It's not so bad if it ultimately brings more people to these forums to learn about real axe use and history. As for how I find out? I started seeing massive traffic to my blog in my stats page and it had a link to this article.

Cheers! CW
 
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The handle on the one in the article looks to be about half heartwood, but I've at least heard that modern testing has revealed no significant difference in performance.
 
cattledog said:
The last paragraph in that article made me chuckle.
Nice shout out to you in there CW
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Yeah, it's always interesting to see what people outside the normally small world of serious axe users write about axes:) On the bright side, it might also bring more people to the forums where they can learn more about serious axe use and history. It was a nice shout out, no doubt.

Cheers, CW
 
Hey Colorado Wildman
In that article there is a link
http://www.woodandmetal.com/product/council-tool-velvicut-2-lb-premium-hudson-bay-axe
Read down a little heres the text:

"Council Tool added some length to the poll of the traditional Hudson Bay Axe pattern for improved balance. The eye of this axe has been pierced with a special punch, forming ribs [B]horizontally and vertically[/B] inside. This creates more contact area and bite between the head to handle joint, for an improved hold."

Thats the first I heard about horizontal ribs. You know about that?


Never mind just read about it on Council's site I did not know about the horizontal ribs wonder how they did that.
 
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cattledog said:
Hey Colorado Wildman
In that article there is a link
http://www.woodandmetal.com/product/council-tool-velvicut-2-lb-premium-hudson-bay-axe
Read down a little heres the text:

"Council Tool added some length to the poll of the traditional Hudson Bay Axe pattern for improved balance. The eye of this axe has been pierced with a special punch, forming ribs [B]horizontally and vertically[/B] inside. This creates more contact area and bite between the head to handle joint, for an improved hold."

Thats the first I heard about horizontal ribs. You know about that?
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Hey Cattledog, yes, I am familiar with it (not sure if it's in one of my write ups on this axe or not). If it's not in my reviews I'll be sure to add it, as it might have been an oversight on my part not to include it. Thanks for bringing that up.

Cheers, CW
 
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