Need help choosing between 2 brands.

LEGION 12

LEGION 12

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Jan 8, 2009
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A Snow & Nealley 3.5 single bit or a Council Jersey ax ? I find myself needing a larger axe than my Wetterlings large hunter for processing wood at home. Which would would you guys suggest ? I know a vintage American axe would be what most of you would suggest but I would like to get a new one. Thanks in advance.
 
What is this...new axe newfangled thing you're talking about! Idk about S and N now, but I've heard their modern ones had some issues with the steel benign a bit soft, I think they're heada are all u.s made now though, after the Chinese crap stock is gone. I've used the 3.5 lber Snow and Nealley and it worked great, hard steel prior to the China export. If they can reach the quality of lee China id go with them.
 
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Borrow one of each of these for a weekend of intense activity and then get back to us. Likely head weight/haft length is going to be the only real noticeable difference, providing the blades were equally hand-sharpened before the test began.
As they say "carpenter never blames his tools", but dull axes are (and always have been) more common than ticks on a deer (or fleas on a dog) and invariably the axe gets the blame, and not the owner, when performance turns out to be lacklustre.
 
Yeah, I agree with 300six...handle each if at all possible. You may find out you like the fell and swing of one way better than the other.

For instance, I grabbed a CT Hudson bay 18" and 28" not long ago. I hated the way the 18" felt to me, but loved the feel of the same head on the 28" handle. Personal preference and "feel" will guide you best. If you don't like using a tool, you'll never pick it up or be happy with it, and then it won't get used which is sort of the point! :)
 
Some good advice but trying them before I buy one is impossible. I wish there was somewhere around here to check them out but there isn't. Really am more concerned about the steel than the haft.
 
I think that if you want new and also some quality, I would go with the CT Jersey. Nice look, and I think you can get one around $50 shipped.
 
^Agreed. I was just at the hardware store this afternoon and was handling a 3.5lb Council Jersey with the bevels. I really, really like it...good feel, and good balance. The one I held had a straight haft, and I think they come with curved as well. I know S&N were produced overseas for a bit, but have recently begun production in the USA again. Unless you can guarantee you get one of the USA-produced S&N, and you like them over the Council, I would say get the Council Jersey. They are workers, and a bit rough around the edges, but a little sharpening and sanding and oiling, and they'll be perfect.
 
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