Pick an Axe for Me

[JonZ28]

I need help picking the right axe. I've messed around with some cheap hatchets before, but never swung an axe before. It's time for that to change.

I spend a bunch of time in the woods, and I'm looking for an axe to keep in my truck. I was hunting in Northern California last winter and had to find a different trail back to civilization due to a +/-24" dia. redwood downed across the trail I came in on.

I would like to spend around $100 if possible. If you have a recommendation, please provide specifics (handle length, weight, shape, etc) because I'm a total newbie.

The search feature has pointed me to council tool, but I'm lost from there; I need help picking a specific model or different company all together. Help!

 

[Blunt Forged Edge]

Greetings! Just curious to know if the specific axe you're looking for will be kept mostly in the truck and occasionally carried with on your person during your trek into the woods? If that's the case, them probably maybe the Council Tool Boy's Axe may fit the bill. I'm sure others here that are more experienced will offer their suggestions.

Anyways, hope you find what you're looking for!

 

[JonZ28]

Exactly, mostly in the truck. The more i think about it, lets say 100% in the truck. It will be used primarily to keep me from being stuck in the woods due to a downed tree.

 

[wildmike]

Council tools boys axe. It will handle most everything you need to do.

2 1/4 lb. Head

28" handle

 

[Square_peg]

A 3-1/2 pound Dayton pattern single bit with a 36" handle would do the job fine for you. A straight handle is a little easier for the intermediate axe user. A curved handle is harder to be accurate with - though it has other advantages.

The other possibility is a 3.5 pound Jersey. If it's just redwood then the Jersey would be good. It's wide blade is made for cutting soft woods like redwood. But if you might also run into harder woods like Douglas fir then you'd be better off with the Dayton. Also the Dayton will be better for chopping dry wood.

Whatever you get you'll also need a good file and a stone to keep it sharp.

 

[JonZ28]

Ive got plenty of files, stones, grinders, and belt sanders. Been making knives as a hobby for 16 years now, just never had an axe and i dont know why.

I will likely encounter harder wood also, just used the redwood example for size. Sounds like either 3.5 lb dayton or boys axe. Is it safe to say bigger is better since im not gonna be packing it?

Anything other than council tool i should consider?

 

[Square_peg]

Is it safe to say bigger is better since im not gonna be packing it?

Not necessarily. A boys axe is still a substantial tool and if you don't use an axe often then you'll find the boys axe easier to work with, easier to place your blows accurately. It could be the more efficient axe for that reason.

Anything other than council tool i should consider?

Gransfors Bruks and Wetterlings make some nice axes. They're a bit more spendy than Council but they have a lot of fans. The other route is to find a good vintage axe. Sounds like you're handy in the shop so you could re-handle and sharpen an old axe. Garage sales, estate sales and ebay are great places to find vintage axes.

 

[Operator1975]

3 lb double bit on a 30 inch handle is my new favorite working axe for right now. Versatile, 2 bits to work with, light, great balance, etc. Might be an option.

 

[JonZ28]

Thanks for all the help.

I'm going to go with the Council Tool Boy's Axe. Knowing myself, this will likely just be the beginning. Once I get some use out of the Boy's Axe, I'll need a big double bit, and a good hatchet, and...

 

[Operator1975]

Do yourself a favor, don't get into axes or hatchets.

 

[neeman]

3 lb double bit on a 30 inch handle is my new favorite working axe for right now. Versatile, 2 bits to work with, light, great balance, etc. Might be an option.

I do not have access to your famous flea markets

What store purchased 3 lb double bit on a 30 inch handle axe would you recommend?

Thanks

 

[Double Ott]

Thanks for all the help.

I'm going to go with the Council Tool Boy's Axe. Knowing myself, this will likely just be the beginning. Once I get some use out of the Boy's Axe, I'll need a big double bit, and a good hatchet, and...

Good selection!! Your off to a great start. The boy's axe is a great compromise, not to big, not to small. I think you'll be surprised at what you an accomplish with it.

 

[Blunt Forged Edge]

Thanks for all the help.

I'm going to go with the Council Tool Boy's Axe. Knowing myself, this will likely just be the beginning. Once I get some use out of the Boy's Axe, I'll need a big double bit, and a good hatchet, and...

Do yourself a favor, don't get into axes or hatchets.

Like Operator1975 said. In fact one can never have enough axes! Also, the CT.BA is a good start. Here's what mine appears in hand, and my skinny is 5' 8" | 165#.

 

[bearhunter]

Like Operator1975 said. In fact one can never have enough axes! Also, the CT.BA is a good start. Here's what mine appears in hand, and my skinny is 5' 8" | 165#.

You and I are practically twins

You'll love that little axe. It's just simply a fine, well built axe... There's just no way around it!

 

[Log cutter]

Great choice in the Council tool Boys axe! me personally (Im an Aussie BTW) when I head bush to lay an axe into some timber I usually take my ol Hytest Black axe with me. Its unreal! Horses for courses though, welcome to the world of axes!