REVIEW: Council Tool Velvicut Hudson Bay Axe (pic heavy)

Boy thats a beautiful ax but I just can't see spending that type of money on one. What does it run about $160???:eek:
 
Hey CWM;

Excellent review and your a very good photographer as well.
I've had mine a few months now and am just getting acquainted with it. First of all I agree with almost all of what you reviewed except I like the sheath because it gives secure attachment points to my pack. Plus I am never in a hurry to un sheath or sheath an axe. I already lost that little black thingy.

My edge bevel came out of the box thick at around 30degrees. I used it a little like that to get a feel for it. After about a half hour or so with a file I got it down some and tried it and filed some more and it is around 25degrees more or less and still has a little way to go. The difference is huge and is much more efficient after a little file work. My Wetterlings 3lb felling is around 17degrees for reference. I actually like to file my axe in to my particular preference. I thought the steel came off a little quick though compared to some vintage/newer stuff I have.
I'm not a fan of the robot grinds.

Anyway I am going to drill a lanyard hole in the handle because I like them.
Planning a hike this weekend and will latch it to my fourteener(pack) and have some outdoor wild fun with it compared to around the yard. This should be interesting since I normally just carry an x7 hatchet.
I Enjoy your blog also and will visit frequently.thanks for the link
Again very well written and concise.
cattledog
 
cattledog said:
Hey CWM;

Excellent review and your a very good photographer as well.
I've had mine a few months now and am just getting acquainted with it. First of all I agree with almost all of what you reviewed except I like the sheath because it gives secure attachment points to my pack. Plus I am never in a hurry to un sheath or sheath an axe. I already lost that little black thingy.

My edge bevel came out of the box thick at around 30degrees. I used it a little like that to get a feel for it. After about a half hour or so with a file I got it down some and tried it and filed some more and it is around 25degrees more or less and still has a little way to go. The difference is huge and is much more efficient after a little file work. My Wetterlings 3lb felling is around 17degrees for reference. I actually like to file my axe in to my particular preference. I thought the steel came off a little quick though compared to some vintage/newer stuff I have.
I'm not a fan of the robot grinds.

Anyway I am going to drill a lanyard hole in the handle because I like them.
Planning a hike this weekend and will latch it to my fourteener(pack) and have some outdoor wild fun with it compared to around the yard. This should be interesting since I normally just carry an x7 hatchet.
I Enjoy your blog also and will visit frequently.thanks for the link
Again very well written and concise.
cattledog
Click to expand...

Cattledog, thank you very much for the compliments and glad you enjoyed the review. That's some great info you shared as well. I'm glad that others are seeing what I'm seeing in both positive and negative aspects, because it gives people a good idea of what their buying first. Yeah, the steel is definitely a little softer than on the Swedish and Vintage axes. When I take mine on a winter trek next week I'm gonna run a file over it when it's been sitting out in sub-zero weather to see if it's the proper hardness then :) The softness may be a true asset in really cold weather that would make harder axes too brittle. Will report back what I find.

Cheers, CW
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top