What can you tell me about Council brand axes? Any good?

[bob johnson]

I realize that this is plain, white bread fare, but does anyone have experience with the steel in Council brand axes. Do they hold an edge? Chip? How about the form factor? Fat, thin? Are these just hardware store crap like the Collins brand? I will be felling and bucking, so I need something that will cut and chop.

 

[thunderstick]

The only one I have experience with is their Hudson bay belt axe--and it is very good steel. I don't care as much for their center aluminum wedge emthod in the handle, as I prefer a tight end to end wood wedge with a metal cross wedge. I ordered handles from them and rehung axe and am very pleased with it now. I also thinned the bit out some for a deeper cut.

 

[thunderstick]

The only one I have experience with is their Hudson bay belt axe--and it is very good steel. I don't care as much for their center aluminum wedge in the handle, as I prefer a tight end to end wood wedge with a metal cross wedge. I ordered handles from them and rehung axe and am very pleased with it now. I also thinned the bit out some for a deeper cut.