Council Tool Hudson Bay Axe

RR

RR

....glutton for punishment.....
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I was looking for a decent packable axe recently. Something bigger than a hatchet but smaller than a full sized axe. Want to be able to strap it to my pack and hoof it in to the camping spot without adding a ton of weight. Wanting more capability than a hatchet but not needing big capability either. Looking for Goldilocks I guess.

I think I found it.

Council Tool (NC company) has their Hudson Bay Axe which is just about right. Now right out of the box I needed to address the edge. It was sharp enough but primary and secondary bevelled more like a knife than an axe. So time to convex that down just a bit and make it both sharp and durable. Done....

PXL_20210711_180858295.jpg

Then a proper kydex mask for it. I've been making kydex masks for my hatches and axes recently. Yeah I know leather purists may barf a bit but they snap in place and with a quick snatch on the retention bungee they are off and the axe is ready to work. No straps snaps and such.

PXL_20210711_181219725.jpg


Now I feel like I need to stain and seal that haft. This is Council's "sport utility" finish which kinda feels like "not" finished.

I'll be addressing that soon....

Overall I'm happy with the purchase.
 
I haven’t used them but have always read that Council axes are a solid mid-priced choice, and the fact that they’re NC made is a bonus. The lack of a finish on the handle is a plus to some, easier to apply the finish of your choice.
I like the “snap on” kydex head cover, very practical!

Another good option for a mid-size axe in that price range is the Husqvarna 26” multi-purpose axe. They’re Swedish made, hand forged by Hults Bruk, and normally about $69. I have the 19” version and it’s great for my limited needs.
 
RR said:
I was looking for a decent packable axe recently. Something bigger than a hatchet but smaller than a full sized axe. Want to be able to strap it to my pack and hoof it in to the camping spot without adding a ton of weight. Wanting more capability than a hatchet but not needing big capability either. Looking for Goldilocks I guess.

I think I found it.

Council Tool (NC company) has their Hudson Bay Axe which is just about right. Now right out of the box I needed to address the edge. It was sharp enough but primary and secondary bevelled more like a knife than an axe. So time to convex that down just a bit and make it both sharp and durable. Done....

View attachment 353864

Then a proper kydex mask for it. I've been making kydex masks for my hatches and axes recently. Yeah I know leather purists may barf a bit but they snap in place and with a quick snatch on the retention bungee they are off and the axe is ready to work. No straps snaps and such.

View attachment 353865


Now I feel like I need to stain and seal that haft. This is Council's "sport utility" finish which kinda feels like "not" finished.

I'll be addressing that soon....

Overall I'm happy with the purchase.
Click to expand...

If you were to buy, sharpen and attach a kydex sheath to another I might just know somebody that would pay cash money and let you profit from the exercise. Heck, that person may even be able to pick it up at your camp site and deliver some adult beverages on the way to West Jefferson.

Just sayin’!

On a related note /i tried to use stones to sharpen a machete I got from Thrillhill way back and that thing cuts like a butter knife now. My sharpening skills suck. Unless I am using my little Spyderco Sharpmaker.
 
CZfool68 said:
If you were to buy, sharpen and attach a kydex sheath to another I might just know somebody that would pay cash money and let you profit from the exercise. Heck, that person may even be able to pick it up at your camp site and deliver some adult beverages on the way to West Jefferson.

Just sayin’!

On a related note /i tried to use stones to sharpen a machete I got from Thrillhill way back and that thing cuts like a butter knife now. My sharpening skills suck. Unless I am using my little Spyderco Sharpmaker.
Click to expand...
That can be arranged. Shoot me a PM and we can work something out.
 
RR said:
Now I feel like I need to stain and seal that haft. This is Council's "sport utility" finish which kinda feels like "not" finished.

I'll be addressing that soon....

Overall I'm happy with the purchase.
Click to expand...
I would suggest not sealing the wood but protect it like a stock and let it breath so not to dry and crack.. My tools all get a linseed oil treatment. Clean it with some soapy water (Dawn and warm water), let it dry and then apply and rub in a couple coats of linseed oil. After that just reapply the linseed every sis months or so. It will treat and protect it along with giving the wood a nice patina.
 
NCFubar said:
I would suggest not sealing the wood but protect it like a stock and let it breath so not to dry and crack.. My tools all get a linseed oil treatment. Clean it with some soapy water (Dawn and warm water), let it dry and then apply and rub in a couple coats of linseed oil. After that just reapply the linseed every sis months or so. It will treat and protect it along with giving the wood a nice patina.
Click to expand...
I tend to use danish over BLO. I put one coat of Danish on it earlier. I'll likely do another couple coats.
 
@RR
Stand the ax up in something and pour BLO over the head and let it sit over night.
That will protect the handle at the head and the ax head metal.
 
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