This week French and I finally received our new axes from Whiskey River Trading. These axes are Council Tools #2 Double Bit Saddle Axes - Sport Utility Edition. The head is made from 2lbs of drop forged 1060 steel and has a 16" hickory handle.
They also offer this axe in their premium line for a premium price, the premium axe changes from 1060 steel to 5160 and has a more polished finished appearance.
Council Tool internal standards call for tempered bit hardness of Rc 48-55 and they target 1-1/4 inches from the cutting edge. The poll and eye walls are not hardened and remain in as forged condition. The head is coated with a rust proofing agent over the forged finish.
Our axes arrived razor sharp and ready to cut, I gave mine a cleaning with Rubbing Alcohol and treated the head in Break Free CLP. It's a fantastic rust proofing oil that I use regularly on my firearms.
Next the hickory handle was sanded with 220-grit 3M paper, torch burned to highlight the wood grain then treated in multiple coats of dark walnut Danish Oil.
Two beautiful new Axes ready for service.
At the time of purchases there were no sheaths available for this axe from Council Tools or Whisky River. As it's quite sharp I didn't want to carry the axe without one so I picked up some leather & tools and got to work.
I think it came out pretty darn good, it fits beautifully, looks decent and is very functional. Check out my Council Tools #2 Axe Story on the Projects in the Shed page for more on the sheath fabrication.
Cheers, Mike
Copyright © 2011 Michael Smith |
