COUNCIL TOOL Wood-Craft Pack Axe - 2 lb Camping Axe, 24" Curved Hickory Handle with Leather Sheath, Made in The USA - WC20PA24C

I was finally able to put this axe through its paces on my last backpacking trip and was very impressed and stayed warm as well. I was worried at first about the edge retention and hardness after a couple of customer reviews said they had problems with the edge holding up due to inconsistent heat treatment, but that was when this axe was first released, and it seems Council Tool quickly made the necessary adjustments and more importantly made sure the customers affected recieved a replacement and were satisfied. The axe I recieved came razor sharp out of the box, had a nice polished edge bevel, and felt great in my hands. The profile and design of this axe makes it a great all around performer from fine carving to chopping and splitting. The two pound head is a little heavier than the average axe this size, but I actually like the extra heft and it sure does hit hard. After three days of hard use the the edge held up way better than I expected since I was processing mostly hardwoods like oak and ash. No knicks or rolls anywhere on the edge. A very fine 3000 grit whetstone and a strop with some compound was all that was needed to bring back the razor edge. The only thing I did not like was the leather sheath that came with the axe. It does its job of protecting the edge but it's pretty basic and doesn't stay on well. It wasn't a big deal for me though because I make my own kydex sheaths for all my cutting tools. Council Tool does have a better quality leather sheath avaliable and a sling/strap carrying system that is pretty cool too. Council Tool Co. has a great reputation and has been making axes and tools for the forestry sector for over a hundred years. This axe definitely reflects their commitment to quality and is a great American made packable woodcraft axe that can go toe to toe with its Scandinavian competitors.

Wow, I was truly amazed with my new axe for about one minute; then I used it. I took it out back to split some wood I needed done to fix lunch. I clipped a knot, and rolled the edge right on over. I have purposely sent my CRKT Chogan Woods through knots with no issues: AT ALL!!! In fact, I finished the knot that rolled the edge on my Council Tool, with the Chogan. Furthermore, the edge does not hold as well as my Chogan either. I thought I was going to get my first truly high end premium axe, and found out I already had something BETTER!!! Overall I was, and am still happy with the fit, and finish, but if the axe head itself isn't any Better than What I have seen so far this is crap!!! I did a lot of research before I bought this axe trying to be sure that when I bought my first premium axe I spent my money right: apparently I did not!!! Then there is the mask, REALLY??? What kind of quality control was done here??? This thing is so lose that I can just pull it off with one FINGER!!! I fixed it with another rivet under the blade to tighten it up so I can take this axe camping for the next few days, and see how it does it the wild: wish me luck, I may need it!!! I will be contacting Council to hear what they have to say about this, and what can be done about it. Maybe, if I get taken care of I may change my rating, but for now I stand by my rating of this axe. Up Date: James K. Elkins, Vice President-Market and Partnership Development for Council Tools, Contacted me back within minutes, and is sending me a new axe right away, and I am sending this one back right away. They want to test it and find out what happened. So Great stuff Council Tool!!! Update: James K. Elkins, sent me a new axe, and I am super happy!!! The new axe is exactly what I really wanted to begin with. I really like the heartwood look, and James selected me one with just a touch of sapwood near the bottom of the haft. The head performs just as expected; the cuts wood like there is no tomorrow!!! Nothing but good things to say about the new axe, and recommend it to anyone wanting a great American made axe that will do whatever you need. I use my axe several times a week and rarely have to touch the edge up on the sharpener. Bottom line, this axe is everything Council Tool created it for, and more. This can be the one tool option if you wanted, for all of your wood processing needs. You can also build a shelter with it, and start a fire. Thanks James, and Council Tool for taking care of me: I am a FOREVER FAN!!!

Best survival axe in the game! 5160 steel is unmatched

Very well made, attractive and provides excellent protection for the axe.

Very well made axe. It’s a good size pack axe / hatchet. Came razor sharp. The fix and finish is fantastic. The mask is well made of quality leather.

In my humble opinion this is one of the best production back packing axes money can buy. Easy to sharpen, great tempering job. Nocely fit for a production axe. Check you head centering though as I have heard that it can sometimes be off a tad. But this is a strong high quality axe for the field. And for the price, you are getting more value for your money than if you spent hundreds on a swedish axe brand. again in mine and many others opinions.

Excellent product quality

This axe is incredible. Comes razor sharp. Great for camp.

It's very nice leather I bought the strap to go with this sheath. Axe sheath and strap with cost $471.13 Canada dollars. I got a better price when I bought my WCPA. The set up is very expensive but it's very nice.

Wow I love this axe! This seller had a great price on the 18 inch model. I changed the handle to a 26 inch and couldn't be happier. Blade came razor sharp 👌

Excellent

Vertical grain, well fitted, 10/10 piece with nice edge, hardened and ready for strop.

haven't tried it out yet, but it's everything I wanted and then some, She's not cheap, but worth every penny.