When might we be able to get a review of this axe from you? I was going to order a different brand today, but would like to hold off now that I've seen this one. Might change my mind!

hopefully one day you design an axe/hatchet. you could name it after heartracer.

I was about to say the same thing, we'd love to see this reviewed!

+imbadwrench and snap buttons

+imbadwrench lol

Same here, but I can't complain too much. Still good to have durable, affordable stuff.

+imbadwrench The sling and strap are made to be weather resistant...the sling is made of Biothane, which is a rubber coated nylon webbing that is used in place of leather for driving and riding lines for horse tack very durable and low maintenance , and the velvro is easy to replace and will adjust to different thicknesses of handles, since the sling can be used on larger axes if a sheath is made or purchased...just thinking through to future uses... Peace, Rooster

Bushcraft doesn't really apply in America (as far as I know) because you have woods there right? Where I'm from we have thorny bush and wet forest. No woods

+Cameron Reid This is just me I find the name Bush craft limited. Are you only talking about things you can do, make from a bush or are you doing things with parts of a tree as well, and if you are talking about trees thats woods craft. And most videos I see online people are working on both so when i see Bush craft in the title and see people working on a tree limb that is where i find the word a let down. Now if you have a video about Bush Craft and it was dealing with things to do with a bush then thats perfect. And the same goes with Woods craft. It would be nice to see the use of the word that goes with the location and the job at hand. In Canada I would say i was going into the Woods. That maybe different in other countries where they would say they are going into the Bush and thats where the knives come from and that where the term started. This i do not know would be interesting to see where the name came from. The problem comes from how i use a word where i am from and how other people use a word where they are from. This is not really for me a major problem just an interesting discussion of the meaning of words to people in other countries.

+E Hiebert in the word "bushcraft" I'm quite sure bush is referring to a specific type of environment, not a specific type of plant.

I have both and with my current experience I would say you have made the right decision. The council is a beautiful axe the handle is Devine and the leather is superb. The strap is so thick it could safely double as reins to control a horse. But I'm far from happy with its ability of holding an edge. I've been told mine shall be replaced but I'll believe it when I see it.

Give us an update when you get your replacement axe.... a few axes of a certain run had intermittent heat-treating issues that Council is rectifying... the one I have is top-notch !!

+ben wheatley I have been told my replacement will be sent out next week. Big respect to Council Tool for standing by their product.

+738wmb ABSOLUTELY 100%!

Many would agree that GB is still at the top for popularity... But it is Council's desire to give customers who appreciate American made products an option to buy something that proudly says "Made in USA"... The Wood-Craft Pack Axe is the first and flag-ship of a new line of premium axes, but it was not designed to go head to head with any one axe in the market, but be unique and innovative, ...while adding features that customers will find useful... People will always want to do comparisons, but the Pack Axe was designed to stand apart from the others... Peace, Rooster

+Living Survival Not my design brother, but seems effective for now, that is a question for Council Tool

+Living Survival The sling and strap are made to be weather resistant...the sling is made of Biothane, which is a rubber coated nylon webbing that is used in place of leather for driving and riding lines for horse tack very durable and low maintenance , and the velvro is easy to replace and will adjust to different thicknesses of handles, since the sling can be used on larger axes if a sheath is made or purchased...just thinking through to future uses... Peace, Rooster

Axe Junkies Ahh...ok that is what I was looking for, knew there was probably a reason. Thanks!

Axe Junkies Just sub'd btw :)

+Living Survival I was told they wanted to use that mask for several makes and models of council axes. its riveted on if you choose to make it a "one Axe" sling and add a strip of 10 oz leather and a snap. .

+LilFluffBall Cant Argue, but availability is soon to become a major issue

Who am I going to trust a company that everyone recommends or a axe company I have never heard of nor ever seen a axe used?

An "axe company" you've never heard of? Then you're not an axe man. Council Tool has been making axes for the Forest Service since before Smokey Bear was a gleam in Papa Bear's eye. I'm not an axe man and I've heard of 'em....

I imagine they both cut wood.

Yup.

+Michael Morris Yes, American Company, using American sourced materials, made in USA with American labor force....family run business for 130 years...It's why I contacted them to see if they would be interested in making an axe that would give guys an option to buy American Quality... Peace, Rooster

Council Tool axes are made in the USA.

They need to up the hardness. It's been a constant critism of their product from back in 2011.

+non yobussiness Just saw a member from Axe Junkies on FB post damage to the edge on his. Not normal wear and tear by any means. Not trying to defame based on just one poor review, but starting to see a trend. I was sure thinking about one. As for now, I'm out. Sticking with the vintage US or current Swedish stuff.

I have no clue why they don't up the edge hardness.

+Mark Stiles I had the same issue. Council Tool have sent me an email stating that the edge heat treatment process was flawed and that they will be replacing any defective axes. Mine is due next week and they have been fantastic in following through with their word. I can't wait for my replacement as it truly is an impressive axe to hold and use.

Sounds great. Sincerely hoping we can have a real contender in an American made axe. Seeing as how they are hitting the same price point as the Swedes, I'm hoping they can match the quality. Let us know.

+Landon Ashby (pure mahem) The velcro is heavy duty, weather resistant, and reduces the cost of the sling....it also allows the same sling to be used on any number of sheath and axe size options...so that it can fit any diameter/thickness of handle....the end user can upgrade and modify the sling to their own preference.. Peace, Rooster :)

Had them since this video was posted brother

Great, Thanx, Dave, I was going to get the Scandinavian Forest Axe, But this looks mighty fine.

+wildernessoutfitters I'm pulling the trigger on one with the works the better sheath and leather sling. I was between the G B 25" or the Hults Kisa 26" but I think this will be plenty even in the winter in the Buckeye Nation Go Buckeyes. and ofcource your recomandation.

The axe involves a lot more machine work (i.e. less labor intensive) than the sheath. Also, in truth, the sheath is far more of a specialty item. If you want to, you can knock your own sheath together from kydex and paracord.

+combat Outdoorsman The one Dave is showing in the video is just under 24" and a 2 lbs. head...it also comes in a 19" handle...

+AdirondackArcher ....not sure if it should be "instead of"... the Velvicuts come in what I believe is a 4lbs. Dayton Single-bit, a 2 1/4 lbs. Dayton Boys Axe, and a 1 3/4 lbs. Hudson Bay with 2 handle options... so the Hudson Bay is the closest in size, but does not have a hardened poll, it has a convex bit grind/ bevels instead of the 25 deg. flat grind, the eye is shorter in the Hudson Bay, and it is brushed/ polished instead of blackened.....so they are not really comparable...so maybe get both and sell the one you like least...eh? Peace, Rooster