First time post; please forgive errors/etticut
I recently picked up a Cold Steel Trail Boss. If you haven't seen one of these yet, its about a 2-1/2 lbs and about 24 inches long. Its blade is 4-1/2" long and dull with a rolled edge from the factory.
Does the edge matter? To a knife nut, no. To an average user, no. Why? Becuase the knife nut grinds and sands to a razors edge and will reprofile it...which is what I did. An "average" user needs a axe not all that frequently, and so the edge is acceptable at best, and really should atleast be sharpened with a file to correct the roll, which is not too involved.
The steel is 1055 medium carbon steel. For those who have used this steel, it performs on par, as it has a good heat treat...even for being made in China.
Anyone who likes Cold Steel's tomahawks or other axes (polearms) will indeed like this axe's performance, and it comes with the handle already fit.
Its got a solid feel. No loose or sloppy play in the handle/head area. How does it perform? Well, with the factory edge, I wouldnt have even tried to do work with it. After I took it to the sander with a 40 grit belt to reset the bevels, and then 320 grit for the edge, well it performs like a champ. I went through an eight inch log of cedar in about three minutes or so an the edge held up remarkably well. Infact it acted as sharp on a paper test as it did before the cutting. Regrettably, I havent had the opportunity to work with a Grandsfur, or other premium axe, but I can imagine that this axe for $24 holds its own and it has certainly found a niche in my arsenal of edged goods. Im pretty sure with a couple bucks and a little love it can be found in yours too.
Their are a few things found lacking here though. The finish of the American straight grain hickory isnt very good. It works, but so does bare wood. There are runs in the finish and medium sanding lines visible in light, however the quality of the wood is not bad. It doesnt come with any sheath, but rather a small piece of rubber to cover the blade in shipping. However, for the money I really dont think you can get this quality anywhere else, unless your looking at a true multitude of companies and shopping daily (which there is no doubt some of you are
).
All in all, a good buy. I would certainly purchase this axe again, and again...and pick up a tomahawk or two as well.
I hope this review has found all of you in good health and helps you in your decision.
I recently picked up a Cold Steel Trail Boss. If you haven't seen one of these yet, its about a 2-1/2 lbs and about 24 inches long. Its blade is 4-1/2" long and dull with a rolled edge from the factory.
Does the edge matter? To a knife nut, no. To an average user, no. Why? Becuase the knife nut grinds and sands to a razors edge and will reprofile it...which is what I did. An "average" user needs a axe not all that frequently, and so the edge is acceptable at best, and really should atleast be sharpened with a file to correct the roll, which is not too involved.
The steel is 1055 medium carbon steel. For those who have used this steel, it performs on par, as it has a good heat treat...even for being made in China.
Anyone who likes Cold Steel's tomahawks or other axes (polearms) will indeed like this axe's performance, and it comes with the handle already fit.
Its got a solid feel. No loose or sloppy play in the handle/head area. How does it perform? Well, with the factory edge, I wouldnt have even tried to do work with it. After I took it to the sander with a 40 grit belt to reset the bevels, and then 320 grit for the edge, well it performs like a champ. I went through an eight inch log of cedar in about three minutes or so an the edge held up remarkably well. Infact it acted as sharp on a paper test as it did before the cutting. Regrettably, I havent had the opportunity to work with a Grandsfur, or other premium axe, but I can imagine that this axe for $24 holds its own and it has certainly found a niche in my arsenal of edged goods. Im pretty sure with a couple bucks and a little love it can be found in yours too.
Their are a few things found lacking here though. The finish of the American straight grain hickory isnt very good. It works, but so does bare wood. There are runs in the finish and medium sanding lines visible in light, however the quality of the wood is not bad. It doesnt come with any sheath, but rather a small piece of rubber to cover the blade in shipping. However, for the money I really dont think you can get this quality anywhere else, unless your looking at a true multitude of companies and shopping daily (which there is no doubt some of you are
). All in all, a good buy. I would certainly purchase this axe again, and again...and pick up a tomahawk or two as well.
I hope this review has found all of you in good health and helps you in your decision.
