Council Tool cruiser, rafting axe, etc.

[Steve Tall]

Took a trip on the Wayback Machine, to 2005 when Council Tool made these axes (now discontinued):


Cedar Pattern -- single bit, and double bit cruiser (2.5# head on 28" handle)

Cedar Pattern
The Cedar style is available in single or double bit and features an extra-wide cutting face. Slightly rounded poll.

Rafting Axe -- 4# head on 20" and 28" handles; 5# head on 28" and 36" handles

Rafting Pattern
Single bit rafting axes feature wider polls with a generous radius. They are used to limb and drive chain saw wedges.

"El Lobo" -- 1.75# head on 18" handle

El Lobo Pattern
Distinctive camping/sport axe in Hudson Bay pattern. The single bit design has extra-large cutting face. Flat poll for driving wood stakes. Polished black finish.

Council's 2005 catalog
[color photos are from Council's 2006 catalog.]

 

[Steve Tall]

Council also made their axes in four different grades:
Council Pro® - hand-sharpened
Classic - "Forged bevels bust chips and deter sticking", hand-sharpened
Railsplitter® - "Better" but not "Best"
Rawhide® - "Promotional priced products."

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

They should bring back that rafter.

 

[300Six]

They should bring back that rafter.

X2. Has always bothered me to see mushroomed polls from using conventional axes for pounding stakes/spikes or rebar so I won't do it unless it's an emergency. But now knowing that hardened poll rafting axes did or do exist could easily tempt me into purchasing one more 'all around user' axe.

 

[Alocksly]

Given that pounding wedges is what most modern loggers use an axe for anyways I'm surprised that a hardened poll isn't offered. My local loggers supply stocks Council Michigan pattern, all straight haft, up to 6lbs and the main use is for pounding.

 

[mako20ft]

You don't mention pricing but if that El Lobo was anywhere near as reasonable as current offerings I would sign on. Most but not all camp hatchets seem to be hung with short stocks...I have no idea if it's my preference or the manufacturer saving a few dollars. IMHO, at 1.75lbs that 18" length would appear convenient and well balanced

 

[Square_peg]

My local loggers supply stocks Council Michigan pattern, all straight haft, up to 6lbs and the main use is for pounding.

My local loggers supply stocks Council Daytons to 6 pounds. I never see any Michigans.

 

[Alocksly]

My local loggers supply stocks Council Daytons to 6 pounds. I never see any Michigans.

My error, it is Daytons

 

[Square_peg]

I was hoping you had a secret stash of NOS Michigans up there. Started thinking about a road trip........