Council Tool Velvicut Saddle Axe Review.

[DeadboxHero]

Designed by Craig Roost and made by Council Tool in their premium Velvicut line .

The Council Tool Saddle Axe.

The finish is absolutely gorgeous in person.






The Saddle Axe is inspired by " Nessmuk" his classic Double bit hatchet from his 1884 book "Woodcraft"




There is plenty of information about Nessmuk so the focus of this review will be about the CT SA

This will be more of a user review.




*About Double Bits*

Alot of people don't understand the merits of a double bit axe in general, I know I was always scratching my head when I was first learning about axes several years ago.

Once my knowledge and prowess increased it all started to make sense.



-Two different bit geometries for different jobs
-Less stopping to sharpen when working
- stick on bit in wood and you have can sharpen the opposite bit better.
- better for wood splitting, using a "Tom Clark" buster style
- less wobble on swings since it's balanced with a bit on each end.
Etc.

Don't take my word for it.
Here are some examples

Wood splitting with a double bit this is the original "buster" axe
Notice how it busts the grain, keeps the bit from sticking and keeps the edge off the ground.
[YouTube]7fWo0P0MdJM [/YouTube]

This is the best video on axe use and it is all about Double Bit
US Forest Service training video.

[YouTube]fc0mdjknbPM [/YouTube]

While these techniques are for full size axes, some can be applied to the CT SA which so far seems like great blend of power and precision in a great wilderness travel package.


I look forward to sharing in lot of detail

Here my unboxing lol

[YouTube]FnExxcWQriQ[/YouTube]

 

[Woodcraft]

I am interested in what this review turns up.

 

[garry3]

Are you going to compare it side by side with a more traditional design of equal weight? Like maybe a house axe?

 

[DeadboxHero]

I am interested in what this review turns up.

This is gonna be fun man

Are you going to compare it side by side with a more traditional design of equal weight? Like maybe a house axe?

Haha I don't own a house axe unless you want to send one my way

I can tell you that this is in between a house axe and a heavy hatchet.

I'm currently checking testing this axe since I just got it today.

So far it's definitely looking like a winner the flat grinds are a success.



Here are some comparison pictures to other hatchets I own,

I'll get some video footage in here soon and more comparisons to all the different axes I have later

I'll also get some designer input from the "Rooster" himself and pick his brain about the design.

Should be fun, I am very excited about this axe.

SOG fasthawk, 1.25 lbs swedish hatchet, CT SA


Much more powerful geometry on the SA


















I share all the details when I get more time, lots to talk about.

 

[garry3]

If I can dig up a two pound head, sure. I know they were produced not sure I own one.

 

[leadbelly01]

I placed an order for one yesterday. Going to try it out and see if I like it. I bought the commemorative last year. It seemed way too heavy for a saddle axe. I think 20-28inch handle would make these shine.

 

[DeadboxHero]

If I can dig up a two pound head, sure. I know they were produced not sure I own one.

Aw I see yea I thought a house axe was about the same weight as a boy's axe maybe bigger on a 19" haft

The Saddle axe is about 2lbs

 

[DeadboxHero]

I placed an order for one yesterday. Going to try it out and see if I like it. I bought the commemorative last year. It seemed way too heavy for a saddle axe. I think 20-28inch handle would make these shine.

Here is a 19" HB compared to the SA

Here is a Woodcraft with a 24"



I'd be down for a bigger handle but I like the role it fills with the current handle.

 

[DeadboxHero]

Here is a quick look at today's testing.

[YouTube]vD0NkvSRn4Y [/YouTube]

 

[Woodcraft]

I have always referred to axes that were full size(3 and a half pound or more) on handles shorter than a boys axe handle as a house axe. For splitting literally in the house. It is nice to see you splitting with it. I too would like to see this axe hung on a cruser handle with convex grinds.

 

[garry3]

Aw I see yea I thought a house axe was about the same weight as a boy's axe maybe bigger on a 19" haft

The Saddle axe is about 2lbs

They are mostly. I did see an old catalog that had them in 1/4lbs from 2lbs -2 1/2lbs. Not sure they called them house axes though. I have a few hatchets on 16" hafts I hope I have one that size. Some of mine are boys axes with slightly under sized eyes. I like heavy hatchets a lot.
Them 2 1/2lb house hatchets on 19" hafts are plenty. They can really get some work done.
Its good to see a review of a axe were a guy isn't afraid of scratching the handle.:thumbup:

 

[Square_peg]

Are you going to compare it side by side with a more traditional design of equal weight? Like maybe a house axe?

Haha I don't own a house axe unless you want to send one my way

Where in the Northwest are you?

A house axe is typically a 2 pound +/- axe on a 19' +/- handle. Eye size is the same as a boy's axe.

Another next to a Plumb scout axe for scale.

 

[DeadboxHero]

Day one, I really enjoyed the flat grinds. Held up good. Great bite,

I did not go easy on this axe I punished it with some chopping and splitting knots and it did great. I recommend people give it a try before they come to conclusions. Still need more swinging to fully evaluate.




I don't know how it handles smacking the dirt but that's not what I test.

 

[Square_peg]

Here is a quick look at today's testing.

[YouTube]vD0NkvSRn4Y [/YouTube]

I applaud your efforts. Splitting firewood with such a small axe is obviously quite a chore. But then I doubt many folks were splitting wood in the saddle. It's a specialty limbing axe. I'd like to see how it limbs.

 

[DeadboxHero]

They are mostly. I did see an old catalog that had them in 1/4lbs from 2lbs -2 1/2lbs. Not sure they called them house axes though. I have a few hatchets on 16" hafts I hope I have one that size. Some of mine are boys axes with slightly under sized eyes. I like heavy hatchets a lot.
Them 2 1/2lb house hatchets on 19" hafts are plenty. They can really get some work done.
Its good to see a review of a axe were a guy isn't afraid of scratching the handle.:thumbup:

Very cool, Thanks brother.
Interesting I suppose that Velvicut Hudson bay would feel more like a house axe. That thing feels really "weightly" on a 19" haft
It would feel at home on a 24" but might be too light for a 28"

Where in the Northwest are you?

A house axe is typically a 2 pound +/- axe on a 19' +/- handle. Eye size is the same as a boy's axe.

Another next to a Plumb scout axe for scale.

Interesting, yeah I'm over in Oregon in the valley.

 

[DeadboxHero]

I applaud your efforts. Splitting firewood with such a small axe is obviously quite a chore. But then I doubt many folks were splitting wood in the saddle. It's a specialty limbing axe. I'd like to see how it limbs.

Me too, No limbing today, I'll have to try that out next week when I have more time off from work.

That flat grind cuts like a boss. I'm sure I could breeze through limbing with single blows on two inch limbs.

 

[Square_peg]

That flat grind cuts like a boss. I'm sure I could breeze through limbing with single blows on two inch limbs.

I'd be impressed if you can do that with such a wide angle on the bit. I wouldn't be impressed with the axe. I'd be impressed by YOU. You might do it in Alder.

 

[garry3]

Squarepeg, are you sure about the weight on those Plumbs? The 65 catalog has them going in half pound increments from 1 1/4 to 2 1/4 skipping over two pounds. Handle length longer with each increase in weight and the House axe also listed with the Hunter's model. I thought the earlier Plumb House axe was 2 1/2lbs with a full size eye.

 

[Square_peg]

I'm speaking a generality about house axes, 2 pounds +/-. I haven't weighed these axes specifically. The one shown with the other hatchet is very slightly smaller and thinner than a Plumb boy's axe head which weighs 2.36 pounds with a broken haft in the eye. And who knows, maybe this boy's axe head was origiinally sold as a house axe.

1-3/4 or 2-1/4 pounds is in keeping with my statement of 2 pounds +/-.

 

[DeadboxHero]

Here are more size comparisons