Details
Get a virtual tour of the factory as you see how we make the Velvicut® Hudson Bay axe!
The Velvicut® line of products represents Council Tool's finest accomplishment in the axe making craft. This 2# Hudson Bay Premium Velvicut® axe is a shape and size ideal for any camping, hunting or hiking expedition. We forge the head from 5160 alloy steel, and it will outlast any user – we guarantee it! The Hudson Bay is small enough to pack and carry yet big enough to get the job done. 2# head plus the wood handle combines for an overall tool weight of approximately 2-3/4 lbs.
The Hudson Bay pattern is believed to have originated in the Biscayan area of Northern Spain and was first used in North America as a trading piece along the fur trade routes. In this Velvicut®, we took a traditional Hudson Bay pattern and added some length to the poll to improve the tool’s balance. After it is drop forged, the axe head is rough ground in a state-of-the-art robotic work cell. Then the hand work begins: an experienced artisan sharpens the cutting edge using increasingly fine abrasives and then finally with leather stropping. Relative to other patterns, the Hudson Bay has a very short eye length. This reduces the contact area between the head and handle, which can lead to looseness. Using our new and innovative design, we pierce the eye with a special punch forming ribs horizontally and vertically inside the eye. This creates more contact area and bite between the head to handle joint. The result? A stronger and more durable tool.
No two pieces of wood are exactly alike, but Appalachian hickory (as a variety) offers the most shock absorption and has natural spring and memory qualities that have made it the handle stock of choice “since Hector was a pup.” The 24-inch hickory handle (before assembly) is produced from a handle blank selected for grain orientation and density, making it strong. Our handle pattern features a prominent grip and a slim body that allows the handle to flex a bit, which improves the ergonomics.
A sharp axe is a safe axe as it is less likely to glance out of the cut. Be assured that this axe has been hand honed by our skilled craftsmen and is ready to use – but is shaped with enough thickness to split campfire wood. All components are MADE IN THE USA.