The 1.25lb Premium Velvicut Hudson Bay Belt Hatchet is crafted out of our US 5160 knife steel with superior toughness and blade retention. The Hudson Bay pattern provides a lightweight head with a generous bit width. Combined with a Grade A Premium Select 14” hickory Handle, this Hudson Bay Belt Hatchet packs a ton of punch in one small package. The perfect companion for chores around the camp fire like splitting kindling and driving in wooden tent stakes. The swooped toe is also useful in carving and the size is perfect to carry on the belt or rucksack. This Velvicut Hudson Bay Belt Hatchet comes with a bridle leather snap on mask. 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. 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 USA.
M**T
Quality Control Issues
I was very excited to receive this little hatchet but instantly disappointed to see a chip out of the handle. I would also like to see a cleaner finish between the handle and head. For $120 (including tax) I would expect better craftsmanship and quality control! Had I been purchasing this in a store I would have seen the defect and not picked this axe. I expect to see something like this in seconds reduced section.This was a decision between three very different price ranges, a $150 Gransfors Bruks and a $40 Husqvarna so I took the middle ground and supported an American made company. I have now ordered two Swedish made Husqvarna axes and a sharpening stone for the same price I paid for this one. I can live with the Husqvarna name even though I'm a Stihl guy.On a positive note, I have read and heard so many good things about Council Tool Axes so this is really about quality control. $120 is a lot of money for a small axe and I want it to be in a brand new condition out of the box.Lastly, I feel like an a-hole for being picky amongst a global pandemic when people are losing their jobs and lives. But I just can't justify that kind of money for something I am unhappy with. I appreciate Council Tool accepting my return request and wish everyone in their company the best of health at this uncertain time.
J**R
Great hatchet with small caveat.
I love this hatchet. It's well balanced, made in the USA, and looks awesome. The handle is incredible and grain is perfect. It's easy to carry and I love the design. This is the fourth or fifth hatchet I have had. The only caveat being that this was not extremely sharp and it did have a small 1/16" chip out of cutting surface. So, if you are able to sharpen and shape your cutting surface this isn't a big problem. If you can't, just be aware of this. I automatically redo my edges by default so this was not a big deal. I realized after I started filing this out that I should have taken a photo. I would still recommend this hatchet and this company. And I personally would not be afraid to order another one. I do plan on ordering a 24" axe from them soon.
J**N
Velvicut line is the best!
This is the 3rd Velvicut I have bought. Council Tool Velvicut is the way to go. I highly recommend. The 5160 alloy used in the Velvicut line as opposed to the 1060 steel used in the standard line is much better. The Velvicut handles are always quater sawn and installed in the correct orientation.
B**Y
American made
I am proud to own a truly American made product. With most hatchets/axes being made in Sweden and China, this is one of the last manufacturers in the United States where it is truly an American made product. This came out of the box ready to go to work and the leather mask is a perfect fit. I took some linseed oil to the hickory handle and she’s ready to go for a lifetime. Would recommend to anyone who’s tired of seeing their cutlery being forged in Sweden or China.
F**Z
Excellent tool...
Well balanced, very nice edge and the head was well seated to the handle.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
3 weeks ago
