Council Tool Velvicut 2lb Hudson Bay Camp Axe

Few axe patterns carry as much Canadian history as the Hudson Bay, and Council Tool's Velvicut version is the finest expression of that pattern available today. Hand-finished to a standard that most modern axes never approach, this is a premium camp axe built for hunters, paddlers, and backcountry travellers who want a tool that performs as well as it looks and lasts long enough to hand down.

The head is drop forged from 5160 alloy steel, rough ground robotically for consistency, then taken through progressively finer abrasives by an experienced artisan before a final leather strop brings the edge to ready-to-use sharpness. The bit is heat treated and quenched approximately 1 inch from the cutting edge and tempered to a final hardness of Rc 52 to 56, balancing edge retention with toughness through hard camp use. Council Tool also addressed one of the Hudson Bay pattern's known weaknesses by punching horizontal and vertical ribs inside the eye, dramatically increasing the contact area between head and handle for a joint that stays tight over years of use.

Two handle lengths are available. The 19" option finishes at approximately 18" overall and suits one-handed camp work and packable carry. The 24" option finishes at approximately 22" overall and adds leverage for splitting and heavier chopping. Both are grade A American hickory selected for grain orientation and density, with a slim body that allows slight flex for better ergonomics on long days. A premium USA-made leather sheath with belt slit and embossed logo is included, and the head carries a lifetime guarantee.

• Head weight: 2 lbs, overall tool weight approximately 2.75 lbs
• Steel: Drop forged 5160 alloy, oil coated to resist rust
• Edge hardness: Rc 52 to 56, heat treated and quenched 1" from cutting edge
• Innovative ribbed eye design for superior head-to-handle fit
• Handle options: 19" (approx. 18" OAL) or 24" (approx. 22" OAL)
• Handle: Grade A American hickory, traditionally wedge mounted with linseed oil finish
• Hand-honed and leather stropped to working sharpness at the factory
• Includes premium USA-made leather sheath with belt slit and embossed logo
• Lifetime guarantee on the head
• American-made by Council Tool, family-owned since 1886