COUNCIL TOOL Miner’s Axe - 3.5 lb. Dayton Pattern Axe with 20" Straight Handle & Forged Steel Head - 35MD20

now this ax is NOT well balanced , HOWEVER , i wanted a shorter handle , head-heavy head for wedge pounding as well as ax work ; i got it . 👍 NOW the surpize is the cutting ANGLES are besterthan usual production axes ; will split wood well , also . i dont carry 50 - 100 lb blocks anymore , i split all i can . this is good for all i wanted as homeowner firewood guy

This axe arrived on time, is solidly built and is Exactly as the description indicates. Materials are good and workmanship is solid. I’ve had mine out for about 5 days of falling work as my utility axe for pounding wedges and chopping out my saw when I get it bound in a smaller tree kerf. This tool has performed well. Only criticism is that the factory edge it had when it arrived was comically bad and needed some work to file and hone into a proper edge. I don’t perceive that as a big deal.

This is a nice and well built axe. The 3 1/2 lb. head and the 20' handle makes it a heavy hatchet, but used in the way it was designed it is a handy and capable axe. Having a large oak fall in our yard this winter due to a snow and ice storm this axe was used to remove tree limbs and branches, chop off large sections of the tree, and even split some wood (with a tall enough splitting/chopping block). It performed admirably with no problems whatsoever. Keeps a good edge for long use and easy enough to sharpen with a mill bastard file.When the axe arrived on my door step it came impressively sharp, a few swipes with a file and it was good to go. I also lightly sanded the handle and applied a few coats of boiled linseed oil to the handle to help protect it and feels good in the hand.Keep in mind this is a full size heavy axe head on a short handle, designed to be used in confined space preferably on your knees to reduce accidents or mishaps. This axe excels in chopping small diameter wood, removing small trees, and general clearing of trails and pathways, especially in dense brush where a longer handled axe would be cumbersome.Bottom line: The Council Tools Miner's Axe is a well built USA made axe, for the price you can't really beat it. It's very comfortable to use and short enough to carry and easily maneuver in the woods. Would recommend it.

Bought this as a git or my 14 yr.old son.I wanted to get him something more compact than a long axe he was using to split logs for kindling.When the axe arrived we were not disapointed.This axe has a good weight at 3.5 pounds,and the blade is quality and extremely sharp.I read one review which stated they hit the edge with a file before use,maybe this was done to dull blade a bit because the edge is sharpest and finest i have ever seen.It will cut paper.Actualy it is so sharp and heavy I am concerned when my son uses it and have supervised him and tell him repeatedly that the axe will not distinguish between wood and toes,fingers etc...I am in the trades and buy many hand tools.Seldom am i fortunate enough to find a quality tool made in USA that is of such quality.This is the real deal and worth every penny.Expect my son will have this axe for life and was proud to give it to him.

I got it in a flash, opened the box and made a cursory inspection. A few things I noticed right off is; 1) the grain orientation in the handle is less than ideal (2) the handle has an obvious split of about 2+ inches at the junction of head and handle and (3) when sighting down the edge from the top of the head it appears the edge is off center hooking towards the right ever so slightly. The edge itself wasn't much to brag about either but I was able to quickly sharpen it. That said, it is a beast of an axe and wasn't terribly expensive. I purchased it specifically for backpacking into winter camp to split large rounds of hardwoods. For this purpose I have no doubts it will perform assuming the handle split doesn't open up during the shock of impact. Time will tell. If I end up rehafting I think I will make my own handle for it to correct grain orientation and perhaps add a few inches in length.

This is a beast on wood. I use it primarily to process wood for campfires. This thing is easily packable and really chops and splits well. I have noticed some reviewers had issues with the edge on their axes. I did not. The thing was quite sharp and chopping ready right out of the box. Tool had replaced all my axes and hatchets for the woods. Such a good value.

A great kindling splitter. The extra weight make it easy. I advise holding up smaller pieces of wood with another piece of kindling as it would be very easy to injure youself.As long as you keep you fingers outof the way, you'll be fine.This is a must have if you cut much wood.

For the price great tool. Edge will need work as it is crudely sharpened but works right out of the box. Works perfectly for how it is designed: short well controlled powerful splitting. Don't expect to swing this overhead your head and not bury it in your leg. Destined for kneeling position and is very safe when used that way. Great axe great price