Unbelievable How This Axe Works! Council Tool Woodcraft Pack Axe 

My math sucks 😂. Sorry I miss spoke about the length of time the company has existed. Sometimes the brain to mouth doesn’t work. 1886 to 2023 is 100 plus not 200 plus years 😂

With everything that’s been happening to my country, it helps my state of mind to watch something like this. Thank you for a nice review of a high quality tool that’s made in America.❤

This is my bushcraft axe. I definitely recommend the 24 over the 19 inch handle but either is good. The 5160 steel absolutely makes a difference in durability and edge retention. It is a joy to use.

I have the 24" version, and honestly I love it. The head comes and stays razor sharp. The handle has great grain orientation along with no bark inclusions or grain run out. Even if it did that wouldn't have bothered me too much as the head is what I desired. I have several bigger axes. There isn't much this can not do that they can. If you are after a premium axe a pack axe/camp axe is a good place to start.--MMM

I have three hatchets/ camp axes. I weighed each of them on a kitchen scale I have a Knives of Alaska Hunter's Hatchet 1lb 4.4oz, a Buck Knives 106 Hatchet 1lb 10oz and the Council Tools Woodcraft Camp Carver Axe 2lb 3.2oz. I have to say that with the additional length i the handle and multi use ability, my Council Tools Woodcraft Camp Carver despite weighing a few extra ounces is my go to choice. I pair it up with a Silky Big Boy saw and whichever camp knife I decide for that day and a small neck knife for detail work. I am wheelchair dependent and carry it with my trackchair (tracked wheelchair).

I have yet to get this axe! But I do own the Camp Carver 5160 on a 22" handle with a 25o flat grind,, Flying Fox 1060 convex grind, and the 1.5lb Hudson Bay 1060 convex belt hatchet. I find myself using my Axes for almost EVERYTHING and my knife just sits in the sheath 90% of the time! Like you I've ALWAYS been a large knife paired with a smaller knife and folding saw guy. But since I've been bitten by the axe bug my large blades stay home more often than not because I've learnt that my axes do the same job but way better. From a camping and survival perspective you can't go wrong with the Pack Axe or Camp Carver!

I have one of these and can attest that they split wood way better than they have any right to. I used my Pack axe to split some wood for my neighbor and it was literally blowing right through 16" - 20" green oak logs in one swing.

I have council tools axes and have this one in 24 inch handle. You can-t go wrong with it. I can't say anything bad about. The harden pole is amazing, the raised cheeks helps the splitting and lessons the sticking. Just a great all around axe

It's not a woodscraft axe, it's not a woodcraft axe, it's literally a "wood-craft" axe according to Council Tool's own site & marketing because it's for carving. They refer to it as a bushcraft axe. It's a light duty pack axe. I called it right off the bat that they were poorly designed. Their bushcraft axes have a history of premature failure (loose heads, chipping edges, etc...). They're more aesthetic than function. My buddy asked me for my advice on getting one. I tried to warn him off of them, but he got it anyway and sure enough, it failed on him. He was ticked, but to Council Tool's credit, they sent him another one right away. After that one failed on him within the first day, he sent it back too and told them he didn't wany any other Wood-Craft bushcraft axe and they offered him his choice of any other axe they had. He went with their Velvicut Hudson Bay (actually my first suggestion to him) and he's had it for goin' on a decade now with zero issues and he's a serious camper, hunter and landowner that uses it a lot. For the woods, I definitely prefer their Sport Utility line (especially their Hudson Bay or Boy's Axe models). Their proven Sport Utility models are the real work horses of the brand that not only perform better in the field, but also cost about 1/3 of what they charge for their fancy bushcraft axes. They may not be as pretty for the Instagram poser pictures, but the Sports Utility models get the job done and take real world abuse and I'm someone who's made their living swinging a 2lb hatchet 10,000 times a day (no typo) for decades. PS Thanks for the Hardside Hydration mention. Definitely going to get one. I'm done with bladders.

2023 - 1886 is not well over 200 years old, dude.

G'day Aaron, very nice mate. Personally I'd go with the 24 incher, I find shorter handled hybrid type pack axes a real nuisance to use two handed and too long compared to a hatchet. Anyway, pleased to see you can get 'em over here ........... but holey moley, ........ at a price. Cheers Duke.

Really caught between this pack axe and the craft carver. Not much of a carver just looking for an axe that can do it all in a smaller package.

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3 generations of bush cutters in my surveying company have used Council ditch Bank (or Keyser) blades since 1955. We tried other brands, but nothing matches Council.

I got both camp carvers the 16 " and the 22". I want the 24" pack axe bad!... Once I get it - I'm selling all my GBs and Hults with the exception of my GB wildlife hatchet - still love that little guy..

Theyre excellent axes but for the coin the Fiskars X7 is a better choice for most folks

I own two of these in the 24-Inch version. They are great axes!

Seems to be some problems with quality control… some reviews on amazon are not great

hhahaahha good old MEtube recommending some funny stuff. just curious but what the heck is 'tactical' about anything you're hustling? not even a stich of multicam or molle loops anywhere? and that ol hatchet doesn't even have a pic rail for accessories. you look good tho, and that should count for at least a few likes and subs..

Late to the game.. VERY LATE. But thank you for bringing Council Tool back up, people forget about them in the "bushcraft" world

lmao thats over $600 here in the UK.........i'll pass

I bought the 24 inch version three years ago and I couldn’t believe the performance for the price. Ranks right up there with some of my boutique axes. Very easy to maintain as well

I have this axe and it’s my favorite pack axe I’ve ever owned. Made in the beautiful USA.

Strangely, I bought the Woodcraft carver from CW. It can with scratches and a chipped edge! I had not used it. I returned it, reluctantly.

Sweet working axe thank you!

That's some fuzzy math there Aaron! The ax is sharper by far, lol Ribbing ya! I'm in NC and need to visit the production site of this beauty! Thx for the video.

change that scandi to a convex edge and you have an even better axe.

Bought the 24inch after watching this. Its now my favorite all around axe. The 5160 is awesome and stays super sharp. Thanks for the video.

There is def something going on with their quality control. The one I received was horrible and I sent it back. I posted pics and a review on the Amazon reviews section. There was a knot straight through the handle which was just one of the issues. Thanks for the overview Aaron, love the channel, I guess I just got a bad one.

Good comment about removing the mask when hammering, but for newbys and young folks, it’s safer to leave the mask on. I’d rather buy a new mask now and then than risk serious injury. 😊

If you're using the side to pound, just don't go crazy and deform the eye. You can see the heat treatment on the bit and the poll here, and that's one thing I think makes it look cool. Anyway, the poll is meant to pound on, and the bit is hardened to it stays sharp.

I recently bought this exact axe. It was my first axe and council tool site, had axe finder tool, USA made company, made me purchase the 19" council tool bushcraft axe. Thanks for showing me how to use it before I use it the first time. A lot of their axes are out of stock and sell faster

I can't remember, but did you ever review the Flying Fox by Council tool? The Flying Fox has immense value. Best price/performance. Get the Flying Fox

Have the 19, wish I got the 24! Looking forward to your comparison.

@skipper9400 I also bought a Council Tools Pack Axe, and have modified it to suit my needs...I did convex the edge, getting rid of the stupid scandi edge....IMHO it has no place on an axe...I have knives to carve with if I need to, however I rarely do that because I ALWAYS carry Jute twine, and Fatwood...cut the twine is 3 inch segments, break it down to fluff, and it will catch fire from any spark instantly, and if you have some shavings of dry wood, you're good to go....fatwood lights easier offa the jute and burns longer than plain shavings, and that's why I use them....I'm 76 years young now, and easier is better LOL.....I also ordered a Boys Axe handle, (they share the same Eye Size), and re-hafted the Pack axe with it, as the 23" handle it came with was too short....the 28" handle made all the difference in the world with the axe, as it is now a VERY good small firewood-camp wood splitter, and the extra 4" of handle is carried just as easily in a pack as the 24" handle...the difference in length is negligible, packing it, and you can always choke up on the handle, but you cannot lengthen it.....and it's a LOT safer splitting with it now, no need to get on your knees if you have a splitting block to put the wood on to split...all in all it's truely a great axe now, and I've had Granfors brux and all the rest...this is the best packing axe that I know of.....the other thing I would say to all who want to go play in the woods, is just this: TAKE A FOLDING SAW !! and here's why...cutting thru DRY wood for fire making, (or any reason), is just dumb unless you HAVE to, as that is a very good way to roll or chip even a good axe's edge, and there are plenty of good folding saws out there , I carry, (and love), a Corona RS 7245.........OnWard.........

You hit this one outta the park for me, my friend. I picked up the Hultafors 20" hatchet this winter and was strongly considering the council woodcraft 19". Price and intended use is what drove my decision but it's great to see a side by side comparison. I absolutely love axes in this size range. They go well with a large daypack and really expand your capabilities in the wild.

How do you compare this council tools axe versus the Cold Steel Trailboss

I Loved it so much, I got 2!!! ( to go with my 2 ESEE Junglas, 2 Terävä Jääkäripuukko 140's, 2 Silky Big Boy's and 2 Katana Boy 500's)😛 If I really like something, I get another.

I’d just bought this axe recently! So excited to see you taking a liking to it, and reviewing it!

Great review! I've got a Council Tool 19" Wood Craft pack axe and it's my favorite.

I bought this axe in the 19” version. I unboxed it and I was distraught at how short it was. I felt like it was in competition with my framing hammer. I immediately purchased a 24” replacement handle and rehafted the handle. This is an awesome combination. Absolutely love this axe with a longer handle. Great review, and Merry Christmas!

This council axe costs 370€! in Germany. I really wanna have one but at this price point I'm out 😩

Really wish council were more available in Europe. They're never in stock anywhere, retailers say that they're very unreliable when it comes to shipping stock. Unfortunate.....

The forest service requested the boys axe

I have the camp carver and the pack axe 24. I felt like the 19” was kind of unnecessary with the other 2 options. An extra 5” of handle doesn’t affect weight in any real way. I love them both they really are the best I have owned.

Can u review Tops knives Ranger edge 5.5inch dagger

There seems to be a lot of camp axes out there, but not a lot of decent reviews. Is it possible to do a round up of some of the variations out there, say for instance CRKT has mutliple versions, plus the many other manufacturers. Be interesting to see how they compare to your existing equipment.

I own the Council Tool Woodcraft Pack Axe in the 24 inch model. Its as close to Axe my Dad trained me with when we were clearing brush for deer blinds and building fencing. I like it.

I have the 24, love it. I think it’s more versatile. Completely replaced all other axes I had

I've used this axe for a year. Fantastic camp axe!

I have their Camp Carver with the 16 inch handle. I use it for wood carving but also general camp use. I was teaching a friend how to carve and he was remarking about it. I’d had it for maybe a year at that point and he asked how often I’d sharpened it. I got to thinking about it and I said Never! Not yet anyway. Council Tools makes fantastic stuff. For which you pay, but I have no problem paying for quality. Mine was $168 delivered I think.

How does it compare with the Fiskars X11 or Gerber freescape 17.5? Looking for an all around axe. I love aupporting american made products/companies but not sure if the price difference for the Council is worth it.

Great video as always brother! I am excited to see your use comparison to the 24" model! Personally I am leaning towards the 24" but I'd like to see your take.

Yup I went and purchased a Council tool pack axe the minute I saw it. I have my trusted Gransfors Bruk axes, but the Council for a camp axe is a plus. The hardened pole and its phenomenal splitting ability makes it a winner.

I have the Council Tools 19" Hudson Bay axe. It's been one of my favorites for a few years.

I’m still Trying to convince husqvarna to attach their hatchet head to the carpenters ace handle.

Does anyone know if the hardened bit or poll is hard enough to spark with a rock? As for a flint and steel fire?

Awesome bit of kit. Can't wait to pick one up next time I'm going back through the states.

Looks like a solid value. USA, USA, USA.

i looked at them . i'm caught between the 19" and the 24 " . don't need both . . . or maybe i do . time will tell .

I like it far better than the Gransfor Bruks

Nice review. I like the design for camp use.

Just say the head has a 90 degree angle for striking a ferro rod. If it's "razor sharp" then try shaving with it, see how far you get.

Will definitely be checking out the 19 inch.

Have you tried the council tool camp carver? I'm trying to decide between that one and the one you just reviewed would love to see a comparison video. I greatly value your opinion.

Thanks for the great review do you have any updates on performance or how it’s holding up so far I have one in my shopping cart and I was curious thanks again for the great gear reviews

Great video! I have the camp carver and I love it. Imma gonna be gettin the 24" pack axe, for sure. I love the head design and the hardened poll. American made axes seem to be on the heavier side, which I'd prefer

I love this axe. It’s so underrated!

That's what I carry 👍

Thanks Gideon, just ordered this through your Amazon link.

That is a Great looking Axe!

1886 to 2023 is not over 200 years...

Diagonal grain is good. Preferred by many. Also a good reason to shop at your local store, you can pick your handle.

@gideostactical would you say better than hardcore hammers ?

They make awesome tools!

Worth noting that adding small amounts of Chromium will add a tiny amount of toughness but usually reduce toughness in reality if used in more than a small amount. Sounds like PR shenanigans to me.

Very informative and well done video. Just ordered one. Makes sense. Thanks Aaron

It has the same grind as a carving axe. The Hults is made from chopping .

Thanks for a heads up on the price. I've had this in my Amazon cart forever because the Price was $234!!!!! Here's hoping I enjoy it :D

I have the older Council Tool 19” 2 lb head Hudson Bay model. I always felt it to be to heavy for hauling in a pack. I upgraded the handle to 24” and use it as a truck/camp tool. I much prefer a 1 pound (ish) headed 14” to 19” as a pack Hatchet/axe. I think what the Swiss designs get right is there balance of weight to handle ratio...also prefer there thinner geometry. Still wishing Council Tool would make more direct competitor’s for the GFB Wildlife Hatchet and Small forest axe...

22" 'straight' (not really) carver version of this axe here. Slightly smaller/lighter head with bigger haft. I really like, but the haft is too fat from the factory. I understand it's supposed to be like a framing hammer, but it doesn't feel nearly as lively or svelte as a good hammer. It's borderline exhausting to use one handed due to the wide grip required. So, I need to thin it; no big deal. Otherwise I'm really happy with it so far for most camp chores. It's sort of stuck in no man's land though... too big to be small enough to throw in the bag, and too small for proper axe use. Hopefully remodeling the haft will clarify things a little. Great video!

I bought a Council Tool Camp Carver a couple of years ago. Boy did I want to like this axe for it's features. The very first piece of Fir that I tested it on rolled the edge. I contacted the seller with pics and a description and they acknowledged that that shouldn't have happened. They sent me another one. First use, the edge rolled. Clearly a heat treat problem, their words and my thoughts. It was returned for a refund and their apology. I replaced it with a Gransfors Small Forest Axe, no problems. I hope Council figured out what was wrong and corrected it as I like the design.

Sound advice on removing the mask while using the poll for hammering tasks. I've cautioned many through the years that I have seen using their axe or hatchet as a hammer with the mask in place that inertia will eventually cause the bit to cut through the rivets and stitching ruining one's mask. Many are concerned about injuring themselves or others when using it as hammer with the bit unmasked and rightfully so. One of the first things I do when making camp is to quickly craft a stout baton which I find serves quite well for 99% of my and my guests camp hammering needs with little worry that anyone is going to be badly cut. If one needs a hammer to drive nails and is afraid to do so with their axe or hatchet unmasked, then either bring a hammer or find a suitable stone for the task. As an aside, I recently purchased a Flying Fox from Council tool and after taking some time to clean up the edge and sharpen it proper it too is a cutting machine that also offers a hardened poll for less than half the cost of the Woodcraft. I only mention this in the event someone doesn't have the budget for the Woodcraft model.

When it comes to axes, I strongly believe that a longer handle on an axe is better. The longer handle is better for the primary use of an axe, which is splitting wood but when it comes to finer work, the longer handle can become a demerit (and this is where other tools are used). Many axes are made from 1060 steel, 5160 is a better steel.

European alternatives?

Gotta watch out when two guys are out in the woods and one says, " touch it" to the other 😅

Thanks for your videos man. As a blade obsessed man I appreciate you.

Jast Springs

That looks like a lot of fun to use! It's handsome, too!

🏞️

I have a council tool 36 inch jersey axe. I have used it for felling and splitting hard woods like oak where I live. It's never shown any signs of edge damage and holds a shaving sharp edge. I now have a 24 inch pack axe on order. If it's comparable in quality I'm sure I will love it.

I source my axes and hatchets ad some saws from local flea markets and pawn shops. I can always find the old tried and true stuff at a great deal.. it's just not worth spending this kind of of money on one tool when I can get the same quality and multiple tools for the same

Good video Aaron! Just wanted to mention that on mine there’s a very pronounced lateral flair at the end of the grip that really aids in retention when you begin to fatigue. Much better chopper than my Helko Werk pack axe.

Take my money

How does this compare to a Hardcore?

this is the one im looking at and the woodcarver. probably have to get both. gb axes are just out of my range, and the edge bevel looks thinner on these. like me a thinner profile. nice review 👌

Mmmm, no, Gransfors Bruks small forest axe for me all the way, chopping, splitting, woods craft and even skinning if needs be, sorry big man.....👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🍺🍺🍺

Sweet axe. Great review!

I ordered this axe and out of the box the edge was absolutely AWFUL so do not expect to get a ready to use axe. Seems to be a good tool but will need to be worked on before using.

Thanks Aaron for the review. Personally never owned a Council Tool axe, but do hike with smaller hatchets and tomahawks to keep the weight down. Very valuable tools to have on the trail or around the cabin.