Council Dayton Pattern AXE ! Splitting firewood , and first impressions

Got a deal on a new Council axe! Here are a few thoughts one it!
Dave Whipple

[@michaelkoon8371]

Great channel love to here Dav talk and bild things

[@johnclarke6647]

I picked up a new Council Tools Dayton pattern axe. It is a nice axe. I sanded the handle, slightly, and have already put several coats of Linsheen on he handle. Like the 038. You should like I like to buy saws - they need some repair. I picked up a nice 026 a few years ago for $5 out of the junk pile at my local Stihl dealer. I put a new fuel tank on it and it was running. It had tree damage. I have turned it into an 026 Pro, now.

[@tresalamb-5906]

I never knew that handles had to be a certain shape to chop properly.nether did my brother. We've just been using a cheap Harbor Freight $8 ax I got on sale. We're city slickers for sure.

[@HighCarbonSteelLove]

Congratulations on your new Council Tool axe purchase! I have owned many axes over many years and I use nothing but Council Tool axes nowadays! Excellent quality and made in the USA by a company full of very nice, kind people. -Dave

[@Bushradical]

Thats good to know that their are good folks running that company.

[@regalbowman3143]

I'm working my way though all of your channel videos, all thumbs up quality! keep up the great programing

[@Bushradical]

Thanks RB!

[@kenfrazier616]

awesome so happy to see another real American

[@SkillCult]

I'm with you on the flattish bit, v.s. round. The council boy's axe has a much nicer handle, but it costs a little more. That could be part of the cheap price. I'm thinking they probably have another version of that axe with a better handle. Those sawn out routed board handles seem to be very common now. The council boy's a has a great swell and I like the not too curved shape. It can be got off of Amazon for 30.00 shipped sometimes, but the price changes all the time. all four I've seen have been great to very acceptable as far as hang and handle quality go. I've rarely seen handle tuning discussed on youtube outside of my channel, where I beat it to death in hopes that it will catch on. :) Glad to have some company on that!

[@Bushradical]

Totally agree SkillCult! I don't know what I would rather not swing .......a bad head on a perfect handle or a good head on a garbage handle. The handle to me is as important as the head. I think this council is new old stock because there handles aren't this lame anymore.....this one is pretty lame.

[@SkillCult]

The handle on the boy's axe is actually seriously impressive. It not only has swell on the sides unlike those plank handles, but it havs a fat swell, which requires them to start with a considerably larger piece of wood. I modified is slightly to suit me better, but it is quite nice. It chops okay out of the box, but I thin it out quite a bit to suit me. It's not a club though like most axes are now.

[@bruceprosser8332]

This is one of the best reviews of an axe that I have ever seen. It is obvious that you know what you are talking about with axe work. Your comments help me to know what to look for when hanging one of my own axes. Thanks!

[@bruceprosser8332]

Looking forward to seeing how you mod this to your liking.

[@Bushradical]

Thanks Bruce!

[@Bushradical]

I have several mods in mind, I think the axe has good material thought. most of the problem is the clunky handle. Thanks for the comment Bruce.

[@irishsteel6160]

great find! For the price, the head is still worth more than that. Worth the work to turn it into a proper tool. Another great video. Keep them coming! Let me know when you decide to sell the hats - I'll wear one with pride.

[@Bushradical]

right on. Thanks I.S.

[@libertyrogueoutdoors7369]

pretty good deal! always check the grain in the handle...think I will go on Ebay! Thanks Dave!

[@Bushradical]

Right on Ribar!

[@johnclarke6647]

Like chainsaws, you never can have to many axes. I have about 20. I did not think the handle was to bad on my CT Dayton. I could have pulled the head, shaved down the handle some, but I will wait until I break the handle. Then, I will hang a new handle in it. I may chop it down to 31.5” when I do. Fawns leg for sure. I just wanted a 36” felling axe. I did not have one. I have several Boys axes - they mak great wedge bangers. I have a CT and a 40 year old True Temper. I also have a Granfors Scandinavian Forest axe, which is basically a Boys axe. What I like about the CT Dayton is it is a forged axe from 1060 steel. It should hold a good edge.

[@LuckyLambikins]

Watched this just now (2023) and almost cried. Council Tool axe for $25?

[@BK33REVIEWS]

So glad you have the view of the profile I'm the same always looking and nobody does ty

[@Bushradical]

Yup , thats the view I always want to see too.

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Great buy! Can't wait to see what u do with it! I just bought a Council hatchet... still gotta put it to work n see how I like it...

[@Bushradical]

never had the hatchet. let me know what you think of it when you get time to use it a bit.

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

Looks like it will be a worker after you dial it in. Wow...David buys a brand new axe. Can't blame you with a price like that. Those routed out handles are suspect, I bet the old schooler's are turning over thinking that someone is making handles without paying attention to the natural grain. Great vid Rabbit! TFS

[@Bushradical]

The best you can do is rive a handle blank out , so all you grain runs true...but nobody ever does that. The grain was good on this handle , but the style of handle is super cheap.

[@BAAMRanch]

Love my council. Tools some work and tuning but it serves me well!

[@Bushradical]

right on.

[@longjohn2155]

I found a deal on one of the Dayton pattern boys axes a couple years back. To my surprise the handle is as straight as can be, and the grain orientation is almost as good. My only complaint is the metal wedge, and the fact I don't use it as much as I'd like, lol

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

It's either a guitar or an axe. Used to it babe! love ya

[@Bushradical]

I'm just holding onto it for a friend....its not mine.

[@danwilder7945]

Never had a Council axe. Jumped over on eBay and picked one up. I'm going to work thru your video series and see what we end up with. Looks like fun. I'm an old aircraft mechanics from Fairbanks, hope I can keep up.

[@Bushradical]

You're in avionics, I'm a cement finisher and a log home builder...so my tools are chainsaws and sledgehammers. Whatever I do, you'll be able to do it better! You should shoot the series and I'll follow you!

[@danwilder7945]

Bushradical I appreciate the faith. I watched you splitting wood on the ground as you walked thru it. Even with the perfect wood correct splitting tool and practice I don't have those skills. I know something would have bounced off my boots. There are no wires in this axe project but I'll try to keep up. Never filmed anything before. Maybe I'll give it a shot. Thanks.

[@jdcorry6965]

I hope that you have good luck with that Council. I haven't seen a good American mass-produced axe in quite awhile. I've been restoring yard sale finds mostly lately.

[@Bushradical]

yeah , me too. True temper (AMES) came out with their true american series of axes, that were all USA made...but they were thick clunky heads , coated in thick gooey paint, with a real thick clunky handle.......and the bit was like a splitting maul bit...thick and fat with a quick , steep, 45 degree edge.....no thanks. Yard sale finds for sure!

[@jdcorry6965]

Bushradical I have a Collins Connecticut pattern that I saved from a yard sale and I just had it restored by my " axe guy ". Came out awesome. Wish I could post a picture here. My kitchen table is built out of wood salvaged from the Collins mill. Needless to say I'm a fan.

[@Bushradical]

Oh thats so cool!! I would love to see a pic of your connecticut AND your table. Private message me and send a pic to my email. Sounds super cool.

[@jasontheflyingfarrierhays]

Another great vid Dave! I just bought a Truper boys axe for $15 at tractor supply. I like it so far. What's best about it is that I don't mind beating the tar out of it. I hope you show a vid of the finished tuning of this Council axe!

[@Bushradical]

Hey Lester! I'll totally do a vid on making it better. Thanks for watching' bro! How are things out in CO.?

[@jasontheflyingfarrierhays]

The ball is rolling my way for sure. Just watched Yukon River Run, I'm super jealous! What a cool thing to do. You did a great job on the show and your family looks great. Tell Mickey that we were proud of him for eating the fish egg and NOT being a "weenie"! 😂😂

[@Bushradical]

Right on Jason! That show was a ton of fun to shoot.

[@bushcraftbaxter]

That's like a classic, old school axe. Maybe I'll try to get one like that, I actually don't even have an axe yet.

[@Bushradical]

There is nothing wrong with it for sure....it just needs a bit of love.....and the price was right.

[@gunnerhusnian4375]

got a new toy!!!!! have fun with it

[@Bushradical]

Thanks AB!!

[@axejunkies3761]

Dave, I would agree that it is an old-stock axe... probably from 10-15 years ago... seller probably bought a hardware store liquidation... Years ago, Council did make their own handles, but a fire took out that part of the plant, and they did not rebuild.. so since then, they have had to rely on outside vendors to supply their handles... the eye of the handle is shaped after the shaft is made, and if the handle is not placed in the eye jig correctly, the head will be off when it is hung... It shouldn't take much for someone to adjust their "hand-eye" strike placement to overcome the slight off-set of the head... This axe is considered a hardware store type axe for the average consumer, and since it would have been out on the show-room floor, it was made to be "sales-floor" sharp, which helps with liability and so the chances of someone hurting themselves while inspecting it is minimized... Peace, Rooster

[@Bushradical]

Thanks for the insight Craig. Do the current Council Daytons have the same profile to the head? Same bit thickness? This one will make good TV dialing it in, so Im fine with what it is. I didn't expect much more for $28 .

[@axejunkies3761]

It's possible, unless they re-sunk the dies since then, or if the operator who ground it to shape does not work there anymore... a few variables would have to be known.... these are considered "all-arounds"... not specific to one task... and making it your own is and was a common practice for "stock" axes.... once you get her dialed in, you should find it to be a go-to work horse... I have a Standard Boys Axe from Council that is dedicated to using with my chainsaw... I don't mind if she gets beat up.. :) Peace, Rooster

[@Bushradical]

Right on Craig, Thanks for the info. As for the profile and bit...I like them both. I like a flatter bit and the wedge shape through the cheeks makes it a good "DO-ALL". I've had a couple other councils and they are good usable axes. I wish the True temper, true american were half as usable. They have all had a very thick bit...the ones I've seen. Please Rooster......tell me Council is going to come out with a Connecticut.....

[@axejunkies3761]

I can tell you that Council is expanding both premium lines of axes and the Velvicut line has a few new patterns that are based off of traditional North American patterns... outside of that, I can't comment on which ones and when, because they are currently working on the new Small Hudson Bay Belt Hatchet.... one pattern at a time....:) Peace, Rooster

[@stephensgate1]

Dave? Any chance you'll show us what the axe looks like when your done with it? I sure hope so. Thanks for sharing my friend. I always enjoy what you have to say. -Stephen, Ohio

[@yurinator7274]

Ditto

[@Bushradical]

Hey Stephen! What this axe needs is a lot of handle work and a little bit of bit work. I plan to film all of that process and get it out for you guys in a week or so.

[@CliKnight]

I run a council tool Jersey axe I freaking love it it's got a shorter handles about 30 in if that

[@Bushradical]

OH, thats cool. I thought they only did 36" handles

[@ajaxtelamonian5134]

Got their Jersey axe recently for about 30 english pounds worked nice for processing up a fallen over Cherry tree about 2 foot diameter. The handle came much better than the one in the video lol I heard they changed their supplier this axe must be before that I'd guess. But yeah used the jersey, boys and hudson bay with few issues.

[@Bushradical]

Ive heard the new ones are MUCH better than the old ones

[@Imightberiding]

Damn, you guys get all the best deals in the states. Up here in Canada everything costs twice as much & that's if you can find or get it shipped here. It really should only be about 30% more as per the exchange rate/dollar difference but that's not the case. Fully on board with you on the handle thickness. It may not be perfect but Council Tools is American made & they do make a pretty decent axe.

[@Bushradical]

Where are you at in Canada?

[@Bushradical]

I do a lot of traveling in Canada every year. I'll be in country in about 2 weeks. If your on route I'll sell this one to you and deliver it!

[@Santokuryu]

hey dave, great video, saw your post on axe junkies and i had to subscribe. My only council axe ive found is an i pound maul i picked up in an old barn. i live in southwestern ontario canada, so finding a council axe probably isnt super common.

[@Bushradical]

Where at in SW Ontario....? I go through there twice every year. Dryden? Vermillion Bay? Kenora?

[@Santokuryu]

Bushradical sarnia Ontario actually. right on the boarder of port huron michigan

[@Bushradical]

Right on. Ontario is some beautiful country.

[@LarsRibe]

For the price NOT bad :-) I'm looking at an Ochsenkopf (german brand) axe. The one the engineer troops drag around. Sort of same size. But #1 on my to-buy list is a big a** knife from Solingen so the axe must wait :-)

[@Bushradical]

I've had lots of Solingen axes over the years. The old ones all said "west Germany" on them. I didn't know they were still around.

[@LarsRibe]

Sure. Also the brand Bison. Great tools. Nowadays they just say "Germany" :-)

[@darrellchitwood9167]

I get all my axe heads as cheap as possible and make my own handles for the most part.

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

Nice buy! That crooked head would drive me nuts but just the steel was worth the price. Are you going rehandle it?

[@Bushradical]

Hey ATO, I may re handle it at a later time. Right now I'm just gonna see what I can do with this handle. I'll try to dial it in , in a future video.

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

Bushradical cool man I'll be looking for it

[@suf972]

there’s a Michigan pattern council ace on ebay right now for 35$ with 25$ shipping if you’re interested.

[@adamwest5097]

As good as the steel is its not a big deal to give it some love for the price.

[@Bushradical]

My thoughts too.

[@KillingerUSA]

That handle is not normal for council tool, unless they changed. wonder if he gets just heads and hangs them? is the wedge aluminum? either way, they are sweet axes. I have 3 or 4 videos on customizing a factory CT boys axe on my channel. it turned out sweet! ended up selling it to dave cantabery, my 5 mins of fame lol

[@Bushradical]

I'll check out your vids on that axe project. I think these are older stock. Even the stock photo on eBay was the older version.

[@CheezeheadChris]

Hey! Did you just buy your very 1st, brand new, made in the USA, delivered by UPS, for only $28 ax!?!?!?!? LOL! Very interesting. I hope you show the mods ya did afterwards.

[@Bushradical]

Yes I did! I actually just got done shooting a restoration on the oldest axe I've ever restored ......I think you'll like that one when it comes out.

[@AmericanOutdoorLiving]

If only you could still buy CT's for $22, thier at least $68 for a full size felling axe now.

[@tinyz81]

i love my boyscout hatchet so lightweight (similar head) =) since i´m german i´m into foreign axe heads i like the finnish bearded ones a carving hatchet of it would be nice :D

[@Bushradical]

Right on!

[@Salieri47]

8:28 LMAO!

[@robertd6925]

Whete did you $22?

[@linklesstennessee2078]

Never have owned one I've still got my sager axes and a couple Collins grew up with sager I've got some haltfors Burke and I can't spell and SA wetterlings I bought a husqvarna not a bad axe reason I can spell that it's setting right here beside me lol knifes axes and guns is my sickness and my hounds which are dead and gone now but I'm not in good shape no more I had to break down and buy me a log splitter me and mamie and splitter gets the job done but still need my axe limbing maybe drive a wedge while cutting it down and lay the chickens head on chop block lol

[@Bushradical]

Right on LT! I know what you mean. Brooke and I did a coupe dozen chickens a few years ago. I used a Vaughan hatchet to take care of em'.

[@mt_baldwin]

Did you say you live in the u.p.? I thought you lived in Alaska for some reason.

[@Bushradical]

my wife and I lived in Alaska for 14 years until 2012, when we started splitting our year. we winter in MI....spring and summer in AK.

[@Bushradical]

I totally made a mistake and didn't catch it. In that video I said something about shipping to "upper Michigan" which is totally the U.P. ....I'm in the northern half of the lower Peninsula , Close to the Cadillac area, not in the u.p. I should have said northern michigan , which is what this part of the state is referred to , upper Michigan is the U.P.

[@geneschuchard1217]

Doesn't look like a normal CT handle to me. The handle that came on my boy's axe from them could be easily compared to some of the nice vintage ones. Nice thin handle with a decent palm swell.

[@Bushradical]

I think this one is new old stock...even the pic on eBay was the oder version.

[@geneschuchard1217]

Definitely would explain the lower price . I usually see the 3.5 pounders for about $40

[@tinyz81]

100+ bucks for a german axe ? :O maby a Bison (military Grade one ) the 1250g Homebrand Axes like at Bauhaus (Home Depots german sister) are like 20+ Bucks only lets trade :D i like the American Axe heads better they look smoother not that chunky i also want a Finnish bearded style axe i guess with its collar they last way longer on the handle :)

[@Bushradical]

Hey DH. Those finish axes are pretty interesting

[@tinyz81]

@@Bushradical jeah right what you think about it? they seem so very ancient like way older than our other european axes i know seems to me we only have the only style .. i guess northernman had cruiser axes like back in the days as well

[@regalbowman7282]

Hi are you going to start a clothing line,, Id love to buy a T shirt

[@Bushradical]

Wow, I have no idea. Never really thought about it.