Single Bit Faller's Axe - 5 lbs Splitting Axe, 36" Straight Wooden Handle with Drop Forged Steel Head, Made in the USA - SU50D36S

I’ve been through two handles on this axe, it is an excellent wood splitting tool for dense woods like Red Oak or similar, the head geometry is excellent from factory for general cutting, I did take my angle grinder and bring it back a little to where the taper is more convex allowing it to not stick into the logs I was splitting as hard, the poll on this axe is noticeably wide which also makes it conducive for driving wedges, more so than a traditional pattern axe. Council tool has consistently delivered a quality product, they have very high quality handles out of the box as well, I have nothing but positive remarks about their products and company.

Axe was working great. Wonderful splitting axe. Handle exploded after less than 20 minutes of work and i didnt even overstrike. Got ahold of Council Tool and they shipped me a new handle

I would give this axe 5 stars if: 1.) It were available with a shorter, curved handle. That said, this thing is fantastic… for a splitting axe. Don’t expect to go out and do any kind of chopping with it, it’s just not I the cards for this one. I’ve seen people say their handles broke, but wood is an imperfect material, and most people don’t know how to properly swing an axe, or remove a stuck axe. This thing is an absolute tank! It doesn’t come sharp, or at least not chopping axe sharp, but that’s okay. It splits wood with ease. For an American made axe, I think the price point is more than fair, and with a few modifications, this things punches way above its weight!

I had good grain structure with low runout in my handle. The handle itself, was not taken to a nice finish. The axe was crudely sharp and very rough grind marks left from factory. You can make this axe a real performer. I used an angle grinder/flap disc to sand out the axe head to a smooth finish then hand sanded up to 2000grit. I scraped the varnish off the handle with knife and then sanded the handle with 100,120grit. Scrape the varnish off before you sand, otherwise it will clog sandpaper immediately. I burnt it, then oiled with boiled linseed oil. Axe now, very smooth to swing, well balanced from bit to poll. If you polish the bit, it does not stick in the wood hardly at all. The “FLICK” method splits very well. Factory it’s a 3 - it’s $70 because it was not hand tuned. Hand tune it yourself and you have a great performer.

I call this thing, "The Sinker". It's heavy and narrow. I'll use it to open up a good crack on a particularly knotty or twisty piece. It is certainly usable out of the box. But for me? I smoothed it down with some 120 grit and then rubbed it down with some linseed oil. Really helped the grain pop. And it now feels amazing in the hand. In summary, this is the best splitting ax I have found in this price point. Give the handle about 30 minutes of your time and she feels as amazing as she chops.

The handle lasted almost though a half cord but broke in half before finishing. Axe head worked as it should but was very disappointed with the handle. Please send me a replacement handle at no cost or the axe will be returned for full refund.

This are can chop, sharp and durable Sharpness: Sharp right out of the box

I split 3 cords of hardwood a year. For the last 5 years I’ve used a Fiskars 8lb maul and x27 splitting axe - both are fine tools, but the council tools 6lb splitting axe is my favorite. The weight is a great compromise between effort to swing and effectiveness. The edge is hardened and stays sharp. The weighted poll and round handle allow a sideways flick of the axe at impact.