Council Tool Dayton Axe (5 lbs.) with 28" Straight Handle 50DR28S

Initial response upon opening box was great.this is the 50DR28S axe head do not go by the Amazon provided pic.Cutting edge comes with a reasonably sharp usable edge not razor sharp.Handle grain was the best that one could hope for no run out, no twisting or warping straight grained(luck of the draw)which I won this time.Waxy feeling finish on the handle will be carded off and sealed with linseed oil.One small paint drip on the pole which I am sure will disappear the first time it meets a wedge.As I assumed before ordering the 5lb head and short handle feels head heavy and unbalanced, IMHO Council Tool should remake this in a 4ish lb version which would be better balanced more so resembling a National or rafting pattern.If my first impressions change after actually putting it to work I will update my review.

It’s a good axe… but I had the same one 3 years ago and took a better edge also had a thicker handle.. the old one was a lot better I think.

Council Tool is all you need to say. The quality is amazing. Holds an edge, the handle is fine tight grain white oak and feels great in the strong hand. My first axe got run over by a yarder and the tracks messed up the bit so I need to buy another axe. I have always carried Council Tools in my forest work. They will never let you down.

Yup. Hestitate to buy an axe online, but this was a good gamble. Remember the Stroh's axe, anyone? 'Nuff said.

Purchased this axe as a practice axe for underhand chopping on a collegiate logging sports team primarily, as well as a full-size chore axe. It's weight is close to a rigger, and it's very affordable, which were my 2 main concerns for timbersports.The bad:-Fit and finish is pretty rough. The paint dip leaves the back with a nasty seam, and the edges around the poll are unevenly rounded off-Handle grain orientation came perpendicular to cutting edge, which is less than ideal. Grain is straight with no runout however.-the head and wedge came essentially placed but not seated. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. The head came lose after about 15 swings. This was easily remedied by driving the head further onto the handle, and the aluminum wedge deeper also. It's now held firm through 5 13" alder blocks, and about 45 minutes of splitting wood.- THIS AXE IS THE SAME AXE AS THE WOODLAND PRO FALLERS AXE for more money-factory edge is shaped but not sharpened as with most axes. Be prepared to use a file for a functional tool.-toe to heel, profile is not great. Forged in hollows behind the edge are present but faint.-unless you're chopping underhand the handle is too short for easy use(slightly shorter than a boys axe handle). Not a con, per say, but consider a full falling handle for general chore use.The good:-bit to poll, the profile is pretty good and very thin. No question, this axe will SINK in good wood (attached image shows about 3.5" penetration into a fresh fir block).-the steel seems very nice. Will take a very sharp (shaving) edge and will stay quite sharp through 3 or 4 blocks before honing (about 48" of wood chopped through). I put a very thin bevel on it, intentionally pushing the limits, and when I hit a knot it rolled not chipped which is nice for a work axe.-a 5lb head is great. Finding a current production axe this heavy is not easy so if you're looking for a big axe this is one of your only options. (Keep in mind that a 5 lb head is BIG compared to a typical single bit. For general chore use, especially with inexperienced users, a typical 3.5 falling head will probably be a better choice. See attached image for comparison to 2.5 lb boys axe)Overall:- This is a good large work axe. Fit and finish are lacking but made up for by quality steel and a decent profile. If you need a big axe and are comfortable with a small amount of work to seat the head fully and sharpen, I would recommend this.-remember this axe has a very short straight handle, less suitable for all around work.Note: the woodland pro 5lb falling axe appears to have the same council head for a lower price.

Casting was very rough , grind on sides of cutting bit very uneven , metal and heat treat seem to be ok. Would not have bought if I had saw item before purchase. James