Brant & Cochran was founded in 2015, and they make heirloom quality, Maine wedge pattern axes by hand in their South Portland shop.
They take tool steel, apply heat, pressure and skill and make an axe that Field & Stream Magazine calls one of the four best in the world.
Updated 10/23/2024
Construction
Medium carbon tool steel billets are shaped by hydraulic press, power hammer, and hammer and anvil, then rough forged to make the bit of the axe.
Heat treated at 1525 degrees, then tempered at 450 degrees, giving the entire axe head a Rockwell hardness of 56 to 58.
After heat treatment, the axe head goes back to the grinder to give it approximately a 22-degree angle at the bit, similar to that found on traditional Maine wedge pattern axes.
Brant & Cochran hafts in the traditional way, starting with an Amish-turned hickory handle of their design, they shape it to fit the eye using rasps, draw knives, spoke shaves, razor knives, and sandpaper.
Once the axe is fully assembled, the handle is rubbed with two coats of boiled linseed oil over two days to condition it.